The Crown Refs Podcast

In this episode of the Crown Refs Podcast, we share a powerful conversation originally featured on the Five Tips & Tricks Podcast, where the spotlight is on what it truly takes to grow and thrive as a basketball official. The discussion covers the foundational pillars of officiating development—including mastering the rule book, maximizing game reps, breaking down film, and attending referee camps to accelerate learning. It also explores the current officiating shortage and the critical role that mentorship and community support play in both retention and advancement.Listeners will hear how a commitment to growth and a passion for service led to the creation of a global network focused on education, accountability, and professional development. The episode goes beyond mechanics and play-calling, highlighting the character-building aspects of officiating and the purpose-driven mindset required to excel in the craft. Whether you’re just getting started or already deep in your journey, this conversation reinforces the power of staying connected to a community that supports your evolution every step of the way.🔗 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆⁣Patreon.com/crownrefs/memberships⁣⁣🛒 𝗖𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗥𝗲𝗳𝘀 𝗠𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗵 ⁣https://crown-refs-merch.myspreadshop.com⁣⁣🧑‍🎓 𝗘𝗻𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗹 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼l⁣https://signalschool.teachable.com/p/signal-school-boot-camp1⁣🎧 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗗𝗶𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝗜𝗻 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁⁣https://open.spotify.com/show/7Iu3X4rnet8NCgsQfiAu6a⁣

In this episode of the Crown Refs Podcast, we explore the journey from our inception to becoming a thriving community for basketball officials. The narrative begins before 2018, detailing the launch of inaugural show, "The Basketball Shop," co-hosted by Mr. Pink. It then delves into the introduction of the Individual Performance Report (IPR) service—a film review and game breakdown offering—that provides officials with invaluable feedback to enhance their skills.We share insights about the organic growth of the Crown Refs community, particularly through the launch on the Patreon platform in 2021. This initiative fostered a network of like-minded, dedicated, and passionate basketball officials united by shared values. The episode underscores the importance of adding individuals who embody these principles, contributing to an enriching and empowering environment. Additionally, it highlights the latest chapter in the Crown Refs story: the introduction of in-person skill development clinics, set to commence on April 12, 2025, with plans for monthly clinics throughout the spring. These clinics aim to further support officials in their continuous pursuit of excellence.🔗 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆⁣Patreon.com/crownrefs/memberships⁣⁣🛒 𝗖𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗥𝗲𝗳𝘀 𝗠𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗵 ⁣https://crown-refs-merch.myspreadshop.com⁣⁣🧑‍🎓 𝗘𝗻𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗹 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼l⁣https://signalschool.teachable.com/p/signal-school-boot-camp1⁣⁣🎧 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗗𝗶𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝗜𝗻 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁⁣https://open.spotify.com/show/7Iu3X4rnet8NCgsQfiAu6a⁣

In this episode of The Dialed In Podcast, Paul and Marc continue their mission of inspiring transformation and optimization. Marc dives deep into his journey through fitness, nutrition, and movement training, sharing key insights on nutrient timing, gut health, and aligning your habits with your goals. His practical tips provide a relatable and motivating perspective on staying consistent—even through challenges like the holiday season.This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to clean up their diet, as Paul and Marc break down the long list of additives, emulsifiers, dyes, artificial colors, fillers, and other synthetic ingredients that are hiding in everyday foods. They also tackle essential mindset shifts—reframing thoughts for positivity and empowerment—and discuss how intentional habits can help spread joy.If you’re ready to elevate your health, cut out the junk, and take control of your well-being, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways to help you move forward.🚀 Your wellness breakthrough starts here. Let’s get Dialed In!

In this episode of the Crown Refs Podcast, we sit down with Ken Joslin, a former NCAA women’s basketball referee and college baseball umpire who transitioned from officiating to becoming a top entrepreneur, speaker, and coach. Ken shares his inspiring journey through the officiating ranks, including his pivotal moment at an SEC/ACC umpire camp, where he was told that in order to reach the next level, he needed to lose weight. That feedback sparked a transformative journey, leading him to lose 100 pounds and ultimately shift his focus to business and leadership. While he stepped away from officiating, the lessons he learned on the court and the field—communication, composure, and decision-making—became foundational to his success in the business world.Now, as the CEO of GROW STACK DRIVE and the creator of the CREATE Conference, Ken helps faith-based entrepreneurs build confidence, gain clarity, and create a powerful network. He’s shared stages with top leaders like John Maxwell and Grant Cardone, and his As The Leader Grows podcast and best-selling book have impacted thousands. In this episode, Ken offers valuable insights for referees looking to elevate their mindset, develop leadership skills, and create opportunities beyond officiating. Whether you’re chasing your next playoff assignment or thinking about life after refereeing, Ken’s wisdom on personal development and success will leave you motivated to level up.🔗 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆⁣Patreon.com/crownrefs/memberships⁣⁣🛒 𝗖𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗥𝗲𝗳𝘀 𝗠𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗵 ⁣https://crown-refs-merch.myspreadshop.com⁣⁣🧑‍🎓 𝗘𝗻𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗹 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼l⁣https://signalschool.teachable.com/p/signal-school-boot-camp1⁣⁣🎧 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗗𝗶𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝗜𝗻 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁⁣https://open.spotify.com/show/7Iu3X4rnet8NCgsQfiAu6a⁣

In this episode of the Crown Refs Podcast, we sit down with Austin Ardrey, also known as the Runnin Ref, to dive into the intersection of fitness, officiating, and performance training. Austin is a former strength and conditioning coach at the collegiate level who transitioned into working with officials to help them stay injury-free, mobile, and game-ready. Through his Runnin Ref training programs, he provides sport-specific strength and conditioning for basketball, football, and soccer officials, tailoring workouts to meet the unique demands of officiating. Austin shares his personal fitness routine, daily discipline, and how he balances strength training, mobility, and nutrition to optimize performance on and off the court.Key takeaways from this conversation include injury prevention strategies, the importance of mobility, pregame and postgame routines, and how fitness plays a crucial role in officiating longevity. We also discuss the common mistakes officials make in their training, how to build a sustainable fitness routine, and what every official should be doing to improve their movement and durability. Whether you’re looking to enhance your physical fitness as an official or gain insights into how movement training can transform your game, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways. Thank you for listening to the Crown Refs Podcast—the audio experience for basketball officials. 🔗 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆⁣Patreon.com/crownrefs/memberships⁣⁣🛒 𝗖𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗥𝗲𝗳𝘀 𝗠𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗵 ⁣https://crown-refs-merch.myspreadshop.com⁣⁣🧑‍🎓 𝗘𝗻𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗹 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼l⁣https://signalschool.teachable.com/p/signal-school-boot-camp1⁣⁣🎧 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗗𝗶𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝗜𝗻 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁⁣https://open.spotify.com/show/7Iu3X4rnet8NCgsQfiAu6a⁣

In this episode of The Crown Refs Podcast, we dive into key insights for the 2025 season, breaking down the habits, mindset shifts, and game strategies that separate great officials from the rest.Topics Covered:✅ Stop Judging Your Partners’ Calls – Focus on your role and elevate the crew.✅ Next Play Mentality – Stay locked in and avoid dwelling on the past.✅ Handling Reactions – Don’t be shocked by coaches, players, or fans—stay composed.✅ Back-to-Back Technical Fouls – When and how to manage escalating situations.✅ Hustle is Non-Negotiable – A lack of effort will always stand negatively out.✅ Hierarchy of the Game – Understanding the game always comes before us.✅ Partner Communication – Effective, efficient, and professional crew conversations.✅ Reacting vs. Responding – Mastering emotional control in high-pressure moments.✅ Intuitive Anticipation – Seeing the play develop without and anticipating the point of contact.💡If you’re looking to sharpen your game and level up as an official, this episode is a must-listen.🔗 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆⁣Patreon.com/crownrefs/memberships⁣⁣🛒 𝗖𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗥𝗲𝗳𝘀 𝗠𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗵 ⁣https://crown-refs-merch.myspreadshop.com⁣⁣🧑‍🎓 𝗘𝗻𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗹 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼l⁣https://signalschool.teachable.com/p/signal-school-boot-camp1⁣⁣🎧 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗗𝗶𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝗜𝗻 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁⁣https://open.spotify.com/show/7Iu3X4rnet8NCgsQfiAu6a⁣

In the inaugural episode of The Dialed In Podcast, hosts Paul Diasparra and Marc Vaccaro take you on an inspiring journey through Paul’s remarkable awakening to wellness. After years of average and inconsistent progress, Paul shares the pivotal moment that transformed his health and mindset forever. Together, they unpack the exact steps Paul took to overhaul his approach to food with clean eating, the foundational role of gut health, and the game-changing effectiveness of a high-protein diet. Marc doesn’t just bring his expertise in movement training—he’s also an authority on nutrition and cleanly sourced ingredients. He offers invaluable insights into identifying and avoiding synthetic ingredients and how they impact overall wellness. The conversation deepens with a discussion on intermittent fasting, exploring how it not only redefined Paul’s relationship with food but also enhanced his energy levels, focus, and daily rhythm. Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode: Paul’s Awakening: The pivotal day Paul realized the need for change and the steps he took to transform his life. Gut Health is the Key: Why gut health is the foundation of overall wellness and how to optimize it. Unmasking Ingredients: The hidden dangers of synthetic additives—like seed oils, preservatives, and processed sugars—and why eliminating them matters. Protein-Powered Energy: How a high-protein diet delivers sustained energy and helps you feel unstoppable. Sourcing Smarter: The transformative impact of cleaner, better-sourced foods on your health and happiness. The Power of Intermittent Fasting: How fasting resets your approach to food, strengthens your willpower, and creates a healthier relationship with eating. This episode isn’t just inspiring—it’s actionable. If you’re ready to elevate your energy, enhance your happiness, and transform your life through simple yet powerful changes, Marc & Paul’s journey together will resonate deeply. Your wellness breakthrough starts here. Let’s get dialed in! Follow The Dialed In Podcast: Instagram: @DialedInPodcast TikTok: @DialedInPodcast Facebook: Dialed In Podcast YouTube: Dialed In Podcast Channel Bonus Resource: Download Paul's Clean Eating Food List to jumpstart your journey: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ev4-sCEQ2yRpIaq7RAnUDlDrHxDVABDw/view?usp=drivesdk

Penny Davis is the NCAA Women's National Coordinator of Officiating for divisions 1, 2, & 3, a position she's held since 2019.  Before that, she had an incredible 17-year division career working in such conferences as the Pac 12, West Coast, Mountain West, Western Athletic, & the Big Sky.Penny is also fortunate enough to be in a select group of officials who have worked multiple NCAA Final Fours earning her way to the last weekend of the year in 2015 & 2018.  On top of her outstanding college career, she also spent time in the WNBA and the D-League (now the G-League.)In this episode, we covered a lot from Penny's early beginnings to how she rose to become a final four official, her rocky first year as coordinator in a pandemic year, the importance of relationships, and some financial tips for officials.  We are super grateful to have Penny on the podcast and we hope you enjoy this episode. 

Join us as we celebrate six incredible years of podcasting and reflect on the highlights of 2024! This year has been monumental for Crown Refs, with the expansion of our global officiating community, the launch of our merch shop, and the debut of our online course designed to elevate the game for officials everywhere.This episode features moments with some of the best in the game, including Jason Phillips, Clarence Armstrong, Sylvia Biggett, Kenny Widgeon, Randy McCall, Sampson Brue, Gerry Pollard, Brian Neale, Jess Smith, Ajay Gonnelli, Gary Vee, and, of course, the incredible Crown Refs Community.Looking ahead to 2025, we’re excited to announce Dialed In, a brand-new health and wellness podcast born from the Crown Refs community. My partner, Marc Vaccaro, and I are on a mission to bring the same passion and value to human health and happiness as we’ve done for basketball officials.🔗 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆⁣Patreon.com/crownrefs/memberships⁣⁣🛒 𝗖𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗥𝗲𝗳𝘀 𝗠𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗵 https://crown-refs-merch.myspreadshop.com⁣⁣🧑‍🎓 𝗘𝗻𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗹 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼lhttps://signalschool.teachable.com/p/signal-school-boot-camp1⁣

​ Be a Good Person: Build your foundation on character—be trustworthy, disciplined, and determined.​ Be Coachable and Teachable:​ Coachable: Apply feedback immediately and make adjustments in real-time.​ Teachable: Be a lifelong student of the game, mastering both rules and mechanics.​ Master Mechanics: Know where to be, when to be there, and what to focus on to ensure accurate play-calling.​ Understand the 3Ps: Presence, poise, and personality demonstrate strength, confidence, and command on the court.​ Prioritize Fitness: Maintain physical readiness to stay in position, allowing for better judgment and play-calling.​ Referee the Defense: Focus on defensive positioning and actions; use the 70/30 principle to allocate attention (70% on defense, 30% on offense).​ Receive Plays: Position yourself to see the play develop fully, improving accuracy and avoiding guesswork.​ Work on Your 3 Whistles:​ Immediate Whistles: Address clear fouls and violations promptly.​ Patient Whistles: Allow plays to start, develop, and finish before making a call.​ Cadence Whistles: Use appropriate timing when stepping into another official’s primary area.​ Build Clock Awareness: Always be aware of the game and shot clock to ensure smooth gameplay.​ Use Mental Imagery: Visualize yourself officiating high-stakes games to prepare mentally and emotionally.​ Adopt an Elite Mindset: Focus on continuous improvement, positivity, and overcoming challenges with confidence.​ Be Consistent: Deliver consistent rulings and maintain credibility game to game, team to team.​ Communicate Effectively: Listen attentively, understand others’ perspectives, and respond appropriately to players and coaches.​ Be Fair and Firm: Balance authority with approachability, maintaining control while being respectful.​ Emphasize Rule Knowledge: Know the rulebook thoroughly, focusing on rules that commonly arise in gameplay (e.g., block/charge, violations, free throws).​ Develop Clock Management Skills: Anticipate and adjust for clock errors to prevent unnecessary disruptions.​ Leverage the 80/20 Principle: Focus on the most critical aspects of preparation for the greatest impact.​ Create Habits of Excellence: Establish routines that support long-term growth and remove bad habits that hinder progress.​ Foster Leadership: Lead by example, value your crew, and build strong relationships with players, coaches, and partners.​ Maintain a Growth Mindset: Always aim to improve, embrace feedback, and remain open to new learning opportunities.​ Focus on Teamwork: Trust your partners and work together to cover all areas of the court effectively.​ Understand Your PCA (Primary Coverage Area): Know what you are responsible for in both two-person and three-person mechanics.​ Stay Humble and Authentic: Acknowledge mistakes, maintain integrity, and be genuine in your approach to officiating.​ Study and Reflect: Regularly review your performance, take notes post-game, and implement improvements.​ Engage in Pregame and Postgame Discussions: Collaborate with your crew before and after games to align on strategy and review performance.​ Develop Positive Habits: Incorporate pregame meditation, physical warmups, and mental preparation to excel on the court.​ Know the Levels of Professionalism: Strive for the highest level—where you aim for excellence not only for yourself but also for your partners and the game.​ Balance Process Over Outcome: Focus on preparation and execution rather than solely on advancement or recognition.​ Be Resilient: Handle tough situations and criticism with grace, using challenges as opportunities for growth.​ Prioritize Servant Leadership: Put the game, participants, and partners above yourself to serve the sport with integrity.🔗 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆⁣Patreon.com/crownrefs/memberships⁣⁣🛒 𝗖𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗥𝗲𝗳𝘀 𝗠𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗵 https://crown-refs-merch.myspreadshop.com⁣⁣🧑‍🎓 𝗘𝗻𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗹 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼lhttps://signalschool.teachable.com/p/signal-school-boot-camp1⁣