Patty Broderick Says: “Recruit Graduating Players”
Caught up with Patty Broderick, who is Coordinator for the Women’s Basketball Collegiate Officiating Consortium, which trains & assigns WBB officials nationwide, Her staff at the Chicago Nike TOC was in continuous motion, observing, evaluating, and coaching 96 current certified officials who paid out-of-pocket for this clinic. The final exam, in part, was spent officiating games in NIKE EYBL playoffs. Likely, only 3-to-6 of the 96 would earn an endorsement to move higher in NCAA basketball ratings. Several “trainees” claimed the honest analysis alone made them better, thru improved on-court mechanics & habits. Year-round clinics and testing keeps ref’s fit, sharp,and confident.
Asked about the shortage of officials, Broderick’s advice was: “Recruit graduating players.”
Why do it? Hardwood playing careers are too short – stay in the game you love. WBB official’s fees in major college games go above $2,000/game, per ref. Tough life with travel, benefits, promotions, tax writeoffs, and the ever-present appreciation from players, fans, and coaches.
Start with vounteering at the local age-group leagues, YWCA, or middle schools – become HS certified and use their training clinics. Learn and grow, just like your college days. Pair up with a BFF. When off-court, ask officials about their experiences – it’s a facinating sub-culture within the best game around.
The game needs you.