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The least favorite person on the Rezball court is usually the referee. The refrain “C’mon ref!” is just as likely to be heard shouted in exasperation from either side of the bleachers. But there is no one who isn’t glad there is an objective arbiter on the court. As it turns out, in a lot of places, the shortage of Native refs means those willing to put on the striped shirt are stretched thin. They are in such high demand they are paid a premium.
Guests:
Amber Sierra (Oglala Lakota) – social worker specializing in elders, children and families, and a basketball official with the Minneapolis Officials Association
John Long (enrolled member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe) – basketball referee with the South Dakota Activities Association
Neil Yazzie (Hopi) – Area commissioner of officials in northern Arizona for the Arizona Interscholastic Association
Break 1 Music: Stick Game Jam (song) Inez F. BIG Phil (Beat By Magic Touch, Mixed By EV Of A-Slam.Com) (artist) Singsoulgirl (album)
Break 2 music: Four Two-Step Songs (song) Pyawasits, Silas & Webster (artist) Wild Rice: Songs From The Menominee (album)
Great Topic. I really enjoyed listen to this topic. I think more public announcement on interscholastic sports and the need to have people becoming referees. This year in NM (I could be wrong, just hearing from the wind) some games had to be cancelled because of the lack of referees on the court or fields.