Lead Center Trail

A new basketball season means new rules for players and referees to learn and adjust to. In this episode, 5th year official Stephen G. talks about the "mental agility" needed to adjust to one of the biggest rule changes in recent memory.Intro/Outro - DENIAL IS A RIVER by Doechii

We all know the game; how to call it, what to do and when (art), but we don't always know the more technical part of the game -- the why behind what we do when we officiate games (science). In this episode, Stephen talks about a recent play that (he got wrong) that involved applying the art & science.Intro/Outro - El Mayor de los Ranas by Victor Valverde & JR Torres

It's hard to say no to opportunities that come your way, especially when the opportunity has the potential to raise your profile within a given space. So how (and why) do you say no?Intro/Outro - Anxiety by Doechii

Most basketball games have a similar shape, and most referees are prepared to deal with those games. But every now and then, something unconventional can happen and it's those games where the game requires a little more of you. In this episode Stephen interviews Rhian, a veteran official, who unpacks a crucial play in a recent game where there were some extracurriculars after a normal pass and crash play.Intro/Outro - tv off (instrumental) by DJ Mustard & Kendrick Lamar

I got "the bug" in the Summer of 2021 and became a member of my local IAABO board that fall. I took (and passed) the floor exam, putting me on the path to becoming a varsity official. What's next? Intro/Outro - Coming in Hot by Lecrae & Andy Mineo

Criticism (constructive or otherwise) is hard to hear -- especially when it's unsolicited -- and even more so when it's from a person who you don't know personally. In this Christmas episode, Stephen talks about how being humble and teachable helped him to see the value in some unsolicited feedback and ultimately made him a better official. Intro/Outro - Christmas In Hollis by Run DMC

There's no better time than the holiday season, to check yourself and make sure that you're putting your family first. In this brief episode, Stephen talks about how he's made some simple but significant changes that will benefit his work/family balance during the '24-'25 basketball season. Intro/Outro - Big Steppa by Amaarae

Every time we step out onto the court, it's an opportunity to practice something. In this episode, I'm recalling some lessons from a few good practice opportunities that I had from this summer.

Communication is the name of the game. From how and where you stand & run, to how you signal your calls -- and of course, how you speak, you are communicating to anyone watching. In this episode, I'm looking back at my summer and learning from my own good and bad communication habits.

It's November again, so a brand new high school basketball season is starting. In this episode, Stephen talks about his experience with the "Floor Exam" and his plans for the future of the podcast. Intro/Outro Music - Be My Remedy by House of Say

Two "rookie" refs named Stephen (that's pronounced with a 'V' sound) sit down to discuss their thoughts after one season of refereeing. In this episode, we discussed the "board", high school rules, mechanics, parents, game management and much more.

Stephen shares what this podcast is about, why he's making it and a little bit about himself.  

It's summertime, so men's leagues are in full swing. These leagues are fun because skilled local players from college and otherwise are home looking for a good run. However, these leagues are less fun when some of these guys think they can talk to the refs anyway they want to. After working several games for a player with a difficult personality, Stephen now has himself a Scott Foster vs CP3 situation. Here's what he did wrong and how he'll manage the relationship going forward.

It's winter recess for local schools in New York's Capital Region. Stephen takes a few minutes to detail an experience he had during his first game of the '22-'23 season where a coach decided to have some choice words him during a game. Did he have the "gestational fortitude" to give the technical foul? What did he do wrong in this situation? What did he do right? What did he learn through it all? Intro/Outro Music by Stephen Stringer