Women NBA referees open new doors
Campus Times
November 14, 1997
First it was the ABL (American Basketball League), then it was the WNBA
(Women's National Basketball League), now women are refereeing in the NBA
(National Basketball Association) and it is about time.
Women sure have come a long way in society, especially when it comes
to basketball. Women used to be seen only on the sidelines of a professional
basketball game, having only dreams of being able to play on the same court
in a professional game. But now, not only have they stopped wishing, they
are playing, coaching, refereeing in professional leagues and getting paid
real money to play.
Two weeks ago, Violet Palmer, a former Los Angeles recreation director,
and Dee Kantner, a former sales representative, were initiated into the
NBA as the first two women to referee in a major U.S. male professional
sports league.
How wonderful is that? I have always wondered why women were not refereeing
men, when men referee women all of the time. Women can be just as good referees
as any man can be. However, every basketball league in the world does have
its share of good and bad referring, no man or women is perfect.
As soon as the two women began their new jobs as referees in the NBA,
comments were popping up everywhere.
Portland's Kenny Anderson told Kantner to watch the game instead of
his pants. And Michael Jordan said that Kanter was not fast enough to keep
up with him and the team. Even fans had to put their two cents in by sticking
their feet out in front of one of the women trying to trip her in an exhibition
game.
Why does there have to be any comments at all? OK, Michael Jordan is
the world's greatest basketball player, but is he actually saying that these
women are not fast enough for him? Come on, that is ridiculous. Not every
referee in the NBA is as fast as Jordan, so why should it be any different
for the women? Each of the women can get up and down the court just fine
and each can keep up with who ever it is.
At least the women are not taking the comments from players and fans
to heart. Trash talking is part of the game and they know remarks are going
to be made. But I doubt Anderson would have ever said that comment to any
male referee in the NBA.
The two women were asked how they will deal with the Charles Barkleys
and the Dennis Rodmans while they are refereeing a game. First of all, what
a stupid question. They will deal with them just how any other NBA referee
would deal with them. But in reaction to the question, Palmer replied, "We
will treat them like any other players. Dee and I both were referees to
start and confrontation is a part of being a referee. If they cross a line
they're not supposed to, they'll receive a technical foul, like any other
player."
Palmer and Kantner have made history becoming NBA referees. They each
have opened a door for many others and have became role models for all.
Although they have gotten some disrespect right now, hopefully they will
earn some respect from NBA players and fans in the future.
And if someone like Rodman happens to tap one of the ladies on the ass,
just as he said he might do, they will have to take it in stride and deal
with it. Tapping the ass of another player is just part of the game sometimes.
Good job Palmer and Kantner for opening up one more opportunity for
women of the '90s. Women still have a long way too go, but they just made
it a little easier for the future.
Laura Czingula, a senior journalism major, is editorial director
of the Campus Times. She can be reached by e-mail at czingula@ulv.edu.
