When we were young… you know back when we walked to school barefoot in 2 feet of snow both ways, we attended referee camps that had an opening session where the big dogs spoke, then we worked 4-6 basketball games a day and got critiqued on call selection, appearance, voice, mechanics and all the things that happen within the confines of the court.

Camps are not quite like that anymore, when more of our learning happens in the classroom than actually in live play calling situations. It is very different being a camper and different being a clinician (teacher).

I have had the pleasure of being a clinician at a referee camp in Missouri for the last seven or eight years that truly focused on teaching, training and my favorite, personal development on and off the court. Each year I attend this camp and each year I find a couple people in the camp that I simply cannot help but grow attached to and genuinely yearn for their success as if they were my child or my family member.

I have been back from the camp now almost a month and I have received a handful of updates on the officials careers, whether they got hired in a college conference in Arkansas or they learned how to fit their uniform or they finally connected with the perfect mentor. I love these updates.

Today, I must say is a day of rewards better than most. Today I heard from one of my mentees that she was hired in the premier NCAA Division I conference in the country – the SEC! Holy Moly Proud Momma Bear moment. I am so proud of her.

And those moments are great, the times when we can celebrate the accomplishments of our fellow officials on the court. And what I take pride in now, just as much as the accomplishments on the court, is the growth off the court, or out of bounds. I am sharing with you a Tedx clip from a referee that a few years ago attended that camp that I was a clinician. She came to the camp timid, but with open mind for learning. Now, you will see her on one of the largest, most recognizable stages, a Tedx stage in Sioux Falls, SD.

Her message is about growth happening out of bounds, and her story, as a fellow referee said, is our story. My key takeaway from Sara’s speech is something I have used in every interview, as a skill that being an official has refined over the 20+ years.

“A referee’s job is to manage conflict.”

-Sara Lum

A referee has many jobs, but the ultimate skill of a great referee is his/her ability to manage the natural conflict between two teams trying to win a basketball game. In the midst of yelling, running, whistles, horns and sneakers screeching, a referee is to make timely decisions, navigate the immediate feedback (from players, coaches and fans), and keep the game played according to the rules.

If we can all work on our conflict resolution skills (especially post-COVID) then our workplaces, our families and our basketball games are better.

Thank you Sara for telling your story / our story. Thank you for bravely sharing.