Summer, to me, has always been close by the shores of Long Beach, NY, with a good book in hand. I hope to share those books
and make a few of my own.
Summer 2019 has been dedicated to both. The latter of course is me creating in real time: The 22 Rules of Refereeing, on top of others I have brewing in my mind. And so, I’ll call this #Refereads: anything and everything that can help you as an official.
First up:
Throw the Ball High: My Life and Time as a College Basketball Referee with ironically someone who shares my name, Ralph Wimbish.
I never met Mickey personally, but I know he was a pioneer in the game, specifically has so many roots in my home of Nassau County, on Long Island. The book goes through his journey from growing up in East Elmhurst, the Centereach our on LI. What stood out is the way I could tell that he was a gregarious person that uses his gift of gab, and his communication skills to be able to ease any tension between himself as a ref towards the coaches and players. He has a real knack for knowing what to say at the right time and choosing the right play of call depending on the situation on the court.
I regret not meeting him, but I have been fortunate to speak to many of his pupils he has left behind. The book was a celebration of his life, as well as his accomplishments as a referee.
My favorite parts of it is that he was able to do many high profile games; including numerous NIT Championships that he can’t even remember who played who – but he remembers he always officiated them at Madison Square Garden.
The other part that made me think and pause were his traveling exploits that damn near took him around the globe. He was able to officiate in Puerto Rico for many summers and Alaska, among many other spots.
I aspire to be half the official Mickey Crowley book.
“Don’t blow the whistle if you can’t explain what you saw.”
– Mickey Crowley
Mickey’s 20 Commandments for Referees:
1. Though shalt get and remain in good shape all year.
2. Thou shalt not have an attitude.
3. Thou shalt treat the coaches, players, etc., with respect.
4. Thou shalt take care of business, if No. 3 is not reciprocal.
5. Thou shalt arrive at game site at least one and half hours before game time and check in with game management.
6. Thou shalt dress properly arriving at game site (suit jacket).
7. Thou shalt look neat and clean when officiating.
8. Thou shalt contact me right after the game if something unusual has happened.
9. Thou shalt not get involved with spectators.
10. Thou shalt not talk about fellow officials, coaches, schools, etc.
11. Thou shalt not call anything that takes more than 30 seconds to explain.
12. Thou shalt officiate smart and remain out of trouble.
13. Thou shalt know the rules of the game.
14. Thou shalt use the proper mechanics.
15. Thou shalt contact me right away when it appears there is a travel problem.
16. Thou shalt work as a crew.
17. Thou shalt keep availability up to date during the season.
18. Thou shalt not make any statements to the media without my permission (A rule can be quoted).
19. Thou shalt do whatever it takes to get it right.
20. Thou shalt remain on the staff when all the above is done.
Mickey Crowley. 1934-2019
Until Tomorrow.