Ex-NBA ref cites PBA’s progress

Former National Basketball Association (NBA) Supervisor of Officials Darrell Garretson says there is no greater feeling for a referee than knowing he’s respected by players.

"Coaches and referees are predators — that’s how it is," notes Garretson. "But a referee earns the respect of players by making good calls. If a referee is respected by players, the feeling is better than sex."

Garretson, 70, was contracted by the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) to train its referees this season. He flew in last Feb. 5 and has since conducted almost daily sessions — 9 to 12 in the morning and 1 to 4 in the afternoon — at the Moro Lorenzo Gym to prepare the league’s referees for the season. Garretson also went the rounds of tune-up games to observe the arbiters in action.

Garretson leaves tomorrow. He says he’d like to return, if he’s invited, to check the progress of the PBA’s referees — maybe before the All-Filipino Cup semifinals.

This is Garretson’s third trip here. In 2000, he conducted a referees’ clinic in Tagaytay for the Asian Basketball Academy Philippines. The next year, Garretson was back to train referees in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) on then Commissioner Chot Reyes’ invitation.

Since his first visit to Manila, Garretson says he’s seen the PBA grow. "The league’s better," he points out. "The players are bigger, faster. The level of competition is higher than the CBA (Continental Basketball Association). I think there’s more parity in the league. At least five teams are on the top of the list. I hear a lot of players lost jobs because several talented players moved in. I hear talk of expansion which is good."

Garretson served in the US Navy for four years and was a sales representative for a burglar and fire alarm company for 11 years before joining the NBA in 1967. When he left the Navy in 1956, Garretson became a referee in recreational leagues and played AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) basketball. Then he worked high school contests, jumped to junior college, did NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) small college games, broke into the Pacific-10 Conference freshmen league, and was set to join the West Coast Athletic Conference (WCAC) when the NBA called.

"Jules Revlon, who coached Hal Greer at Marshall, asked me to do five NBA exhibition games," he recalls. "The pay was $25 a game. I was later contacted by Dolph Schayes, the NBA supervisor of officials, to work the regular season. He offered me $50 a game for at least 10 games plus expenses. After Dolph talked to me, Mr. (Walter) Kennedy (then the NBA Commissioner) got on the phone and offered $75 a game for at least 30 games. I talked it over with my wife. I called back after a day to accept Mr. Kennedy’s offer."

Garretson went on to officiate in 2,100 NBA contests, including five All-Star Games. He shares the record for working the most Finals games at 41 with Jake O’Donnell. In 1981, Garretson was named Supervisor of Officials even as he continued to work games. He officiated his last contest in the 1994 Finals. After retiring from active duty, Garretson held on to his Supervisor position three more years. He was appointed Director of Training in 1997 and retired from the NBA in 1998-99.

Garretson and his wife of 48 years, Jeanne, are blessed with two sons — Rick, 46, a football coach in Anaheim, and Ron, 44, an NBA referee the last 16 years — and five grandchildren. The couple lives in Mesa outside Phoenix, Arizona. Garretson dotes on his grandchildren, watches every game his son works in the NBA, and plays golf. He says his wife should be a candidate for sainthood and would win on the first balloting.

The Star asked Garretson 20 questions to find out more about him.

Star: Why are you in town?

Garretson: I love the Filipino people. I love the enthusiasm for the game which I really love. If you think I’m here for the money, you’re sadly mistaken. When I retired, I made $325,000 a year plus $275 a day during the season. I’m getting $4,000 and $50 a day from the PBA. So it’s not the money. I just want to give back and share my knowledge on what I do best. God blessed me to do this work to the best of my ability — it’s the only thing I know to do.

S: What are the major rule changes in the PBA this season and do you think the coaches and players are adjusting well to the changes?

G: The illegal defense is gone. It’s good it’s gone because the referees never really understood it. Commissioner (Noli) Eala is getting what he wants — the slashing play to the basket, more exciting action. You can use the arm-bar in defending the post to maintain your position which you legally obtained. The no-touch rule? Be serious. You can’t defend the post without touching the offensive player. Coaches and players are adjusting well to the changes since the changes are in their favor. They love the changes. The PBA should make its own rules and not just follow the FIBA (International Basketball Federation) rules which are archaic. It must have its own identity. I think the Commissioner has seen to that with the introduction of new rules this year.

S: What are the three things to keep in mind in working a game?

G: First, concentration. Concentration is nothing more than knowing where you want to be. I’m a stickler for mechanics and positioning. Regardless of your experience, if you’re in position, it’s a simple job. You work for a position and you referee the defender. The natural thing is to watch the ball but the key is to referee the defender. Second, ensure your presence makes your partners look their best. You know your primary responsibilities. There must be communication during the game, not vying for calls. Finally, conditioning. It’s about taking care of yourself. A referee must look like an athlete, too.

S: What makes a good and a bad referee?

G: A good referee is someone who works hard at his profession. A bad referee is someone who doesn’t, someone who thinks he knows it all, and someone who doesn’t listen to instructions well.

More in tomorrow’s Part 2.