From A to Zebra

Dana Pappas, Nate Acosta
  • 5.0 (9)
  • Sports
  • Updated Weekly

Welcome to a podcast that addresses everything "Official" From A to 🦓 with hosts Dana Pappas, Director of Officiating Services/NFHS & Nate Acosta, NCAA Women's Basketball Official/Former Assistant to the Commissioner of Officials in New Mexico. A plethora of topics delving into the world of officiating and sport officials with special guests and other interesting information aimed to Elevate, Educate, and Excite everyone about Officials.

  1. 20h ago

    From A to Zebra Podcast S3:E23B Letter - F Foundation guest James Carter

    Summary: In this episode, James Carter shares his journey from athlete to top collegiate football official, emphasizing the importance of foundational skills, continuous learning, and giving back to the officiating community. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Officiating and Guest Background 07:15 The Foundation of Officiating: Athlete to Official 13:09 Game Management and Officiating Skills 17:39 The Importance of Community in Officiating 23:10 Continuous Development in Officiating 30:01 Mentorship and Advice for New Officials 35:22 Educating and Elevating the Officiating Community

  2. 23h ago

    From A to Zebra Podcast S3:E23 Letter F - Foundation guest James Carter

    Summary: In this episode, James Carter shares his journey from athlete to top collegiate football official, emphasizing the importance of foundational skills, continuous learning, and giving back to the officiating community. Chapters: 00:05 Exploring the Letter F Foundation 00:30 Introduction to Officiating and Guest Background 07:19 The Foundation of Officiating: Athlete to Official 12:44 Game Management and Officiating Skills 17:02 The Importance of Community in Officiating 22:20 Continuous Development in Officiating 28:48 Mentorship and Advice for New Officials 33:43 Educating and Elevating the Officiating Community

  3. Aug 12

    From A to Zebra Podcast S3:E22 Letter U - Unsportsmanlike guest Stephen Mackey

    Summary: Stephen Mackey shares the inspiring story behind the Texas Way, a program designed to improve sportsmanship and character in high school sports. Discover how this initiative is transforming culture, reducing ejections, and teaching life skills through sports. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and overview of the Texas Way 02:04 Stephen Mackey's journey in character development 05:18 The inspiration behind the Texas Way 08:03 The importance of adversity and character 16:40 Creating the Texas Way to address sportsmanship issues 26:34 How the program is implemented across Texas 38:08 Measuring success and impact of the Texas Way 45:35 Expansion plans and future goals 48:55 Message to coaches about officiating and behavior 54:40 The mission of the Texas Way and character building

  4. Aug 5

    From A to Zebra Podcast S3:E21 Letter V - Village guests Andrea & Scott Osborne

    Summary: In this episode, Andrea and Scott Osborne share their deep family roots in basketball officiating, emphasizing the importance of community, mentorship, and continuous learning in the officiating village. They discuss how their shared experiences and support system have shaped their careers and the legacy they hope to leave. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to the Osborne family's officiating legacy 02:10 Current officiating activities and family involvement 04:08 Andrea's start in basketball officiating and early experiences 07:01 Scott's journey into officiating and early influences 09:59 The importance of community and peer support 14:51 Training, mentorship, and developing new officials 19:59 Lessons learned from family and mentors 25:03 Memorable officiating moments and family stories 30:01 The legacy and future of the Osborne family in officiating

  5. Jul 29

    From A to Zebra Podcast S3:E20 Letter N - NASO Summit guests Alex Kemp, Brooke Kneebush & David Uyl

    Summary: In this episode, we explore the importance of officiating, mentorship, and the value of the NASO Summit for officials across sports and countries. Our distinguished guests share their journeys, insights, and the power of community in officiating. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to the NASO Summit and Guests 02:09 Guest Introductions and Their Officiating Journeys 05:16 How Officiating Began for Our Guests 10:52 Family Influence and Mentorship in Officiating 15:16 The Impact of Mentors and Role Models 20:19 Why the NASO Summit Matters for Officiating 22:06 Learning Across Sports and Countries 28:33 Cross-Sport Mentoring and Development Programs 31:33 The Role of Mentorship in Officiating Growth 35:16 Teaching Young Officials About Emotions and Resilience 44:35 Mentorship as a Foundation for Success 49:50 What Fans Should Know About Officials 54:10 How the Summit Educates and Inspires Officials 58:16 Building Relationships and Sharing Resources 01:00:56 Closing Remarks and Next Steps

  6. Jul 22

    From A to Zebra Podcast S3:E19 Letter H - Honor guests Natalie Iwamoto, Tom Yoshida, & Cal Evans

    Summary: In this episode, we explore the importance of honoring sports officials through Hall of Fames and awards, featuring insights from the Hawaii Sports Officials Hall of Fame board members. Discover how recognition impacts officiating communities and why it's vital for retention and respect. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to the episode and guests 01:01 Natalie Iwamoto's journey in officiating and connection to the community 02:06 Cal Evans shares his start in officiating and career highlights 03:12 Tom Yoshida's unique entry into officiating and career achievements 05:05 The importance of relationships between athletic directors and officials 12:03 The founding and mission of the Hawaii Sports Officials Hall of Fame 16:05 Tom Yoshida's induction into the Hall of Fame and its significance 18:51 Why organizations should honor their officials 23:02 The impact of recognition on officiating retention and community 26:50 Details of the Hall of Fame banquet and awards ceremony 34:48 Favorite memories and stories from the Hall of Fame events 44:52 Advice for organizations to start honoring officials 52:11 Final thoughts on the importance of honoring officials and closing remarks

  7. Jul 15

    From A to Zebra Podcast S3:E18 Letter K - Kudos guest Scott Taylor

    Summary: In this episode, Scott Taylor shares his inspiring journey through umpiring, the importance of mentorship, and how giving kudos can transform officiating culture. Discover practical tips for officiating success and fostering a supportive community. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and guest background 01:15 Scott Taylor's umpiring journey from childhood 03:56 Reflections on returning to Little League complex 07:03 Career highlights in minor and college baseball 12:03 The importance of giving kudos in officiating 20:13 Qualities of successful officials and the 'it' factor 27:46 Building a positive officiating culture 35:52 Practical ways to recognize and support officials 44:05 Memorable experiences with top baseball players 53:50 Mentorship and giving back to the officiating community 01:02:08 Final thoughts and closing remarks

  8. Jul 8

    From A to Zebra Podcast S3:E17 Letter A - Administrators guests Phil Rison, Becky Moran, & Rich Barton

    Summary: In this episode, we explore the vital role of athletic administrators and officials in education-based sports, emphasizing collaboration, communication, and mutual support to enhance game day experiences and sportsmanship. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to NIAAA and Athletic Administrators 02:54 The Evolving Role of Athletic Administrators 05:39 Personal Journeys of NIAAA Leaders 11:46 Goals and Priorities for the Upcoming School Year 17:03 Ensuring Positive Experiences for Officials 24:44 Challenges Faced by Athletic Administrators 31:04 Game Day Security and Preparedness 37:56 Ensuring Safety in Sports Events 43:57 Communication and Collaboration Between Officials and Administrators 49:11 The Role of Parents in Sportsmanship 55:21 The Emotional Dynamics of Youth Sports 59:17 Challenges in Recruitment and Retention of Officials 01:03:59 Building Partnerships for Educational Success 01:09:50 Thank you 01:10:00 Outro

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

Welcome to a podcast that addresses everything "Official" From A to 🦓 with hosts Dana Pappas, Director of Officiating Services/NFHS & Nate Acosta, NCAA Women's Basketball Official/Former Assistant to the Commissioner of Officials in New Mexico. A plethora of topics delving into the world of officiating and sport officials with special guests and other interesting information aimed to Elevate, Educate, and Excite everyone about Officials.

Information

  • Creator
    Dana Pappas, Nate Acosta
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    84
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Dana Pappas, Nate Acosta
  • Show Website
    From A to Zebra

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