The UPSHOT League Taps ref-ology to Standardize Officiating

Founded by former NCAA referee Shelley Russi and long-time NBA Finals official Don Vaden, ref-ology utilizes an app-based platform to provide mentorship and peer-to-peer feedback. The organization focuses on building a sustainable ecosystem where officials at all stages of their careers can refine their skills through structured training and objective performance assessments.

According to Taj McWilliams-Franklin, the league's VP of Basketball Operations, the initiative is designed to empower referees and elevate the overall standard of officiating. Russi noted that the current landscape of women's basketball necessitates a transformative approach to how officials are trained and assigned. By prioritizing fundamental growth and an honest feedback loop, the partnership intends to foster greater trust in the officiating process across all league games.