Referees Come Together To Fight Cancer

International Association of Approved Basketball Officials hold out white whistles to help support the “Officials vs. Cancer” fundraising drive. (Photo by Rob Tornoe)

Amid the excitement and anticipation surrounding the pre-game activities of the February 6th boys’ basketball match-up between the visiting Glasgow Dragons and host A.I. duPont Tigers, a more solemn moment was captured as the three referees for that night’s game displayed unique white whistles, rather than the customary black.

This was in honor of the culmination of the International Association of Approved Basketball Officials’ (IAABO) second annual “Officials vs. Cancer” fundraising drive. The program is co-sponsored by IAABO in collaboration with the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC).

The “Officials vs. Cancer” program aims to raise money for cancer research, primarily through the donation of official’s game fees during the two-week period from January 26th to February 8th, 2009. (The program was originally scheduled to end on February 1st, but was extended by a week this year).

IAABO, whose 15,200 members are represented by over 200 regional boards in 38 U.S. states and 11 countries, is not just committed to donating game fees, but is active in raising awareness as well. For the duration of the campaign, officials wore special white whistles for boys’ games, and pink whistles for girls’ games. The whistles were donated by the Diamond State Classic.

Northern Delaware and parts of Cecil County, Maryland are covered by IAABO’s Board 11, which has approximately 125 members. Board 11 spokesperson Kelly Callahan estimates that over $600 has been raised locally, and that in excess of $20,000 is expected to be raised by IAABO in total.

Though the “Officials vs. Cancer” campaign is driven by IAABO and the NABC, all are welcome to donate. All donations go to the American Cancer Society. All local inquiries about donations should contact Board11.org for more information on how to participate.