Summary:

In this episode of the From A To Zebra podcast, hosts Dana Pappas and Nate Acosta engage with executive directors Rob Cuff and David Jackson to discuss the value of officials in interscholastic athletics. They explore the challenges faced by state associations, the importance of recognizing and valuing officials, and strategies for retention. The conversation emphasizes the need for strong relationships, support, and resources to enhance the officiating experience and ensure the sustainability of interscholastic sports.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introductions

02:27 Career Journeys of Executive Directors

04:45 Day-to-Day Responsibilities and Challenges

07:34 The Value of Officials in Interscholastic Athletics

10:07 Recognizing and Valuing Officials

12:53 Building Relationships with Officials

21:01 Appreciation and Recognition for Officials

23:07 The Importance of Relationships in Retaining Officials

24:46 Compensation and Recognition for Officials

26:30 Creating a Culture of Belonging for Officials

30:28 Educational Resources and Support for Officials

34:10 The Value of State Associations to Officials

39:51 The Impact of Officials on Young Athletes

46:06 riverside_ed_- take 02 _ sep 25, 2024 001_from_a to zebra (1).mp4

Summary:

In this episode of the From A to Zebra podcast, host Dana Pappas and co-host Nate Acosta engage with Kristi Moore, a softball umpire who became a voice for officials after experiencing an unexpected assault during a game. Kristi shares her journey into officiating, the shocking incident that changed her life, and the aftermath that followed, including legal consequences and the importance of accountability in youth sports. Despite the challenges, Kristi highlights unexpected positives that emerged from her experience, including advocacy for better protection for officials and the support she received from the officiating community. The conversation emphasizes the need for respect and understanding towards officials and the importance of fostering a positive environment in youth sports.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Kristi Moore's Journey

04:45 The Unexpected Incident: Assault on the Field

07:36 The Aftermath: Legal Consequences and Community Response

10:21 Reflections on Safety and Security in Youth Sports

12:57 The Impact of Parental Behavior on Youth Sports

15:46 The Role of Officials: Humanizing the Umpire Experience

18:48 Unexpected Positives: Advocacy and Awareness

21:17 Lessons Learned: Safety Protocols for Officials

31:28 Courtroom Drama and Consequences

32:51 Speaking Out and Opening Doors

34:10 The Impact of Advocacy on Officiating

35:52 Community Support and Brotherhood in Officiating

38:16 Resilience and Moving Forward

41:49 Empowerment and Inspiring Future Generations

48:03 The Role of Officiating in Sportsmanship

50:03 Excitement and Passion in Officiating

54:34 riverside_ed_- take 02 _ sep 25, 2024 001_from_a to zebra (1).mp4

Summary:

In this episode of the From A to Zebra podcast, hosts Dana Pappas and Nate Acosta engage with Mark Stroia, a seasoned official with over 35 years of experience across multiple sports. The conversation delves into the transformative nature of officiating, exploring Mark's journey from a three-sport athlete to a dedicated official and educator. The discussion highlights the importance of balancing officiating with family life, the rewards and challenges of being a multi-sport official, and the critical role of mentorship in recruiting the next generation of officials. Mark shares personal anecdotes that illustrate the emotional connection to officiating and the impact it can have on individuals and communities.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Officiating and Mark's Journey

07:26 Balancing Officiating with Family and Career

11:52 Teaching and Officiating: A Shared Skillset

13:55 Rewards and Challenges of Being a Three-Sport Official

18:22 The Value of Officiating: Income and Recruitment

23:30 Transformative Power of Officiating

25:29 The Transition from Sports to Life After Competition

27:48 The Reality of Student Athletes' Futures

29:17 The Transformative Power of Officiating

31:30 Mentorship and Growth in Officiating

38:15 Recruiting and Retaining New Officials

43:04 Educating, Elevating, and Exciting Future Officials

46:35 riverside_ed_- take 02 _ sep 25, 2024 001_from_a to zebra (1).mp4

Summary:

In this episode of the From A to Zebra podcast, hosts Dana Pappas and Nate Acosta welcome Charlie Obermayer, an NCAA men's lacrosse official, to discuss the importance of taking care of your crew in officiating. The conversation delves into Charlie's officiating journey, the legacy of Gordon Corsetti, and the significance of mental health awareness within the officiating community. The episode emphasizes the need for empathy, connection, and support among officials, highlighting how these elements can elevate the officiating experience and foster a stronger community.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Officiating and Personal Journeys

09:44 The Story of Gordon Corsetti and 'Take Care of Your Crew'

17:18 The Impact of Mental Health in Officiating

28:15 Reflections on Loss and Community Support

32:58 Continuing Gordon's Legacy

33:53 Mental Health in Officiating

35:46 Resources for Mental Health Support

38:43 De-stigmatizing Mental Health Conversations

41:37 Remembering Gordon Corsetti

48:58 The Impact of Gordon's Story

51:55 Elevating the Officiating Community

55:59 riverside_ed_- take 02 _ sep 25, 2024 001_from_a to zebra (1).mp4

Summary:

In this episode of the From A to Zebra podcast, hosts Dana Pappas and Nate Acosta are joined by Robert Abney, a seasoned sports official. They discuss the importance of humor in officiating, the parallels between education and officiating, and the value of empathy in managing games. Robert shares his journey into officiating, memorable moments, and the significance of building relationships within the officiating community. The conversation emphasizes the need for new officials to embrace humor and learn from their experiences while highlighting the supportive nature of the officiating family.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Officiating and Humor

06:41 Robert Abney's Officiating Journey

11:37 The Role of Education in Officiating

15:50 Lessons from Multi-Sport Officiating

20:16 The Importance of Humor in Officiating

23:12 The Joy of Officiating and Community Engagement

28:08 Humor in High-Pressure Situations

31:00 Learning to Laugh at Ourselves

35:20 The Importance of Relationships in Officiating

37:41 Advice for New and Veteran Officials

41:04 The Officiating Family and Shared Experiences

44:45 riverside_ed_- take 02 _ sep 25, 2024 001_from_a to zebra (1).mp4

Summary:

In this episode of the From A to Zebra podcast, hosts Dana Pappas and Nate Acosta engage with Bob Delaney, a former NBA referee and expert on resilience. The conversation explores Delaney's journey from officiating to undercover police work, emphasizing the importance of resilience in both sports and life. Delaney shares insights on defining resilience, personal experiences that shaped his understanding, and the significance of self-care. He also discusses his books on post-traumatic stress and resilience, highlighting the need for ongoing learning and support in officiating and beyond.

Kintsugi (金継ぎ), meaning "golden joinery" in Japanese

the art of repairing broken pottery with lacquer and gold, emphasizing the breaks and imperfections as part of the object's history and beauty...

 It is not just a craft, but also a philosophy that embraces imperfection, impermanence, and the beauty of transformation.

https://insidethelife.org/episodes/bob-delaney-story-of-an-undercover-agent-turned-nba-referee/

https://www.usf.edu/continuing-education/lifelong-learning/upskill-reskill/cyber-national-security/resilience-and-self-care.aspx

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Resilience and Officiating Journey

05:55 Undercover Work and Its Impact on Resilience

12:51 Traits for Undercover Work and Their Relevance

18:24 Defining Resilience in Officiating

22:44 Finding Inner Peace in Chaos

24:15 Resilience Through Adversity

29:44 The Power of Storytelling and Connection

35:22 Understanding Trauma and Its Impact

40:59 The Importance of Lifelong Learning and Self-Care

44:56 riverside_ed_- take 02 _ sep 25, 2024 001_from_a to zebra (1).mp4

Summary:

In this episode of the From A to Zebra podcast, hosts Dana Pappas and Nate Acosta welcome Donnie Nunez, a respected figure in basketball officiating. The conversation covers Donnie's journey from a young official to a mentor, the importance of family and community in officiating, and the significance of the Tommy Nunez Annual National Hispanic Basketball Classic. They discuss the challenges faced by officials, the concept of 'resetting' during games, and the need for officials to reinvent themselves throughout their careers. The episode emphasizes the importance of education, elevation, and excitement in officiating, encouraging listeners to appreciate their journey and the impact they can have on the sport.

Chapters

00:00 Donnie Nunez's Officiating Journey

08:50 The Importance of Family in Officiating

12:39 The Tommy Nunez Annual National Hispanic Basketball Classic

19:39 Reflections on Roles and Challenges in Officiating

21:08 The Journey of an Official

27:30 The Importance of Resetting During Games

41:59 Reinventing Yourself as an Official

47:43 Educate, Elevate, and Excite in Officiating

54:43 riverside_ed_- take 02 _ sep 25, 2024 001_from_a to zebra (1).mp4

Summary:

In this episode of the From A to Zebra podcast, host Dana Pappas speaks with Matt Head, a Division 1 women's basketball referee and elementary school PE teacher, about the importance of quick thinking in officiating. They discuss Matt's journey into officiating, the parallels between teaching and officiating, the role of technology in sports, and the significance of mental agility through brain breaks. The conversation emphasizes the community aspect of officiating and offers practical tips for improving mental acuity and performance on the court.

https://refcamp.app  

https://www.techref.app/

Matt Head Social Media Accounts:

https://www.tiktok.com/@oneoldkid

https://instagram.com/oneoldkid

https://youtube.com/oneoldkid

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Quick Thinking in Officiating

03:26 Matt Head's Officiating Journey

07:37 Teaching and Officiating: A Dual Career

11:29 Embracing Technology in Officiating

18:42 Brain Breaks: Engaging the Mind

22:24 The Importance of Quick Thinking in Officiating

24:45 Improving Mental Acuity for Officials

31:21 The Value of Officiating and Community

35:14 riverside_ed_- take 02 _ sep 25, 2024 001_from_a to zebra (1).mp4

Summary:

In this episode of the From A to Zebra podcast, host Dana Pappas and guest Verne Harris discuss the critical theme of preparation in officiating. They explore Verne's extensive officiating journey, the importance of year-round preparation, and how officials can prepare for individual games. The conversation also delves into navigating adversity, moving up the ranks, and handling the pressure of postseason games. Verne emphasizes the rewards of officiating and the importance of giving back to the community.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Officiating and Guest Introduction

03:50 Vern Harris's Officiating Journey

13:56 The Importance of Preparation for Officials

17:52 Game-Specific Preparation Strategies

24:14 Building Connections in Officiating

26:46 Navigating Disappointments and Mental Preparation

33:23 Preparing for the Next Level in Officiating

42:10 Handling the Pressure of Postseason Games

46:00 The Rewards of Officiating and Paying It Forward

52:13 riverside_ed_- take 02 _ sep 25, 2024 001_from_a to zebra (1).mp4

Summary:

In this episode of the From A to Zebra podcast, host Dana Pappas and guests Jack Jones and Cliff Jenkins, discuss the idea of open-mindedness in the world of officiating. They dive into topics about balancing professional careers with officiating, the importance of open-mindedness within officiating, and the rewards of officiating beyond the game. Topics such as communication and feedback, advice for new officials, and mentorship and development of officials are also detailed.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the importance of Open-Mindedness in officiating and guests

10:58 Balancing Officiating with Professional Careers

16:44 Advice for New Officials

23:53 The Importance of Open-Mindedness in Officiating

36:42 Mentorship and Development in Officiating

42:55 Feedback and Communication in Officiating

48:09 The Rewards of Officiating Beyond the Game

53:28 Outro