The IrREFutable Magazine 3 March 2021

AN OFFICIALS PERSPECTIVE March 2021

The

IrREFutable Magazine is an online outlet that was designed for refs, by

refs. Kevin draws, and Ralph writes. They combined their superhero powers to make the Avengers of officials off the court! It spawned from a conversation on the 4th of July amid a pandemic. After conversing, they wanted to combine forces and find a way to highlight other officials that were aligned with their core values: empathy, compassion, an entrepreneurial spirit, and the freedom to create something that can be impactful in other people’s lives. Once combined, they realized that it was irREFutable that they work together. Hence we are, the irREFutable Magazine.

“You cannot escape the responsibility of tomorrow by evading it today.” -Abraham Lincoln

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On the Cover

March 2021

What’s inside

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Staying Ready An interview with Ashley Moyer-Gleich

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Follow us on Instagram @theirrefutablemag

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BLAST OFF!

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Division1, Pregnancy, and Covid 19

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Serene Rectangle

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Top 5 Books to Ease Your Mind

An interview with Shanade Bernard

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Immaculata @MSG

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Still Trying to Understand Points?

Follow us on Instagram @theirrefutablemag

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An Artists Purpose

Issue 3

March 2021 Staff

Kevin Sparrrock

Art Director

Ralph Fornoles

Editor

Ralph Fornoles Kevin Sparrock

Photography

Editorial Contributing Asha P. Sparrock

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Study Hack

How To Use Apple Notes To Listen To Your Rulebook and Casebook

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Latest Podcasts

This publication took a lot of time and effort to put together so please respect it! Nothing in this publication can be reproduced in whole or part without the written permission of the editorial team.

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The views and opinions in the IrREFutable Magazine are those of the authors and not necessarily of The IrRefutable Magazine or Still Brooklyn LLC. The Irrefutable Magazine is published monthly except for a combined June and September issue.

All subscribers and only members receive the magazine as a result of the paid subscription. $9.99 per month. By Still Brooklyn LLC, PO BOX 141934, Coral Gables FL 33114-1934 United States.

Still Brooklyn LLC all rights reserved.

This Months Comic

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Staying Ready

Thoughts on the Bubble

The Excitement of Getting Back on the Court How do you feel today? It’s the first day back in the mix and it’s not in the bubble.

Ashley Moyer-Gleich: Virtual RPSM (Referee Pre-season Meetings) that is normally the kick-off of the season.

It starts to set in that we need to get our mind back to basketball, and what it’s going to look like to get back to being on the floor. After being off March 8th - longest I haven’t [officiated] in 9 months, and the longest since I started 9 years ago, It’s not like I could referee rec. There was no basketball. Running around with the whistle in my mouth and not doing that, for 9 months, that’s quite an adjustment. Thinking about “ Am I still going to be able to do this? Is it going to come back to me? Muscle memory - is this going to come back to me?” Or [just] not knowing what to do.

Crazy, I had a little workout in my room, RSPM, before that. I was practicing in the mirror. Starting out in high school, practicing like that. It’s been so long. It’s still not the same. Getting eyes acclimated, watching illegal contact is an adjustment - reporting numbers. I started preparing for that months ago, weeks ago - definitely exciting. Last week was exciting, how blessed we are. I truly am fortunate to love what I do, to do what I do. I get up everyday, it provides for my family - not only financially beneficial, emotionally, mentally, I grew up with basketball all my life, so I love it. Hit the road a couple of days for the regular season. It’s exciting!

There was a moment in the summer, and before the bubble, where we didn’t know if we were going to come back and what it was going to look like. So the fact that we are coming back, and coming back in a non-bubble environment, I would say there’s a lot of eyes on us to see what will happen with the Coronavirus tests and how we navigate those waters. MLB (Major League Baseball) had it, and now here we are without one. It’s exciting but scary, and at the same time, you just have to do what you can to follow the protocols that are put in place for the health and safety of all the referees, players, and basketball operations. Big picture? It’s great to have basketball back. I’d say the whole country is excited.

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An Interview with NBA Referee Ashley Moyer-Gleich

By Ralph the Ref

There was a moment in the summer, and before the bubble where we didn’t know if we were going to come back and what it was going to look like.

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That first preseason game, could you identify when you can remember when you felt that you could do these?

Ashley: Probably the first mandatory - that’s about halfway through the first period where I had my first call was an easy, obvious fouls, early in the game. Weren’t even a minute in the game. It was obvious - just to get that first call out of the way and get in the groove. Once we get in the time out.

That’s when I take a little break, self-reflect, see where I am, check in - ok I’m ok - it’s going to be alright.

During those early months [China games], when was the first instance of the Coronavirus personally? Not in basketball terms but as a health risk. And your last experience officiating a game before all of that?

Ashley: I can’t even remember the first time we heard about this coronavirus. When I was reading over the questions, I jogged my memory. The first time I heard this is one of my colleagues we were getting on a plane, going to a game, they were saying about contemplating that on the plane that they are going to wear a mask - on the plane - and Iliterally was like, NO - CMON - it’s not that serious. A handful of people wore masks in the airport for whatever reason, and it would almost be like they were the exception. So when one of my work colleagues said that they were going to wear a mask on the plane, it shocked me. Then a couple of weeks after that, my last game was on March 8th, in DC. My parents came because it’s relatively close to my home.

My mom’s the best. She brought me a little care package, and it was hand sanitizer, hand wipes, Vitamin C. Almost a care kit in the event I got sick. Because the virus was getting pretty rampant. I got home on March 9th. I was supposed to go to a 12 day west coast swing on the 12th, so on the 11th when I was watching the games on TV in the living room, had a flight early, got the email saying get home safely. Fortunately I was home, didn’t have to scramble. Had to cancel hotels and flights - thank God I was not in California.

Once we get in the time out, That’s when I take a little break, self-reflect, see where I am, check in-ok I’m ok - it’s going to be alright 10

You had those three days after. Officials brought them in and had the halftime show - best way to break the news. At that moment, what were you thinking when they cancelled the Jazz Thunder game that basically broke the news to the world? We will reassess in two weeks - two weeks - a month, now we don’t know.

Did you think you were going to be back on the court soon?

Ashley: I am a little bit of an optimist. There was probably never a time where I went through my mind thinking we would not be back in some scenario. With the NBA - I feel like they get it done. Whatever needs to be done, it’ll happen. So in my mind, we will be back in some time, but we’ll be back .

I didn’t know what that would look like. I didn’t know how it would come back. I didn’t know if we’d all come back. I didn’t know about a bubble or how that would work. I certainly didn’t think that there would be a number of us, who are less experienced, who wouldn’t be going to the bubble, and had this potential of not refereeing for 9 months. I didn’t think that was going to happen. There would be some summer training, like we would be going to Vegas in the summertime and something like that. I thought we would come back. I didn’t think we would come back the way it did, where I’d be sitting at home, with the games going on in the bubble, and that I wouldn’t referee in 9 months. That was a bit shocking and a bit of an adjustment. My lifestyle for 9 years has been refereeing and basketball. Being on the road, I mean, I love coming home and spending time with my family, but I wouldn’t be home for more than a week. Even then, we would have summer training, or speaking engagements. So I had camps that I’d help out. So this extended period of time, stay at home order and quarantine, we couldn’t even go out. Stuck in my house for 9 months is a big adjustment from being on the road for at least half the year.

What did you learn about yourself?

Ashley: Spend some quality time at home. Ironically bought my first house in December. I moved in. I was living out in boxes. Beds were on the ground, no bed frames.

In March, work on settling in, enjoying my first home. That was great. What I learned about myself? I learned how to pivot - keeping busy, staying busy. What I was able to do? Go to the gym, swim. I like to go out, have dinner out, see live bands, live music. Big part of my summer life. A lot of that changed. Learning how to pivot and preoccupy my time in a mindful way. I may never have that experience again. My job fulfills me. Traveling and my career. See different parts of the United States. Cooking dinner, prior to this, it would be a chore, or task, or mundane. Because of the coronavirus, I was cooking every single night. Making it fun - learning how to pivot mindfulness, happiness and joy around my house that we took for granted. Find some meaning in things before it didn’t have much meaning.

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What were your habits in those times to keep yourself prepared?

Ashley: In March, as soon as everything started closing up, I had to go back to my Amazon account. On the 9th, I was like, “We have to get a home gym right now”.

Went on amazon and got everything I needed. Crazy amount of workout equipment in my house immediately. I knew the gyms were going to get shut down. Probably workouts that we need to do without equipment. With my lifestyle, I needed free weights, resistance bands, kettlebells, medicine balls, plate weights, and barbells. Immediately, the very first thing I started doing was an extended period of time. Encouraged from our union, to stay ready, as it was so fluid, we didn’t know, we could go back tomorrow. We were highly encouraged to stay in shape. March, April, May, June, peer groups, agenda to meet weekly, expected to work out, weight check, expected to be doing what we needed.

Buy gym equipment, set up a home gym. I was fortunate in really investing in a home gym.

What was your experience watching the bubble? Did it make you feel like you were missing out? Or ready?

Ashley: A little bit of both. Kind of like back when you are a school kid, and they have a dodgeball, and you want to be picked. You want to be on the team. Of course I want to be there, I want to referee. I wanted to watch it. The upper echelons of refereeing the game - rightfully so - they had a bigger audience, monumental - and you want to be trusted enough that your experience and your preparedness put you on those big games. I was disappointed. All the other referees that weren’t going as well.

But at the same time, not all can go. The NBA was trying to protect everyone in there.

Being in the room and seeing a room with those guys, hearing the conversation is a little different when talking via text or zoom. Intangible. I can’t put it into words. When breaking down film, and with Scott Forster, face to face - missing that experience of the upper echelon of the staff, doingFaceTime and wanting to be there. I felt like I was missing out, but it fueled me to stay connected to the game. Stay committing to watching the games. Watching all day long When it scaled back to 2 games a week, staying in touch with all of them about asking with a play, or giving positive reinforcement for a particular play. Stay connected preseason and regular season. This year, it would light a little fire in me. If there is another bubble scenario, I want to be there.

Do you think it’s to be a systemic change - where there won’t be local IAABO meetings online? Do you think that’s a positive change, younger officials, persuading in the occupation of officiating?

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In the future, games will come back, try not to get too down on it.

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Ashley: I think it depends on your personality. Me, personally, I’m a social butterfly.

Love outings, gatherings, and being together with people. That FaceTime is invaluable. Face-to-face with my colleagues. Meetings in person breaking down film and stuff. There’s just some intangibles to it. Spending that quality time in person is not replicated in a Zoom call, Skype, or social media. Personally, I would hope that some time in the future some sense of normalcy comes back. Won’t be back as it was prior exactly. There can be some way we can find middle ground. With IAABO meetings, fall meetings, college meetings, RSPM meetings, and Brooklyn for a week, being in person - there’s something to it. That learning component is not replicated via Zoom.

That’s not to say Zoom is not beneficial. Our Zoom camp was amazing and far exceeded my expectations. Not connected to the material, but it was fantastic. Management and referee operations transitioned from video to Mark Wunderlich and mechanics. It was great. You can still learn an avenue. As long as they approve gatherings, it would be a mixture. Fine through Zoom, but doing it in person, the camaraderie, it’s important in person. I would hope that it’s not obsolete in the future.

What advice would you give to those officials that are working?

Ashley: I would say try to stick to whatever safety and health protocols that have been set forth by their organization. Whether that’s wearing a mask, no indoor dining, whatever protocol put in place. Having enough respect for the craft. They are put in place for not just your safety, but my safety, and our family’s safety. A willingness to put others before yourself, whether you think its important or not. They are there to protect everybody, and the sake of having basketball, we were shut down for so long, it’s important for you and fortunate of being able to work and make money, so many people in America are not making money. Fortunate to be getting game assignments.

Be smart and be safe. Advice lean on whoever your support system. A saying with my mom, know who your tribe. Those who are working in the NBA, and college, such a unique time - putting our health and at the risk contracting the virus. Being susceptible of going on planes to do our jobs. You are not alone. Whoever your support system is whoever your tribe is . Text or phone calls, however it may be, plenty of people, colleagues on staff, plenty of college referees I’m close with that i check in and hope they are doing ok. It’s definitely lonelier. Lonely in itself before COVID, but with these health and safety protocols it’s even lonelier. In your room self isolate, kind of lean on, we are all doing the same job, you don’t have to feel like your doing it by yourself. Reach out to whoever it is to lean on, we can all be there for each other. We are all doing the same job.

A willingness to put others before yourself, whether you think its important or not.

Put others before our wants and desires. Can make it easier with everything going on.

What advice would you give somebody to all that time, and words of encouragement?

Ashley: It’s such a unique time. I don’t know the exact statistic. College is cut down a third to a normal season - I would try to give them encouragement. Hopefully this is not our new normal, then it’ll pick up, they’ll be a division 2, don’t get down on yourself - there’s only so many games, the amount of games, and the amount of collegiate referees, i don’t even know if they are having a high school season, trying to make this a career, even if this is just a passion and you love it and has been taken away from your grasp.

A positive affirmation; eventually things will find some common ground. Games will turn to normal eventually. It will go over eventually. In the future, games will come back, try not to get too down on it. I can’t imagine having a full schedule, and have no game, must be devastating.

What is your best investment of $100 dollars that proved to be invaluable during the pandemic?

Ashley: You can buy resistance bands from Dicks Sporting Goods. A 3-pack for less than 20 bucks - depending on what brand, you can get 15-20 - 3 different medium light heavy - so amazing, I travel with them now. When COVID hit, my little home gym. You can find different workouts online. Leg workout. Arm, hook them around your foot and do abs with it. So versatile and cheap - can probably use it every single day, some type of workout home, road this week, bringing the bands, - hook them to the door - so versatile.

Can’t go wrong with that. My first game is coming soon.

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BLAST OFF!

By Kevin Sparrock

Last

month NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) landed a sophisticated robotic Rover on the red planet, Mars. The rover named Perseverance took seven months to arrive. Seven phenomenal women were a prime force in the creativity, engineering, and development of this Martian surface walker.

Kathryn Stack Morgan worked as the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory’s deputy research scientist. Swati Mohan is an Indian-origin scientist who has been heading NASA’s Operations for the Mars 2020 Guidance, Navigation, and Controls. Moogega Stricker is the NASA JPL’s Planetary Protection lead for Perseverance. Heather Ann Bottom serves as the Systems Engineer. Diana Trujilo is a Colombian aerospace engineer who works for Phase Robotic Arms Science and the Mission lead. Michelle Tomey Colizzi is a mechanical engineer who worked as the lead of the mission’s Aeroshell vehicle for its protection, and Vandani’ Vandi’ Varma is a space roboticist at NASA’s JPL who developed and drove the Mars rovers.

NASA is not a stranger to women being an integral part of the monumental endeavor.

In NASA’s early days, African-American women’s computers played a vital role in advancing its missions. In 1962, they helped send the first American astronaut into orbit, John Glenn. Among them were Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson, and Dorothy Vaughan. Katherine Johnson calculated trajectories for the Apollo 11’s flight to the moon in 1969.

Professional sports officiating might be taking small cues from NASA’s engineering directors. In February of 2021, Sara Thomas became the first woman to officiate in the Super Bowl. On April 8, 2015, Thomas was hired as the first full-time female official in NFL history and for the 2020 NFL season. Thomas began her officiating career in 1996 and was the first woman to officiate a major college football game, the first to officiate a bowl game, and the first to officiate in a Big Ten stadium. March 2021, Maia Chaka became the first African American woman ever named to the NFL’s officiating staff.

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Natalie Sago and Jenna Schroeder made NBA history on January 25, 2021, as the first female referees to work on the same court. Sago and Schroeder were two of the three people on the officiating crew that oversaw the game between the Charlotte Hornets and the Orlando Magic. There have only been seven women to become full-time referees in NBA history, with five currently serving on the officiating roster.

Natalie and Jenna followed Violet Palmer and Dee Kantner’s footsteps as pioneers when the league hired them in 1997. The NBA hired Simone Jelks to full-time officiating status for the 2020-2021 season. She has joined a select group of female NBA referees, including Ashley Moyer-Gleich, Natalie Sago, Jenna Schroeder, Lauren Holtkamp-Sterling.

This isn’t rocket science. Professional leagues recognize that when it comes to refereeing, there is no benefit to being a man. In June of 2020, NASA space exploration has approached the gender gap by putting together an all-female crew set for the first mission to Mars. I don’t think we are far from seeing an all-women officiating crew becoming the norm in basketball. Because of the amount of staff, the transition of women in the NFL will happen but might take longer. If the pinpoint precision of a rocket ship landing on a ditch atop a hillside after traveling 154 million miles over seven months can be engineered and planned, I think a two-hour sports event will survive with an all-women crew at the helm.

This isn’t rocket science. Professional leagues recognize that when it comes to refereeing, there is no benefit to being a man.

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NFL Referees

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NBA Referees

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Division1, Pregnancy, and Covid 19 An interview with Shanade Bernard By: Ralph the Ref

It’s

been a long time since I’ve seen Shanade Bernard. A year into COVID-19, we talk to her about her pandemic pregnancy, her pursuits as a Women’s Basketball Official, and how that intersection didn’t have to get in between each other and never crossed paths.

Ralph: Are you tired?

Shanade: I’m not that tired - Daddy was on duty last night - so I got to sleep last night It was July 2020, and I remember just touching base with Shanade. As much as we were full force the season before, pre-pandemic, she was full-force about her pregnancy and the notion that she was about to be a mother. By the time I spoke to her, she was fully acclimated to Mom life, having a child, and the crazy sleeping pattern that comes with it all.

But there was a moment in time where she was reffing non-stop, co-existing with being pregnant while keeping it secret.

Shanade: I think the mindset, initially when I first got pregnant, the first 5 months I was reffing the whole duration. I couldn’t really enjoy the pregnancy, but when COVID-19 hit, I had no other choice but for to enjoy being pregnant. So then, my mindset went completely off refereeing and enjoying being pregnant - enjoying him being inside of me.

But as pregnancy turned to giving birth and getting used to the routine, she wanted to get back into officiating the game she loves. Was there a moment that you can pinpoint when you missed it?

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Shanade: They sent out the rule book, and I’ll be honest, I haven’t opened my rule book since March because my mind wasn’t into refereeing. When they sent the rule book, I said yes to receiving it - I have no other choice but to look at it. So I’m going to study my rules - went to Staples, got a new book, enlarged it when I get a chance, every day I’m going to look at the rule book. I got familiar with it. I even attended virtual camps, so yes, now I’m just focused more; plus, I’ve lost my baby weight. I was 200lbs., down from 238lbs., I have now lost that weight. I’m working to get down to 185lbs, my referee size.

How has your year been, overall?

Shanade: Everybody is good. My sister is home from school, college; all her classes are online. My mom is working from home. My grandparents stayed home the whole time, and whoever has to go out, my brother, they wear their masks, stay protected and stay safe.

With CoronaVirus, what was it like being pregnant?

Shanade: The first two weeks - I was quarantined and tested to make sure I was good. I can’t stay still, but I was on bed rest. People would go to the grocery store for me - but it was hard because I wanted to go myself.

How was the experience of giving birth during the CoronaVirus?

Shanade: It was hard. Physically, only one person was allowed in the room. The doctors had their protective gear on - it wasn’t like what you see on TV - it was regular.

No one was able to visit the hospital. And when I wanted food - I had to get Uber Eats or food at the door, he would have to go - normally you would be able to go out the building - once you left, you weren’t allowed back. Just this week, my son turned 7 weeks. A lot of my friends and family, my grandparents were able to see him for the first time this week. I’m still scared - I have a young child that can’t fight the virus off like that - I’m making sure he stays safe, and I stay safe as well.

I was quarantined and tested to make sure I was good. I can’t stay still, but I was on bed rest.

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What do you think you learned about yourself during this whole time? Did you reflect on different things? Feel different about life?

Shanade: I’ve learned patience. My son has taught me patience. And that everything happens for a reason. God makes no mistakes. My pregnancy, my son, is a blessing.

Everything I’ve gone through during the CoronaVirus has been nothing but a blessing.

I was able to work from home. I was able to take maternity leave. Who knows if I’m able to go into the building until the end of the school. I was able to bond with my son.

Just having the time to sit down. I’m not the type of person to sit down.

So when CoronaVirus hit, I would have been going and going. I was put on bed rest.

I didn’t miss anything. I wasn’t really doing anything, I didn’t have to go on disability. It was a real blessing. A perfect time.

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You’d be at Lincoln Park and running around reffing basketball in Queens, NY. You didn’t feel like you were missing out?

Shanade: NO, I FELT THAT WAY - I’m still going to go to the park. Lincoln Park has one game this summer, a one-day tournament, I want to go! Still contemplating going.

I was 9 months pregnant. Now I feel like wow, I was pregnant at the perfect time.

Has the priority of reffing changed in your mind?

Shanade: Yes, it has. It really has, because, before it was refereeing, refereeing, and more refereeing. I can financially see good without refereeing - also, I need that time with my child, so I won’t be referring as much as I wanted to.

Do you think that’s ever going to change?

Shanade: I feel like it has. But I do miss refereeing, don’t get me wrong, but it consumed a lot of my time. Before, I was 7 days a week. Eat, sleep, breathe refereeing CoronaVirus allows me to show that I didn’t have a lot of time on my year. Me grinding 4 years straight in reffing, I didn’t want to lose out with my son, give him an oppor-

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tunity to love him and enjoy him. That’s how my father was. I want to have a better relationship. I miss it, but I won’t be as hard hustling in reffing.

Do you think it’ll get to a point that you would go back to the 7-day grind?

Shanade: I don’t know. I feel like I want more kids - one more kid, at least. I don’t know - I think if I financially needed it, yes. If I don’t have to ref that much, I won’t. If I want to have a game at Lincoln Park. I want that, I like the community itself. If I have a division 1 game every day, yes. Would it consume my schedule? No. At that age when they get older, they are going to be doing their basketball thing, and I want to be there to cheer.

Does everything reset your goals at the Division 1 level?

Shanade: I’m still locked in. Some things have changed, the G-League and the W, it has changed that. It has made me more patient with my timeline. Refereeing isn’t everything. A lot of my referee friends are out of jobs. I still talk to my mentors Stephanie and Heather - I’m here take care of home, teaching job. This corona thing hit, you really need your home job, something to say that you are good without referring - a lot of us always relied on refereeing, and have to take a step back what can I do outside of refereeing. Can I venture out and do something else? You have to find your own niche so that you are financially secure.

Did you find any new hobbies at this time?

Shanade: No, I haven’t - But I want to blog and YouTube. I want to talk about my pregnancy - experience being a new mom - what it seems to be and what it is, and talk to my friend that wants kids - I”m not scaring you, I want to be honest with you.

See what it really is like. It’s an emotional roller coaster! When I withheld telling everyone I was pregnant; I was protecting myself and my career. I didn’t want opportunities taken away from me. And being so independent and working hard and being goal-driven, it was just little things like that. During the time - I did the first-round NCAA Division 3, and I was still refereeing, every day I wasn’t showing - 2 weeks after quarantine hit - I was getting more voluptuous - and I was feeling insecure. I’m new in this business; being pregnant, I didn’t want her to do this game - how will she be. But that time has passed.

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Serene Rectangle By: Boss Chawla | Ralph the Ref I was looking through an old hard drive that I found during a recent snowstorm that blanketed the east coast. It harkened me back to a similar snowstorm, four years to the day, where a budding, fellow official was making the transition from playing basketball to officiating it. It’s a tough pivot at the end. The love of the game doesn’t normally get sublimated easily - as the perception of officials, from a player’s perspective, could be adversarial and not often looked like a serious thing to transition into. Boss and I met on the Basketball court. We shared many emotional highs and lows as his competitive spirit was second to none from anyone on the court, including myself. This was written, by him, before he got deep into officiating. He is currently a Varsity Basketball official in the Houston, Texas, area.

Serene Rectangle: When things get rough and life starts to get stressful, everyone has some kind of remedy they turn to; some may prefer to listen to music while others choose to exercise; but for me, I tend to retreat to one of the places I know best the basketball court. For as long as I can remember, I was infatuated with basketball I couldn’t get enough of it – I was hooked. I spent almost all of my free time either watching basketball or playing it. As I got older, my game developed, and I learned to appreciate the sport while also learning how to utilize my strengths, but what I loved the most about basketball was the competitiveness that it brought out of me. One of the most pleasurable things about playing is the interaction that occurs on the court during gameplay; the things that I see and hear, for example, the sound of the net after shooting a shot that swishes through. I also enjoy playing in different venues against different players rather than going to the same park and play with the same people; however, it’s not always a positive experience on the court for a few reasons, which makes it that much of an intriguing place to me.

I’ve had my share of bad moments on the basketball court - sometimes I’ve played poorly, but most of the time, it would come due to hurting myself playing. One time specifically, I tore my Achilles, which was something I had to overcome both physically and psychologically. After going through every emotion possible on the court and enduring all the good and bad I’ve overcome, the basketball court is like a second

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whether it is on different surfaces, against different opponents in different continents, they all are the same in their own way.

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home to me, the one place I can go to when things aren’t going my way or when I just need to get my mind off things, I turn to my Serene Rectangle.

I have played at all different types of courts, whether it is on different surfaces, against different opponents in different continents, they all are the same in their own way. Yes, they all have two basketball hoops and have the same lines on the court, but they are the same beyond just the physical attributes, the mental aspect of the game is the same. The sights and sounds of the basketball court are second nature to me - if I’m playing outside on the concrete, the sound of the ball hitting the ground is almost like music to my ears, talking between players and the wind hitting my ears is almost blissful. Standing on the sidelines, I can hear my friends and others joking around and laughing, usually at someone’s expense. It’s similar yet different when playing in an indoor gym on the hardwood. The sound of sneakers grazing against the hardwood is loud and consistent, unlike the dull rugged sounds on concrete.

The yells of the players similar but more vibrant indoors as the screeching echoes throughout the gym all the way down to my eardrums.

One of my favorites, if not the favorite memory of playing basketball was playing at The Cage located in Greenwich Village in New York City. This particular court is famous - not only in New York but of all outdoor parks throughout the nation. A lot of famous players who went on to the NBA have played there. They call it “The Cage” because there is literally a Cage surrounding the court, where people tend to stop what they are doing and watch the games. My brother, my cousin, and I would go during the summer and play for hours. When you go there first, it can be overwhelming, from all the people watching to the loud noises of everyday city life to the great competition on the court. I can still remember hearing cars honking and the loud and vulgar banter of the players barking at each other disputing foul calls. The aroma of fresh peanuts and hot dogs sneaking into the park from a food cart adjacent to the park. The court was very slippery when I first got on it, to shoot around and warm up before I played in a game; it was so slippery I had to splash some water underneath my sneakers so I would have some traction while running and help prevent me from falling. A part of me was a little nervous before the game started only because I knew the park I was going to play at was revered, and not every player has the opportunity to showcase their talents in front of all New Yorkers. Once I got on the court, however, I stopped thinking and just played my game, and not only did I play great, I had a lot of fun doing it. I even made the game-winning three-pointer to seal the victory, which was so gratifying. As soon as the ball went through the net, the crowd roared,

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When I hear the word “Sacred,” I think of something pure and holy, something of great value that may not necessarily be seen the same by others.

and I was pumped up with adrenaline! After this experience, I realized that no matter where I play or who I play against, no matter what emotions I’m feeling, once I get out on the basketball court, there is nothing that can touch me. Every time I get out of that 94-foot rectangle, I’m at peace; it feels like I belong there - my own oasis.

When I hear the word “Sacred,” I think of something pure and holy, something of great value that may not necessarily be seen the same by others. The basketball court for is every bit of that and more; just the thought of not being able to play gets me furious. Sometimes, I wonder why I love the game so much. If it’s on the court interactions, the competition, or if it’s just an escape, but all I know is that if I’m physically fit enough, I intend to play until I’m 60. I’m very much looking forward to continuing to flourish on the court, and I challenge any Martian that dares to take over My Sacred Space!

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Top 5 Books to Ease Your Mind It’s

Women’s History month and officially a year since the world was put on hold due to the emergence of Covid-19. Hundreds of thousands lost their jobs, loved ones, and even their lives. With massive political unrest in 2020 sprinkling into 2021 and the end of the pandemic being not as close as we would have hoped, mental illness cases are on the rise. More than ever, there has been a need for psychiatrists, therapists, and safe spaces for everyone to cope.

Those working in athletics felt a particularly harsh reality that sports may never be the same. The period in which they will return with a stadium full of fans and maskless referees is still unknown. 2020 introduced the NBA and WNBA to “the bubble,” a hub only meant for those in each association in an attempt to keep Covid-19 out and players and workers safe. The mental implications of the several-month isolation are akin to those quarantined in their own homes away from loved ones.

For Women’s History Month, it only fits to highlight female authors and mental health advocates and some of their written contributions in a world that needs a way to cope.

Home Body by Rupi Kaur Home Body is the embodiment of the progression from depression to healing.

Indian-Canadian poet Rupi Kaur’s 3rd project is released at a time where we’ve all become homebodies and have been faced with demons we didn’t even know we had. Kaur takes us through the phases of her mind, her heart, her rest, and finally, her awakening. Alongside her poems are her illustrations that perfectly coincide.

Reading this, during a time of my self-discovery, I felt a sisterhood with Kaur. Her poems can reach us in times of happiness and struggle. Highly recommend it for the avid poetry reader.

I Thought It Was Just Me (But It Isn’t) by Brene Brown We couldn’t do a female mental health advocate roundup without mentioning the IrREFutable Bene Brown. I only heard of Brown last year when I was introduced to her Netflix special, A Call to Courage. After researching in what order I should read Brown’s books, I gave up because this title stood out. Although labeled a “self-help” book, I Thought It Was Just Me(But It Isn’t) truly allows you to replace the word “them” with “us” and reflect on how to be the best version of ourselves, accepting flaws and all. Released in 2007, it still has relevant values today.

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After the Rain by Alexandra Elle Author of Neon Soul and Words From A Wanderer brings you her newest installment of self-help and poetry. I’ve followed wellness consultant Alexandra Elle on Instagram for a few months before looking into her books. After the Rain beautifully tells her story of self-discovery and embracing all that life has to offer. Her personal stories, alongside her poetry, truly feel inclusive for all readers. The first chapter made me want to quit my job part-time job and move to New York to become a full-blown creative.

Small Doses by Amanda Seales If you don’t know Amanda Seales from Insecure, A Black Lady Sketch show, or The Real, this is another good introduction of her genius. Indeed a force to be reckoned with, Seales’s Small Doses, with a podcast of the same name, is littered with insightful essays and life advice from the rising comedian star herself. Small Doses is prefaced by letting the reader know these stories come from experience, and although not everything can be agreed upon, this is Seales’s truth, making the stories that much more personal. It’s charming and intuitive and a beautifully easy read that demands to change your perspective on life.

Women Who Love Too Much by Robin Norwood Let’s throw it all the way back to 1985. Yes, so much has changed since then, but so much has stayed the same. A coworker suggested I give this a read, and I was not disappointed. Marriage and family therapist Robin Norwood explores the unhealthy relationships women repeatedly find themselves in and their relationship with themselves. RuPaul’s famous quote comes to mind while reading the real-life studies and insights in Norwood’s book: “If you can’t love yourself, how in the hell are you gonna love somebody else? Can I get an amen?!”

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Immaculata @ MSG

How Far We’ve Come

By Ralph the Ref

They

had skirts. Officials wore blue and white. It used to only be women officials. They used to wear a kilt with navy blue with blue and white pinstripes, white socks, and white sneakers. The year was 1975. The officials only worked women’s basketball. There was not that much crossover - so they had a sense of dedication to Women’s Basketball.

John Moran, a mentor, officiated this game. John had to officiate because they had to let him in. He had to get a state rating and a national rating. If you had a national rating, you could officiate college, and there was NCAA back then for women.

I want to say it was the NAIA. It is the governing body, so you didn’t have Divisions (Division I, II, III). Queens College is Division II, Immaculata is Division III. It was competitive until the end of the 3rd Quarter.

This was the first Women’s College Basketball game at Madison Square Garden.

What was it like to do that game? The 2014 game It was a college game at the Garden. 3x at MSG once at Barclays. It was a caveat - exciting to have college games than high school. Completely different experience.

Because it was the way you were treated. So much more professional at MSG, they are used to hosting college games, they are used to interacting better referees.

Dressing rooms were the NBA ones, bench shower, closet. Renovated one nice they have one for men and one for women. Mixed crews doors in between, have a room that connected, beautiful everything.

The Immaculata game. Maggie Dixon tournament as she passed away with an enlarged heart inexplicably during the season.

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A game at 10:00 am, St. John’s UConn game was at 12:00 pm. I got a phone call from the assignor. I wanted to work this game.

Ann Antachuck - Phyllis Mentor, the assignor. Cavallos the Queen Center Lucille Kyvallos, named the gym after her. Named the court after her, all the players came back, and the rematch game was at MSG. A lot of fanfare was going on. All of those people were going to go to those games. Anyone involved with this game with either of those teams was going to Madison Square Garden that day.

My friend Helene Hamilton was going to the game.

Maryanne played on the team. Everyone she knew was going to the game. Well, I was reffing the game. I instantly felt the pressure, so many people that I knew were going. Karen Edwards, who my mom coached in CYO was going. Old-time week.

Sunday 10:00 am, have to be there at 8 am, getting up at 5:00 am, eat, in front of MSG 7:30 am.

Kathy Allen and Rick took the train, got inside, security everyone is very nice waiting for us, took us to our locker room, we got this really fun locker room. A room for the entertainers, singers bands.

You see the posters of Knicks and Rangers, of Mick Jagger, James Brown, Elvis picture, massive bathrooms made out of marble, 4 showers, Biggest bathrooms with white robes, and food! This was the first time I ever met Debbie Williamson, the Big East assignor, and she was there for the game afterward. She was the assignor of the next game. She didn’t know me, but I knew of her.

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She is very genuine, very happy to meet you, probably had so much more to do, and took the time and was present with us. Met us at halftime. This is why they say you never know who is watching.

It was more of a fun game, had the pressure to represent. Like when a pro athlete feels when they are playing in their hometown. Saw on the sidelines with a woman I went to camp with many years; she had a connection with Immaculata. The Queens college people were underneath a basket. ‘What kind of call was that!’

The ball goes out of bounds. I felt lighthearted because it was an exhibition game. It was fun to be in a unique situation. Part of remembering their history. The hometown, knowing so many people in the building.

Queens college wins, and we walk right past UCONN. Shows the difference. Show no emotion; the wall has ears.

We are running out, and there is Geno, and his arms are folded with his chest. I wanted to laugh, and he was in his game mode, and the players are there. I’m saying Hello.

After the game, we had credentials; it was a blowout. What I didn’t notice in Division 1 games, you have the bench that has the coach and players. In a big arena, they get three rows that cover their satellite staff. I was impressed with how many they brought there. Good to see those involved with Queens College going to the game.

The MAGBO Gala event - Gale Marquis - she has her jersey retired at Queens College - the small-time referee - one of the players that came out. She was there too.

To say hello to these people.

At the moment, was it a big deal - I went to Queens college - it was pretty neat - sad part about it, as a kid I never heard about this. Didn’t know about the history, one game away from the national championship. History is surrounding me. Even when I went to Queens college, there was no evidence of it.

John Moran told me about that; there was no internet. I felt vindicated that I was part of something, I wasn’t part of it when I was five years old, but it felt like I was a part of history, aside from the NCAA tournament games I did.

We don’t realize how excited they are for us to try things they never imagined we’d want to try.

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Traveling

Still Trying to Understand Points?

By Asha Pearl Sparrock

For

the beginning traveler, the notion of flying for free could seem foreign.

Credit cards that aid in accumulating airline points sounds like a scam.

Although airlines are taking extensive measures to keep their passengers safe and their fights clean, we still pose the question: Is it enough?

In our last two traveling installments, we discovered the different ways in which key airlines are changing their policies due to Covid-19. Next, we picked vital elements from a few airlines and found out how they allow their customers to earn frequent flyer miles or airline points in general. In this issue, we’re going to dive deeper into the idea of flying for free and just how plausible it is. We’ll also be discussing if it’s safe to fly now with vaccinations popping out of different companies.

Let’s start with what precisely frequent flyer miles are. Don’t get stuck on looking for the term “frequent flyer.” Have you ever gone to a restaurant or department store, and they asked if you’d like to join their rewards program? Essentially, it’s the same concept. Some airlines refer to them as “travel points” or a “loyalty program.” Once you join their program, most purchases you make give you points. With some airlines, you accumulate points for simply joining. The only way to take advantage of these points, however, is to join their program. Some airlines allow you to add points to previous flights before you join their program. To avoid indiscretions, though, before you book your flight, investigate different airlines and what benefits are offered through their rewards program.

Can you actually fly for free? Surely you can. It’s like getting a punch card for ice cream. Buy 9 cups and get the 10th free. The only thing you have to investigate is how many points add up to a flight. For example, one of the ways to earn points for JetBlue is by joining their TrueBlue program. Points can be redeemed beginning at 3,500 points. However, for a flight on the low end, the costs approximately $70, which would be equivalent to about 5000 TrueBlue points. Although it may seem like a lot to accumulate those points, there are more ways to earn than just taking flight.

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There are some different ways to earn points—the most obvious being booking flights. Like stated earlier, just joining a program allows you to earn points. Airlines like United will enable you to earn points by dining at certain establishments and staying at hotels that they are partnered with. Many airlines offer credit cards or are partnered with credit card companies that make it easy to earn points.

What credit cards offer traveler points? More than I can fit into one section of an article about flyer miles. Most major airlines, such as United, JetBlue, Southwest, Delta, etc., have a frequent flyer program and a credit card that you can apply for through their website. You may already have a credit card that is partnered with an airline that offers points. You could be accumulating points without even knowing.

There are different levels to this. You can continue to be a casual flyer and not join any rewards program. Odds are, the program would not benefit you anyway if you don’t fly often. Do you fly once a year? It could be worth it if it ends up being a big trip you take annually. Once a month? That’s definitely cause for joining a program. More than that? You could become a premier member. Forget just free flights and hotel stays. Have you ever heard of a lounge? Not the BYOB hookah lounge. An airline lounge for only the most elite of flyers. You ever seen that door next to the airport Chili’s bar that looks like it leads to nowhere? Become a premier access member and enjoy all the assorted loaves of bread, cheeses, and a mysterious bartender that knows how to make Roy Rogers.

Will it be safe to fly by spring break? It is wise to wait. If you can go to a relatively isolated area where you can socially distance, then it’s okay. Being that spring break is right around the corner, the window where vaccination will begin affecting real change, and we’re able to join large crowds is farther away rather than close. I would advise renting a house with close friends that you know are vaccinated or at least tested negative before traveling as your spring break getaway. Continue to wear a mask. Keep getting tested. We’re still in a pandemic, and the goal is to get out of it as soon as possible.

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An Artists Purpose

By Kevin Sparrock

One

of the proudest and stressful design projects that I’ve developed was a 1 inch high by 3-inch wide cotton patch created in a bubble. Despite COVID19, the summer of 2020 had a WNBA season in a quarantined bubble in Bradenton, Florida. At the time, the pandemic claimed over 200,000 lives in the United States, and the death of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor reenergized our countries social justice fight. Knowing my creative talents, our referee staff asked me to develop something creative that would align us with the Say Her Name initiative of the WNBA players. In December 2014, the African American Policy Forum (AAPF) and Center for Intersectionality and Social Policy Studies (CISPS) launched the #SayHerName campaign. Its goal is to bring awareness to the invisible names and stories of Black women and girls victimized by racist police violence and provides support to their families.

The weight of coming up with something creative that was bold and spoke directly about the cause felt immense. Similar to art, officiating can be incredibly subjective.

You are guaranteed that half the fans will love you and half the fans will hate you in officiating. The same goes for art. Half the people will love your painting or design, and half the people will think it’s a child’s scribble on a wall. The design had to go through a line of approvals and discussions through the front office before it could be produced. I knew there would be some see-sawing of opinions and rejections, and had we prolonged the process, and we could quickly put the decision on a wheel of procrastination and excuses. Reflection and reeducation rooted my thoughts. I immersed my reading into the life of Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, and the AAPF to create a greater perspective of my creative direction.

Early concepts exploded with large-scale embroidered letters, #Say Her Name, above our jersey number. I also thought of full-size screen printed letters splashed across the back of our jackets.

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In the end, WNBA management was proactive and showed total alignment with our officiating staff. Our staff made the decision quickly. I wanted bold, but I had to agree on what made sense. And what made sense was an elegant cotton patch with white letters on a black background that read #SAYHERNAME in capitalized letters. It was placed an inch down from the back collar of our officiating jacket.

What stood out was watching our officiating staff put their jackets on as they entered the court during pregame warmups. “Man, I’m going to keep this jacket forever. I’m going to show this to my grandchildren and tell them about this moment.” Where some of the comments from the staff.

It’s been a year since the murder of Breonna Taylor, and I’m not optimistic that the purpose surrounding her murder will stay relevant. Breonna Taylor is far from the first, and unfortunately, I’m not confident it won’t be the last. Organizations like the AAPF have opened my eyes to the stories of Sandra Bland, Tanisha Anderson, Yvette Smith, Miriam Carey, Shelly Frey, Darnisha Harris, Malissa Williams, Alesia Thomas, Shantel Davis, Rekia Boyd, Shereese Francis, Aiyana Stanley Jones, Tarika Wilson, Kathryn Johnston, Alberta Spruill, Kendra James, Michelle Cusseaux, Aura Rosser, Margaret Mitchell, Atatiana Koquice Jefferson, Gabriella Nevarez, Michelle Lee Shirley, Eleanor Bumpurs, Mya Hall, Tyisha Miller, Korryn Gaines, Pamela Turner, and India Kager. It’s essential to know these stories to help educate our country’s racist behavior that plagues our communities. I encourage our audience to read the stories surrounding these women. But please don’t stop there. Organizations like the AAPF provide great information to help change Policies and provide resources to get involved.

Shortly after the shooting of Jacob Blake, the officiating staff began wearing the jacket during warmups. Jacob Blake was a Black man shot 7 times in the back during a dispute with police. The day after Blake was shot, WNBA games were canceled.

Candlelight vigils occurred, and my creative thoughts ran. The day following the vigil was a typical sunny Florida morning. Before dusk, I pulled my easel out into the courtyard, and I began to paint. During the time in the bubble, I was intentional to paint and draw, but this morning felt so different. I had a good quantity of paint but was limited in color options. I had two background colors to work with, green and royal blue. I

I’m going to show this to my grandchildren and tell them about this moment.

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splashed the paint on the canvas, stepped back, and cranked for three hours. This piece of art became my artistic expression of the #SAYHERNAME campaign.

While painting the illustration, I realized I had a small crowd of people who asked about the art. The hotel manager asked to display it in the lobby. During the final month of my experience in the bubble, I would see hotel staff, players, and support staff taking pictures standing next to my painting.

In a couple of weeks, I was a part of two pieces that put the finger on a meaningful purpose. Whenever I put that jacket on, I am reminded of that moment in time. I want a policy that will change how black and brown people are policed in our communities.

After this is all said and done, I hope the piece starts a conversation. Who is Tanisha Anderson? Who is Sandra Bland? Who is Breonna Taylor? Who are these women and many others?

After this is all said and done, I hope the piece starts a conversation.

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Study Hack

How To Use Apple Notes To Listen To Your Rulebook and Casebook In

a COVID19 Referee Zoom call, I was asked, ‘How do you study the rulebook?”

I had no real clever study techniques. I open the rule book, pick a rule, read the rule, and cross-reference it with the casebook play. Every once in a while, I find case book plays in other sections that helped to understand a particular rule. Nothing fancy. At the end of answering the question, I said, “I also listen to the rulebook when I’m driving or walking.”

With that comment, I received a follow-up question. “Kevin, how do you listen to the rule book. Where do you find the audiobooks.” That’s when it hit me. The NCAA never made the rulebook in an audiobook form, and several years ago, I figured out a hack to listen to the rulebook and casebook.

This is my guide to listen to my rulebook. Before I begin, I will say that I utilize the Apple platform to perform this hack. I use Apple Books or PDF files and Apple Notes as my resources.

Step 1: I opened up my rulebook in Apple Books or as a PDF file.

Step 2: Copy the section you want to use.

Step 3: Paste the section into Notes.

Step 4: To listen to your content, Select the section you want to hear.

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Step 5: Select ‘Speak’ Step 6: Listen.

It’s that simple.

Here’s more.

One of the things I do is create a note for each rule. This keeps it organized for me.

Some days I want to listen to Live Ball Dead Ball. I will select that one section and let it play while I’m driving.

EACH NOTE IS A SEPARATE RULE

With Apple, you can also adjust the rate of speech and the voice that outputs.

Open Apple ‘Settings’.

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Go to ‘Accessibility’.

Select ‘Spoken Content’.

Select ‘Voices’.

or Select ‘Speak Rate’.

Select your language.

It provides several options and tones for male and female voices. You have options to listen to your content in many languages. You also have many versions of the English language. You have English with a United States accent, Australian, India, Ireland, South African, and the UK. Hearing the message in the rulebook has been extremely helpful. Many times if I’m sittings down, I will close my eyes to listen to the rule. I took this process for granted for many years, but I find audio reading a practical learning tool.

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“But with all those things you still have to be given the opportunity and I got the opportunity and took advantage of it. I didn’t just put my little foot through the door, I kicked the damn thing over.”

- Violet Palmer 49

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