Henderson Tournament Officials Host Inaugural Referee Camp & Conference

Dean Blandino escorted from camp for ‘conduct unbecoming an Official’

(Canyon Point, Utah) – Responding to growing criticism of game officials’ performance in recent NCAA Tournaments, Henderson Tournament officials conducted their inaugural Referee Camp and Professional Development Conference in January. Over 150 certified officials attended the event and mingled in the spacious exhibit hall.

Participants listened to several plenary sessions, capped by a buffet luncheon and keynote address from former NFL Official Gene Steratore. Entitled “Technically Foul”, Steratore’s speech focused on the evolution of officiating in a post-modern technology world; the growing influence of artificial intelligence; bitcoin mining; and concerns over the role “the booth” exerts over professional referees.

“The Booth can kiss my black and white striped ass!” Steratore bellowed to a rousing ovation.

Breakout sessions allowed attendees to participate in select areas of emphasis, including:

• Prolonging video replays in the last two minutes of regulation.
• Review of proper jogging technique to the scorer’s table.
• The art of the dismissive head shake.
• When is a charge…a charge? It depends on who you got.

Plans are already underway for the 2025 conference, featuring special guest Mike “The Call Stands” Pereira.