"The B-ball organization has afforded me the opportunity to stay close to a game I have loved since childhood. Once I came to grips with the fact that I just didn't have it as a player any more, I began to search for ways to still participate in the game. I coached preteens for about five years before I was introduced to refereeing by Bernard Bowen, who took me under his wing and taught me the fine art of blowing a whistle on the basketball court. It was at that point that I realized just how important the people in the funny-striped shirts were to this game that I have loved for years. I would truly recommend to anyone who intends to join the ranks of referees to look in on this organization and experience it's intense but nourishing environment. You will never regret it!" "As a new official, B-ball Referees has given me the confidence to want to officiate more challenging leagues. Because of Bernard Bowen and B-ball Referees, I have been able to improve my floor skills and mechanics. B-ball Referees is also a fantastic networking tool where you can meet the right contacts who assign you more games."
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"I've been officiating basketball since 1986 and have worked games on all levels. Back in 2002 I began to feel like I no longer had 'it' as an official. I no longer cared to call the best game I can every time I got on the floor. That was, and still is, the most important thing as an official. This never sat well with me as I though about quitting. One evening in 2003, I met Bernard Bowen on the Metro North train and we began talking about basketball. Since that train ride, things have changed as I have regained the passion that I felt I was missing as an official. I went to his camp in 2004 and was inspired and motivated. In 2005, I went away to Blue Chip Officials camp and the passion and love of the game was still there. Today I have a JV boys private school schedule and am an active member with Bd.42. I owe this to Bernard Bowen, as he has the ability to encourage and inspire because he's a caring human being. His commitment to basketball officiating is evidenced by the many other officials he has touched and inspired. Since that meeting, I have been involved with B-ball Refs and I am grateful and humbled to still be around today." |