Introduction
Hello, Z-Pack! My name is Kelsey (aka K-Dawg), and I am a High School Boys Basketball Varsity referee. My journey to becoming a referee is as unconventional as it is inspirational. I took up this role during the challenging 2021-2022 season, right in the midst of the pandemic. Today, I'd like to share my story with you, from my early love for basketball to my newfound mission as a referee. So, let's dig in!
Starting Off in a Pandemic
The 2021-2022 season was unlike any other. After a year-long hiatus, sports were finally back, but so were the masks, hand sanitizers, and the apprehensions. While it was essential to keep ourselves protected from the virus, doing so while staying focused on the game was a challenge. Juggling between the whistle, the mask, and little bottles of hand sanitizer made the experience quite intense. But hey, if there's one thing basketball teaches you, it's how to adapt and keep playing.
How I Fell in Love with Basketball
My love affair with basketball began in middle school. I was already into softball, but it was basketball that stole my heart in a gym class. A kind PE teacher saw potential in my shooting skills and encouraged me to try out for the school team. Though the details of each game have faded with time, the joy and sense of community that basketball brought me haven't. Strangely enough, referees never quite registered in my memory back then; they seemed to be just another part of the game, like backboards or out-of-bounds lines.
A Brief College Stint and a Long Pause
I played JV basketball for a year at a small university in Eastern Oregon. Financial constraints, specifically the cost of health insurance, forced me to step back from playing, but I remained a loyal fan, cheering on my teammates. Life moved on, priorities changed, and basketball took a backseat.
A Return to the Court
Nearly two decades later, the urge to give back to this amazing sport led me to pick up the whistle. Being a referee is more than just a job; it's about teamwork, fairness, and professionalism. On the court, you're part of a trio of teams — the home team, the visiting team, and the team in black & white stripes. Each has its own goals, but they share one common objective: to play the game fairly and have a good time doing it.
The Importance of Diversity
Diversity isn't just a buzzword; it's essential for the growth and health of any organization, including basketball officiating associations. As a female referee, I often ponder my potential to inspire. Perhaps a young girl might see me on the court and envision herself becoming a referee one day. Or maybe my presence will shift a young man's perceptions about gender roles. We can never know for sure what impact we'll have, but what matters is showing up game after game and giving it our best.
Lessons from Officiating
If there's one takeaway from my journey, it's the universality of life lessons that basketball—and refereeing—teach you. From the importance of fair play and teamwork to the virtues of resilience and adaptability, these principles are applicable both on and off the court.
What's Next?
Going forward, my aim is to not only refine my skills but also to encourage more people from diverse backgrounds to consider officiating. I look forward to mentoring new referees, continuing to engage with the community, and contributing to the sport in my unique way.
Conclusion
My journey to becoming a referee has been a rollercoaster ride. From learning to shoot hoops in middle school to picking up the whistle in the middle of a pandemic, each experience has taught me something valuable. Today, I stand proud in my black & white stripes, ready to inspire, engage, and ensure that the game we all love is played fairly and joyfully.
Thank you for reading, and see you on the court!
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