So You Want to Be a Ref - Nice Call Ref

What does it really take to become a sports official — and why are officials needed now more than ever? In the inaugural episode of Nice Call Ref, the official podcast of the Des Moines Officials Association (DMOA), host Adam Busch sits down with members of the DMOA leadership team to talk about the state of officiating and what it takes to get started. Scott Van Beck, Steve Conard, Chris Thomas, and Jason Alons share their own paths into officiating, from decades-long careers to getting started later in life. The conversation explores the shortage of officials, why retaining new officials matters just as much as recruiting them, and the friendships, competition, community service, and opportunities that keep officials coming back. The group also gets practical. If you've ever thought about putting on the stripes, you'll hear how to become a registered official in Iowa, where new officials can find games, how mentoring works, and how the Des Moines Officials Association can help you develop. In this episode: • Why Iowa and the nation need more sports officials • How experienced officials got their start • Why the first few years are critical for new officials • The realities of the officiating shortage in football and basketball • How to get started as an official in Iowa • Registration, assignments, training, and mentoring • How DMOA helps new and experienced officials improve • Why officiating is about much more than making calls Interested in becoming an official or learning more about DMOA? Visit desmoinesofficials.com. Without game officials, it's just recess. Nice Call Ref is a production of the Des Moines Officials Association.