The IrREFutable Magazine 5 July 2021

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. NEAT- TUCKS 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.

Go to The Irrefutable magazine to read more.

Creating A Level Playing Field

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.

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