“An official's experience provides the opportunity to affirm or develop a value system that is not only  foundational to officiating fairly, it also allows Referees the opportunity to mindfully practice fairness, consistency and embody equality - both on and beyond the hardwood.”–MW/SR

In basketball, as in life, the terms equality, equity and fairness are often used interchangeably.  In the very first Embodying Equality through Officiating discussion (October 2020), we presented definitions of these terms in context, along with defining embodiment and basketball.  Our intention for hosting these discussions was to create an open dialogue where a diverse group of Referees collectively discuss a referee’s role in creating fairness on the court, hold space for the expression of on/off-court life experiences, how each impacts crew effectiveness and extend the invitation to all referees to be a force for change by positively impacting equity off the court. 

Here are the terms, defined in context for our intended discussions:

• Embodiment - Embodiment is the study of the subjective aspect of the body – FACT: Everything in life is experienced through our own individual lens and felt in our bodies - including what we call reality.
• Equality – State of being Equal in Opportunity
• Fairness – Impartial treatment without discrimination (integrity/consistency).
• Equity – Making sure people gain access to opportunity.
• Basketball – The Game and A way of life - Habits/Practices (participants & officials).

Although all officials are tasked with creating fair playing environments, the system within officials are hired, trained, promoted, or exposed to opportunity is not immune from the same systemic inequities that exist in our society.  What practices can be implemented to allow diverse voices to be heard and for us to still perform at a high level in service to the Game?

Being fair requires more than an attitude.  It requires knowledge, open-mindedness, focus, vision, courage, a willingness to know and do the right thing – and do it consistently, often under awkward and serious circumstances.  To achieve fairness on the court, we must participate far beyond the minimal obligations that go along with accepting an assignment. It’s more than just physically showing up. We must develop techniques to become sufficiently mindfully present, which may vary from person to person and shaped by our respective experience(s) – even when the greater system is not promoting the same fairness we hope to achieve on the court.

Embodying Equality through Officiating Objective is ever present in all of ref-ology's educational engagements: Create an open forum and hold space for participants to express and share perspectives regarding individual experiences of systemic inequities that exist in our culture.  Our community, through formalizing our non-profit, Blast Equality Collab 501(c)(3), remains dedicated to addressing and discussing these experiences and then collaborating to set in place individual practices for handling difficult conversations as referees that may arise before, during and following a basketball game and help all participants feel fairness was present.

Some clear takeaways from our discussions exist regarding equity. We collectively acknowledge how referees can use their role as “authority” figures to positively influence equity off the court through the establishment of continuous recruitment of a diverse crop of officials.  The greatests with us shifting our mindset from a 'top down' to stressing the importance at the 'ground level' - where the greatest need exists.  By promoting and embodying inclusivity and fairness to the players we officiate, the goal is that we can be a positive billboard to attract new referees.

By preparing for situations, we know will likely arise in locker rooms and basketball gyms all around the US, we can remain present and open when conflict arises.  Our discussions are opportunities to attune and prepare for potentially difficult conversations in a space held with good intention – differences in opinion are welcome.  Emotions will rise, conflict has potential to move relationships forward when compassion for the ‘other’ exists – always deep listening for intention within the dialogue.

We are also sensitive to the independent contractor status referees hold; therefore we openly discuss what obligations we have to the Game in context of having very little influence on the hiring or assigning practices. Possibly, the answer for referees has been present all along. Has this 'gig economy’ dilemma been figured out elsewhere? Lots of room for discussion with this topic!

We proactively seek the “non-referee” perspective in our dialogues. There's no doubt that modern leadership has proven that diversity ushers in significant positive impact in both our personal and professional lives. 

Consider joining our Embodied Referee Coaching Program which takes place annually April-August or one of our other collabs to help us deliver Blast Equality Collab Designations through game events focused on providing healthy & fair competition!