LEADERSHIP THROUGH OFFICIATING.
we teach leadership through the lens of diverse sports experiences.
We believe the game is a classroom. Through immersive, real-time sports experiences—including youth and adult referee training—we help people build the confidence, communication, and conflict-resolution skills to lead with fairness and empathy, on and off the court.
GAME-DAY LEADERSHIP
We partner with leagues and events that support the growth of developing referees. These game environments serve as training grounds where refs—mentored through ref-ology—gain experience, receive feedback, and build confidence. It’s not just about officiating games; it’s about shaping fair, self-aware, principled leaders in real time.
play now. thrive always.
Our signature youth engagement program helps young athletes—and the adults who support them—see the full picture of sport. Participants build confidence through basketball skills and drills, then step into the role of referee, gaining first hand experience in fairness, responsibility, and leadership.
ref-4-steph
Each fall, we honor the life and legacy of Stephanie Daily—a talented and passionate referee who passed away from breast cancer at just 30 years old.
REF-4-STEPH has grown into an annual tribute and awareness event that brings the officiating and basketball community together to raise funds and awareness for breast cancer.
OUR MISSION.
Too often, sports environments reflect what we’re trying to fix in our communities—disrespect toward referees, emotionally charged sidelines, unchecked bias, and a lack of tools to manage conflict or big emotions. Players feel misunderstood. Referees feel under attack. And spectators don’t always recognize the impact of their words and actions.
When understanding breaks down, the game becomes more about division than growth. Without shared understanding, the game can shift from something that connects us, to something that divides us.
We shine a light on what needs to change in sports culture—then collaborate with athletes, referees, parents, coaches, and community partners to build something better.
That’s where Blast Equality Collab™ comes in. Just like the blast from a whistle calls out what’s not working during a game, we shine a light on what needs to change in sports culture—then collaborate with athletes, referees, parents, coaches, and community partners to build something better.
Our impact to date.
20+ Partner Organizations
We collaborate with schools, leagues, and community groups to bring leadership on both sides of the ball.
10+ Cities Served
Blast Equality Collab is expanding to bring leadership-focused sports programming to communities ready to create a better sports experience for all participants.
2k+ referees trained
Participants have completed our unique leadership collaboration program, gaining tools to lead with fairness and courage.
3K+ Players thriving
Thousands of athletes have benefited from the positive influence of players, referees, parents, coaches, and communities coming together to foster a more respectful sports experience.
how to Get Involved.
become a referee
Officiating is your chance to lead with fairness, focus, and confidence—while shaping the game for good. We’ll match you with a group in your area or place you in one of our immersive officiating experiences to grow your skills.
bring blast to your community
Our signature programming, uses sports as a platform for growth. We work with schools, leagues, and youth organizations to build real-time leadership and reshape game-day culture.
partner with us
Collaboration is at the heart of what we do. Corporate and philanthropic partners make our mission—to shift sports culture from the inside out—possible.
Dominique Hunter
Embodied Referee
“It’s more than just calling fouls and violations, you have to read the temperature of the game”
Refereeing here challenges me and it pushes me. When you’re out on the court, we learn to evaluate the situation, evaluate the environment. It’s more than just calling fouls and violations, you have to read the temperature of the game, the players, the coaches. It allows you to collaborate and build good relationships. You inherently become better because you’re more aware of everything going on outside the court lines.
