In celebration of the recent “month of black history” in the United States, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield paid tribute to the shocking contributions of black referees in basketball. Its sponsorship supports the renowned training program of the International Association of Basketball Referees approved (International Association of Approved Basketball Officials – Iaabo) for emerging game referees.
By recognizing the vital role that these referees play, the Anthem initiative not only highlights historical achievements, but also encourages the next generation of talents, reinforcing diversity and excellence in sports arbitration.
Such is the case of Gerald Thomas, a successful graduate referee of the leading training program in the Iaabo industry, which is sponsored in part by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield.
Thomas arbitrated the Basketball playoff match of the PSAL of New York between Leaders in Our Neighborhood (Lion) Charter School and Harlem Village Academy, game developed on February 25 at the Hyde Leadership Charter School gym located at Bronx.
This story drives and inspires other people interested in following a similar path in sports arbitration. Registration information for IAABO training is currently available in https://iaabou.org/.
Court Vision campaign
During the “Black History Month”, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield celebrated the pioneering achievements of the black referees in the National Basketball Association (NBA) while promoting a unique initiative aimed at shaping the future of basketball arbitration.
Through its support for Iaabo, leader in education and training on basketball rules since 1921, Anthem is promoting professional development and personal growth in sports.
The IAABO training program creates multiple paths for people passionate about basketball arbitration, allowing them to become certified referees.
It provides them with skills and knowledge to arbitrate at all levels of sport, from youth leagues to the professional field. Iaabo support is aligned with Anthem’s commitment to support the communities of all New York districts.
“Anthem is proud to honor the contributions of the black referees who have raised the basketball game and inspired innumerable people to follow careers in arbitration,” said Dr. Mark Levy, president and executive director of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield.
«Our support for the IAABO certification program reflects our belief that professional development opportunities are a key aspect of community support. Together, we celebrate the legacy of these pioneers while we pave the way for many New Yorkers to have a future in the arbitration of basketball, ”he emphasizes.
The IAABO program, recognized by its innovative courses on rules and mechanics, offers:
– Comprehensive training on rules, regulations and game management.
– Practical experience through tutorials and arbitration assignments.
– Professional development opportunities to arbitrate at youth levels, secondary school, university and professionals.
When supporting this initiative, Anthem helps create paths towards success for people who would otherwise have access to such opportunities.
Celebrating the pioneers
As part of his commitment to honor the past, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield highlights the black referees of the NBA who broke barriers and contributed to the rich history of the game. These profiles serve as inspiration for the applicants for referees, showing the impact and leadership of pioneers as:
– Read Jones He served as NBA referee for 25 seasons, from 1971 to 1996, arbitrating 1749 regular seasonal games and 71 playoff games.
– Violet Palmer He made history as the first African -American referee in the NBA.
– Tony Brothers With more than 30 years of experience, more than 1800 regular seasonal games and 200 playoff games, including 17 NBA finals.
– Hugh Evans He was a referee from 1972 to 2001 and worked in almost 2000 regular season games and 35 NBA finals.
– Simone Jelks He became a full -time referee of the NBA in 2020. Before joining the NBA, he played university basketball at the University of Southern California and was a referee at the university level.
– Marc Davis, Graduated from the university Howard, has been an outstanding NBA referee, known for its professionalism and its contributions to the game.
– Danielle Scott She was promoted to the full -time referee of the NBA in 2021. She was a referee in the “NBA G League” with extensive experience in university arbitration.
«Basketball arbitration is more than a job: it is an opportunity to lead, inspire and be part of something bigger. It is a change of life, literally, for many, ”commented the president of Board 42 (iaabo Board 42), Bernard Bowen Mr.” with the support of Anthem, we can expand our scope and make this race accessible to more people who really feel passion for the game. “
People interested in becoming basketball referees can take the first step to obtain their certification visiting iaabo.org For more information.
