2020 Speakers

NCAA Softball Umpire Video Coordinator & NCAA D-I Softball Umpire

Marty Abezetian

Video Services & Training Coordinator, NCAA Softball Umpire Program; current NCAA Div. I softball and football official; umpired 2021 NCAA softball D-I Super Regionals and the 2016 D-II National Championship; National Pro Fastpitch umpire since 2011.

NCAA D-I Men’s Basketball Official

Pat Adams

Patrick D. Adams is an NCAA basketball official with 27 years of Division I experience. He currently serves as a men’s basketball official for the following conferences: Southeastern Conference (SEC), Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), Big XII Conference, American Athletic Conference (AAC), Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), Sunbelt Conference, Conference USA, Colonial and Atlantic Sun Conference.

Adams is a native of Baton Rouge, La., and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from Southern University in Baton Rouge, La. He later earned his Master of Education from Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, La.

After playing collegiate basketball for two years at the NAIA level, Adams started officiating intramural basketball during his time as a student at Southern University. This inspired him to join the Baton Rouge High School Association and learn the specialized skill of basketball officiating. In 1997, Adams was hired by the Southeastern Conference and has worked numerous conference tournaments, including several conference championship games. In 2000, he officiated his first NCAA tournament. To date, Adams has officiated 19 consecutive NCAA tournaments, 14 regionals and four final fours.

Adams is a member of NASO, Atlantic Coast Conference Basketball Official’s Association, Big XII Conference Basketball Official’s Association, former President and current member of the Southeastern Conference Basketball Official’s Association. In addition, he is a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., and works very closely with “Team Focus” non-profit organization.

Adams lives in Mobile, Ala., with his wife Carvine and daughter Ryleigh.

NCAA D-I Softball Umpire

Ron Alexander

Women’s College World Series Umpire; Division I Super Regional and Regional Umpire; SEC Conference Championship Umpire; SEC Conference Umpire 97-present; ASA/USA Softball Men’s Open Major National; ASA/USA Softball Women’s Class A National; United States Army, 1974 – 1995, Jag Corps, SFC, Retired.

NFL Referee

Brad Allen

NFL referee and crew chief since 2014; Referee 2018 AFC Divisional Game and 2017 NFC Wild Card Game; Alternate Official 2019 AFC Divisional Game, 2019 NFC Wild Card Game and 2016 NFC Wild Card Game; ACC official (2005-2014); worked 2014 Sugar Bowl, 2012 Rose Bowl, 2010 ACC Championship, 2009 Army-Navy Classic, 2009 International Bowl and 2007 Motor City Bowl; South Atlantic Conference (NCAA D-II) official (2000-2004) and referee for 2003 National Semifinal and alternate official for 2002 National Semifinal; North Carolina High School Athletic Association official (1991-2019) and officiated eight NCHSAA Championship games in football (1), basketball (3) and baseball (4); has conducted clinics for high school officials for 25 years; teacher/mentor clinician in numerous NCAA conferences; spoken and served as instructor at many officiating clinics; motivational speaker for past 15 years; first official in Super Bowl era to move directly from college to NFL as a referee/crew chief; became one of 21 Full-Time Game Officials (FTGO) in the NFL prior to the 2017 season and worked as a FTGO both years of the program.

Coordinator of Volleyball Officials, Big Ten and Big East Conferences

Marcia Alterman

An active NCAA Division I referee from 1985-2012, Alterman worked NCAA, NAIA, and NJCAA postseason events. She was PAVO Executive Director (1996-2016), and a Conference Coordinator for 22 years. She received the NASO Gold Whistle Award in 2015.

Professional Referee Organization (PRO) Manager of Video Review

Greg Barkey

PRO Manager of Video Review; Former PRO Manager of Assistant Referees; Former MLS Assistant Referee.

NCAA Softball D-I Umpire

Mike Bartling

NCAA Division 1 Umpire since 1998. PAC 10/12 Crew Chief. Has umpired 7 Women’s College World Series (2008, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2019). Former Supervisor of Officials for the ACCAC.

Co-Founder of the Next Level Collegiate Umpire Camp.

Sport Performance Coach at PRO

Tom Beckvermit

NCAA D-I Umpire and CCSUA Chairperson

John Bennett

John Bennett works softball for the NCAA, high school and travel ball, and is involved with training umpires at all levels. He worked the 2014 NCAA Division II National Championship and multiple other championship series and is the chairperson for education and training for the California Collegiate Softball Umpires Association (CCSUA).

PRO Head of Coaching, Education and Evaluation

Alan Black

Prior to moving to the US in 2015, Alan Black was a former professional soccer referee in the UK (2002 – 2013). He officiated domestically and internationally (in 40 different countries throughout Europe and further afield) as a UEFA/FIFA referee between 2007-2012.

After joining PRO in 2017 as a match assessor, Black was appointed Regional Development Officer in 2017, PRO Senior Referee Manager in 2018 and moved to the current position as Head of Coaching, Education and Evaluation at the beginning of 2019.

CFO Director of Instant Replay / FOX Sports Officiating Analyst

Dean Blandino

Former head of officiating for the XFL. He previously served as the NFL’s Vice President of Officiating from 2013 to 2017.

NFL Umpire

Fred Bryan

NFL umpire since 2009. Worked Super Bowl LIII. Prior to the NFL, was an official in the Big Ten Conference. Area director of Adult Services for Hennepin County Dept of Community Corrections. MSHSL State Football Clinician.

Big Ten Referee

Mike Cannon

Big Ten Conference referee. Has worked three national championship game assignments, including the 2018 CFP National Championship as referee. Serves as Executive Vice President for Citizens Bank & Trust Co. MSHSL State Football Clinician.

Coordinator of Football Officials B1G, MAC, MVC Conferences

Bill Carollo

Coordinator of football officials for the Collegiate Officiating Consortium-Football (COC) (includes the Big Ten, Mid-American and Missouri Valley Football conferences); prior to joining the COC he served in various management roles at IBM and Manpower for 35 years; former NFL official for 20 seasons before retiring in 2009; officiated eight NFL Championship games, two Super Bowls (XXX and XXXVII) and the 2008 Pro Bowl; former National Football League Referees Association board member and executive director; former Big Ten Conference football and basketball official (1980-88); former semi-pro baseball umpire; NASO treasurer and board member emeritus; Officiating Development Alliance member.

PAVO National Line Judge, NCAA D-I Official

Henry Chen

Henry Chen is a PAVO National Line Judge, USAV Junior National Official, PAVO State Referee, PAVO CAMP clinician and serves as a part of the National Rating Team for Line Judges. The year 2020 will mark the 28th year that he has line judged at the collegiate level. He has worked numerous postseason assignments in all levels including the D-III National Championship match in 2013 as well as the 2018 D-I National Semifinal match in Kansas City and 2019 D-I National Semifinal match in Minneapolis. He has been on the editorial team of the 2019 PAVO Line Judge video and the 2019 and 2020 PAVO Line Judge Manual. He is also a consulting member of the annual PAVO Line Judge Exam. He regularly conducts clinics and evaluates Line Judges for the Big Ten as well as locally for Michigan, Indiana, Illinois and Ohio. He currently officiates for the Big Ten, SEC, MVC, Big East, MAC and Conference USA. Chen is the Board Chair for Michigan’s Board of Volleyball Officials as well as the Referee Chair for the Lakeshore Region of USA Volleyball.

PRO Referee

Danielle Chesky

Danielle Chesky was nominated to the FIFA panel for 2020 and officiated her first international match as a FIFA official as part of the 2020 She Believes Cup, holding the whistle for Japan vs England. She has been part of the professional game since 2012. She currently resides in Arlington, Va.

NCAA D-I Volleyball Official

Wayne Clark

Wayne Clark brings an unquestionable love to the game of volleyball and a devotion to advancing the sport at all levels. A once avid coed adult doubles player before a knee injury ended his playing days, he found his niche in the game as a referee. Now, after 29 years of officiating all levels, including several state high school championships, he’s now a National USA official and scorer as well as served on the USA Volleyball National Rating Team. In addition, he’s a PAVO National rated collegiate referee where he officiates in several conferences, most notably the Atlantic Coast Conference. His greatest oncourt honor to date is serving at the NAIA national championship final as R2 and then R1 in back-to-back years, followed by serving as the head referee for the event in consecutive years as well.

Commissioner of the San Francisco Section of the CIF

Don Collins

California Interscholastic Federation (CIF), San Francisco Section commissioner; Member Information and Consultation Program, Referee, NASO and NASO Association Advantage contributor; longtime track and field, and basketball official; longtime lawyer; former NASO board member (2011-14); 2016 Mel Narol Medallion award recipient.

NCAA National Coordinator of Men’s Basketball Officiating

J.D. Collins

NCAA national coordinator of men’s basketball officiating; former coordinator of officials for the Mid-American Conference and Summit League; former consultant to the Big Ten Conference; former D-I official for nearly two decades, including two Final Fours.

Softball Umpire Coordinator: SEC, A-Sun, Sun Belt, ODAC, OVC

Christie Cornwell

Softball Umpire Coordinator for Southeastern, Atlantic Sun, Sun Belt and Old Dominion Conferences and Co-Coordinator of the Ohio Valley Conferences; NCAA umpire for 17 years; umpired three Women’s College World Series; member of the USA Softball of North Carolina Hall of Honor; Co-founder of Diamond Umpire Academy.

NBA Referee Development Performance Advisor

Joe Crawford

Currently Director of Referee Performance for the NBA, Crawford entered the NBA in 1977 at the age of 26; prior to joining the NBA, he officiated In the Eastern League (CBA) from1974-76; has officiated more than 2,500 regular season and 300-plus playoff and 50 NBA Finals games; assigned to the 1986, 1992 and 2000 NBA All-Star Games as well as the 1993 McDonald’s Championship in Munich, his playoff and NBA Finals totals are the most among active NBA officials. 2014 Gold Whistle recipient.

NCAA National Coordinator of Women’s Basketball Officiating

Penny Davis

NCAA National Coordinator of Women’s Basketball Officiating. Davis is a two-time NCAA Women’s Final Four official and her officiating career included stints in the WNBA and D-League. In 2009, she founded Referee School, a well-regarded summer training program for officials. She has served as the director of officials’ development for the Northwest Intercollegiate Basketball Officials Association for the past decade. Davis also established the StripeZone Officiating Web Service in 2000, one of the earliest officiating website services.

Special Advisor for the SEC

Bob Delaney

Delaney is currently Special Advisor for Officiating Development and Performance for the Southeastern Conference. He previously served as NBA Referee Operations Vice President and Director of Officials; prior to becoming vice president, Delaney was a Referee Development Advisor and the Crew Chief Development Advisor within the NBA officiating department; a former NBA official (1987-2011), having officiated more than 1,500 regular season games and 210 playoff games, including nine NBA Finals and the 1998 and 2011 NBA All-Star games. He is an NBA Cares Ambassador and has received the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Mannie Jackson Human Spirit Award; Armed Forces Foundation Leadership Award; President Obama’s Volunteer Service Award; U.S. Army Outstanding Civilian Service Medal; 2003 Gold Whistle Award; NCAA 2020 President Teddy Roosevelt Award; NASO Board Chair.

Olympic Umpire, USA Softball Southern California Commissioner

Christina Drumm

USA Softball, NFHS, NCAA and WBSC umpire; lone USA umpire selected to work the 2020 Tokyo OIympics; works multiple NCAA conferences including, the WAC, MWC, Big West, BIG 10 and PAC 12; five-time WCWS umpire; Commissioner of USA Softball of Southern California, and serves as Deputy Director of Umpires, USA Softball and Regional Coordinator North America, WBSC.

NCAA D-I Volleyball Official

Wade DuBois

Wade DuBois is a retired law enforcement officer who brings his training, police background and experience to our referee and official cadre.

Wade recently retired as a Lieutenant and Director of Training for the Hampden County Sheriff’s Department in Massachusetts. For over 20 years, outside of his broad-spectrum of police duties, Wade has experience working alongside an inmate population and has trained thousands of Sheriff’s deputies, police officers and supervisors in leadership, emergency reaction plans, disorder management, diversity and sensitivity training, and de-escalation techniques, which include how to effectively deal with difficult people.

Wade has refereed volleyball for over 30 years, is a PAVO and USAV National referee and is in his 11th year as the Board Chair of the Western New England Board of Volleyball Officials. He works in various Division I conferences, has worked numerous women’s and men’s postseason tournaments, including conference and NCAA championships.

NCAA D-I Softball Umpire

Paul Edds

Seven-time Women’s College World Series umpire; Premier Girls Softball Director of Officials; Co-founder of California Collegiate Softball Officials Association.

Video Analyst for PRO

Amy Edwards

Amy Edwards is a Video Analyst for PRO. She is a former college coach for 25 years — Tulsa, Notre Dame, Missouri, Fresno St., Gonzaga — and made two College Cup appearances with Notre Dame. She took part in the Olympic Festival in 1994 and is a member of the University of Tulsa Hall of Fame.

MLB Crew Chief and Secretary for UMPS CARE

Paul Emmel

MLB umpire since 1999; named a crew chief in 2017; umpired the 2013 World Series; umpired two World Baseball Classics (2009, 2013); umpired three League Championship Series, eight Division Series and two All-Star Games; serves as the secretary of UMPS CARE Charities.

Video Assistant Referee (VAR) for PRO

Jon Freemon

Sports Law Attorney

Alan Goldberger

Sports law attorney and recognized legal authority for game officials; author of “Sports Officiating: A Legal Guide”; Member Information and Consultation Program (MICP) representative; professional speaker; Referee and NASO writer and contributor; former NCAA D-I basketball official; former college baseball umpire; former high school football official.

SEC & ACC Baseball Umpire

Jeff Gosney

After spending 10 years (2006-2015) at the professional level and working parts of two seasons as an MLB call-up, Jeff Gosney transitioned to the Division-I collegiate level. In 2016, he joined the conference staff for the ACC, and then in 2018 joined the Southeastern Conference staff. He has worked two ACC Conference tournaments and has also been selected to work in the NCAA postseason since becoming eligible. Internationally, Gosney has worked the Venezuelan Winter League (2010-11), the Chinese National Games (2017) and most recently the Olympic qualifying Premier 12 in Taiwan and Japan (2019). He was also invited to serve as the umpire liaison to the NCAA Baseball Rules Committee for the 2021-22 rule change cycle.

NCAA D-I Softball Umpire

Robbie Guest

Robbie Guest is entering his 21st year in Division I softball.  He works the Southeastern, Atlantic Coast, Sun Belt, Atlantic Sun and Southern conferences and Conference USA. He has worked five D-I Regionals and three D-I Super Regionals. He has also worked two years of independent Minor League Baseball and has volunteered for more than 25 years in Little League Baseball and Softball, including umpiring the 2012 Little League Baseball World Series.

Host Communications Founder

Jim Host

Jim Host is an American businessman best known for founding Host Communications, a pioneering collegiate sports marketing and production services company that was acquired by IMG in 2007; sits on the National Advisory Board of the College of Communication and Information at the University of Kentucky; a member of 14 different business and sports halls of fame; In 2014, was the recipient of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame’s award for Outstanding Contribution to Amateur Football; in 2000, was named to the University of Kentucky Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame and in 2001 he was named the Kentuckian of the Year by the Chandler Foundation; has received a Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Chairman’s Cup Award and is a Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Life Trustee; served on the NASO board in 2002-03.

NCAA National Coordinator of Softball Umpires

Craig Hyde

NCAA National Coordinator of Softball Officials; has 45 years of softball and baseball umpiring experience including working the 2016 Women’s College World Series.

Referee; Collegiate Officiating Consortium/MAC

Curt Johnson

Referee in the Collegiate Officiating Consortium, primarily working as a referee in the Mid-American Conference. Worked the 2017 MAC Championship as referee, along with several other bowl game appearances. Also works as a high school basketball referee in Wisconsin.

Retired NFHS Executive Director

Bob Kanaby

Bob Kanaby was executive director of the NFHS from 1993-2010. During his tenure, he was known for promoting the education of high school coaches and his ongoing mission of protecting and promoting a positive education-based culture in high school sports. Kanaby was and remains a major advocate for citizenship issues being a major part of high school activity programs, starting the Citizenship Through Sports Alliance while at the NFHS. Prior to joining the NFHS, Kanaby was executive director of the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) for 13 years. During that time Kanaby was a frequent contributor to NFHS programs, including the development and implementation of the Walt Disney World National Dreamers and Doers program. He served three years as chairman of the program’s selection committee. Kanaby was the NASO 2018 Mel Narol Medallion award recipient and was inducted into the New Jersey City University Athletics Hall of Fame in 1987.

Former IAABO Executive Director

Tom Lopes

NASO Founder and President

Barry Mano

Referee chief strategy officer Referee magazine founder (1975) and publisher; National Association of Sports Officials founder (1980) and president; former 23-year basketball official, who worked nine seasons at the NCAAM D-I level; a renowned public speaker and media guest on issues important to the officiating industry; Officiating Development Alliance (ODA) and Officiating Commentators Alliance (OCA) member.

NCAA D-I Softball Umpire

Tom Meyer

NCAA umpire since 1990; worked the Women’s College World Series in 2019 and 2021; has worked a D-1 conference tournament 30 consecutive years; works the Atlantic Coast, Big Ten and Southeastern conferences; named an assistant coordinator of umpires for the Atlantic 10 Conference and the Colonial Athletic Association in 2020; co-founder of the Diamond Umpire Academy.

MSHSL Coordinator of Officials

Jason Nickleby

Minnesota State High School League coordinator of officials; responsible for the overall development and implementation of registration, training and mentorship programs for 6,300 officials serving over 525 member schools; NCAA D-I football official in the Big Ten Conference; NCAAM D-II and D-III basketball official; former physical education and adapted physical education teacher of 10 years.

NFHS Executive Director

Karissa Niehoff

In August 2018, Dr. Karissa Niehoff assumed the position of executive director of the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS). Previously she served as executive director of the Connecticut Association of Schools-Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference. Niehoff also served on the NFHS board, committees and task forces. She is actively involved in advocacy and policy development for education-based programs and athletics alongside colleagues from multiple stakeholder groups.

NASO Board Chair

Anita Ortega

Officiated the NCAAW basketball tournament 20+ times; 1978 UCLA women’s basketball national championship team member and inducted in UCLA Athletic Hall of Fame; retired Los Angeles Police Department commanding officer.

NFHS Director of Officiating Services, NASO Board Member

Dana Pappas

After 24 years with the New Mexico Activities Association, Dana Pappas has joined the staff of the NFHS as Director of Officiating Services. She served as the assistant to the New Mexico Officials Association from 1997-2004 and was promoted to the position of NMAA/NMOA Commissioner of Officials in 2004. She was promoted again to NMAA Deputy Director in 2012. She was on the Referee Magazine editorial Board from January 2010 to December 2012 and is a current NASO board member. The New Mexico Officials Association, under Dana’s direction, served as host of the 2014 NASO Summit in Albuquerque, NM. She has been a moderator and panelist at the NASO Summit on numerous occasions, a repeat presenter at the NFHS Summer Meeting and the keynote speaker for the Alabama State Officials Conference in 2016. She received the NFHS Citation for Officials in 2020.

NCAA D-I Softball Umpire

Erin Peterson

NCAA umpire for the PAC 12 and Big 10, USA Elite Umpire and WBSC certified umpire. Umpiring for 13 years; umpired two NCAA Women’s College World Series and a Junior Women’s World Championship.

Pac-12, MWC Coordinator of Women’s Volleyball Officials

Joan Powell

Pac-12 and Mountain West conference coordinator of women’s volleyball officiating; former NCAA national coordinator of volleyball officials; former Professional Association of Volleyball Officials president; team leader for the U.S. women’s national team competing at World Grand Prix and the Olympics in 2008; more than 20 years as a USA Volleyball national official, more than 30 years as a collegiate national official, and in sixth season as a high school official after taking a hiatus; has officiated numerous NCAA semifinal and final matches; former Coronado (Colo.) High School head volleyball coach; former NASO board member (2001-05 and 2011-15); Officiating Development Alliance member.

Associate Commissioner, CHSAA (Colorado)

Tom Robinson

Robinson is a longtime high school math teacher, basketball coach, college football official and referee, and college replay official. He is currently a replay official in the Replay Operations Center (ROC) of Big 12 Football Operations after 13 years as stadium replay official in the Mountain West and Big 12 Conferences. He served as the replay official for the 2017 National Championship, Alabama/Clemson.

PRO Dir. Strategic Initiatives & Innovation, NASO Board

Sandra Serafini

Serafini is a retired FIFA, men’s/women’s professional, and collegiate soccer referee, whose officiating brought her to multiple NCAA Final Fours and international events across North America, Europe, and Asia. She currently serves with the Professional Referee Organization (PRO) as the Director of Strategic Initiatives & Innovation. She is a National Referee-Coach for USSF and Elite Assessor for CONCACAF, and served as the Chairperson of the Board of Directors for the National Association of Sports Officials (NASO) in 2017. She also continues to serve within the Duke University Medical Center’s Department of Neurosurgery as an Adjunct Assistant Professor.

Southeastern Conference Commissioner

Greg Sankey

Greg Sankey became the eighth Commissioner of the Southeastern Conference on June 1, 2015, and immediately embarked on a journey to build upon the SEC’s recognized success, strong foundations and rich traditions.

Sankey first joined the SEC staff in 2002 as Associate Commissioner for Governance, Enforcement and Compliance. He was elevated to Executive Associate Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer for the league office in 2012, becoming responsible for the day-to-day operation of the SEC Office.

Prior to joining the SEC staff, Sankey was Commissioner of the Southland Conference for nearly seven years. He joined the Southland Conference staff in 1992 where he served as both assistant and associate commissioner before he was named commissioner in 1996 at the age of 31.
Prior to his term at the Southland Conference, he was Director of Compliance and Academic Services at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, LA. While at Northwestern State, Sankey also coached the Demons’ golf teams for two years, earning the Golf Coaches Association of America District VI Coach of the Year award in 1991. Before his tenure at Northwestern State, he was the Director of Intramural Sports at Utica College in upstate New York.

A native of Auburn, NY, Sankey earned his master’s degree from Syracuse University and his undergraduate degree from the State University of New York College at Cortland. Sankey and his wife, Cathy, reside in Birmingham, AL, and have two adult daughters, Hannah and Moriah.

American Specialty Insurance & Risk Services Inc. President

Drew Smith

American Specialty Insurance & Risk Services Inc. (Fort Wayne, Ind.) president, American Specialty has been NASO’s insurance provider since 2004; Drew joined American Specialty in May of 1997 as an account executive; American Specialty was NASO’s 2017 Mel Narol Medallion award recipient.

Referee, Collegiate Officiating Consortium/B1G

Reggie Smith

Referee in the Collegiate Officiating Consortium, primarily working as a referee in the Big Ten Conference. Previously served as a referee in the Big 12 conference and has officiated the Orange, Rose and Gator Bowls, in addition to the Big 12 and Mountain West championship games and numerous other bowl appearances. A three-sport official also having worked baseball and basketball.

Big Ten Football Official, NASO Board Member

Robert L. Smith Jr.

NCAA Big 10 football official for 19 years. He has officiated 11 NCAA Bowl games including the 2011 and 2014 BCS National Championship games. He has a total of 29 years as an official for college football and high school girls and boys basketball. Robert received the NFHS Officials Association Official of the Year for boys and girls basketball. He was inducted into the Iowa High School Athletic Association Officials Hall of Fame, and the Iowa Girls Coaches Association Basketball Officials Hall of Fame.

NCAA D-I Volleyball Official

Breanna Spain

Breanna Spain was born in Charleston, S.C., but grew up and spent most of her life playing volleyball in Virginia Beach, Va. She started playing in middle school and played competitively until her senior year of high school as a high school, USAV and beach volleyball player. She began officiating at the age of 14 years old. Her officiating career took off when she started college and began working as a USAV and PAVO/NCAA Volleyball official. She is currently a Junior National USA Volleyball official and State PAVO/NCAA official. She was accepted as a USA Volleyball National Candidate in 2020. She is a member of the following high school associations: Eastern Officials Association (VA), Central Virginia Volleyball Officials Association (VA), Winchester Volleyball Association (VA). She is a member of the Old Dominion Region (VA) for USAV and is a member of the following NCAA conferences: Southeastern Conference (Women’s D-I), Conference USA (Women’s D-I), Colonial Athletic Association (Women’s D-I), Big South Conference (Women’s D-I), Atlantic Sun Conference (Women’s D-I), Atlantic 10 Conference (Women’s D-I), Patriot League (Women’s D-I), Ivy League (Women’s D-I), Eastern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association (Men’s D-I), Central Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (Women’s D-II), Pennsylvania State Athletic Association (Women’s D-II), Great Midwest Athletic Conference (Men’s D-II), Continental Volleyball Conference (Men’s D-II), Old Dominion Athletic Conference (Women’s D-III), North Eastern Athletic Conference (Men’s D-III).

Retired NFL Line Judge

Mike Spanier

Retired as an NFL Line Judge at the conclusion of the 2019 season, after a 21-year career in the NFL. Also worked six years in the Big Ten conference, 16 years in the North Central Conference and as an MSHSL official. Retired high school administrator. MSHSL State Coordinator of Football Officiating.

WOA Executive Director

Todd Stordahl

Washington Officials Association (WOA) executive director; Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) production coordinator (1999 -2000); became officials’ coordinator in 2000; commissioner of WOA when it became independent of the WIAA in 2002; former high school basketball coach and basketball official (2001-08); certified athletic administrator; NASO board member.

PAVO Executive Coordinator

Rachael Rodriguez

USAV National Referee and International Scorer; PAVO National Referee and National Line Judge; Serves as the Executive Coordinator for the Professional Association of Volleyball Officials (PAVO); USAV Director of National Indoor Scorer Evaluation & Certification and the Texas Board of Volleyball Officials Assistant Director of Training & Evaluation; Works college volleyball for the American Athletic Conference, Conference USA, Southland Conference, Sun Belt Conference, Southeastern Conference (line judge only), Great American Conference and Lone Star Conference.

Director of LJ Training and Development for PAVO

Dan Swensen

Dan Swensen of Millcreek, Utah, was appointed as the first Director of Line Judge Training and Development for PAVO in April 2018. His first touch of a volleyball happened at 10 years of age when he lived in Brazil. Since then he played in high school, college (University of Utah) and outdoor. He is in his 22nd year as a line judge working in the PAC-12, Big Sky, WAC, Mountain West, WCC and MPSF. As a line judge he has worked multiple NCAA Division I Men’s and Women’s postseason assignments including four Final Four appearances and three National Championship matches (Men’s & Women’s). Besides being a PAVO National Line Judge, he also works as a PAVO official for the WAC and SWAC (NJCCA) and is a member of the Utah Board of Officials.

Referee Magazine Chief Operating Officer & Executive Editor

Bill Topp

Chief operating officer and executive editor at Referee Magazine; has worked for Referee and NASO since 1990; former high school and small college football and basketball official; former major college baseball umpire. Multiple state tournament and postseason collegiate assignments. Former high school conference commissioner and assigner. He is also a member of the Officiating Development Alliance.

MHSAA Executive Director

Mark Uyl

Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) Executive Director; former MHSAA Assistant Director responsible for officials program (2004-2018); NCAA D-I baseball umpire; umpired the 2014 and 2017 NCAA College World Series and the 2007 Pan American Games in Brazil; former NASO chair (2015) and board member (2011-15). Current ODA member.

PRO Referee

Rubiel Vazquez

Vazquez is a referee for Professional Referee Organization (PRO) and made his professional debut on 07/04/17 (Minnesota United vs Columbus Crew); Worked the NASL Championship in 2017; Named the Fourth Official of the MLS Cup in 2019; Named to the FIFA panel in 2020.

PRO Referee

Armando Villarreal

Armando Villarreal is a referee for PRO in March 2011. He was named a member of the FIFA panel (2015-present), and has worked the MLS Cup (2014), U.S. Open Cup Final (2014), Copa America Centenario (2016), USL Cup Final (2016) and CONCACAF Gold Cup (2019).

Senior Associate Commissioner of the MVC

Patty Viverito

NCAA, PAVO & USA Volleyball National Referee & Former PAVO President

Julie Voeck

Former President, Professional Association of Volleyball Officials (PAVO); NCAA, PAVO and USA Volleyball national referee; former NASO board member.

Big Ten, Big 12 Softball Umpire Coordinator & NCAA Super Regional Advisor

Sally Walker

Softball Umpire Coordinator Big Ten and Big 12 Conferences; Director Midwest Umpire Consortium; NCAA SUP Regional Advisor; NCAA Umpire 17 years; Four-time WCWS umpire (2002, 2003, 2006, 2009).

Sports Scientist for PRO

John Westbrooks

John Westbrooks is in his 5th season with Professional Referee Organization (PRO). He started with PRO while finishing his Master’s in Integrative Human Physiology at Central Washington University. He is currently pursuing his Professional Doctorate in Applied Sport and Exercise Science from the University of Liverpool John Moore’s. The aim of his project is defining a Successful Referee Performance and evaluating the characteristics of a successful referee.

First Secretary-Rules Editor for NCAAW

Marcy Weston

Marcy Weston is considered to be one of the leaders in the evolution of NCAA women’s basketball; served as the first NCAA Women’s Basketball Secretary-Rules Editor (1985-1998); served as the national coordinator of women’s basketball officiating for the NCAA (1986-2005); officiated two NCAA Women’s Final Fours, including the first NCAA Women’s Final Four in 1982 and again in 1984; inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame (2000); served as senior associate athletics director at Central Michigan University (1989-2015); recipient of the NASO Gold Whistle Award (2008); recipient of the NASO Mel Narol Medallion award (2006); inducted into the Mid-American Conference (MAC) Hall of Fame (2016); inducted into the Central Michigan Athletics Hall of Fame (2004); recipient the 2013 Naismith Women’s College Official of the Year award; member of the NASO board of directors from 1999-2003, serving as chair in her final year; founding member of the Officiating Development Alliance, a group of collegiate and professional officiating supervisors that shares best practices in officiating across various sports.

Coordinator of Women’s Basketball Officials for 9 D-I Conferences

Debbie Williamson

Retired NASO board chair. Retired NCAA National Coordinator of Women’s Basketball Officiating. Coordinator of women’s basketball officials for the Atlantic Coast, American Athletic, Atlantic 10, Big East, Big South, Colonial Athletic Association, Ivy League, Metro Atlantic Athletic and Southern conferences.

Commissioner of the Big East Conference

Val Ackerman

Commissioner of the Big East Conference; first president of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) from 1996-2005; worked for the NBA from 1988-96 as a staff attorney, special assistant to NBA commissioner and vice-president of business affairs; served as the first female president of USA Basketball from 2005-08; inducted into Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 2011.

Coordinator of Volleyball Officials, Big Ten and Big East Conferences

Marcia Alterman

An active NCAA Division I referee from 1985-2012, Alterman worked NCAA, NAIA, and NJCAA postseason events. She was PAVO Executive Director (1996-2016), and a Conference Coordinator for 22 years. She received the NASO Gold Whistle Award in 2015.

IHSA Executive Director

Craig Anderson

NFL Referee

Clete Blakeman

Clete Blakeman is a referee in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. Outside of his work as an NFL official, he is a partner in the law firm of Carlson & Burnett in Omaha, Nebraska.

Blakeman began his football officiating career in the Big 12 Conference, moving to the NFL in 2008 as a field judge for the first two seasons of his pro football officiating career, and subsequently refereeing for the 2010 NFL season.

Selected in 2013 as the alternate referee for Super Bowl XLVIII, Blakeman officiated Super Bowl 50 in 2016.

CFO Director of Instant Replay / FOX Sports Officiating Analyst

Dean Blandino

Former head of officiating for the XFL. He previously served as the NFL’s Vice President of Officiating from 2013 to 2017.

Retired NBA Senior VP, Replay and Referee Operations

Joe Borgia

Retired NBA senior vice president, replay and referee operations; former director of referee development and director of officiating programs and development; NBA referee from 1988-98; CBA referee from 1980-88; began his professional officiating career in 1978 at age 22, when he joined the staff of the New York Pro-Am league.

Youth soccer official

Ryan Blevins

Ryan was first certified as a soccer official in late February of 2016 and started working rec games at the field five minutes from his house. He was initially reluctant to center games because of doubt and concerns about parents, but was assured he had what it takes to do it. Soon, Ryan was centering U16-U19 select games and running the lines for the men’s league and even college club games at Eastern Washington University. Refereeing has opened doors to many opportunities in his life and put him in contact with people that he would not have otherwise met.

USA Softball Texas Umpire in Chief

James Brau

USA Softball Texas fast pitch Umpire in Chief (UIC); Has umpired over 10 USA Softball National Championships; Umpire coordinator for six USA Softball national championships; UIC for two USA national championships including the 2015 U10 Southern and 2016 U16 national championship.

Washington State HOF Volleyball Official

Cindy C-WIlson

Cindy has been officiating youth sports for more than 30 years, mostly volleyball with some experience in basketball and football. She has served as the Washington Officials Association representative for Seattle, WA for many years, including as Executive Board President. Cindy has been inducted into the WOA and WIAA Halls of Fame. Cindy has a master’s degree in Organization and Management with 20+ years of designing, developing, and conducting training in the private and public sector. Mother of two amazing daughters.

NFL Referee & NASO Board Member

Carl Cheffers

Began officiating in 1980 in Long Beach, CA working various levels of HS and college football. In 1995, he was honored to follow in his father’s footsteps by being appointed to the officiating staff of the Pac-10 where he worked for five seasons. He had the opportunity to work NFL Europe and eventually completed eight seasons there. Following the 1999 NCAA season, he was added to the roster of officials in the NFL as a side judge. Became a referee in 2008. Worked many NFL post-season assignments including Super Bowls LI between New England and Atlanta & LV between Kansas City and Tampa Bay.

Vice President of Officiating, PAC-12 Conference

David Coleman

David Coleman was named the vice president of officiating for the PAC-12 Conference in 2015. David is a former Division 1A and 1AA college football official. Previously, David was the director of officiating at the National Football League Headquarters in New York City. He was a line judge in the Mid-American Conference (MAC) and a referee in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC). He was an instant replay official (video operator) for the National Football League and was a member of the crew that worked Super Bowl XL in Detroit.

General Counsel to the KHSAA

Chad Collins

Kentucky High School Athletic Association (KHSAA) general counsel; National NISOA referee, having worked numerous NCAA D-I, D-II and D-III tournaments; USSF State soccer referee; referee instructor, assigner and assessor; former NFHS Soccer Rules Committee chair; KHSAA soccer rules interpreter; USSF state referee administrator in Kentucky.

Commissioner of the San Francisco Section of the CIF

Don Collins

California Interscholastic Federation (CIF), San Francisco Section commissioner; Member Information and Consultation Program, Referee, NASO and NASO Association Advantage contributor; longtime track and field, and basketball official; longtime lawyer; former NASO board member (2011-14); 2016 Mel Narol Medallion award recipient.

NCAA National Coordinator of Men’s Basketball Officiating

J.D. Collins

NCAA national coordinator of men’s basketball officiating; former coordinator of officials for the Mid-American Conference and Summit League; former consultant to the Big Ten Conference; former D-I official for nearly two decades, including two Final Fours.

Former National Coordinator of NCAAW

June Courteau

Former NCAA national coordinator of women’s basketball officiating; former Women’s Basketball Officiating Consortium assistant coordinator of technology and staff development; former NCAAW regional clinician; former NCAAW D-I basketball official for 45 years; former WNBA referee; officiated 12 NCAAW Final Fours, five NCAAW championship games, 13 WNBA Finals, two WNBA All-Star games and the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona; 2016 Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame inductee; 2013 WBCA Jostens-Berenson Lifetime Achievement Award recipient; Winona State University Warrior Hall of Fame member; 1998 Naismith Women’s College Basketball Official of the Year; 1988 Minnesota Girls and Women in Sports Award for Leadership and Support of Girls and Women’s Sports.

ESPN Football Rules Analyst

Dave Cutaia

ESPN football rules analyst; Arena Football League referee; Former Pac-12 coordinator of officials; retired Division I football official; officiated 2 BCS National Championship games and 2 Arena Bowls.

Former NFL Referee

Garth DeFelice

Garth DeFelice attended Patrick Henry High School, Mesa Jr. College (where he was a Jr College All American and Conference Defensive Player of the Year in 1973) and San Diego State University lettering in football at all three schools. He began his officiating career in 1981 joining the San Diego County Football Officials Association, working three varsity games his first season and being selected to work on a crew in his second. During his Prep career he worked several CIF playoff games and one Championship game in 1987.

DeFelice began officiating NCAA Division 2 and Jr College games in 1986. In 1988 he was selected to work Division 1 football in the Western Athletic Conference where he worked through the 1997 season receiving assignments to the 1997 Florida Citrus Bowl and 1998 Cotton Bowl.

He was selected to work the NFL Europe League in 1997 and did so through the 1999 season. In 1998 he was selected to work in the National Football League. During his sixteen seasons on the field in the NFL he was assigned sixteen playoff games including Super Bowl XL and the 2010 AFC Championship Game. For eight seasons he was assigned to work with every new NFL Referee; a

Special Advisor for the SEC

Bob Delaney

Delaney is currently Special Advisor for Officiating Development and Performance for the Southeastern Conference. He previously served as NBA Referee Operations Vice President and Director of Officials; prior to becoming vice president, Delaney was a Referee Development Advisor and the Crew Chief Development Advisor within the NBA officiating department; a former NBA official (1987-2011), having officiated more than 1,500 regular season games and 210 playoff games, including nine NBA Finals and the 1998 and 2011 NBA All-Star games. He is an NBA Cares Ambassador and has received the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Mannie Jackson Human Spirit Award; Armed Forces Foundation Leadership Award; President Obama’s Volunteer Service Award; U.S. Army Outstanding Civilian Service Medal; 2003 Gold Whistle Award; NCAA 2020 President Teddy Roosevelt Award; NASO Board Chair.

Director of MiLB Umpire Development

Dusty Dellinger

Minor League Baseball (MiLB) director of umpire development and the director of the MiLB Umpire Training Academy; joined MiLB in 2008 as a field evaluator and instructor before being named director in 2014; umpired 11 seasons in the International, Southern, Carolina, South Atlantic and New York-Penn leagues; during his five years at the Triple-A level was awarded two Arizona Fall League invites and worked parts of three seasons in the MLB; umpired two off seasons in the Puerto Rico Winter League and umpired the inaugural World Baseball Classic (2006).

Director of Career Planning for NHL Officials

Paul Devorski

Director of career planning for NHL officials; officiated in the NHL from 1989-2015; officiated more than 1500 regular season games, 197 Stanley Cup playoff and the winter Olympics in 2006 and 2010.

PAVO Director of Training Camps

Suzanne Dodd

As a PAVO and USA Volleyball National referee and a PAVO National line judge, Suzanne has worked conference, regional and national championships in both positions. She currently works in several NCAA Division I and II conferences. She holds a doctorate and master’s degree from Florida State University and currently is on faculty at Anderson University (South Carolina). Her two children are active volleyball players – one of them even aspires to be a volleyball official herself.

NFL Official

Scott Edwards

NFL official since 1999; worked multiple playoff games including Super Bowl 50 and Super Bowl 52.

IABBO Associate Executive Director

Donnie Eppley

Associate Executive Director for the International Association of Approved Basketball Officials (IAABO) & NCAAM D-I basketball official. High school and D-III college coordinator and assigner.

Louisiana Representative, NIAAA

Jeryl Fischtziur

A Certified Athletic Administrator (CAA is an NIAAA Certification), Fischtziur has served as an AD in Louisiana for over 30 years. He also serves as the NIAAA (National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association) Section 3 Louisiana Representative, and as NIAAA’s Professional Development Academy State Coordinator. He previously served on the NIAAA Conference Advisory Committee. He is a 25-year member of the Louisiana High School Athletic Directors Association (LHSADA), serving as President 2008-2010.

Vice President, LHSOA

John Fletcher

Fox 40 International Chairman and Founder

Ron Foxcroft

Fox 40 International chief executive officer and founder; chief executive officer and owner of one of North America’s largest trucking logistics companies; current Honorary Colonel of Argyll and Sutherland Army Regiment, appointed by the Prime Minister of Canada; Canadian Entrepreneur of the Decade by Profit magazine; former NCAA D-I and international men’s basketball official; officiated the 1976 Olympic Gold Medal championship basketball game; former NBA officials observer; inducted into several halls of fame; NASO Education Partner; former Officiating Development Alliance member; 2004 Mel Narol Medallion Award recipient; proud charter member of NASO and three-decade sponsor; 2016 NASO Gold Whistle Award recipient; NASO board special adviser. Ron was inducted into the Order of Canada in 2018, by the Governor General of Canada.

USAV and PAVO Referee and Scorer

Nancy Funk

USA Volleyball and Professional Association of Volleyball Officials (PAVO) national referee; USA Volleyball national scorer, PAVO certified scorer; KHSAA volleyball referee since 1988 and a KHSAA state championship official; NCAA D-I and D-II volleyball referee, officiates in six D-I conferences, including the Ohio Valley and Southern Intercollegiate Athletic conference championships and a NCAA tournament first and second round referee; USA Volleyball assistant commissioner and scorer chair of the pioneer region; KHSAA region 10 and 11 volleyball officials’ assigner; Mid-South Conference (NAIA) volleyball officials’ supervisors; former USA Volleyball director of scorekeeper certification and evaluation; former USA Volleyball rules commission member; former USA Volleyball National Indoor Scorers associate chair; USA Volleyball George J. Fisher Leader in Volleyball Award recipient; Edward P Lauten Scorekeeper Service Award recipient.

Louisiana High School Football Official

Chris Gambino

Chris Gambino was the linesman for a football game in Louisiana in October 2013 when he and his referee were arrested during the game. Gambino and his referee reached out to police to try to control the sideline from fans who were encroaching and were subsequently arrested and charged with public intimidation. The story made national headlines and the charges were eventually dropped.

Former MLB VP of Standards

Joe Garagiola

Currently serves as Special Advisor to Arizona Diamondbacks President and CEO Derrick Hall; former Vice President of Standards and On-Field Operations for Major League Baseball (2005-2011); former General Manager of the Diamondbacks (1997-2005); son of Joe Garagiola Sr., who played catcher for the St. Louis Cardinals and Pittsburgh Pirates in the 1940s and 1950s.

NFL Senior Vice President of Football Operations

David Gardi

Senior vice president of football operations; supervises various units of football operations, including game operations, on-field discipline and officiating – labor relations; serves as liaison to the NFL competition committee, player safety advisory panel, coaches subcommittee, general managers advisory committee and college relations subcommittee.

Sports Law Attorney

Alan Goldberger

Sports law attorney and recognized legal authority for game officials; author of “Sports Officiating: A Legal Guide”; Member Information and Consultation Program (MICP) representative; professional speaker; Referee and NASO writer and contributor; former NCAA D-I basketball official; former college baseball umpire; former high school football official.

Commissioner, RMAC

Chris Graham

Past President of LHSOA

Bryan Greenwood

Past president of the Louisiana High School Officials Association; college football official since 2004; works as a back judge in Great American and is a supplemental staff member to the Sun Belt and Southeastern conferences; owner & operations manager of Greenwood Custom Builders, Bastrop, La.

NHL Officiating Consultant

Terry Gregson

NHL officiating consultant (in the area of succession planning and international events); former NHL senior vice president and director of officials; former NHL referee (1979-2004); officiated eight Stanley Cup Finals and one All-Star game; officiated the 1982 World Championships, Helsinki, Finland; NHLOA executive board member for 20 years; 2012 Gold Whistle Award recipient; NASO board member.

Coordinator of Baseball Umpires for SEC, Sun Belt, ASUN & OVC

Paul Guillie

Coordinator of Umpires for the Southeastern, Sun Belt, Atlantic Sun and Ohio Valley Conference; 35-year Division I baseball umpire; 24-year SEC umpire; 19-time SEC Tournament umpire; Seven-year ACC umpire; Three-year Sun Belt Conference Umpire; Four-time NCAA D-I College World Series Umpire (2001, 2004, 2006, 2010); 15-time Super Regional umpire; 19-time Regional umpire.

NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Referee

John Higgins

Former THSBOA Executive Chairman

Eddie Hopkins

Former executive chairman for the Texas High School Basketball Officials Association; sports official for the past 41 years at high school and collegiate level; officiated numerous postseason assignments for both high school and collegiate level.

AHSAA Director of Officials

Mark Jones

Alabama High School Athletic Association director of officials; former high school basketball and football official, and baseball umpire for more than 30 years; former NCAAW basketball official for eight years; Jacksonville State University director of recreational sports for 23 years, having taught officiating classes for 28 years.

Women’s Division 1 Basketball Official

Dee Kantner

US Polo Association, Head Umpire Instructor

Steve Lane

Former VP of NFL Officiating Evaluation

Wayne Mackie

NFL Officiating Consultant, NASO Inspire Award Recipient

Jerry Markbreit

NFL consultant to officiating department; Collegiate Officiating Consortium-Football consultant; retired NFL referee; former NFLRA executive director; officiated Super Bowls XVII, XXI, XXVI and XXIX; 2007 NASO Gold Whistle Award recipient; former NASO board member (1991-95).

Coordinator of Women's Basketball Officials for Six D-I Conferences

Lisa Mattingly

Coordinator of Women’s Basketball Officials for the SEC, Sun Belt, SWAC, OVC, Southland, ASUN. Mattingly officiated 17 career NCAAW Final Fours including seven consecutive NCAAW championships from (2001-2007); former WNBA official (1997-2007), having officiated six WNBA Finals and two WNBA All-Star games; 2002 Naismith Women’s College Basketball Official of the Year winner.

NFL Replay Official

John Mcgrath

NFL replay official; former NFL official (2002-2016) having worked as a head linesman; had officiated in multiple NFL playoff games, including Super Bowl XLIV; 2002 Kentucky High School Officiating Hall of Fame inductee; former college football official; officiated 10 Bowl games; You Make the Call Transportation Inc. (Louisville, Ky.) co-owner.

NBA VP of Referee Development & Training

Monty McCutchen

NBA referee for more than 20 seasons; has officiated 1,242 regular season games and 127 playoff games; worked Game 3 of the 2014 NBA Finals, his 10th finals assignment; spent four seasons in the CBA, working playoffs all four years and the CBA Finals the last three years in the league.

NFL Official

Greg Meyer

Greg Meyer is entering his 19th year as an official for the National Football League. When he entered the league in 2002, Meyer started out as a field judge. The following year, he became a side judge. In 2016 he became a back judge. Meyer officiating Super Bowl XLIV in Miami. Outside the NFL, Meyer is a banker and lives in Fort Worth, Texas.

PAVO Executive Director

Katy Meyer

Professional Association of Volleyball Officials (PAVO) executive director; NCAA Beach Volleyball rules interpreter; head referee of the 2017 NCAA Beach Volleyball national championships; former USAV’s Beach Assembly Administrative Council chair and member, AVCA board of directors, USAV Arizona Region member and PAVO Arizona Board of Officials member.

USA Softball Deputy Director of Umpires

Steve Nelson

MSHSL Coordinator of Officials

Jason Nickleby

Minnesota State High School League coordinator of officials; responsible for the overall development and implementation of registration, training and mentorship programs for 6,300 officials serving over 525 member schools; NCAA D-I football official in the Big Ten Conference; NCAAM D-II and D-III basketball official; former physical education and adapted physical education teacher of 10 years.

US Lacrosse Sr Manager/ Officials Development

Charlie Obermayer

US Lacrosse senior manager, officials development; responsible for the overall development, implementation and management of US Lacrosse’s national initiatives towards recruitment, retention, training and leadership programs for US Lacrosse men’s and women’s officials, serving youth, scholastic, collegiate and international games; current NCAAM lacrosse official; Officiating Development Alliance member.

NASO Board Chair

Anita Ortega

Officiated the NCAAW basketball tournament 20+ times; 1978 UCLA women’s basketball national championship team member and inducted in UCLA Athletic Hall of Fame; retired Los Angeles Police Department commanding officer.

NFHS Director of Officiating Services, NASO Board Member

Dana Pappas

After 24 years with the New Mexico Activities Association, Dana Pappas has joined the staff of the NFHS as Director of Officiating Services. She served as the assistant to the New Mexico Officials Association from 1997-2004 and was promoted to the position of NMAA/NMOA Commissioner of Officials in 2004. She was promoted again to NMAA Deputy Director in 2012. She was on the Referee Magazine editorial Board from January 2010 to December 2012 and is a current NASO board member. The New Mexico Officials Association, under Dana’s direction, served as host of the 2014 NASO Summit in Albuquerque, NM. She has been a moderator and panelist at the NASO Summit on numerous occasions, a repeat presenter at the NFHS Summer Meeting and the keynote speaker for the Alabama State Officials Conference in 2016. She received the NFHS Citation for Officials in 2020.

NBA Replay Center Operations Principal

Jason Phillips

NBA referee for more than 15 seasons; officiated more than 950 regular season and 5 playoff games; worked four Finals games; worked six seasons in the CBA, including the 1999 CBA Finals; officiated three seasons in the WNBA and worked the 1999 WNBA Finals.

Pac-12, MWC Coordinator of Women’s Volleyball Officials

Joan Powell

Pac-12 and Mountain West conference coordinator of women’s volleyball officiating; former NCAA national coordinator of volleyball officials; former Professional Association of Volleyball Officials president; team leader for the U.S. women’s national team competing at World Grand Prix and the Olympics in 2008; more than 20 years as a USA Volleyball national official, more than 30 years as a collegiate national official, and in sixth season as a high school official after taking a hiatus; has officiated numerous NCAA semifinal and final matches; former Coronado (Colo.) High School head volleyball coach; former NASO board member (2001-05 and 2011-15); Officiating Development Alliance member.

Executive Director, AHSAA (Alabama)

Steve Savarese

Former MLB Umpire

Dale Scott

Dale Scott was an MLB Umpire for 32 years, 16 as Crew Chief. He worked three World Series, three All-Star games and over 90 postseason games.

PRO Dir. Strategic Initiatives & Innovation, NASO Board

Sandra Serafini

Serafini is a retired FIFA, men’s/women’s professional, and collegiate soccer referee, whose officiating brought her to multiple NCAA Final Fours and international events across North America, Europe, and Asia. She currently serves with the Professional Referee Organization (PRO) as the Director of Strategic Initiatives & Innovation. She is a National Referee-Coach for USSF and Elite Assessor for CONCACAF, and served as the Chairperson of the Board of Directors for the National Association of Sports Officials (NASO) in 2017. She also continues to serve within the Duke University Medical Center’s Department of Neurosurgery as an Adjunct Assistant Professor.

NHL Senior Officiating Manager

Rob Shick

Current Senior Officiating Manager for the National Hockey League; fomer NHL referee (1985-2009); refereed over 1,300 NHL regular season games, 130 playoff games and two Alll-Star games.

LHSOA Executive Committee, Assigner

Michael Silver

Former Executive Director of AIA (Arizona)

Harold Slemmer

Former Arizona Interscholastic Association (AIA) executive director; inaugural principal at Mountain Pointe High School in Phoenix; played Division I football at Arizona State where he played for legendary coach Frank Kush.

Retired GHSA Executive Director

Ralph Swearngin

Retired Georgia High School Association (GHSA) executive director; former NFHS Softball Rules Committee chair, NFHS Football Rules Committee member; National Christian College Athletic Association Hall of Fame member; former high school football official in Georgia and California for 22 years; former NCAA basketball and baseball coach; former NASO board member (2011-15); 2017 Gold Whistle Award recipient.

KHSAA (Kentucky) Commissioner

Julian Tackett

KHSAA Football Official

Brian Taylor

Kentucky High School Athletic Association (KHSAA) football official; officiated the 2016 KHSAA state championships; NAIA and NCAA D-II football official since 2011; 2016 KHSAA Outstanding Football Official of the Year finalist.

Former US Soccer Director Referee Programs

Vito Testa

Vito Testa Jr. is the former U.S. Soccer director of referee programs; USSF referee since 1990; became a national referee in 2001; before joining U.S. Soccer he managed his family’s indoor soccer facility in Akron, Ohio; a former high school and club soccer coach; he has a master’s of science in education from the University of Akron.

Intramural Official and Supervisor, Gonzaga

Rhian Thomas

Rhian has been officiating at Gonzaga University for two years. In this time, she has officiated every sport offered, including basketball, soccer, volleyball, softball, and flag football. Next year, she will use her experience in a new position as a supervisor for the intramural program.

Founder of the Positive Coaching Alliance

Jim Thompson

Referee Magazine Chief Operating Officer & Executive Editor

Bill Topp

Chief operating officer and executive editor at Referee Magazine; has worked for Referee and NASO since 1990; former high school and small college football and basketball official; former major college baseball umpire. Multiple state tournament and postseason collegiate assignments. Former high school conference commissioner and assigner. He is also a member of the Officiating Development Alliance.

Youth volleyball referee

Leah Topp

Leah completed USA Volleyball officiating certification in 2019 and officiated her first matches in March. She is a junior at Racine (Wis.) St. Catherine’s High School. Leah is a three-year letter winner and three-year starter in both volleyball and softball. She has earned all-conference and all-academic honors in both sports, and also serves as team captain.

NFL Referee

Ronald Torbert

NFL official since 2010 and became a referee in 2014; earned six postseason assignments; former NCAA football official; earned eight postseason playoff and bowl assignments; Vice President and general counsel for Barton Malow Company.

Former NFL Referee

Jeff Triplette

Jeff Triplette is a former NFL referee (No. 42) who retired in 2017; has officiated multiple NFL playoff games; retired colonel with the Army Reserve and North Carolina National Guard; former ArbiterSports chief executive officer; former NASO board member (2011-14).

High School Official, Michigan High School Athletic Association

Jackson Uyl

Multi-sport official for the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA).

MHSAA Executive Director

Mark Uyl

Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) Executive Director; former MHSAA Assistant Director responsible for officials program (2004-2018); NCAA D-I baseball umpire; umpired the 2014 and 2017 NCAA College World Series and the 2007 Pan American Games in Brazil; former NASO chair (2015) and board member (2011-15). Current ODA member.

NHL Director of Officiating Operations

Don Van Massenhoven

NCAA, PAVO & USA Volleyball National Referee & Former PAVO President

Julie Voeck

Former President, Professional Association of Volleyball Officials (PAVO); NCAA, PAVO and USA Volleyball national referee; former NASO board member.

IHSAA (Indiana) Assistant Commissioner

Sandra Walter

Sandra Walter joined the Indiana High School Athletic Association in June 2012 as an assistant commissioner, and administers the sports of boys and girls soccer, girls basketball and gymnastics. She also serves as the director of officials for the state office. Sandra spent 12 years at Lawrence Central High School in athletic administration. She is an active member of the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA) and Indiana Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (IIAAA; President 2006-07).

Former SEC Coordinator of NCAAM Officials

Mark Whitehead

Coordinator of Women’s Basketball Officials for 9 D-I Conferences

Debbie Williamson

Retired NASO board chair. Retired NCAA National Coordinator of Women’s Basketball Officiating. Coordinator of women’s basketball officials for the Atlantic Coast, American Athletic, Atlantic 10, Big East, Big South, Colonial Athletic Association, Ivy League, Metro Atlantic Athletic and Southern conferences.

Supervisor of MLB Umpires

Larry Young

Former MLB umpire, retired in 2007; current supervisor of MLB umpires; Chairman Emeritus for UMPS CARE Charities.

Vice President of Instant Replay, NFL

Russell Yurk

Russell is the vice president of instant replay for the National Football League. Before joining the league office in 2017, he worked seven seasons as an NFL replay official and replay assistant, and eleven years as a high school and college football official.

Referee, Collegiate Officiating Consortium/B1G

Reggie Smith

Referee in the Collegiate Officiating Consortium, primarily working as a referee in the Big Ten Conference. Previously served as a referee in the Big 12 conference and has officiated the Orange, Rose and Gator Bowls, in addition to the Big 12 and Mountain West championship games and numerous other bowl appearances. A three-sport official also having worked baseball and basketball.

NCAA D-I Men’s Basketball Referee

James Breeding

12 NCAAM Tournament selections, 8 Regional assignments and 2 Final Four appearances.

NFL Referee & NASO Board Member

Carl Cheffers

Began officiating in 1980 in Long Beach, CA working various levels of HS and college football. In 1995, he was honored to follow in his father’s footsteps by being appointed to the officiating staff of the Pac-10 where he worked for five seasons. He had the opportunity to work NFL Europe and eventually completed eight seasons there. Following the 1999 NCAA season, he was added to the roster of officials in the NFL as a side judge. Became a referee in 2008. Worked many NFL post-season assignments including Super Bowls LI between New England and Atlanta & LV between Kansas City and Tampa Bay.

Vice President of Officiating, PAC-12 Conference

David Coleman

David Coleman was named the vice president of officiating for the PAC-12 Conference in 2015. David is a former Division 1A and 1AA college football official. Previously, David was the director of officiating at the National Football League Headquarters in New York City. He was a line judge in the Mid-American Conference (MAC) and a referee in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC). He was an instant replay official (video operator) for the National Football League and was a member of the crew that worked Super Bowl XL in Detroit.

Retired NFL Referee

Walt Coleman

Walt Coleman began officiating high school football in 1974, joined the NFL in 1989, and became a referee in the league in 1995. He worked multiple playoff games, two NFL conference championship games during his 30-year NFL career, and was the alternative referee for three Super Bowls. He was an NCAA DI football official in the Southwest Conference. Coleman retired as an official from the NFL after working the pro bowl in 2019.

NFL Referee

Tony Corrente

NFL official since 1995; became a referee in 1998; Super Bowl XLI referee; six conference championship games including the 2015 contest; longtime educator and high school baseball coach for 18 years, including eight years as head coach. Former Coordinator of Football Officiating for the Pac-12 Conference (2011-2014).

HS and Collegiate Lacrosse Official

Gordon Corsetti

Gordon Corsetti is a lacrosse official who played for ten years before realizing he’d much rather ref than play the game. Originally from Atlanta, he now resides in Baltimore and officiates high school and collegiate lacrosse in the Mid-Atlantic region. He works intently at US Lacrosse creating resources for the development of youth and scholastic officials across the country, as well as writing about rules and officiating.

Former National Coordinator of NCAAW

June Courteau

Former NCAA national coordinator of women’s basketball officiating; former Women’s Basketball Officiating Consortium assistant coordinator of technology and staff development; former NCAAW regional clinician; former NCAAW D-I basketball official for 45 years; former WNBA referee; officiated 12 NCAAW Final Fours, five NCAAW championship games, 13 WNBA Finals, two WNBA All-Star games and the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona; 2016 Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame inductee; 2013 WBCA Jostens-Berenson Lifetime Achievement Award recipient; Winona State University Warrior Hall of Fame member; 1998 Naismith Women’s College Basketball Official of the Year; 1988 Minnesota Girls and Women in Sports Award for Leadership and Support of Girls and Women’s Sports.

Special Advisor for the SEC

Bob Delaney

Delaney is currently Special Advisor for Officiating Development and Performance for the Southeastern Conference. He previously served as NBA Referee Operations Vice President and Director of Officials; prior to becoming vice president, Delaney was a Referee Development Advisor and the Crew Chief Development Advisor within the NBA officiating department; a former NBA official (1987-2011), having officiated more than 1,500 regular season games and 210 playoff games, including nine NBA Finals and the 1998 and 2011 NBA All-Star games. He is an NBA Cares Ambassador and has received the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Mannie Jackson Human Spirit Award; Armed Forces Foundation Leadership Award; President Obama’s Volunteer Service Award; U.S. Army Outstanding Civilian Service Medal; 2003 Gold Whistle Award; NCAA 2020 President Teddy Roosevelt Award; NASO Board Chair.

NHL Officiating Consultant

Terry Gregson

NHL officiating consultant (in the area of succession planning and international events); former NHL senior vice president and director of officials; former NHL referee (1979-2004); officiated eight Stanley Cup Finals and one All-Star game; officiated the 1982 World Championships, Helsinki, Finland; NHLOA executive board member for 20 years; 2012 Gold Whistle Award recipient; NASO board member.

NCAA D-I Women’s Basketball Official

Lisa Jones

Lisa has officiated women’s Division I college basketball for 19 years, including nine Final Fours. She officiated in what was then the D League for three years, and the WNBA for five years.

LHSOA Charter Executive Board Member

James Radcliffe

A California native and college-educated in Iowa, Radcliffe has 25+ years of experience as a High School Football Official. He has 15 years of experience as an NCAA Softball Umpire and worked the LHSAA State Softball Tournament UIC 6 years. Jim is also an LHSOA Charter executive board member.

USA Volleyball Director of Officials

Pati Rolf

Director of Officials for USA Volleyball and longtime top-level international volleyball referee.

NFL Official

Jeff Seeman

NFL official (No. 45) since 2002, having worked exclusively as a line judge; has officiated multiple NFL playoff games, including two Super Bowls (LI and XLIV) and one conference championship game; former high school (nine years), college (10 years), Arena league (five years) and NFL Europe (four years) football official.