The NBA recently announced a plan to better referee-player relationship by implementing a five-pronged program. The announcement was made by NBA President for League Operations, Byron Spruell. Spruell noted that there has been a rising number of cases where a player has made an "unsportsman" interaction with referees.
In the announcement, the president stressed how communication will be the most vital aspect of this program by the association. "It is important for us to place a renewed emphasis on proper communication and respect to make sure we are meeting the standards expected from all members of the NBA family," said Spruell.
Throughout the majority of the NBA 2017-2018 regular season, there have been numerous altercations between players which has involves a referee's call, one way or the other. There have also been calls that have cost an NBA team's game. One of the most controversial ones was a Oklahoma City Thunder-Milwaukee Bucks matchup last Dec. 30, where Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo scored a game winning basket despite stepping out of bounds, costing the game for the Thunder.
Instances such as these led the NBA to include clarification about game rules as one of its leading aspects in the program. The five-pronged program centers around "rule interpretations" as its first point. Leading the program would be NBA Senior Vice President and Head of Referee Operations Michelle Johnson and Head of Referee Training and Development, Monty McCutchen. The two vice presidents will discuss game rules and on-court conduct to all 30 NBA teams separately before the All-star break.
Other parts of the program include "enhanced referee training" where the league will create more emphasis on how referees handle on-court conflict with players and coaches. Another feature would be the utilization of the NBA's Officiating Advisory Council, which would create an even ground for the interests of players, coaches, and referees alike.
With the implementation of the program, the fans, players, and referees can be hopeful for a more peaceful season after the current one.
