How did Curtis Shaw’s career evolve from McCallie School basketball player to NCAA Final Four referee. What memorable moments did Shaw experience during his 21-year Division I officiating career. How has Shaw’s role changed since retiring as a referee in 2010.
Curtis Shaw’s Journey from Player to Referee
Curtis Shaw’s basketball journey began as a star player at McCallie School in Chattanooga during the late 1970s. While he initially envisioned a career in coaching, life had other plans. Shaw’s path took an unexpected 30-year detour that would place him at the center of college basketball’s biggest stage.
How did Shaw’s officiating career begin? It started as a means to support himself through college at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC). Shaw recalls, “I started out calling games around Chattanooga doing little league basketball, then moved up to high school just trying to survive while I went to UTC.” What began as a way to make ends meet quickly evolved into a passion that would define his career.
Rising Through the Ranks: Shaw’s Officiating Career
Shaw’s talent for officiating became apparent early on. He notes, “All of a sudden I found out I loved it and evidently had some talent because I was elevated pretty rapidly. It just turned into such a passion and it was all I wanted to do.” This passion led to a remarkable 21-year career officiating men’s basketball at the Division I level.
What were some of Shaw’s most significant achievements as a referee? Over the course of his career, Shaw worked seven Final Fours and was part of March Madness for 19 seasons. These accomplishments placed him among the elite officials in college basketball, allowing him to interact with the sport’s biggest names and be part of its most memorable moments.
Memorable Moments on the Court
- Officiating the game where North Carolina coach Dean Smith earned his 800th win
- Serving as an alternate at the 1997 Final Four in Indianapolis
- Working his first Final Four semifinal on the court in 1999 (Duke vs. Michigan State in Tampa)
Navigating the Challenges of March Madness
The intensity of March Madness brings unique challenges for officials. How did Shaw approach these high-stakes games? He observed that coaches tend to be on better behavior during the tournament compared to the regular season. However, there were still moments of heightened emotion and conflict.
Shaw recalls challenging interactions with coaches like Iowa State’s Larry Eustachy and Stanford’s Trent Johnson, both of whom were ejected from tournament games he officiated. Interestingly, these conflicts often gave way to friendships later in Shaw’s career. He notes, “Both of those guys became good friends when my role changed. You get a different respect for one another away from the court.”
Building Relationships with College Basketball’s Elite
One of the unique aspects of Shaw’s career was the opportunity to develop relationships with some of college basketball’s biggest stars and most respected coaches. Who were some of the standout personalities Shaw encountered?
- Dwyane Wade: Shaw officiated many of Wade’s games at Marquette before he became an NBA superstar
- Kevin Durant: Shaw describes Durant as “as good as an offensive player that I’ve ever seen in college and a good guy”
- Mike Krzyzewski: Shaw and the legendary Duke coach engaged in friendly verbal sparring, with Shaw noting, “It was fun to kind of play games with him”
Shaw reflects on these connections, saying, “There’s so many players and coaches I got to know that I’ve known forever now. You’re running in a circle that’s pretty special.”
Transitioning to a New Role: Supervisor of Officials
In 2010, Shaw made the decision to retire from on-court officiating after calling the Final Four semifinal between Duke and West Virginia. However, his involvement in college basketball was far from over. What new role did Shaw take on after retiring as a referee?
Shaw assumed the position of supervisor of officials for the Big 12 Conference. Since then, he has expanded his oversight to include Conference USA, the Ohio Valley Conference, the Southland Conference, and the Missouri Valley Conference. This transition has allowed Shaw to fulfill his long-held desire to be involved in coaching, albeit in a different capacity than he initially imagined.
The Coaching Aspect of Officiating Supervision
How does Shaw view his current role in relation to his early aspirations? He explains, “Now I kind of get to be a coach, which is something I always thought about after playing for Coach (Bill) Eskridge and Coach (Bill) Eiselstein at McCallie. Being a supervisor for nine years, I get to do the coaching part working with young referees and helping develop them. It’s been a career that became a dream unexpectedly.”
Shaw’s Perspective on Current College Basketball Coaches
Having worked closely with many coaches throughout his career, Shaw has unique insights into the coaching landscape of college basketball. One coach he holds in high regard is Tennessee’s Rick Barnes, whom he got to know during Barnes’ tenure at Texas.
What are Shaw’s thoughts on Barnes’ success at Tennessee? “I’ve always had tons of respect for him – the way he coached, the way he acted and the type family person he is,” Shaw says. He adds that Barnes may have been underappreciated at Texas due to the school’s focus on football, but has found a great fit with the Volunteers.
The Evolution of College Basketball Officiating
As someone who has been involved in college basketball officiating for decades, Shaw has witnessed significant changes in the profession. How has officiating evolved over the years?
One major shift has been the increased use of technology in officiating. Video review has become a crucial tool for ensuring accuracy in critical calls. Additionally, there’s been a greater emphasis on consistency and standardization of calls across conferences.
Another change has been the professionalization of officiating. Many officials now work full-time in basketball, officiating games across multiple conferences and levels. This has led to improved quality and consistency in officiating, but also increased pressure and scrutiny on officials.
Challenges Facing Modern Officials
- Increased media scrutiny and instant replay analysis
- Managing the pace of play with more athletic players and faster offenses
- Balancing the need for player safety with maintaining the flow of the game
- Adapting to rule changes and points of emphasis that shift from season to season
The Impact of Officiating on the College Game
How does officiating influence the overall landscape of college basketball? While often overlooked, officials play a crucial role in shaping the game. Their decisions can impact not only individual games but also team strategies, player development, and even coaching philosophies.
Shaw’s experience as both an on-court official and now as a supervisor gives him a unique perspective on this impact. He emphasizes the importance of consistency and communication between officials, coaches, and players to ensure the integrity and quality of the game.
Balancing Act: Enforcing Rules and Allowing Play
One of the key challenges for officials is striking the right balance between enforcing rules and allowing the natural flow of the game. How do officials navigate this delicate balance?
Shaw stresses the importance of understanding the spirit of the rules, not just their letter. Officials must use their judgment to determine when to intervene and when to let play continue. This requires a deep understanding of the game, excellent communication skills, and the ability to make split-second decisions under pressure.
The Future of College Basketball Officiating
As college basketball continues to evolve, so too will the role of officials. What does Shaw see as the future of officiating in the college game?
He anticipates continued integration of technology, potentially including more extensive use of replay or even AI-assisted officiating tools. However, Shaw believes that the human element will always be crucial in officiating, as the judgment and experience of skilled officials cannot be replicated by technology alone.
Developing the Next Generation of Officials
In his current role, Shaw is deeply involved in training and mentoring the next generation of college basketball officials. What qualities does he look for in aspiring officials?
- A deep understanding and love for the game of basketball
- The ability to remain calm and make decisions under pressure
- Excellent communication skills
- Physical fitness and agility to keep up with the pace of play
- A commitment to continuous learning and improvement
Shaw emphasizes that becoming a top-level official requires years of dedication and hard work. It’s not just about knowing the rules, but about developing the instincts and judgment that come from experience.
Reflections on a Career in Basketball
Looking back on his journey from high school basketball star to NCAA Final Four referee to supervisor of officials, how does Shaw view his career in basketball?
He expresses gratitude for the unexpected path his career has taken, saying, “Being in basketball is what I’ve done all of my life.” While he may not have become a coach in the traditional sense, Shaw has found a way to stay deeply connected to the sport he loves, influencing its development and helping shape its future through his work with officials.
Lessons Learned from a Life in Basketball
What are some of the key lessons Shaw has taken from his decades in basketball? He emphasizes the importance of adaptability, noting how his career took an unexpected turn that led to incredible opportunities. Shaw also stresses the value of relationships, both on and off the court, and the need for continuous learning and growth in any profession.
Perhaps most importantly, Shaw’s career illustrates the power of following one’s passion. What began as a way to earn money in college became a lifelong pursuit that placed him at the center of some of college basketball’s most exciting moments.
The Lasting Impact of Curtis Shaw on College Basketball
As Curtis Shaw continues his work supervising and mentoring officials, what will his lasting impact on college basketball be? While it’s difficult to quantify the influence of an official, Shaw’s career has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the sport.
Through his years of on-court officiating, Shaw helped maintain the integrity of the game at its highest levels. Now, in his supervisory role, he’s shaping the next generation of officials who will carry that torch forward. His emphasis on professionalism, consistency, and continuous improvement is helping to elevate the standard of officiating across multiple conferences.
A Bridge Between Eras
In many ways, Shaw serves as a bridge between different eras of college basketball. His playing career in the 1970s, his officiating career spanning the 1990s and 2000s, and his current supervisory role give him a unique perspective on the evolution of the game. This comprehensive view allows him to provide valuable insights to both officials and coaches, helping to navigate the changing landscape of college basketball.
As the game continues to evolve, the lessons and standards set by officials like Curtis Shaw will play a crucial role in shaping its future. Whether on the court or behind the scenes, Shaw’s dedication to basketball continues to influence the sport at its highest levels.
Curtis Shaw Recalls March Madness Memories As College Basketball Referee
Iowa State coach Larry Eustachy argues with Curtis Shaw after being ejected from NCAA tournament
photo by Contributed
Curtis Shaw gets an earful from West Virginia coach Bob Huggins
photo by Contributed
Curtis Shaw engages in a spirited discussion with a coach
photo by Contributed
This is the last of four March Madness stories involving those with Chattanooga ties.
Since his days as a basketball star at McCallie School in the late ‘70s, Curtis Shaw always imagined his career path would lead him into coaching. He just never envisioned the 30-year detour that would carry him to the forefront of college basketball’s center stage along the way.
Over the course of 21 years officiating men’s basketball at the Division I level, Shaw worked seven Final Fours among the 19 seasons being a part of the NCAA’s March Madness. It was a journey that began as a way to earn his way through college and evolved into a passion that connected him with the royalty of college basketball.
“I started out calling games around Chattanooga doing little league basketball, then moved up to high school just trying to survive while I went to UTC,” Shaw said. “All of a sudden I found out I loved it and evidently had some talent because I was elevated pretty rapidly. It just turned into such a passion and it was all I wanted to do. Being in basketball is what I’ve done all of my life.”
Shaw retired from officiating in 2010 after calling the Final Four semifinal contest between Duke and West Virginia, assuming the role of supervisor of officials for the Big 12 Conference. He has since added Conference USA, the Ohio Valley Conference, the Southland Conference and the Missouri Valley Conference to his oversight duties.
“Now I kind of get to be a coach, which is something I always thought about after playing for Coach (Bill) Eskridge and Coach (Bill) Eiselstein at McCallie,” Shaw said. “Being a supervisor for nine years, I get to do the coaching part working with young referees and helping develop them.
It’s been a career that became a dream unexpectedly.”
Shaw, who resides in Jasper, Indiana, never imagined his passion for officiating would lead to such memorable moments.
“One of my tournament games was when (North Carolina coach) Dean Smith got his 800th win. Being the crew chief, I had a cool picture with him with the scoreboard in the background that he signed for me later in life,” Shaw said. “Your first time at the Final Four is always memorable. You’re semi-nervous but excited as can be. In ’97 I was the alternate in Indianapolis, then ’99 was the first year I was on the floor in the semifinals when Duke played Michigan State in Tampa.”
The magnitude of March Madness led to heightened emotions, and Shaw enjoyed the opportunity to officiate teams he normally didn’t see during the regular season while still dealing with some touchy moments.
“Coaches in the tournament tend to be on better behavior than they are during the regular season, but there were always a couple that were hard to deal with,” Shaw said.
“(Iowa State coach) Larry Eustachy could be challenging, and we threw him out in the regionals after he blew the lead against Michigan State that became a big media spectacle. Trent Johnson when he was at Stanford wound up getting thrown out, too.
“Both of those guys became good friends when my role changed. You get a different respect for one another away from the court. But sometimes your personalities tend to clash just like any other business. You’re not going to be best friends with everybody.”
Getting to know some of the stars of the college game was also a benefit that Shaw came to cherish.
“I got to referee and know so many great players that it carried over. When Dwyane Wade was at Marquette he was relatively unknown, and he’s now a superstar. I had a lot of their games over the years and I’d see him from time to time while he’s in the NBA and we still talk about games from his college days.
“Kevin Durant was as good as an offensive player that I’ve ever seen in college and a good guy.
(Duke coach) Mike Krzyzewski and I traded barbs with each other because he’s highly intelligent and we’d clash at times. It was fun to kind of play games with him. There’s so many players and coaches I got to know that I’ve known forever now. You’re running in a circle that’s pretty special.”
Shaw had the opportunity to get to know Tennessee coach Rick Barnes when he was in charge of Texas’ program. He’s not surprised by the success Barnes has enjoyed in resurrecting the Vols.
“I’ve always had tons of respect for him – the way he coached, the way he acted and the type family person he is,” Shaw said. “He had a great run at Texas where I don’t think he was appreciated as much as he should’ve been because it’s such a football-oriented school. He got a fresh start at Tennessee, and sometimes you just need to start over for everybody’s sake. He got to come to a place that’s dying for a winner, and he’s done it. He’s taken overlooked kids and blended them into a veteran team that’s turned things around.
I’m very happy for him, and I’m happy for the program because they needed something positive to happen to them.”
Having agreed to move to a supervisor role the following year prior to the 2009-10 season, Shaw was able to end his lengthy tenure as one of the game’s most respected officials in a memorable fashion.
“The fact that my last game was the semifinal game in the Final Four was pretty special,” Shaw said. “Not many referees know when their last game will be because they hang around too long and they wind up getting let go or hurt. I knew that was my last game. Plus, it was in Indianapolis where I was living at the time, so my kids and a lot of friends got to be there. Going out on top, so to speak, was a nice achievement.”
Shaw, who is a member of the Greater Chattanooga Sports Hall of Fame, believes that officiating has become more challenging since his days on the court.
“It’s definitely gotten harder to officiate because the size and speed of the players is so drastically different from when I started,” Shaw said./cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/58172223/usa_today_9892124.0.jpg)
“Also, the fundamental skill-set of the players is tremendously down from what it used to be. What you’ve got is just a smaller version of the NBA. I don’t think our rules have helped it, but it’s hard to change things when you’re dealing with the NCAA.”
The criticism of officials disrupting the flow of games by constantly verifying their calls through instant replay creates a dilemma for today’s referees that Shaw doesn’t envy.
“When you’re refereeing, you’re calling the game in real time,” Shaw said. “Every call these days is then scrutinized on social media and that’s what takes so long at the monitor. The last thing you want is to be on SportsCenter later that night. I wish we’d done things differently, but it’s where we are these days.
“When I was refereeing I thought I could control the game. Before we had the timing pack, I never had clock issues. I knew how to manage that game. Nowadays, we’ve created an endless run to the monitor.”
Despite the challenges referees face in today’s environment, Shaw still loves coaching the next generation of officials.
In fact, his son, Chase, has decided to follow in his father’s footsteps.
“My son is an aspiring referee who just got selected to the Division II national tournament this year,” Shaw said. “We bump heads, so I stay out of his career and he’s done this all on his own without an influence from me. It’s kind of neat to see him take this course and I can tell he shares the same passion as I did.”
To contact Paul Payne email [email protected] or Twitter @Paul_A_Payne
32 grade-schoolers attend first Curtis Hines Basketball Camp — ENC Moments
The elementary grade schoolkids took pictures with the coaching staff at the first Curtis Hines basketball camp Thursday at Mock Gym, also stranding with UNC’s Dontrez Styles and Winston-Salem State’s Jeremy Dixon and Isaac Parson.
This week, 32 youth basketball players became better.
The Curtis Hines Basketball Camp took place Monday through Thursday at Mock Gym.
The camp was open to all grade-school kids and taught by Hines, a former Kinston High and Shaw University stalwart. Hines started his company, Hines Workoutz in 2014, to help youth basketball players in Kinston, and took an assistant coaching job at Hopewell High School in Charlotte.
“We had a lot of great times,” Hines said about the camp this week. “It was great seeing the smiles on the kids’ faces and them getting better. Most of them told me ‘hey, I did some of the drills on my own.’ It was just fun having them here, them really believing in what you do and then building relationships in the 4-day span. I gained their trust, and parents said they had seen improvements already.”
One of the campers, rising second-grader Za’lyn Robinson, said he enjoyed his time.
“I did great with basketball and I’m going to get even better,” Robinson said.
Hines was assisted by Terrence Thomas of Thomas Athletics, who said there will be additional camps in the future.
“This camp is awesome and will be the first of many,” Thomas said.
“Working with Curtis and Carlos (Parker) was great, and these kids learned a lot. It felt good giving back to them, doing something positive and teaching about life, using basketball as a tool.”
Three of Hines’ former students came to the camp Thursday to sign autographs: UNC’s Dontrez Styles, along with Winston-Salem State’s Jeremy Dixon and Isaac Parson. All three had stellar careers at Kinston High School and are making names for themselves at the collegiate level.
Parson said the campers were great.
“They’re ready to learn, listen and work,” Parson said. “It means a lot to give back to the community — a lot of the kids look up to us because we went to K-High and played basketball there, and they want to be where we’re at.”
Styles said it was more than just the basketball element.
“They’re great kids and it was fun helping them learn,” Styles said. “It meant a lot being able to give them advice too, which will help them out in the long run.”
Dixon said assisting the youth is always a rewarding experience.
“It was fun working with the kids and it’s always good to give back, especially in this city,” Dixon said.
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Basketball camp New Ocean – tours 2023
Summer is a time for adventure, meeting new people and, of course, improving your sports skills! If you are a basketball lover and want to spend your summer with benefit, then we invite you to basketball camp “New Ocean” .
Age: for boys born in 2007-2010.
PROGRAM
New Ocean Basketball Camp offers a unique opportunity for teenagers and children who want to improve their basketball skills and spend time with like-minded people.
A team of professional coaches and instructors will help develop all the necessary skills – from throwing technique to team play tactics.
In the camp participants will live in comfortable rooms, where there is everything necessary for a comfortable stay. In addition, the organizers offer a varied program that includes not only training, but also various entertainment and excursions!
No lessons, no school, no teachers – just sea, sun, beach and basketball!
The following facilities are available at camp “New Ocean” :
- The basketball hall is an ideal place to practice and play basketball. The gym is equipped with all the necessary equipment for quality training.
- Stadium is a great place for outdoor exercise and training. Here you can improve your physical abilities and enjoy the beautiful views of nature.
- The swimming pool is a great place to relax and unwind after an intense workout. You can swim in the pool, enjoy the sun and just relax.
- Gym is the perfect place for those who want to improve their fitness and get ready for the season. Here you can find all the necessary simulators and equipment for quality training.
Daily routine:
- 7.00 – Rise
- 7.30 – OFP
- 9.00 – Breakfast
- 10.00 – Workout
- 12.00 – Lunch
- 14.00 – Gym
- 15.00 – Pool
- 16.00 – Rest
- 18.00 – Dinner
- 20.00 – Workout
- 22.00 – Lights out
LOCATION AND CONDITIONS
Republic of Crimea, Kerch, st. Moskovskaya, 18, hotel “Moskav-Krym”
The camp is located in a beautiful and secluded area where you can enjoy fresh air and beautiful views of nature. Children have access to modern sports facilities such as a basketball court, a stadium, a swimming pool and a gym, as well as participate in an entertainment program and excursions.
Accommodation
Accommodation in comfortable 3-bed rooms (air conditioning, satellite TV, WiFi, shower, toilet).
Meals
Three balanced meals a day.
The price includes:
- Accommodation in comfortable 3-bed rooms (air conditioning, satellite TV, Wi-Fi, shower, toilet).
- Balanced nutrition.
- Training.
- Rental of sports facilities.
- Transfer.
- Entertainment
- Medical procedures
- Gifts
The camp provides free accommodation and meals for each coach who accompanies his team to the club.
Organizer: IP Kazarenko G.I.
Stremlenie Camp in Sochi – reviews, tours 2023
Stremlenie Basketball Camp in Sochi is a camp for guys who love basketball with all their hearts, and those who are just starting out, and it is also a great opportunity for boys and girls to combine relaxation and sports.
Age: 7-17 years old.
“Aspiration” is a great option for pumping your physical and basketball skills during the summer holidays.
The camp will allow children to master the technique of playing basketball, improve physical fitness and improve their health.
PROGRAM
FAMILY SPORT
This destination is for everyone who wants to have a great time with the whole family on the Black Sea coast! On this shift there will be: one basketball training per day, seaside recreation, various sports activities (beach football, volleyball and others), a rich counselor program, accommodation (with 3 meals a day) on the territory of the Olympic venues.
- 1 training per day
- interactive program
- workshops
- outdoor games
- animation program
ACTIVE
The program is designed for children with an initial level of training.
Ideal for those kids who love outdoor activities. They can not only have fun, but also learn how to play basketball. The main thing is an individual approach. The group is selected depending on the child’s basketball skills.
- 2-3 workouts per day
- interactive program
- workshops
- outdoor games
- basic skills training
Thanks to qualified coaches from the Stremlenie basketball club, a friendly atmosphere always reigns on the court, classes are held according to professional teaching methods.
To improve the quality of the game and technical capabilities, the guys perform various sets of sports exercises.
What will the child get?
- Skills and games . Thanks to full immersion in basketball for a week and our attentive and experienced coaches, the skills of the game can grow very much (depending on the starting level) and remain with the child for a long time in the future.
- Pleasure . In addition to the fact that the child will play basketball every day, he will have other interesting and entertaining activities organized by professional animators.
- Independence skills . In comfortable and safe conditions and under the supervision of experienced coaches and counselors. But still, for a child, this feeling is more independent. And the opportunity to realize and show their responsibility.
- New friends . We maintain a friendly atmosphere among children and this helps them to easily find a common language with each other. In such conditions, a strong friendship can be born for many years!
LOCATION AND CONDITIONS
Krasnodar Territory, Sochi, Adler district, magnificent apart-hotel Velvet seasons “sports quarter” is located near the center of Adler (Sochi).
120 meters from the Black Sea coast. Within walking distance of the embankment, the park “Southern Cultures”.
