Because I've seen it done before.". Jelks joins the group of female NBA referees that also includes Lauren Holtkamp-Sterling, Ashley Moyer-Gleich, Natalie Sago and Jenna Schroeder. Strides are being made, even if we're still talking about small percentages of the overall population and more work is clearly needed. Being an NBA referee is a harder job than many people think, no matter how many fans believe they could do a better job or that their "grandma could have made a better call." While NBA officials dont have nine-figure deals like some of the players they are calling fouls on, they still get sizable checks for patrolling games. Jelks became the seventh woman to be a full-time NBA referee. I love being out on the court and being a part of these games., Ive been playing since I was eight years old, she told CNN. She also worked 16 regular-season NBA games as a non-staff official during the 2019-20 season. To gain experience aspirants can join their school's basketball team as either a student manager, player or referee assistant if possible. She loves being able to contribute to the game she loves so much. Playing a crucial role in every game, the NBA referees do more than enforce the rule book. Mehtas parents are from India and moved to the United States in the 1980s. Palmer recalls all the media hubbub that surrounded her and Kantner when they entered the league; when Holtkamp-Sterling did the same 17 years later, there was hardly so much as a press release -- something Palmer delighted in seeing. It helps me understand just different moments and understand what is behind it. [1] While attending Charles F. Brush High School Jelks became the school's career leader in points, steals, rebounds and free throws. It was the day after Thanksgiving when Simone Jelks received a life-changing phone call. Whether its an infamous name listed as an official for a big game, a questionable ejection or even a gambling or travel expense scandal, refereeing is mostly a thankless job in the NBA. And as the first to reach this plateau since, she's turned around and served a similarly important role for those following her. An NBA referee senior-level makes an average of $3,500 a game or an annual salary of around $500,000. NBA G League referees Simone Jelks, Suyash Mehta and Andy Nagy have been promoted to full-time @NBA staff officials, it was announced today by Monty McCutchen, NBA Senior Vice President, Head of Referee Development and Training. Register to officiate through the National College Athletic Association (NCAA). I love what I do, she said. And after the first one, they sent me an email saying, You progressed to the second tryout. After the second tryout, they said, You progressed to the third tryout. Final tryout, my luggage got lost in the airline and I went to the Mens Wearhouse, bought some [black] mens dress pants, cut the belt loops off. Along with the athletes, a referees physical fitness is also vital. Scott, the daughter of college basketball officials, was promoted Monday to the full-time NBA staff referee roster. Whats the best advice that shes given you? I make sure to eat healthy and exercise regularly, she says. All parties involved can talk about themes like equality until they're blue in the face, but the truest mark of that state is actually when it's not a constant discussion topic. In addition to her work as an official, Jelks is also an advocate for women in sports. Every player doesnt react the same way or respond the same way to criticism. Nagy unofficially began his officiating career at 14, when his father allowed him to referee a Youth CYO Christmas Tournament game. "I just hope one day we can stop counting. What could have been for Melvin Booker? She is also known for being one of the most accessible officials, often taking the time to interact with fans before and after games. Other projections put the base salary for new referees somewhere around $250,000. The entry-level referee is looked at as a rookie, and they make around $600 for each game they are a part of or about $250,000 a year if they are full-time. There aren't many great answers for why 17 years passed between women being hired, for instance, although it's understandable why those at the top of today's league prefer to look forward. "Former Brush Basketball Standout Simone Jelks Becomes NBA's 7th Female Referee", "NBA Promotes Three Referees To 2020-21 Officiating Staff", National Basketball Referees Association bio, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Simone_Jelks&oldid=1098223458, This page was last edited on 14 July 2022, at 20:41. I grew up watching basketball and to be able to be a part of it now is just an unbelievable feeling., Jelks, who has been officiating for 12 years, says that she didnt set out to become the first female referee in the NBA. "Because I answered those questions early in the process for myself, it helped me create a career that is sustaining and meaningful.". Xavier Brown is a Standout Basketball Player, Donda Basketball Team: A Cut Above the Rest. But Palmer and Kantner's influence on today's generation is immense and undeniable. [3], Jelks played college basketball for the USC Trojans women's basketball team from 2004 to 2008. Suyash Mehta (Baltimore, Maryland) officiated five seasons in the NBA G League. R denotes rookie. Your login session has expired. Register to work as a high school athletics coach. Simone Jelks is the first female referee in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Orlando Magic vs. Memphis Grizzlies referees Kevin Scott (crew chief), Nick Buchert (referee), Simone Jelks (umpire) The Grizzlies are heavily favored to win this one as 7-point favorites at home with the point total set at 229. An official union, called the National Association of Basketball Referees, was created in 1977 and is known today as the National Basketball Referees Association (NBRA). A Cleveland native, Simone began her career in sports at a young age. Seeing how all six of the full-time NBA female . After three to five years of experience, entry-level referees are eligible for a higher salary at the senior level. Today, Palmer counts men she worked with among her best friends. The benefits of playing quarters in basketball. As for her diet, Jelks says that she tries to eat mostly healthy foods. Schroeder became a full-time referee in 2019 and Simone Jelks followed suit in 2020. [1] She was named to the Pac-12 All-Defensive Team for the 200708 season. A former University of Southern California womens basketball star who played professionally in Puerto Rico and overseas in Croatia, Jelks refereed womens basketball on the college level for three years, in the Mid-American Conference and the Horizon League, and then in the G League. That call brings goose bumps back to me, Jelks told The Undefeated recently. Jelks, who is the first full-time female referee in the NBA, says that shes constantly aware of the responsibility she has to inspire other young women. By Marc J. Spears @MarcJSpears. [2] As of the 202021 NBA season Jelks has officiated 49 regular-season games, including 16 regular-season games as a non-staff official during the 201920 NBA season. "There's no reason why we shouldn't have more women as officials, coaches and basketball executives in our league," Silver said. She dedicated herself completely to the game, but also to earning respect just like anyone else. They have a combined 11 years of G League experience and each worked 13 NBA games in non-staff roles last season. 7:30 PM ET However, for the play-off matches they receive a bigger amount of money in 9K USD. NBA Referee # 81. Other projections put the base salary for new referees somewhere around $250,000. And to the people who run the NBA's officiating program, efforts in recent years to open recruiting pathways and increase diversity are far from merely symbolic: They're practical for a league always striving to improve. FILE - In this Jan. 5, 2020, file photo, referee Simone Jelks gestures during the second half of an NBA basketball game between the Miami Heat and the Portland Trail Blazers in Miami. Years 2019-Present. Paid much less than the players they are officiating, NBA referees are paid anywhere between $180,000 and $550,000 per year. 4 Sean Wright, Entry-level referees are on the lower end of that scale and receive larger paydays the longer they are in the league. Its 2021. Kind of like coaching. She began her career officiating youth games in her hometown of Oakland, California. While at Brush, Jelks completed her career as the school's boys and girls career scoring leader with 1,397 points. NBA referees banded together in 1973 to form the National Basketball Officials Association after enduring unfit labor conditions. . I was making it work.. Simone Jelks has officiated 34 regular-season games in two seasons as an NBA staff official. Simone Jelks has been promoted to a full-time NBA referee, becoming the seventh female full-time ref in league history. I dont know if Im going to have a job. And she came up to me after a game and took me aside and said, Hey, heres a card. And it was a card of the NBA officials scout. The names she's invoking are Violet Palmer and Dee Kantner, the first full-time women referees to ever work in the NBA. Jelks began her career as a referee in 2012, when she was 22 years old. At times a referee is required to handle an upset player or coach in response to a call they made. So, I love my job because of what it means on a larger level. Legitimate acceptance has come in waves. Brooklyn Nets 123-95 Boston Celtics: Twitter goes berserk as Kevin Durant steals Christmas from Tatum and co. (sportskeeda.com). She heard whispers from some corners of the sport. NBA TV SCHEDULE 2022. Heres a comparison -. Per Game Ref Stats. But, this group of six is proof the tides are changing. Xavier Browns basketball IQ and understanding of the game is advanced for his age. Who is Referee number 81 in the NBA? To make unbiased and fair perspective calls in favour of both teams to ensure fair outcome, an NBA referee needs to have an ethical mindset. How did you get to the G League referee camp? Entry-level referees are on the lower end of that scale and receive larger paydays the longer they are in the league. We are pleased to welcome Simone, Suyash and Andy to our full-time staff, said McCutchen. It'll just be the norm. She was blown away recently when a friend referred to her as the "Jackie Robinson of officiating." Natalie Sago, 31, a 2018 addition to the league, had a birthright motivating her: Her father, Dr. Shelton Sago, was a 35-year high school official in Missouri, a local legend in both basketball and football. Jelks becomes the seventh female full-time ref in NBA history, with the current five preceded by Dee Kantner and Violet Palmer. After high school, candidates need to register with The National College Athletic Association (NCAA) to officiate college basketball. More than anything, it's that normalcy that today's women NBA referees aspire to. Even looking back a decade ago demonstrates the exponential growth of referee salaries. Ask for a recommendation to work as an NBA referee. They were audible conversations for Palmer and Kantner, and sometimes more. She also worked the 2022 Rising Stars and All-Star Saturday Night at NBA All-Star in Cleveland. "Being able to see myself in them -- they trailblazed that.". Active Yes. When we see three females working the G League together, we're empowered, we're inspired. Although the NBA referees dont match the incomes of highly rated NBA stars and coaches, the match officials still grab a healthy amount of money for their duties. I was totally fan-girling. I thought that was awesome. "Kids have to see that things are possible," Jelks said. . The NBRA voted to strike during the 1977 NBA playoffs. The average salary for an NBA referee ranges from $180,000 to $550,000. I grew up watching her.". My first game was a preseason game and it was the first NBA game [Oct. 5, 2019] at the new Chase Center [in San Francisco] between the [Los Angeles] Lakers and Golden State [Warriors]. Career Explorer Guide also estimated that . Not bad for somebody in a Foot Locker costume. Jelks, who is married with two teenage daughters, said she tries to keep a balance between her work and personal life. Jelks worked 16 regular-season NBA games as a non-staff official . Farmington (Farmington, Mo.) How did she become the NBA's first female referee? That better. Sometimes that strive for perfection is like paralysis. "[The NBA] worked closely with me to make sure that the locker room was where I needed it to be as a nursing mother," Holtkamp-Sterling said. As of last season, 11 different women were employed in assistant coaching positions around the NBA. How much are refs paid in the NBA? She worked her way up through the ranks of amateur basketball, officiating games in college and then in the NBAs Development League In 2019, she made history when she became the first woman to officiate an NBA game, Jelks says that one of the biggest challenges she faced when starting out was simply getting over the nerves of officiating games. This page is not available in other languages. December 23, 2020 8:13 AM. I had to observe, I had to just understand, OK, what is it today that is preventing this young man from doing his work in the classroom? And every student is different. Jelks became the seventh woman to be a full-time NBA referee. If working full-time, entry level referees or rookies are paid around $250,000, or $600 per game. With such a demanding job, how does she stay fit and healthy? For a referee to reach this status, they need to be in service for three to five years. Despite the extra pressure, Jelks says that shes enjoying her chance to show off her skills at the highest level of basketball. NBA Betting Sites NBA Odds NBA Picks NBA Championship Odds NBA Player Props NBA Futures All NBA Betting Pages All NBA Betting. To that effect, there have been real efforts toward promoting equality and diversity within the officiating ranks, the sort that may not make headlines but truly advance a progressive agenda. Jelks is a trailblazer in the world of basketball officiating. [3], During the 2019-20 NBA season Jelks officiated 16 regular-season games as a non-staff official. She was a 2004 McDonald's All-American nominee and a two-time (2003, 2004) Western Reserve Conference North Division MVP and first-team all-conference selection. An underrated aspect of a referee is the physical fitness that they need to maintain during a game. Jelks also has to be in good physical shape to keep up with the players. When I got hired in the G League. "I always had that mentor, a role model on how to be successful in a male-dominated field," Schroeder said. None of it deterred her -- in fact, quite the opposite. Top 5 NBA female referees in the game today 1) Lauren Holtkamp. In 2004, she graduated from Charles F. Brush High School in Lyndhurst, Ohio. She is earning a handsome pay from her position as a NBA referee. Moyer-Gleich tells multiple stories of NBA security staff confusing her for a cheerleader or a referee's wife when she entered the building to officiate games; to varying degrees, her peers have similar experiences. NBA TV SCHEDULE 2022. Hart rolled his ankle in the fourth quarter of Game 1 and was limited in Monday's practice before the Knicks later listed him as doubtful. The minimum education requirement for referees is a high school diploma or GED. Official Simone Jelks reacts during a preseason game between the New Orleans Pelicans and the Orlando Magic at the Smoothie King Center on October. Thats an extra challenge, and I wanted the extra challenge just to see if I could do it. Last week, Jelks was one of three referees promoted to full-time status by the NBA, making her the fifth woman on the current lineup of officials. Besides, the amount increases as the games level up. Its your job to work hard, to be good at your job, to always realize you have room for growth, to be confident, to be strong and just be you. The NBA is yet to release the complete roster for the 2022-23 season, but last season there were 75 full-time NBA officials along with nine non-staff officials. From left to right: NBA referees Josh Tiven, Simone Jelks and Leon Wood talk during a game between the Portland Trail Blazers and Sacramento Kings on Jan. 13 at the Golden 1 Center. A post shared by (@referee.time), ALSO READ: Brooklyn Nets 123-95 Boston Celtics: Twitter goes berserk as Kevin Durant steals Christmas from Tatum and co. (sportskeeda.com), Be the first one to comment on this story. Read on to learn more about her inspiring story. They make up 8% of the 75-member officiating staff. The NBA, like the society it's part of, inches ever closer to true equity. Find Highest Paid NBA Referees 2022 (+All Salary). "I feel very grateful that there were people before me to have experienced the initial pushback of what it's like being a female in a male-driven world," Jelks said. "We are pleased to welcome Simone, Suyash and Andy to our full-time staff," said Monty McCutchen, the NBA's senior vice president overseeing referee development and training. How the length of the game may affect players in basketball. As the buzzer sounded, the father of one of the boys in the game approached and accosted her over her gender. Senior referees (the most experienced referees) make an average of $3,500 per game or an annual salary of $500,000. Simone Jelks is the NBAs first female referee. The NBRA has encountered strikes and lockouts in the 44 years since its founding. The female referees are expected to earn something around 16 thousand US Dollars which is much lower.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'sportscriber_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_3',113,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-sportscriber_com-medrectangle-3-0'); Your email address will not be published. There isnt a clear-cut answer. Inspiration was even easier to come by for Jenna Schroeder, 35, another former collegiate athlete who, like Holtkamp-Sterling, transitioned to the officiating side following college. "Being a Black woman herself, being a trailblazer as the first African-American [woman referee] in the NBA, she understands 100% of the challenges that I face," Jelks, 35, said. "In recent years, we have focused on expanding our pipeline of officials to greatly increase the pool of potential hires, and we have seen encouraging results, not only in the NBA but in the WNBA and the G League as well," Adam Silver, who became NBA commissioner in 2014, said to ESPN. Please logout and login again. She also worked 16 regular-season NBA games as a non-staff official during the 2019-20 season. I love the fact that Im a girl from Cleveland who was just teaching in an inner-city public school. She will be one of five women on the NBA's current lineup of officials . Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. pic.twitter.com/yaosBWGnki. She was being promoted to a full-time NBA referee, making her the fifth woman and only African American woman to currently hold that title in the league. She is in her second season as an NBA referee. I'm good, I'll tell you whether or not she's cute!' I want to make sure that I am twice as good, if not better.. During the 2019-20 NBA season, he refereed 13 regular-season NBA games as a non-staff official. Please logout and login again. But once I got a few games under my belt, I realized that it wasnt as difficult as I thought it would be.. Senior referees (the most experienced referees) make an annual salary of $500,000. In 2015, she was inducted into the school's Athletic Hall of Fame. Youre like, Dang, I couldve done this better. Simone Jelks is making history as the first female referee in the NBA. And that goes a long way. "Once or twice a week in the summer, we would get on a Skype call and spend an hour or two hours talking rules, talking scenarios, situations. Simone Jelks, Jenna Schroeder, Danielle Scott and Holtkamp-Sterling (married to fellow NBA ref Jonathan Sterling). With all these job requirements, it would be expected that an NBA referee is fairly compensated. 2022-2023 Simone Jelks's betting stats and past seasons including games officiated, home team ats, avg. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners. An expert understanding of basketball rules, offenses and referee hand signals, goes without saying, is compulsory to learn. Within several years, for the 2014-15 season, Holtkamp-Sterling would become the first woman hired as a full-time NBA official in nearly two decades. My dad used to take me to my older brothers games, and I was just fascinated by it.. THE FIRST NBA INDIAN ORIGIN REFEREES JOURNEY FROM PRE-MED TO PRE-REF, NBRA ANNOUNCES RATIFICATION OF AGREEMENT FOR G LEAGUE START OF SEASON, TONIGHT So it helps me with understanding that youve got to just find some type of mental balance, some way to keep yourself grounded on the road. He used to be able to dunk on you, but he hasnt been able to in years and his knees still hurt. However, depending on service time this number increases incrementally. Just be you. Ubicacin en Avenida Ejercito Nacional No 613, oncologa sala 19. [5], During the 2020-21 NBA season Jelks officiated 33 regular-season games during her first season on the NBA officiating staff.[3][4]. The two even got to officiate two high school games together, a moment that seems like yesterday in her memory even as she's gone on to call contests in both the WNBA and NBA. The amount varies depending on the referee's status. I got you. Their packages cover travel stipends, insurance, and retirement plans. I would love for you guys to be a part of it.' Candidate profiles, including referee clips and employment history are reviewed by an NBA scouting team. Simone Jelks (Cleveland, Ohio) has officiated three seasons in the NBA G League. They make up 8% of the 75-member . However, one can also work their way up through the different basketball leagues to become an NBA referee. (Prior to entering the league, Palmer worked as a referee in NCAA Division I women's basketball.) And I think that helps me with my communication. College. He also has NCAA Division III and junior college officiating experience. You cant react to every student the same way. Jelks becomes the seventh female full-time ref in NBA history, with the current five preceded by Dee Kantner and Violet Palmer. Holtkamp-Sterling, now 40, had just finished officiating a youth boy's game as the solo referee. To its credit, the NBA hasn't been satisfied at simply hitting numerical targets for the sake of appearance -- although no one's saying it's been perfect, either. How would you describe being an NBA referee so far? Theres a select group of referees who have even earned some degree of celebrity status, frequenting playoff games and even leading some fans to speculate about potential disputes or issues they have with players and coaches. Grasping it entirely is a struggle. [3][4] Jelks along with Andy Nagy and Suyash Mehta were promoted to the NBA officiating staff on December 23, 2020. Simone Jelks is the first female referee in the National Basketball Association (NBA). . Violet is an incredible woman and shes such an honest woman. There is no such thing as officiating a perfect game. This group -- considered to be the cream of the crop around the league -- include names like Scott Foster, James Capers and Sean Corbin. Several of the full-timers are close friends off the court. Jelks graduated from the University of Southern California in 2008. The hiring of Holtkamp-Sterling (the "Sterling" comes from Jonathan, her husband and fellow NBA referee) was a first domino of sorts with Silver's modern NBA, after almost two decades of no upward movement for women referees. NEW YORK Cleveland native Simone Jelks is a woman of many talents. Her currency? For instance, he can . While Palmer and Kantner are no longer working for the NBA, their legacies live on. I never met Natalie before. It's needed that we strengthen each other emotionally, and just have that good support team.". "I see little girls sitting courtside, parents asking me to take a picture with their little daughter," Moyer-Gleich said. She joined the NBA as a part-time official in 2019, and became a full-time official prior to the 202021 season. 4. I try not to take my work home with me, but its not always easy, she said. The NBA G League, the development league for the NBA, holds referee tryouts for qualified individuals and selects candidates based on their expertise. And before I could even start teaching, I had to listen. Marc J. Spears is the senior NBA writer for Andscape. Jelks becomes the seventh female full-time ref in . "Once [my peers] saw that I was about the business and the work and wanting to learn the craft, they were more than willing to open themselves up to teach me.". But shes proud to be a role model for other young women who Love Basketball I hope that I can inspire other young girls to pursue their dreams, she says. Jelks earned a masters degree in Public Health at Case Western Reserve University and a masters degree in Urban Secondary Teaching from Cleveland State University. Other than being confident, stern, and smart, an NBA referee needs to be proficient in all umpire position requirements. It was the day after Thanksgiving when Simone Jelks received a life-changing phone call. Its been great to see more women getting involved in coaching and refereeing, she said. So just how much do NBA officials get paid? Kantner's NBA career was the shorter of the two, spanning until 2002 when she was released by the league. The senior level is the top level of NBA referees. But now, in 2021-22, the NBA has six female referees on its full-time officiating staff, the most . Officiating is a full-time job and NBA officials are required to be scholars of the rulebook, process decisions quickly, and maintain tip-top fitness. NEW YORK (AP) Simone Jelks was one of three referees promoted to full-time status by the NBA on Wednesday, making her the fifth woman on the current lineup of officials. The next level for basketball referees is to officiate at the high school level by contacting the state's public school athletic association. "They say I'm the sixth female referee in the NBA," said Schroeder, the sixth woman officially hired as a full-time NBA referee. James Capers, Sean Corbin, Tony Brothers, Rodney Mott, Scott Foster, Ken Mauer, Pat Fraher, Tom Washington and Marc Davis are currently the highest paid NBA referees. Her love for simply being on the basketball court fused with her desire to prove those naysayers wrong. Influence on today 's women NBA referees 2022 ( +All salary ), the NBA G League and! 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Been able to dunk on you, but also to earning respect just anyone! Referees is a high school, candidates need to register with the current five preceded by Dee Kantner and Palmer. And sometimes more ever closer to true equity salary for new referees somewhere around $ 250,000 is immense and.. The longer they are officiating, NBA referees do more than enforce the rule.! To take my work home with me, Jelks says that she tries to keep a balance between work! In 2015, she was named to the game, the father of one of five on... Love for you guys to be in service for three to five.! On its full-time officiating staff ] she was 22 years old closer to true equity a part of.. To fellow NBA ref Jonathan Sterling ) All-Star in Cleveland just finished officiating youth! To prove those naysayers wrong their school 's basketball team as either a student manager, player or assistant! Jelks played college basketball. after the first one, they sent me email! Accosted her over her gender like, Dang, I had to listen and took me and. League, Palmer worked as a part-time official in 2019 and Simone Jelks been! All-Defensive team for the NBA G League referee camp day we can stop counting player Props NBA Futures all Betting...
