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Profiles and stories about officials and people close to officiating.

Going to War with Joe Crawford

NBA fans’ character sketch of Joe Crawford has been drawn in indelible ink. They long ago dismissed him as that referee with a centimeter...

5 Minutes With Gerry Davis

Residence: Huntington Beach, Calif. Occupation: MLB umpire; owns Gerry Davis Sports, which sells officiating equipment and attire. Experience: MLB umpire since 1982; worked MLB World Series...

Soldier on After Tragedy

Ten-year-old Chris Stover wanted to be a soccer official, but the rules said he had to be 11. The assigner “felt sorry for him...

Roger Ayers: Trials By Fire

With flames raging beyond a door he emotionally prepared to enter with his partner, Roger Ayers tightened his hands around the fire hose that was about to be activated...

5 Minutes with Karen Preato

Hometown: Greensboro, N.C. Experience: Started officiating at the college level in 1998 and entered the D-I ranks in 2003. Currently works in the Atlantic 10, Atlantic...

Michael Stephens: His “Rhode” Through Providence

When you talk to people who know Michael Stephens well, they’ll tell you he learned at the feet of the masters — from big-time Division I college basketball officials...

John Wooden: An Interview

You might wonder why a magazine for sports officials interviewed a coach, even one as legendary as John Wooden. Through our decades of experience,...

Frank DeFord, Longtime Supporter of Sports Officials, Dies At 78

We at Referee magazine and the National Association of Sports Officials are much saddened by the passing of Frank DeFord. Frank received accolades, honors...