The Crown Refs Podcast

In Episode 2 of Preseason Push, we take you directly into the action with a raw blend of live high school fall league audio, and postgame feedback inside the locker room after a college. This episode is designed to sharpen your lens heading into the season on how to serve the game by keeping coaches coaching, players playing, and officials in rhythm with each other.We break down a collection of high-impact teaching points like adopting a “next play mentality” and auditing your inner voice with positive self-talk only. We dive into nuanced court coverage strategies—like not blowing while rotating, initiating center rotation during mid-court traps, and picking up partner cues to improve crew cohesion. You’ll also learn how to maintain conviction, stay cool under pressure, and manage chaos with clarity. From recognizing verbal flops to vocalizing “dive-on foul,” this episode is packed with small, actionable nuggets that sharpen your judgment, elevate your voice, and help you be an A+ in every situation.🏀Join the Communitypatreon.com/crownrefs🛒10% Uniform Discount Code-CRW10refereestore.com/basketball

Step into The Clinician’s Corner, a special episode capturing the heart of Crown Refs camp culture—where education meets elevation. This episode features a dynamic mix of live post-game feedback sessions from camp season, offering real-time coaching moments, layered breakdowns, and invaluable takeaways for officials at every level. Whether it's tightening up your push signal, improving court presence, or making smart rotations, this audio experience puts you courtside with someone who is invested in helping you grow the most.You'll hear in-depth guidance on topics like freedom of movement, possession consequence, using directional points with clarity, effective timeout reporting, and managing coach interactions with confidence. We also unpack advanced officiating principles like dead ball officiating, avoiding reactionary whistles, and refining your movement, mechanics, and communication. This episode is full of golden nuggets and a perfect listen for anyone committed to serving the game at a higher level.Join our CommunityPatreon.com/crownrefs

This episode of The Referee Help Desk brings together real officiating questions from across all Crown Refs platforms and turns them into lessons for officials at every level. Topics include when to use the block signal, how to report fouls efficiently, handling technical fouls calmly, and mastering the Start–Develop–Finish–Decide philosophy for slowing down the whistle and improving judgment. The episode also dives into partner communication, ambidextrous signaling, film study strategies, and how to approach youth games with the right balance of patience and authority.We also discuss proper footwear, nutrition, résumé building for camp season, and navigating clinician feedback at tryout camps. Whether you’re learning how to self-film your games, refining your on-court presence, or looking for insight into managing your mental game, this session delivers practical, experience-based guidance designed to help every official grow.💬 Submit your officiating questions to crownrefs@gmail.com to get featured in a future Referee Help Desk episode.Join Crown Refs patreon.com/crownrefs

Welcome to The Referee Helpdesk, the customer support center for basketball officials. Each week, I take questions I’ve received from referees across all platforms and answer them on Tik Tok Live—turning real-world scenarios into teachable moments for the entire officiating community. Think of it as your on-demand support line for everything that happens on and off the court.In this episode, we cover how to handle partners who see the game differently, and when it’s appropriate to change your call. We also dive into de-escalation tactics with coaches (“I’m very approachable…”), building credibility early, conducting productive postgame discussions, and balancing confidence with humility as you advance.🎧 Submit your officiating questions to crownrefs@gmail.com for a chance to be featured on a future episode—and help other referees grow through your curiosity. Serve the game.Join our communitypatreon.com/crownrefs

The Preseason PUSH | Feat. Chris VelaorasThis episode features clips from May’s Crown Refs Skill Development Clinic (Signal School Session) plus new halftime and post-game conversations from three fall-league games.Topics covered include:Getting together on all borderline intentional foulsDead Ball officiating readiness during dive on foulsFaking being fouled and how to identify acting vs. genuine contactWhen and why to use an immediate whistleThe FACTS framework — Fouls, Arrow, Clock, Timeouts, SituationMaintaining composure during chaos — staying calm on thunderous crash playsDeveloping poise and patience through timing, cadence, and confidenceBuilding crew chemistry and using positivity to elevate your partnersSignal School insights: sharpening your presentation, posture, and purpose on the floorThis episode delivers equal parts education and inspiration — giving you real-time application, emotional control tools, and the mindset needed to Serve the Game at a higher level.Join our CommunityPatreon.com/crownefsCheck out our Stan Storestan.store/crownrefs

In this Crown Refs community rules session, Chris Velaoras and Mikaiya Moore led an in-depth breakdown of Rule 10: Fouls and Penalties, providing referees with the knowledge and clarity they need heading into the season. The discussion explored the different categories of fouls, including Flagrant 1 and Flagrant 2, using the WIF principle—windup, impact, and follow-through—as a practical framework to help officials assess severity on the court. The session also addressed contact dead-ball technical fouls and offered insight into how referees can apply judgment in live-game situations with confidence and consistency.The group also reviewed the distinctions between Class A and Class B technical fouls, complete with examples that translate the rulebook into real-game application. Whether you’re a newer official or a veteran preparing for the upcoming refresher exam, this session offered a valuable chance to sharpen your understanding of penalties, improve consistency, and grow more comfortable handling high-pressure calls.🛒 Check out our new Stan Storestan.store/crownrefs👥 Join our Communitypatreon.com/crownrefs

FOR FULL EPISODE GO TO PATREON.COM/CROWNREFSChris Rastatter is the NCAA Men’s Division 1 National Coordinator of Officials, overseeing mechanics, training, and tournament selections for men’s college basketball. A 27-year DI referee, Chris worked the NCAA Tournament before moving into his leadership role, where he now mentors and evaluates the nation’s top officials.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:🚦 Points of Emphasis for 2025–26: Why continuous motion will spark offense, how the coach’s challenge could add clarity and excitement, and why rule alignment across levels matters.🏀 Mechanics & Positioning: Trail position high vs. low, center working inside-out, lead rotations with purpose, and why clock awareness is a separator.👥 Crewship & Communication: Putting game first, crew second, self last; how to address issues in real time; and the cadence of secondary whistles.🧠 Mindset Breakthroughs: The power of making the game “slow down,” and why mentors are vital for confidence and composure.🎯 Evaluation & Advancement: What coordinators look for in postseason selection, how officials advance rounds in the tournament, and why accuracy, demeanor, and trust outweigh flash.💡 Chris’s Wisdom: One play doesn’t define a career—own it, move on.This episode is packed with concrete tactics, powerful insights, and behind-the-scenes perspective on how top-level officials are trained, evaluated, and selected.FOR FULL EPISODE GO TO PATREON.COM/CROWNREFS

Step inside the action at New York City’s legendary Pro City at LIU Brooklyn, where we miked up NBL official Kenny Widgeon. Kenny’s journey is as unique as it is inspiring—he broke into the professional ranks in Australia after a connection through the Crown Refs Podcast with Scott Butler, the NBL’s Coordinator of Officials. With years of experience on both sides of the globe, Kenny brings a calm, seasoned presence to one of the most competitive summer leagues in the country.In this episode, officials will take away practical lessons on handling tough in-game conversations: how to respond when a coach criticizes your partner, what to say when players demand an instant answer, and the one word that must never be tolerated in scholastic settings. Kenny also models how to use self-talk on every possession to stay locked in and project strong court presence. Plus, you’ll hear a proven one-liner that instantly moves the dialogue forward and gets everyone back to the next play. This episode is packed with actionable communication tools, mindset strategies, and game management insights you can bring straight to the floor.🏀 Join the Crown Refs Communitypatreon.com/crownrefs

In this powerful episode of the Crown Refs Podcast, we welcome Lisa Mattingly, Coordinator of Officials for the SEC and one of the most respected voices in women’s college basketball officiating. A veteran of the WNBA and NCAA Final Fours, Lisa has spent decades refining her craft both on and off the court. She brings unmatched wisdom, authenticity, and candor to the conversation as she reflects on her officiating journey, her transition from working national semifinal games to leading one of the top officiating programs in the country, and the importance of mentorship, character, and long-term development in the officiating profession.Throughout the episode, Lisa shares key insights on climbing the ladder to the Division I level, the importance of self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and learning through video, as well as how to communicate effectively with coaches. She emphasizes the power of authenticity, grace, and humility in officiating, reminding listeners to always lead with kindness and purpose. Whether you're a new official or a seasoned veteran, Lisa's reflections offer both timeless guidance and fresh inspiration for those dedicated to serving the game.💥 Join the CommunityPatreon.com/crownrefs

🎙️ Welcome to The Skill Development Series! This episode was recorded at our first-ever in-person event — the Crown Refs Skill Development Clinic held on April 12, 2025, in Berlin, Connecticut. It was a long-awaited, highly anticipated, and special day that brought together core Crown Refs family members for a unique experience of relationship-building, learning, and growth. The event was designed as an intimate, small-group setting with only nine invited officials to ensure maximum impact and personal attention.In this episode, you’ll hear a variety of raw, behind-the-scenes audio from the day — including the morning meet & greet, sideline conversations, community interviews, halftime breakdowns, and postgame feedback sessions. This episode puts you right there with us on the court and in the classroom. We hope you enjoy the experience and we look forward to seeing you at a future Crown Refs Skill Development Clinic!

Recorded live from CayVision Podcast Studios, episode 400 features Ashley Birch, a driven and inspiring NCAA Division I and NBA G-League official. Born and raised in Kansas City and now based in Dallas, Ashley opens up about her path into officiating after a playing career and a background in tech. Just completed her first season with the G-League, she talks about adapting to the speed, athleticism, and expectations of the men’s pro game, as well as the mental and emotional tools she’s built along the way.This episode offers great value for every official, from the ambitious newcomers to those striving for the highest levels. Ashley discusses how she balances multiple rulebooks, the shift from reffing women’s to men’s games, the power of positive self-talk, and how community and mentorship have shaped her journey. Her story is a testament to belief, grit, and the importance of being a student of the game. 🎙️👟

In Game Notes 043, we sit down with South Dakota official Jesse Stricherz for a reflective and educational IPR breakdown. Jesse, who began officiating at age 15, brings decades of experience and humility to the table as he shares the highs and challenges of managing competitive games. One of the standout moments in this episode is Jesse's discussion around coach interactions, particularly navigating a heated sideline exchange with a calm but firm response. The episode dives deep into his decision-making, signals, positioning, and ability to match the energy of emotional coaches without losing composure—an essential skill for any official climbing the ranks.This episode is a goldmine for officials seeking practical tools and game-ready insights. Topics include anticipating secondary defenders, traveling violations, the art of stepping down, patient whistles, communication cues, crew dynamics, and tactical rotation philosophy. Jesse’s vulnerability and growth mindset shine through, as does our supportive community surrounding him on the call. Whether you’re new to officiating or a seasoned vet, this conversation will leave you feeling more connected to the craft—and inspired to serve the game with purpose.🔗 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 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 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 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⁣

Welcome to this episode of Vincent's Verifications! Vincent Garrett, a hungry first-year official with many questions and a burning desire to learn the right way. Vincent's eagerness to grasp the nuances of the game is truly inspiring, and this episode promises to be a treasure trove of insights for officials at all levels.⁣⁣In this engaging session, we cover a wide range of important topics based on Vincent's excellent questions. We discuss travels, loose ball plays, discerning contact, and hand checking. We also explore issues related to player conduct, game safety, and the best approaches for skill improvement, such as attending relevant camps and utilizing online resources.⁣⁣Big learning insights from this episode include the importance of clear communication on the court, the value of self-evaluation through game footage, and the benefits of positive self-talk. Vincent learns how to handle high-pressure situations, improve signal clarity, and apply context in making decisions about violations. As next steps, Vincent will follow up with coaches to obtain game film for critique, prepare to film his own games, attend camp, and utilize the rapid response folder on Patreon for learning appropriate responses to coaches. This episode highlights Vincent's commitment to excellence and provides valuable lessons for all aspiring officials.⁣⁣👉 Join the Crown Refs Community: ⁣patreon.com/CrownRefs/memberships⁣⁣🛒 Shop the Crown Refs Merch Store: ⁣crown-refs-merch.myspreadshop.com⁣