Not only is it back, but it came roaring back with new schools, new teams and an intent to get back what it had lost over the last few years.

There have been some casualties of the COVID pandemic, one being the pool of referees that we have to work with. It’s not just basketball that has been hard hit, but all organized sports have seen a large decline in the number of available officials.

With no new recruits added to the system for the last two years, and many referees retiring for various reasons, our pool of referees is very low. 

We have managed to meet our commitments thanks largely in part to the cooperation of the referees we do have. We are so thankful for their positive attitudes and sacrifices they have made to go above and beyond to provide a great game experience for all the young people who are back playing basketball.

What has been so evident is the number of young people who have taken up basketball for the first time. Whatever they are lacking in skill, they are more than compensating for with their enthusiasm. 

This is a game that is now played by both genders with  equal enthusiasm, as well as crossing all racial and religious boundaries.

From somebody who has played, coached and refereed basketball for several decades, it brings a smile to my face to see how the game has blossomed. Let’s keep up the good work, and encourage our young people to stay active.