Our guest speaker for this meeting will be Rusty Herring, former NBA and NCAA Division I referee. Herring’s officiating journey placed him at center court during a time when basketball was evolving rapidly. The late 1980s and early 1990s marked a period of increasing athleticism, national exposure, and growing scrutiny of officiating standards. To earn assignments in this environment required not only mastery of the rulebook, but also composure, decisiveness, and the ability to command respect in arenas filled with passionate fans and elite competitors. Herring demonstrated those qualities consistently, which ultimately led to his appointment as an NBA referee — an achievement that represents the pinnacle of professional officiating.
His NBA tenure, spanning the late 1980s into the early 1990s, positioned him among a select group of officials entrusted to manage the pace and intensity of the world’s premier basketball league. Every game demanded split-second judgment and unwavering focus. Whether managing physical play in the paint or critical late-game situations, Herring’s presence on the floor reflected the league’s confidence in his professionalism and ability to maintain competitive balance.
Equally important was his work in Division I college basketball, where Herring officiated numerous high-profile contests featuring nationally recognized programs. College arenas often present a unique intensity — a blend of tradition, rivalry, and youthful energy — and officials must navigate that atmosphere with clarity and poise. Herring became a familiar and trusted figure in these settings, contributing to games that shaped conference standings and postseason dreams.
Beyond the assignments themselves, Herring represented a generation of officials committed to improving the craft of officiating. He understood that the game was changing and believed referees must evolve alongside it through preparation, training, and continuous learning. His perspective reflected a professional mindset focused not merely on enforcing rules, but on supporting the integrity and flow of the sport.
Mark Your Calendar
(All Meetings at Croasdaile Country Club)
3/4/26 – Dave Odom, former College basketball coach
3/18/26 – Shane Willis, former Carolina Hurricane
4/6/26 – Special Guest Speaker