This episode takes you behind the whistle and behind the scenes.

Violet Palmer opens the show with a candid conversation alongside her wife about what it’s like to be married to a basketball official. They discuss travel, time commitments, understanding the profession, and the role support plays in sustaining both the relationship and the career.

Violet then teams up with Brian Woods to break down a play centered on dead-ball officiating. The discussion focuses on situational awareness, recognizing adverse situations, and the importance of being fully engaged when the ball is not live—often when problems begin.

This episode is about support, awareness, and doing the work when it matters most.

The Play is The Play with Violet Palmer returns with a meaningful conversation centered on development, foundation, and trusting the officiating process.

In this episode, Violet is joined by Dana Pappas for the Keepin’ It Real segment, where they discuss the importance of interscholastic sports officiating. Together, they highlight why the high school level is more than just a stepping stone—it’s where officials build their foundation, develop strong habits, and gain experiences that prepare them for opportunities at the next level. The conversation reinforces how working interscholastic games helps officials grow both on and off the floor.

Violet is also joined by Richard Waters for a breakdown of a key coverage play. Rich and Violet walk through a situation where the trail official trusts the system, stays disciplined, and allows the play to develop, ultimately preventing an incorrect call. It’s a great example of how proper mechanics, patience, and teamwork lead to successful outcomes.

Whether you’re a newer official or a seasoned veteran, this episode is a reminder that preparation, trust, and teamwork matter—because at the end of the day, the play is the play.

n this episode, Violet Palmer sits down with several new hires for the VP12 team to give listeners an inside look at what it’s like to work on her staff.

The group shares where they got started in officiating, what led them to this opportunity, and their early experiences joining a leadership team built on preparation, accountability, and trust. They also talk candidly about expectations, communication, and what it means to be part of a staff that prioritizes development and consistency.

This episode offers real perspective on team culture, growth, and what it takes to earn a seat at the table.

In Keepin’ It Real, Jeanie Buss joins Violet Palmer for an honest discussion about leadership at the highest level of professional sports. Jeanie shares insight on decision-making, responsibility, and what it means to lead with purpose in environments where pressure is constant.

Then on The Play Is The Play, Kelly Broomfield dives into the importance of understanding the layers within a play, having meaningful discussions with your crew, and using film as a tool to prepare, evaluate, and improve. It’s a real look at how communication and shared understanding elevate officiating beyond just getting the call right.

This episode is about leadership, preparation, and doing the work behind the scenes to perform at a high level.

In this episode of The Play Is The Play, Violet Palmer is joined by her best friend and right-hand person, Chancy, for a behind-the-scenes look at the Basics Referee School program and the people who make it special.

In Keepin’ It Real, Violet and Chancy talk openly about the vision behind Basics Referee School—why it was created, how it supports officials at every stage, and what it takes to build a program rooted in development, accountability, and care. Chancy shares what it’s like working side-by-side with Violet, helping manage and grow a program that impacts officials across the country.

Then, in The Play Is The Play, Chancy surprises listeners by breaking down a game situation with confidence and clarity—showing off her sharp eye and basketball IQ despite never having officiated on the hardwood. It’s a powerful reminder that understanding the game goes beyond stripes, and that preparation, observation, and trust in the process matter.

This episode celebrates teamwork, vision, and the many roles it takes to elevate officiating.

The Play Is The Play brings together family, basketball culture, and on-court teaching in a powerful way.

In the Keepin’ It Real segment, Wun Versher — Violet Palmer’s nephew — joins the show to talk about growing up in a basketball family and his experience with the Harlem Globetrotters. Wun shares what it was like being surrounded by the game at a young age, how that environment shaped his mindset, and the lessons he learned performing basketball at the highest level while entertaining and inspiring fans around the world.

Then, in The Play Is The Play, Cheryll Blue sits down with Violet to break down a screening action play, focusing on coverage, positioning, and awareness. Together, they walk through how officials can stay disciplined, communicate with partners, and trust the system when navigating complex off-ball action.

This episode blends storytelling and teaching — reminding listeners that whether you’re playing, officiating, or growing up around the game, basketball has a way of shaping who you become.

Violet Palmer sits down with Bobby Mozee, her first mentor in officiating and the person who helped lay the foundation for everything that followed in her historic career. From mechanics and professionalism to confidence and accountability, Bobby shares what he saw early in Violet—and the lessons he believed would carry her far beyond the high school gym.

In the Keepin’ It Real segment, Bobby reflects on mentoring Violet in her early years, the traits that stood out immediately, and why investing in young officials matters more than ever. Violet responds with gratitude, sharing how those early lessons shaped her approach to officiating, leadership, and mentorship today.

Then, in The Play Is The Play, Violet and Bobby break down a game situation together, connecting the teaching points of the play back to the fundamentals Bobby emphasized from the very beginning—trusting your training, staying disciplined, and doing the work the right way.

This episode is a reminder that no great official makes it alone—and that mentorship, belief, and opportunity can change the trajectory of a career.

In this special episode of The Play Is The Play, Violet Palmer is joined by her brother, Rod Palmer, for a conversation that blends family, perspective, and the game they both love.

In the Keepin’ It Real segment, Violet and Rod reflect on growing up in a sports family, the lessons they learned early, and how competition, accountability, and support shaped who they are today. They talk about how those shared experiences influence how Violet officiates and how Rod approaches the game from a coach’s perspective.

Then, in The Play Is The Play, Violet and Rod break down a flagrant foul situation, giving listeners a rare look at the same play through two lenses — officiating and coaching. Rod shares what coaches are looking for in those moments, while Violet explains how officials process intent, severity, and game management when making a flagrant decision.

Violet closes the episode with a Final Horn message about understanding perspectives, respecting the game, and communicating effectively — especially in high-stakes situations.

Summary

The conversation delves into the critical responsibilities of sports officials, emphasizing the importance of decision-making, accountability, and clear communication during high-pressure situations. The speakers discuss the expectations placed on officials to provide opinions and clarity, especially when the stakes are high.

In this episode of The Play Is The Play, Violet Palmer sits down with Kathleen Kassidy to talk about opportunity, preparation, and trusting the process—even when the moment feels bigger than you.

In the Keepin’ It Real segment, Kathleen shares the story of how she received her opportunity during the COVID year, a time when officiating rosters were thin and flexibility was essential. She opens up about the hard work, commitment, and professionalism that allowed her not just to get the opportunity, but to stay on staff and build a foundation for long-term success.

Then, in The Play Is The Play, Violet and Kathleen break down a sequence that highlights the importance of trusting the system. Even when a play feels like it’s happening “right in your lap,” the conversation reminds officials that trusting coverage, trusting your partners, and trusting the framework you’ve been trained in is essential for consistency and accuracy.

Violet wraps the episode with a Final Horn message encouraging officials to be ready when opportunity comes—and to never underestimate the power of staying disciplined within the system.