

The Crown Refs Podcast
Paul Diasparra
The Crown Refs Podcast is the ultimate audio experience for basketball officials looking to elevate their craft, build confidence, and achieve long-term success on and off the court. Hosted by Paul Diasparra, this podcast helps referees master their skills, refine their judgment, and develop a strong officiating mindset. It features top names in officiating like Joey Crawford, Roger Ayers, Dee Kantner, Maia Chaka, Lisa Mattingly, Tyler Ford, Penny Davis, Reggie Greenwood, Scott Foster, Al Battista, Crystal Hogan, Bo Boroski, Gary Vee, Clarence Armstrong, and more. #Servethegame
Episodes
Mentioned books

Feb 29, 2024 โข 36min
#362 In the Paint Ep. 4 | feat. John McNeal | Unbiased Zebras
๐ง๐ฎ๐ฏ๐น๐ฒ ๐ผ๐ณ ๐๐ผ๐ป๐๐ฒ๐ป๐๐
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๐๐ต๐ฎ๐ฝ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐ญ: ๐ฆ๐ฒ๐๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐ฆ๐๐ฎ๐ด๐ฒโฃ
1.1 Welcome to Episode 362: In the Paint with John McNeal - 0:00โฃ
1.2 The Philosophy of Officiating: A Deep Dive - 0:03โฃ
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๐๐ต๐ฎ๐ฝ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐ฎ: ๐ฃ๐ฟ๐ผ๐ณ๐ฒ๐๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป๐ฎ๐น๐ถ๐๐บ ๐ถ๐ป ๐ข๐ณ๐ณ๐ถ๐ฐ๐ถ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ดโฃ
2.1 The Importance of Being Presentable - 0:20โฃ
2.2 Embracing the Details: The Mechanics Nerd - 0:53โฃ
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๐๐ต๐ฎ๐ฝ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐ฏ: ๐๐ป๐ด๐ฎ๐ด๐ฒ๐บ๐ฒ๐ป๐ ๐ฆ๐๐ฟ๐ฎ๐๐ฒ๐ด๐ถ๐ฒ๐โฃ
3.1 The Art of Reposting for Visibility - 1:โฃ23โฃ
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๐๐ต๐ฎ๐ฝ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐ฐ: ๐ง๐ฒ๐ฐ๐ต๐ป๐ถ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐น ๐๐ป๐๐ถ๐ด๐ต๐๐โฃ
4.1 Breakdown of an Offensive Foul - 2:24โฃ
4.2 Timing and Mechanics of Whistle Blowing - 5:33โฃ
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๐๐ต๐ฎ๐ฝ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐ฑ: ๐ฅ๐ฒ๐ณ๐น๐ฒ๐ฐ๐๐ถ๐๐ฒ ๐ฃ๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ฐ๐๐ถ๐ฐ๐ฒ๐โฃ
5.1 The Value of Self-Reflection in Officiating - 8:42โฃ
5.2 The Approach to Handling Technical Fouls - 11:00โฃ
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๐๐ต๐ฎ๐ฝ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐ฒ: ๐ง๐ต๐ฒ Craft ๐ผ๐ณ ๐ ๐ฒ๐ป๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐๐ต๐ถ๐ฝโฃ
6.1 The Vital Role of Mentoring - 14:36โฃ
6.2 Building Confidence Through Support - 17:06โฃ
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๐๐ต๐ฎ๐ฝ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐ณ: ๐๐ฒ๐๐ผ๐ป๐ฑ ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐ฅ๐๐น๐ฒ๐ฏ๐ผ๐ผ๐ธโฃ
7.1 The Role of Emotional Intelligence - 19:25โฃ
7.2 Positive Self-Talk for Officials - 20:09โฃ
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๐๐ต๐ฎ๐ฝ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐ด: ๐๐ถ๐๐ฐ๐ถ๐ฝ๐น๐ถ๐ป๐ฒ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐๐ผ๐ป๐๐ฟ๐ผ๐นโฃ
8.1 The Crucial Power of Technical Fouls - 22:16โฃ
8.2 Impacting Game Control Through Decisiveness - 24:00โฃ
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๐๐ต๐ฎ๐ฝ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐ต: ๐๐๐ถ๐น๐ฑ๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐๐ผ๐บ๐บ๐๐ป๐ถ๐๐โฃ
9.1 Fostering a Supportive Referee Community - 26:52โฃ
9.2 Innovations in Officiating Practices - 28:01โฃ
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๐๐ต๐ฎ๐ฝ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐ญ๐ฌ: ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ฎ๐น ๐ง๐ต๐ผ๐๐ด๐ต๐๐ โฃ
10.1 Seizing the Day: A Call to Spread Love - 32:25โฃ
10.2 The Future of Officiating: A Forward Look - 33:15โฃ
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๐๐ฐ๐ธ๐ป๐ผ๐๐น๐ฒ๐ฑ๐ด๐บ๐ฒ๐ป๐๐ โฃ
Gratitude and Thanks - ๐น๐ผ:๐น๐ปโฃ
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โค๏ธ๐๐ผ๐ถ๐ป ๐ผ๐๐ฟ ๐ฐ๐ผ๐บ๐บ๐๐ป๐ถ๐๐โฃ
Patreon.com/crownrefsโฃ
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๐ ๐ง๐ฟ๐ ๐ผ๐๐ ๐ผ๐๐ฟ ๐๐ ๐ฝ๐ผ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฑ โ๐ง๐ต๐ฒ ๐ฅ๐ฒ๐ณ ๐๐ผ๐ฎ๐โโฃ
https://chat.opens.com/g/g-iLd0j1I6Y-the-ref-goatโฃ
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๐ถ ๐๐ผ๐น๐น๐ผ๐ ๐๐ ๐ผ๐ป ๐ง๐ถ๐ธ ๐ง๐ผ๐ธโฃ
https://www.tiktok.com/@crownrefs?_t=8cv8RyeL7ve&_r=1โฃ
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๐ท ๐๐ผ๐น๐น๐ผ๐ ๐๐ ๐ผ๐ป ๐๐โฃ
https://instagram.com/crownrefs?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==โฃ
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๐ฆ๐ต๐ผ๐ฝ ๐ผ๐๐ฟ ๐ง๐ฒ๐ฎ๐บ ๐ฆ๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐ฒโฃ
https://sideline.bsnsports.com/schools/new_york/hartsdale/crown-refsโฃ
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Feb 22, 2024 โข 1h 20min
#361 Game Notes 042 | w/Grant Vermeer | Austin, TX | Crown Refs IPR
Here are some topics that Grant and I discussed on our follow up IPR call:โฃ
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1. ๐๐ผ๐ป๐๐ถ๐ป๐๐ผ๐๐ ๐๐บ๐ฝ๐ฟ๐ผ๐๐ฒ๐บ๐ฒ๐ป๐ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ป๐ถ๐ป๐ด: The significance of dedicating oneself to constant learning and improvement in officiating skills.โฃ
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2. ๐๐ฒ๐ฒ๐ฑ๐ฏ๐ฎ๐ฐ๐ธ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐ฆ๐ฒ๐น๐ณ-๐ฅ๐ฒ๐ณ๐น๐ฒ๐ฐ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป: The value of receiving and processing feedback, including critique on specific actions and habits, to enhance officiating performance.โฃ
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3. ๐๐๐๐ฒ๐ป๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป ๐๐ผ ๐๐ฒ๐๐ฎ๐ถ๐น: The importance of paying attention to small details, such as the correct way to signal and position oneself on the court, and how these details contribute to the overall effectiveness of an official.โฃ
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4. ๐๐ฑ๐ฎ๐ฝ๐๐ฎ๐ฏ๐ถ๐น๐ถ๐๐ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐ฆ๐๐๐น๐ฒ: Balancing the need for consistency in officiating with the flexibility to adapt one's style based on feedback, game situations, and personal development.โฃ
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5. ๐๐ฒ๐ฐ๐ถ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป-๐ ๐ฎ๐ธ๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐ถ๐ป ๐๐ฎ๐บ๐ฒ ๐ฆ๐ถ๐๐๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป๐: The process of making calls during challenging situations, including block/charge scenarios, and the importance of discerning when to ignore non-critical contact.โฃ
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6. ๐๐ฎ๐บ๐ฒ ๐๐ป๐ฎ๐น๐๐๐ถ๐ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐๐บ๐ฝ๐ฟ๐ผ๐๐ฒ๐บ๐ฒ๐ป๐: Using game footage and specific play discussions as tools for learning and improving officiating skills.โฃ
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7. ๐ ๐ฒ๐ฐ๐ต๐ฎ๐ป๐ถ๐ฐ๐ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐ฆ๐ถ๐ด๐ป๐ฎ๐น๐ถ๐ป๐ด: The role of proper mechanics and clear signaling in effectively communicating decisions and maintaining confidence on the court.โฃ
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8. ๐ฃ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐๐ผ๐ป๐ฎ๐น ๐๐ฟ๐ผ๐๐๐ต ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐ฃ๐ฎ๐๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐ข๐ณ๐ณ๐ถ๐ฐ๐ถ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด: The journey of developing as an official, highlighting the importance of passion and dedication in achieving success and personal satisfaction in the field of basketball officiating.โฃ
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โค๏ธ๐๐ผ๐ถ๐ป ๐ผ๐๐ฟ ๐ฐ๐ผ๐บ๐บ๐๐ป๐ถ๐๐โฃ
Patreon.com/crownrefsโฃ
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๐ ๐ง๐ฟ๐ ๐ผ๐๐ ๐ผ๐๐ฟ ๐๐ ๐ฝ๐ผ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฑ โ๐ง๐ต๐ฒ ๐ฅ๐ฒ๐ณ ๐๐ผ๐ฎ๐โโฃ
https://chat.opens.com/g/g-iLd0j1I6Y-the-ref-goatโฃ
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๐ถ ๐๐ผ๐น๐น๐ผ๐ ๐๐ ๐ผ๐ป ๐ง๐ถ๐ธ ๐ง๐ผ๐ธโฃ
https://www.tiktok.com/@crownrefs?_t=8cv8RyeL7ve&_r=1โฃ
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๐ท ๐๐ผ๐น๐น๐ผ๐ ๐๐ ๐ผ๐ป ๐๐โฃ
https://instagram.com/crownrefs?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==โฃ
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๐ฆ๐ต๐ผ๐ฝ ๐ผ๐๐ฟ ๐ง๐ฒ๐ฎ๐บ ๐ฆ๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐ฒโฃ
https://sideline.bsnsports.com/schools/new_york/hartsdale/crown-refsโฃ

Feb 12, 2024 โข 1h 21min
#360 Down Under Dreams | feat. Kenny Widgeon | Hosted by Shawn Collenburg
๐๐ฒ๐ป ๐ช๐ถ๐ฑ๐ด๐ฒ๐ผ๐ป ๐๐ฟ.โ๐ ๐ฏ๐ผ๐น๐ฑ ๐๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ป๐๐ถ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป ๐ณ๐ฟ๐ผ๐บ ๐ก๐๐๐ ๐๐ผ ๐ก๐๐โฃ
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Ken Widgeon Jr.โs love for basketball was instilled at a young age. He inherited his passion from his father, who not only played but also refereed the game. This connection to the sport would later guide Widgeon Jr. down a similar path in the officiating world.โฃ
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As a college basketball player at Mount Saint Vincent in New York, he saw an opportunity to stay connected to the game from a different angle by becoming a referee during the intramural season. His decision to take up the whistle was influenced by his dadโs decade-long experience in officiating. One day he decided he was going to officiate so he took the train, stole a shirt and whistle from his dad, and headed back to campus to start officiating. He remembers making $25-$30/game, which at the time felt like millions according to him. Widgeon Jr. quickly discovered that officiating offered a unique pressure and responsibility similar to that of playing. The management aspect of the game, ensuring fairness and safety, resonated with him and became a driving force in his new role.โฃ
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๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐น๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฒ๐ฟโฃ
His journey began with his certification from (NFHS), or high school basketball, a crucial first step that jump started this path. Once he was certified and had passed his test, he immersed himself in the game, working every game he got a chance to work. His relentless pursuit of experience led him to work in Menโs League games and other amateur competitions, where he quickly learned to navigate the intricacies of the game from the center of the action. He mentions having to be able to survive and figure out how to manage the game at these levels which attributed to helping him as he grew as an official.โฃ
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The practical experience gained from these early games was invaluable, but Widgeon wanted to learn more. Free referee camps run by the late Lee Hendrix provided an environment ripe for learning and growth. Here, he absorbed the fundamentals of officiating, from understanding the flow of the game to mastering the positioning required to make accurate calls. These camps were not just about learning the rules but about embedding the principles of the game into his normal motions in officiating.โฃ
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๐ ๐ฒ๐ป๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐๐ต๐ถ๐ฝโฃ
As Widgeon Jr.โs skills as a referee grew, so did his network within the basketball community. He met and was mentored by seasoned professionals like Ronnie Nunn, Mike Schmidt, and Jon Levinson, who recognized his potential and dedication. These mentors provided not only advice and guidance but also opened doors to higher levels of competition, including collegiate and professional basketball.โฃ
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Kenโs rise through the ranks of officiating was a testament to his ability to learn and adapt. He absorbed the wisdom of his mentors, understanding that officiating at the professional level required not just a thorough knowledge of the rules but also the ability to handle the psychological and emotional aspect of the game.โฃ
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๐ ๐ฅ๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฑ ๐ณ๐๐น๐น ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐๐ถ๐ฐ๐น๐ฒ โฃ
https://medium.com/@crownrefs/from-new-jersey-to-a-down-under-dream-3326fb8c68b6โฃ
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๐๐ฃ๐ฉ๐๐ง๐ซ๐๐๐ฌ ๐๐ฎ: ๐๐๐๐ฌ๐ฃ ๐พ๐ค๐ก๐ก๐๐ฃ๐๐ช๐ง๐โฃ
๐ผ๐ง๐ฉ๐๐๐ก๐ ๐ฌ๐ง๐๐ฉ๐ฉ๐๐ฃ ๐๐ฎ: ๐ผ๐ช๐จ๐ฉ๐๐ฃ ๐๐๐ฃ๐ฉ๐๐ง๐๐๐ง๐โฃ
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๐ ๐๐ผ๐ถ๐ป ๐ผ๐๐ฟ ๐๐ผ๐บ๐บ๐๐ป๐ถ๐๐โฃ
Patreon.com/crownrefs

Feb 5, 2024 โข 1h 34min
#359 Rapid Responses 14 | North Eastern Nevada Officials Organization (NENOA)
๐ญ๐ฐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ฃ๐ ๐๐ค๐๐ฃ๐ฉ๐จ ๐๐ง๐ค๐ข ๐๐๐๐จ ๐๐ฅ๐๐จ๐ค๐๐โฃ
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1. ๐๐๐๐ฎ๐ฏ๐น๐ถ๐๐ต๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐ฎ ๐ฃ๐ฟ๐ผ๐ณ๐ฒ๐๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป๐ฎ๐น ๐ฅ๐ฒ๐น๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป๐๐ต๐ถ๐ฝ: Maintain professionalism in interactions with coaches, avoiding personal conversations about previous on-court or off-court experiences.โฃ
2. ๐๐ฑ๐ฑ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐๐ผ๐ฎ๐ฐ๐ต ๐๐ฒ๐ต๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ฟ: Promptly address inappropriate coach behavior, such as shouting or unsporting conduct, to maintain game decorum. Itโs crucial to not wait too long to address this aspect of the game at any level.โฃ
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3. ๐ฅ๐ฎ๐ฝ๐ถ๐ฑ ๐ฅ๐ฒ๐๐ฝ๐ผ๐ป๐๐ฒ๐ ๐๐ผ ๐๐ต๐ฎ๐น๐น๐ฒ๐ป๐ด๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐ฆ๐ถ๐๐๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป๐: Develop a toolkit of quick and effective responses to defuse challenging scenarios involving coaches and players.โฃ
4. ๐๐๐ผ๐ถ๐ฑ๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐๐๐ฑ๐ด๐บ๐ฒ๐ป๐ ๐๐ฎ๐๐ฒ๐ฑ ๐ผ๐ป ๐ฃ๐ฎ๐๐ ๐๐ฒ๐ต๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ฟ: Approach each game without preconceived notions about coaches, ensuring impartiality. High emotional intelligence (EQ) is key.โฃ
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5. ๐๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ๐น๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐๐ผ๐ฎ๐ฐ๐ต ๐ค๐๐ฒ๐๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป๐: Respond to coachesโ respectful questions with rule-based explanations, avoiding debates. Stick to one explanation about one play and avoid being overly available for discussions.โฃ
6. ๐ข๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ฐ๐ผ๐บ๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฟ ๐ผ๐ณ ๐๐ผ๐ฎ๐ฐ๐ต ๐ฅ๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฐ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป๐: Build confidence to address coaches assertively, focusing on serving the game rather than appeasing coaches. Developing courage is essential.โฃ
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7. ๐๐ป๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐ฌ๐ผ๐๐ฟ๐๐ฒ๐น๐ณ ๐๐ผ๐น๐น๐ผ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐ฎ ๐ง๐ถ๐บ๐ฒ๐ผ๐๐: Use timeouts and dead-ball situations for necessary communications with coaches, such as addressing unacceptable behavior.โฃ
8. ๐จ๐๐ถ๐น๐ถ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐๐๐ฒ ๐๐ผ๐ป๐๐ฎ๐ฐ๐: Maintain strong eye contact during conversations with coaches to convey confidence and control.โฃ
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9. ๐๐ถ๐ณ๐ณ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ป๐๐ถ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐๐ฒ๐๐๐ฒ๐ฒ๐ป ๐๐๐ธ๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐ค๐๐ฒ๐๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป๐ถ๐ป๐ด: Recognize the difference between coaches seeking clarification and those challenging decisions.โฃ
10. ๐๐ป๐ผ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐ช๐ต๐ฒ๐ป ๐๐ผ ๐๐ด๐ป๐ผ๐ฟ๐ฒ ๐๐ผ๐บ๐บ๐ฒ๐ป๐๐: Learn to discern which remarks from coaches to address and which to ignore, while also recognizing that too much is often ignored.โฃ
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11. ๐ข๐ณ๐ณ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐๐ผ๐บ๐ฝ๐น๐ถ๐บ๐ฒ๐ป๐๐ ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐ฅ๐ฒ๐๐ฝ๐ฒ๐ฐ๐๐ณ๐๐น ๐๐ฒ๐ต๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ฟ: Acknowledge and commend coaches for respectful communication, reinforcing positive interactions.โฃ
12. ๐๐น๐ผ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐๐ผ๐ป๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป๐ ๐๐ณ๐ณ๐ฒ๐ฐ๐๐ถ๐๐ฒ๐น๐: Ensure responses to coaches are conclusive, avoiding further debate.โฃ
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13. ๐๐๐ผ๐ถ๐ฑ๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐๐ถ๐๐ฐ๐๐๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป๐ ๐๐ฏ๐ผ๐๐ ๐ง๐ฒ๐ฐ๐ต๐ป๐ถ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐น ๐๐ผ๐๐น๐: Refrain from explaining technical fouls during emotional moments, as it rarely leads to productive dialogue.โฃ
14. ๐ฃ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ผ๐ฟ๐ถ๐๐ถ๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐๐ฎ๐บ๐ฒ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐ฃ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐๐ป๐ฒ๐ฟ๐: Focus first on the game, then on supporting fellow officials, and finally on yourself. Addressing unsporting behavior is essential, especially if it affects your partners.โฃ
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๐๐ฑ๐ฆ๐ค๐ช๐ข๐ญ ๐ต๐ฉ๐ข๐ฏ๐ฌ๐ด ๐ต๐ฐ ๐ต๐ฉ๐ฆ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ค๐ฐ๐ฎ๐ฎ๐ถ๐ฏ๐ช๐ต๐บ ๐ข๐ฏ๐ฅ ๐ข๐ด๐ด๐ช๐จ๐ฏ๐ฐ๐ณ ๐ข๐ฏ๐ฅ ๐ต๐ณ๐ข๐ช๐ฏ๐ฆ๐ณ ๐๐บ๐ญ๐ฆ๐ณ ๐๐ค๐๐ข๐ฃ๐ฆ ๐ง๐ฐ๐ณ ๐ฐ๐ณ๐จ๐ข๐ฏ๐ช๐ป๐ช๐ฏ๐จ ๐ต๐ฉ๐ช๐ด ๐ด๐ฆ๐ด๐ด๐ช๐ฐ๐ฏ.โฃ
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โค๏ธ๐๐ผ๐ถ๐ป ๐ผ๐๐ฟ ๐ฐ๐ผ๐บ๐บ๐๐ป๐ถ๐๐โฃ
Patreon.com/crownrefsโฃ
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๐ ๐ง๐ฟ๐ ๐ผ๐๐ ๐ผ๐๐ฟ ๐๐ ๐ฝ๐ผ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฑ โ๐ง๐ต๐ฒ ๐ฅ๐ฒ๐ณ ๐๐ผ๐ฎ๐โโฃ
https://chat.opens.com/g/g-iLd0j1I6Y-the-ref-goatโฃ
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๐ถ ๐๐ผ๐น๐น๐ผ๐ ๐๐ ๐ผ๐ป ๐ง๐ถ๐ธ ๐ง๐ผ๐ธโฃ
https://www.tiktok.com/@crownrefs?_t=8cv8RyeL7ve&_r=1โฃ
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๐ท ๐๐ผ๐น๐น๐ผ๐ ๐๐ ๐ผ๐ป ๐๐โฃ
https://instagram.com/crownrefs?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==โฃ
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๐ฆ๐ต๐ผ๐ฝ ๐ผ๐๐ฟ ๐ง๐ฒ๐ฎ๐บ ๐ฆ๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐ฒโฃ
https://sideline.bsnsports.com/schools/new_york/hartsdale/crown-refsโฃ

Jan 30, 2024 โข 32min
#358 Rapid Responses 13 | 3 Zebras Camp | Classroom Q & A
In this 13th installment of "Rapid Responses," we focused on the importance of establishing clear pre-game discussions with coaches (if your state allows), managing in-game interactions professionally, and the critical role of effective communication in defusing potential conflicts. The session highlighted how referees should approach conversations with coaches, emphasizing the need for mutual respect and professional dialogue. The idea of using questions to guide these interactions and the strategy of admitting mistakes when necessary were also discussed.โฃ
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The conversation then shifted to broader issues like the role of athletic associations and schools in promoting good sportsmanship and effective communication. There was a suggestion to involve state-level basketball coaches' associations more actively in this effort. This led to discussions about the impact of pre-game announcements on sportsmanship, the potential benefits of having student athletes deliver these messages, and the need for athletic directors to take a proactive approach in addressing spectator behavior. โฃ
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We also explored how new technologies like video boards could be used to enhance the delivery of sportsmanship messages in schools. The podcast stressed the importance of not just relying on athletic directors to manage games but also on referees taking an active role in ensuring a positive and respectful environment during basketball games.โฃ
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โค๏ธ๐๐ผ๐ถ๐ป ๐ผ๐๐ฟ ๐ฐ๐ผ๐บ๐บ๐๐ป๐ถ๐๐โฃ
Patreon.com/crownrefsโฃ
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๐ถ ๐๐ผ๐น๐น๐ผ๐ ๐๐ ๐ผ๐ป ๐ง๐ถ๐ธ ๐ง๐ผ๐ธโฃ
https://www.tiktok.com/@crownrefs?_t=8cv8RyeL7ve&_r=1โฃ
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๐ท ๐๐ผ๐น๐น๐ผ๐ ๐๐ ๐ผ๐ป ๐๐โฃ
https://instagram.com/crownrefs?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==โฃ
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๐ฆ๐ต๐ผ๐ฝ ๐ผ๐๐ฟ ๐ง๐ฒ๐ฎ๐บ ๐ฆ๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐ฒโฃ
https://sideline.bsnsports.com/schools/new_york/hartsdale/crown-refsโฃ

Jan 21, 2024 โข 18min
#357 Fouls & Trolls Vol. 4 | feat. Marc Vacarro
We are happy to bring you Volume 4 of "Fouls and Trolls," hosted by Paul and his cousin Marc Vacarro. The episode highlights the importance of patience and kindness, even when confronted with challenging situations or negative feedback. We hope you notice our friendly banter and focus on setting a positive and humorous tone.โฃ
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As we glide into the comments we address some negative feedback from our TikTok & Instagram audience, ranging from constructive critiques to outright trolling. We navigate these with humor and wisdom, emphasizing the need for officials to remain composed and effective in their roles. The episode also touches on the modern challenges of officiating in a world where respect for referees seems to be dwindling.โฃ
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Paul shares a personal story about getting scammed, using it as an example of staying positive and not beating yourself up over mistakes. In addition, we touch on the concept of 'rabbit ears' in officiating and the necessity of adapting to change in the current sports environment. We hope you enjoy this engaging conversation and practical advice.โฃ
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โค๏ธ๐๐ผ๐ถ๐ป ๐ผ๐๐ฟ ๐ฐ๐ผ๐บ๐บ๐๐ป๐ถ๐๐โฃ
Patreon.com/crownrefsโฃ
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๐ถ ๐๐ผ๐น๐น๐ผ๐ ๐๐ ๐ผ๐ป ๐ง๐ถ๐ธ ๐ง๐ผ๐ธโฃ
https://www.tiktok.com/@crownrefs?_t=8cv8RyeL7ve&_r=1โฃ
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๐ท ๐๐ผ๐น๐น๐ผ๐ ๐๐ ๐ผ๐ป ๐๐โฃ
https://instagram.com/crownrefs?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==โฃ
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๐ฆ๐ต๐ผ๐ฝ ๐ผ๐๐ฟ ๐ง๐ฒ๐ฎ๐บ ๐ฆ๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐ฒโฃ
https://sideline.bsnsports.com/schools/new_york/hartsdale/crown-refsโฃ

Jan 10, 2024 โข 20min
#356 Fouls & Trolls Vol. 3 | feat. Marc Vacarro | @vfmovement
Welcome back to the 3rd installment of one of our newest series "Fouls & Trolls," with co-host Marc Vaccaro. We jump into into viewer comments, revealing a wide range of opinions and misconceptions about officiating. We address each comment with a mix of humor and insight, emphasizing the importance of understanding and respecting the rules and the referees' decisions.โฃ
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We also touch upon the emotional aspects of sports, both from the perspective of the players and the spectators. The episode wraps up with a discussion on the need for positive attitudes and constructive criticism in sports, aiming to foster a better understanding of the challenges and responsibilities of sports officials.โฃ
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โค๏ธ๐๐ผ๐ถ๐ป ๐ผ๐๐ฟ ๐ฐ๐ผ๐บ๐บ๐๐ป๐ถ๐๐โฃ
Patreon.com/crownrefsโฃ
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๐ถ ๐๐ผ๐น๐น๐ผ๐ ๐๐ ๐ผ๐ป ๐ง๐ถ๐ธ ๐ง๐ผ๐ธโฃ
https://www.tiktok.com/@crownrefs?_t=8cv8RyeL7ve&_r=1โฃ
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๐ท ๐๐ผ๐น๐น๐ผ๐ ๐๐ ๐ผ๐ป ๐๐โฃ
https://instagram.com/crownrefs?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==โฃ
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๐ฆ๐ต๐ผ๐ฝ ๐ผ๐๐ฟ ๐ง๐ฒ๐ฎ๐บ ๐ฆ๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐ฒโฃ
https://sideline.bsnsports.com/schools/new_york/hartsdale/crown-refsโฃ

Jan 6, 2024 โข 2h 14min
#355 The Best of 2023 Mix | Thank you for 5 years of this Podcast!
Welcome to the special โBest of 2023โ edition of the Crown Refs Podcast, celebrating five incredible years of the audio experience dedicated to basketball officials. This episode is a heartfelt thank you to the officiating community whose unwavering support has been the cornerstone of our journey. As we reflect on our achievements and the impact weโve made, weโre excited to share highlights and memorable moments from the past year.โฃ
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As we look forward to the future, we are energized to continue our mission of training, developing, mentoring, and connecting officials across the US and beyond. This episode is not just a celebration of our past but a stepping stone to a future filled with possibilities and the potential to positively impact even more lives.โฃ
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A heartfelt appreciation goes out to my family who make this possible by filling my heart with love every day.โฃ
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So, tune in, enjoy the episode, and remember to have a spectacular 2024!โฃ
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โค๏ธ๐๐ผ๐ถ๐ป ๐ผ๐๐ฟ ๐ฐ๐ผ๐บ๐บ๐๐ป๐ถ๐๐โฃ
Patreon.com/crownrefsโฃ
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๐ท ๐๐ผ๐น๐น๐ผ๐ ๐๐ ๐ผ๐ป ๐๐โฃ
https://instagram.com/crownrefs?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==โฃ
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๐ฆ๐ต๐ผ๐ฝ ๐ผ๐๐ฟ ๐ง๐ฒ๐ฎ๐บ ๐ฆ๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐ฒโฃ
https://sideline.bsnsports.com/schools/new_york/hartsdale/crown-refsโฃ

Jan 3, 2024 โข 41min
#354 Coaching in Qatar | Episode 8 | Coffeeshop Conversations
โฃIn the series finale of โCoaching in Qatar,โ Saif Aldossari, the director of the Doha Referees Camp and a pivotal figure behind the Qatar journey, joins me at a Harlem coffee shop during his visit to New York City in November 2023.โฃ
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The episode begins with a heartfelt recap of the Doha Referees Camp, reflecting on the impactful moments and lessons learned. Saif shares his vision for the campโs future, hinting at exciting additions planned for the upcoming year. We also learn more about Saifโs remarkable journey from a player on the Qatar National U-18 team to a FIBA-certified official. โฃ
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The episode also stamps the importance of partnership and camaraderie within the officiating community, highlighting the value of being the bigger person in all situations. We conclude with a message of unity, growth, and shared passion for the game. โฃ
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Thanks for listening to this seriesโค๏ธโฃ
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โค๏ธ๐๐ผ๐ถ๐ป ๐ผ๐๐ฟ ๐ฐ๐ผ๐บ๐บ๐๐ป๐ถ๐๐โฃ
Patreon.com/crownrefsโฃ
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๐ท ๐๐ผ๐น๐น๐ผ๐ ๐๐ ๐ผ๐ป ๐๐โฃ
https://instagram.com/crownrefs?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==โฃ
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๐ฆ๐ต๐ผ๐ฝ ๐ผ๐๐ฟ ๐ง๐ฒ๐ฎ๐บ ๐ฆ๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐ฒโฃ
https://sideline.bsnsports.com/schools/new_york/hartsdale/crown-refsโฃ

Jan 2, 2024 โข 43min
#353 Coaching in Qatar | Episode 7 | FIBA Signal School
In the seventh episode of "Coaching in Qatar," titled "FIBA Signal School," recorded at the Doha International Referee Camp in conjunction with the Qatar Basketball Federation, this episode emphasizes the importance of precision and clarity in hand signals for FIBA officiating. We walk you through various signals such as "stop the clock," "three-point attempt," "traveling," and "hand check," demonstrating each with clear instructions. We highlight the need for officials to be ambidextrous in their signaling and stresses the significance of arm positioning, movement, and posture. The session is interactive, offering personalized feedback to participants to refine their technique, ensuring signals contribute to their credibility and authority on the court.โฃ
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Key takeaways from the episode include the critical role of visual communication in officiating and the impact of well-executed signals on game management and an officialโs perceived professionalism. We advise you to practice in front of a mirror or record yourself to evaluate and improve. The detailed breakdown of each signal, combined with the hostโs hands-on coaching approach, makes this episode an invaluable resource for basketball officials at all FIBA levels. This session encapsulates the series' overarching theme of striving for excellence in basketball officiating, offering both foundational knowledge and advanced insights for referees dedicated to enhancing their skills.โฃ
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โค๏ธ๐๐ผ๐ถ๐ป ๐ผ๐๐ฟ ๐ฐ๐ผ๐บ๐บ๐๐ป๐ถ๐๐โฃ
Patreon.com/crownrefsโฃ
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๐ท ๐๐ผ๐น๐น๐ผ๐ ๐๐ ๐ผ๐ป ๐๐โฃ
https://instagram.com/crownrefs?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==โฃ
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๐ฆ๐ต๐ผ๐ฝ ๐ผ๐๐ฟ ๐ง๐ฒ๐ฎ๐บ ๐ฆ๐๐ผ๐ฟ๐ฒโฃ
https://sideline.bsnsports.com/schools/new_york/hartsdale/crown-refsโฃ