In my years of officiating high school basketball, I’ve witnessed firsthand the triumphs and struggles that come with being part of an officiating association. Like any organization, an officiating association thrives on unity, trust, and cooperation. These are the pillars that allow it to grow, develop new talent, and maintain high standards on the court. However, when respect for loyal and dependable officials within the roster is lacking, and when leadership fails to prioritize the needs of its members, the association’s foundation begins to crack.
Having served in the military, I’ve experienced some of the best leadership this country has to offer, often in the most challenging and perilous situations imaginable. The lessons learned in those environments are invaluable and translate well to civilian leadership roles.
One of the most critical lessons is the importance of putting your people first—whether they’re soldiers or officials in a basketball association. When leadership leans into this philosophy, the entire organization flourishes. Unfortunately, in the world of high school basketball officiating, this is a lesson that is too often ignored.
The Pitfalls of Spotlighting the Same Old Faces
One of the most glaring issues I’ve seen in officiating associations is the tendency to spotlight the same old faces and bodies year after year. These are the officials who have been around for decades, who have “sweat equity” built up through years of service and connections. They’re the ones who are consistently selected to officiate the biggest games—district, regional, and state championships.
While experience is undoubtedly valuable, over-relying on the same individuals stifles the growth of the association. It sends a clear message to newer, less-established officials: No matter how hard you work, no matter how much you improve, there’s a glass ceiling you’re unlikely to break through. This creates a culture of frustration and disillusionment, leading to talented officials either becoming complacent or leaving the association altogether.
I’ve had countless conversations with fellow officials who’ve expressed this sentiment. They feel that the system is rigged against them, that it’s more about who you know than how well you perform. This culture is so ingrained in many associations that it seems almost impossible to change. And yet, change is exactly what’s needed if these associations are to thrive in the long term.
The Consequences of Failing to Adapt
When an association’s leadership consistently relies on the same officials to represent them on the big stage, it not only prevents new talent from emerging but also diminishes the overall quality of officiating. I’ve seen situations where an older official, perhaps past their prime, is given a prominent assignment despite being unable to keep up with the speed of the game or lacking the sharpness of mechanics required at that level. Meanwhile, younger, more capable officials are left on the sidelines, wondering what they did wrong.
This approach is not just shortsighted; it’s detrimental. Over time, it depletes the association of its best and brightest. Those who put in the work, who strive to improve, and who are eager to take on greater responsibility, eventually become disillusioned. They see that their efforts are not rewarded, that their growth is stunted by a leadership that refuses to sacrifice its own interests for the good of the association.
From a military perspective, this is baffling. In the military, leadership understands that the strength of the unit depends on the development and progression of all its members, not just a select few. Leaders are taught to prioritize the growth and well-being of their soldiers because they know that their success is inextricably linked to the success of those they lead. In contrast, many officiating associations seem to operate under the misguided belief that the status quo is sufficient and that as long as the old guard is happy, the association is in good shape.
The Importance of Passing the Torch
One of the most valuable roles that seasoned officials can play is that of a mentor. There’s no denying that experience is essential in officiating, and older officials have a wealth of knowledge to share. However, it’s important to recognize when it’s time to step back and allow the next generation to take the reins.
Hanging up the whistle doesn’t mean disappearing from the game; it means transitioning into a different, equally important role. It means becoming a guide and a mentor, someone who helps shape the future of the association by investing in the development of newer officials. When older officials cling too tightly to the spotlight, they inadvertently hold back the progress of the entire association.
I’ve seen associations where this transition happens naturally, where older officials gracefully step aside, making room for fresh talent while still offering their wisdom and guidance. These associations are the ones that thrive. They have a steady pipeline of capable, confident officials ready to step up when needed. They have leaders who understand that their legacy is not in the number of games they officiate, but in the quality of officials they leave behind.
A Call for Leadership with Integrity
The root of the problem often lies in leadership that is selfish and self-serving, rather than selfless and service-oriented. Leadership that prioritizes its own comfort and status over the needs of the association is doomed to fail. True leadership is about sacrifice, about making decisions that may not benefit you personally but will benefit the organization as a whole.
In officiating associations, this means recognizing when it’s time to pass the torch, when it’s time to elevate those who have earned it, and when it’s time to focus on the future rather than the past. It means putting the association’s long-term health above short-term gains. It means fostering an environment where unity, trust, and cooperation are not just buzzwords, but the foundation upon which the association is built.
To any leader reading this, I urge you to reflect on your role and ask yourself: Are you holding your association back by clinging to outdated practices and favoritism? Are you truly putting the needs of your officials first? Are you willing to sacrifice your own spotlight for the greater good?
Because if you’re not, then you’re contributing to the slow decline of your association. But if you are, if you’re willing to embrace change and foster growth, then you have the power to transform your association into one that thrives, one that is respected and admired, one that draws in new talent and retains its best officials.
In conclusion, the strength of an officiating association lies in its leadership’s ability to foster unity, trust, and cooperation among its members. This requires a commitment to putting members first, to recognizing and rewarding hard work, and to knowing when it’s time to pass the torch. By doing so, you not only ensure the growth and success of the association but also leave behind a legacy of leadership that others will aspire to follow.
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