The Road To Varsity: My Goal Achieved, It's Time To Take My Game To The Next Level, Too

Submitted by Barbara Bleiweis on Tue, 12/09/2014 - 14:54. | comments

In early November, I received the email I’ve been waiting ten years for: “You have new games”, read the subject line--- and when I logged into the officials’ website— I received my first high school VARSITY assignments!! I could barely contain my excitement, but being superstitious, I refrained from blogging about it before now so as not to jinx myself. Now, with several games behind me, I can tell the world: I'm no longer on the road to varsity; I have finally arrived at my destination!

A long-time basketball official achieves her goal of working high school varsity games but realizes, six games into the season, that she has to up her game as well.

Barbara Bleiweis

The Road to Varsity: Learning About 'Dead Ball' Officiating A Sign That Goal Is In Sight

Submitted by Barbara Bleiweis on Sun, 07/06/2014 - 15:04. | comments

I have just completed my annual summer mini-thon of two consecutive weekends of basketball officiating camp, one at UNC Charlotte, the other at Liberty University.

A 10-year veteran of high school basketball officiating talks about focusing at summer officiating camp about the subtle "dead ball" aspects of her game, a sign that she is very close to reaching her goal of varsity status.

Douglas E. Abrams, J.D.

Youth Sports Heroes of the Month: Ethan McConnell and Davan Overton (Oregon); Jonathon Montanez and Mitchell Marcus (Texas)

Submitted by Douglas E. Abrams, J.D. on Wed, 05/01/2013 - 12:49. | comments

This month’s spotlight shines on a quartet of high school basketball players who, in two games more than 1,200 miles apart this season, figured in last-second shots that made no difference in the outcome of either game. With the scores already lopsided, nothing suggested that the few hundred fans or anyone else would remember anything about the games for very long. After the buzzer, however, both shots quickly became YouTube sensations.

This month’s spotlight shines on a quartet of high school basketball players who, in two games more than 1,200 miles apart this season, figured in last-second shots that made no difference in the outcome of either game. After the buzzer, however, both shots quickly became YouTube sensations.

Gretchen Rose

Becoming A Basketball Mom Was Tougher Than I Thought!

Submitted by Gretchen Rose on Thu, 01/17/2013 - 18:39. | comments

The New Year has started, which means a new school semester and a new sports season. It is cold and wet outside, so we have taken our sports enthusiasm from the gridiron to the basketball court; a tough transition for a dedicated football mom like me!

That my knowledge of basketball wasn't nearly as deep as my understanding of football was driven home to me, so to speak, during the first week back to school when I picked up my son and four of his classmates after school.

Learning the right lingo to use while cheering on her teenage son at a basketball game proved to be more of a challenge for one dedicated football mom than she thought.

Barbara Bleiweis

Woman Officials: Paying Attention, Not Drawing Attention Is Key to Success

Submitted by Barbara Bleiweis on Tue, 11/27/2012 - 14:31. | comments

Being a woman official who wants to achieve varsity status requires an understanding of the unique challenges and dynamics that may not exist in traditional work environments.

Being a woman basketball official who aspires to work high school varsity games requires a delicate balancing act: working to improve our skills while not drawing attention to our gender or any aspect that negatively influences the perception of our abilities.

Small-Sided Basketball: Best Way to Play and Learn for Elementary School Players

With basketball season beginning around the country, now is the perfect time to consider whether small-sided or 3 on 3 basketball is a better way for elementary school players to play and learn the game.

Coaching Youth Basketball: Keep It Fun for Younger Players

Teaching basketball to younger kids (e.g. from kindergarten to 8th grade) can be a rewarding but challenging experience for any coach. Teaching coaches how to coach such youngsters is likewise a challenge, but the key is keep it fun, and keep them moving!

Meet MomsTeam's Basketball Expert: Bob Bigelow

Bob is a former professional and collegiate player, and is one of the most popular youth sports speakers and youth coach trainers in the country.

Youth Basketball: Age-Appropriate Rim Height, Ball, Court, and Team Size Increase Fun, Skill Development

Recommendations for youth basketball programs on equipment, court size and the number of players depending on age group from leading youth basketball expert, Bob Bigelow.

Should Sports be 'Dumbed Down?'

Submitted by The Coach Pickles on Tue, 07/14/2009 - 21:24. | comments

The idea of “dumbed down” sports is a scary concept for some. It can be hard for many adults, especially coaches, to accept. The mere idea of doing so can bring their coaching into question and evoke feelings of hesitation, resistance and fear. Many are often quick to admit, “My dad never ‘dumbed down’ sports for me, and I turned out fine.” However, watch a seasoned coach try to teach a young child without “dumbing down” sports, and they fail miserably. Still, purists claim “dumbed down” sports coaching is anything but natural.

The Sport