What’s the Difference?
If you are going to work hard at something for decades, it probably makes some sense to wonder if all that work has made some difference. A difference to the people who you intended to serve and service. In our case, here at Referee (REI) and the National Association of Sports Officials (NASO), that audience would be sports officials and those who employ, assign and rely upon their services.
We began this support trek in the middle of 1975, with the first issue of Referee being published in January 1976. Four years later, we launched NASO.
The magazine will be 50 years old in 2026 and NASO will be 46. Wow!
Anyway, have we made a difference? When I am asked that question, here is my bullet-point reply — not listed in any particular order, with the exception of the first two points. (And, allow me to boast just a little!)
1. We are approaching publication of our 600th issue. ‘Nuf said.
2. NASO now has more than 32,000 dues-paying members.
3. Both organizations have been instrumental in helping 23 state legislatures enact legislation bringing critical protections to officials.
4. In partnership with the NFHS, we produce educational materials for officials in 15 different sports.
5. We are now in partnership with 48 of the 51 state high school associations, producing publications in support of officiating knowledge and practice.
6. All NFL officials are members of NASO – and have been for more than 20 years — through the NFLRA’s group program.
7. The officiating assignments for the first year of the 12-team College Football Playoff (CFP) were all covered by officials who are members of NASO.
8. Seventy percent of the officials who worked the 2024 NCAA Final Four in basketball (men’s and women’s) were NASO members.
9. NASO’s Gold Whistle Award, presented for shining a positive light on officiating, remains the preeminent award in our industry.
10. The best-known TV rules analysts being showcased today are/have been members of NASO.
11. In partnership with the Collegiate Commissioners Association, REI designed, edited, illustrated and built CCA’s officiating manuals.
12. We created the Officiating Development Alliance (ODA) in 1998. It is a by-invite-only group of officiating leaders (coordinators, VPs, supervisors, etc.) who meet privately twice each year.
13. We have been full-on duty providing literally thousands of TV/web/ radio/newspaper interviews, asking us for insights into officiating or into particular situations that had occurred during a game. Phew!
14. We have served as the de facto “go-to” organizations when an official feels a need to send up an SOS flare. We have done that for any official who has come to us – member, reader or not.
15. NASO/REI MICP: Member Information & Consultation Program. Through this program, our team has provided legal, administrative, operational, insurance and even personal support to officials.
16. We have conducted national officiating surveys – the most widely cited and respected such surveys in the world. More than 36,000 officials participated in our most recent one.
17. The NASO Association Advantage program is the premier program providing support and protection for local officials associations.
18. And finally, the annual Sports Officiating Summit. The Summit, presented by NASO, has become the industry event of the year. Last year in Atlanta, the Summit was supported by 100 organizations and companies.
That is called: “Making a difference!”
Referee Magazine Publisher, Barry Mano’s latest Publisher’s Memo. Found in the April, 2025 issue of Referee. For more information or to subscribe to Referee magazine, visit www.referee.com.
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