Issuu

AN OFFICIALS PERSPECTIVE July 2021

On the Cover

July 2021

What’s inside

What the Tuck? An interview with Mike Horrey Creator of NEATTUCKS

Juneteenth through July 4th

In The Beginning, There was Camp

Prep For The Season

Creating A Level Playing Field

27 5

Travel Eating Habits

Top 5 Mental Wellness Podcasts

Comics & More Comics

Also on pages 15, 20, 22, 23, 27, 33, 36,37,

Issue 5

July 2021 Staff

Kevin Sparrrock

Art Director

Kevin Sparrock

Photography & Illustrations Editorial Contributing Asha P. Sparrock 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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An interview with Mike Horrey Creator of NEATTUCKS By Kevin Sparrock

I am blessed to call Mike Horrey, the inventor of NEATTUCKS, a friend. I met him in camp back in 2008, and he was a year or two into his officiating journey. At the time, I just broke into college basketball ranks, and I was asked to evaluate his on-court performance. Like most hungry young officials who start officiating, Mike would receive instruction and then respond. Sometimes his response came in the form of a question, and other times it came as a statement. Some people would refer to him as a “Yeah but” man. He’s that referee that might annoy some observers with a response instead of just being quiet and listening. Being a creator myself, that type of interaction doesn’t bother me. He wanted to know the ‘Why’ in what we did. His drive to find the ‘why’ led him to create the shirt stay suspenders system called NEATTUCKS. His product is a game-changer for our community. It is the only product that you can wear with pants or shorts. His NEATTUCKS product connected to your officiating jersey, and you looked neat. It kept your shirt tucked in without bulge or wrinkle. It’s excellent for officials in all sports: basketball, baseball, football, and soccer. NEATTUCKS isn’t just for referees. Law enforcement and the military need this product. We connected via zoom call to discuss the creative process, his business, and his officiating journey.

Kevin Sparrock: Where did this all begin? What’s your truth? How did you start, and at what level? Mike Horrey: My truth? I became interested in officiating from my friend, who played in the NBA Summer League. He put the bug in his ear. He started refereeing high school his first year, and I just tagged along everywhere with him. He said I might like it. I spoke to my grandfather, who’s influential in my life, and I mentioned it to him, and he was like, you have to go for it. At the time, he was sick. My grandfather, Eugene Johnson, said this would be perfect for you. You are in shape. You love the game; you can still be in the game. You’ll be fair. You’ll be good, and I said let me go for it.

I brought it down to three words ’Keep Uniforms Tucked’! 9

Juneteenth through July 4th By Asha Pearl Sparrock

Not

simply a holiday, nor a moment in history. Akin to the patriotism displayed by Americans on Independence Day, Juneteenth is a celebration for black

Americans. Although the day has passed, it’s important to remember how monumental it is. We don’t simply support black businesses one day. We don’t donate to causes because it’s trending. On the 4th of July, we don’t shift gears and continue to celebrate as if we”ve become uninformed. As a black woman, when asked what Juneteenth means to me, I’d have to sum it up in one word: thankful. I am thankful for my ancestors enduring for hundreds of years in a world that refused to see them as equals. Fighting for decades for a chance to be heard and viewed as a person and not an object. While there is plenty more work to be put in to change our system to benefit all equally, we are leagues away from what we once were. We saw a gap in policy for our black and brown communities. We commit to raising money for the African American Policy Forum (AAPF). This organization connects academics and activists utilizing new ideas and innovative perspectives to transform public discourse and policy. In addition to volunteering, you can support the AAPF by donating to their projects, such as the #SAYHERNAME campaign. This Juneteenth, take a moment to reflect on what this day means to you and your community. Support black businesses, organizations, and friends. Not only on Juneteenth but year-round.

In The Beginning, There was Camp By Kevin Sparrock

The

first camp I attended was SUBOA’s (Sports United Benevolent Officials Association) three-person camp at Riverside Park in Harlem, New York City. It was a hot and humid summer two-day weekend in June. My first year of officiating basketball, and I was given a scholarship to attend. The scholarship covered 100% of what would have been a $150 entry fee. My only concern was travel expenses. At the time, I lived in New Jersey, so I had to pay for gas, tolls, and parking. So, I thought. The thing I remember most about that weekend was my car being towed. When I arrived at the site on the first day, I made the mistake of parking at a fire hydrant. I was unaware of where I had to go, so I jumped out to make a quick phone call at a corner payphone. I was thankful I turned around in time to catch the tow truck driver before he sped away with my car that had my referee uniform and bag in the backseat. I couldn’t imagine arriving at my first camp and having to explain that my car was towed with all my belongings and unable to work the assigned games. It was demoralizing enough that the fee to get my car out of the tow yard cost more than the camp itself. So much for that free camp. I never told the camp director about my vehicle being towed. What was important to me was being on time. I arrived with an hour to spare, so I didn’t have to worry about being embarrassed about my tardiness.

Camp Lesson 1: Plan your travel, then double-check your trip. Once you double-check your trip, recheck it.

The camp began with two hours of classroom sessions. It wasn’t usual to learn

Creating A Level Playing Field By Chuck Vasser

When

I was a rookie referee, one of my first assignments was a 10 and under game at a local Boys and Girls Club. I made a foul call and got the usual groans and gripes. At the Throw in spot, one particularly vocal fan said some really inappropriate things. I ignored the comments and handed the ball to the thrower who stepped onto the court. I called a violation immediately. The same rude voice that had made the previous comment said. “Great call, Ref. You’re doing a wonderful job”. Wow. Welcome to the world of a basketball referee. I’m still telling that story 25 years later because what I learned, in that moment was, get the call right and be comfortable with yourself. There are two sides to being a referee. The first is knowledge of the rules coupled with when, how and why you apply them. The other side falls under Game Management. Game Management is a bigger than we realize because the game is us and we are the game. All of the real action belongs to the players, and some of the more knowledgeable and animated coaches, but the game is always directly affected by the officials. It starts with the pregame. Are you and your partner on the same page. What are you looking for today? Is there anything in particular you should be aware of? Did you have a good breakfast? What? Where did that come from? If you are you looking to officiate the best game you can today that may be an important question? What else is on your mind? We are often told our best games are when we are invisible. Referees are never invisible but our work is often so subtle, you didn’t remember we were there. Our work fits in seamlessly with the game’s fabric. Tough game, top opponents, championship on the line, a referee’s call may help or kill a rally, but if it’s the right call, you’ve done your job. When you walk into the gym, your the REFEREE. Nothing more and nothing less, and your job is to adjudicate the game fairly and honestly. That’s often called “creating a level playing field”. That’s what you signed on to do. I’ve done high school boys, girls, private, catholic and just about every adult, corporate and urban tournament in NYC at one time or another. I’ve done solo games where I’ve kept the score and the clock. For a good official, there is very little difference. Sure the mechanics,

the positioning and the rules are different. Salaries are different and the stakes may be bigger, but the immutable fact is getting it right. Sure, you can approach the game as a hard ass or you can be the guy that likes to explain. What wins the day every time is letting your whistle do the talking. Recently, I saw a referee call a technical foul on a player after the game was over and lost by a large margin. The comment made by the player was made to the referee and not heard by anyone else. The referee felt it was important to send a message. What message do you think he was sending? What message do you think the player/losing team/coach got? What message are you sending when you officiate a game. Charles Vasser: Chuck lives and works in New York City. He began officiating in 1997, trained by NYSUBOA and Charles LLoyd. He ran a Beginner Basketball Program for 6-12 year olds and coached a 10 and Under Travel Program for NYC largest Boys and Girls Club for 12 years. He jokes about his Killer B’s competing and winning against many top teams because he instilled in them a “Referee’s knowledge of the game”. His teams usually committed fewer fouls and turnovers and executed plays better than the “other guys”. Chuck is currently the IAABO Board 42 Interpreter and runs the Referee New Applicant Program for IAABO BD. 42 and NYSUBOA.

See more from Chuck @ communitygreen.wordpress.com

Top 5 Mental Wellness Podcasts By Asha Pearl Sparrock As Mental Health Awareness Month comes to an end, it’s important for us to stay up to date on the resources available to us. There are a number of approaches on how we cope with anxiety, depression, grief, etc. While consulting therapists and psychiatrists are often considered the traditional approach, sharing stories and hearing others relate to our struggles can be equally as helpful. We’re aware that there are many types of learners. While some are visual or hands-on, others are auditory. Podcasts are especially valuable resources for auditory learners who wish to hear about mental health awareness. Whether driving to the office or traveling to a game, these podcasts are easy to listen to and equally as entertaining on your journey.

The Friend Zone Heyfranhey, Dustin, Assante Your podcast for everything “mental health, mental wellness, and mental hygiene; because who in the hell wants a musty brain.” A personal favorite of mine, this podcast explores subjects from inner monologues to stepping into the “crime zone.” The occasional “shoot the shit” episodes that consist of no hot button and no segments, still bring a sense of warmth and always offer something to think about for the rest of your week.

Small Doses Amanda Seales With a book of the same name, the Insecure star brings “potent truths for everyday use.” With star-studded guests exploring topics from art appreciation to how music influences the internet which in turn influences how we act. If you follow Seales on Instagram, @amadaseales, and have ever seen any of her videos on IGTV, that’s a taste of what you’re in for.