From A to Zebra

Dana Pappas, Nate Acosta
  • 5.0 (8)
  • 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. 6D AGO

    From A to Zebra Podcast S3:E9 Letter I - Integrity guest Robert Smith

    Summary: In this inspiring interview, Robert Smith shares his journey from a college football player to a Big Ten official, emphasizing the importance of integrity, community service, and the transformative power of officiating. Discover how his principles and experiences can elevate your understanding of character and leadership in sports and life. Sound Bites: "Doing what's right when nobody's looking." "Officiating keeps people's eyes on the game." "Keep an open mind, always." Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Integrity in Sports Officiating 02:07 Robert Smith's Journey to Officiating 04:14 Path to the Big Ten Conference 06:15 Choosing the University of Iowa: A Story of Integrity 12:44 The Role of Education in Officiating 17:06 Understanding Integrity in Officiating 23:28 The Impact of Officiating on Student Athletes 26:37 The Role of Integrity in Officiating 29:01 Family Support and Personal Integrity 30:07 Navigating Scrutiny in the Age of Social Media 37:03 Advice for Aspiring Officials 41:52 The Importance of Open-Mindedness in Officiating 45:38 refreps thank you 45:48 riverside_ed_- take 02 _ sep 25, 2024 001_from_a to zebra (1).mp4 resources RefReps - https://RefReps.com National Association of Sports Officials (NASO) - https://naso.org Hayden Fry - College Football Hall of Fame - https://www.cfbhall.com/hall-of-fame/hall-of-famers/hayden-fry/ Reggie Roby - Miami Dolphins - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reggie_Roby

    46 min

  2. MAY 6

    From A to Zebra Podcast S3:E8 Letter L - Legacy guest Jimmy DeBell

    Summary: In this episode, Jimmy DeBell shares his extensive officiating journey, insights on legacy, and the importance of mentorship in officiating. Discover how to build credibility, learn from legends, and carry forward the traditions that shape the future of sports officiating. Key Topics: Jimmy DeBell's officiating journey from flag football to NFL The importance of legacy and mentorship in officiating Building credibility and relationships with players and coaches Lessons learned from officiating legends like Gerald Austin and Mike Pereira The role of officiating in community and veteran support initiatives The significance of admitting mistakes and continuous learning in officiating Passing down officiating nuggets and mental models The impact of officiating on youth and community development Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Legacy in Officiating 03:17 Jimmy DeBell's Journey in Officiating 06:05 Advice for Aspiring Officials 08:41 Memorable Moments in Officiating 11:37 The Importance of Smaller Games 14:52 Legacy of Barry Manow 17:46 The Impact of Referee Magazine 20:26 Mentorship and Influential Figures 22:44 Overcoming Challenges in Officiating 27:26 Bouncing Back from Adversity 39:20 Honoring the Legacy of Officiating Heroes 51:31 Impactful Moments in Officiating 53:10 The Officiating Mount Rushmore 01:00:23 Legacy and Mentorship in Officiating 01:07:13 The Role of Officiating in Community Service 01:13:42 Passion and Purpose in Officiating 01:17:11 NEWCHAPTER 01:17:21 riverside_ed_- take 02 _ sep 25, 2024 001_from_a to zebra (1).mp4 resources RefReps - https://refreps.com Barry Manow - Referee Magazine Founder - https://www.refereemag.com Gerald Austin - Officiating Legend - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gerald_Austin Mike Pereira - Officiating Expert - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Pereira Jim Tunney - NFL Official and Author - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Tunney Battlefields to Ballfields Foundation - https://battlefieldstoballfields.org

    1h 18m

  3. APR 29

    From A to Zebra Podcast S3:E7 Letter W - Work Ethic guest Land Clark

    Summary: In this insightful interview, NFL referee Land Clark shares his journey, work ethic, and the importance of preparation and passion in officiating. Discover practical tips for officials at all levels and the value of staying connected to your roots. Sound Bites: "If you're prepared, you're not scared." "Just do the math. 10, 15 games, 150 plays." "Watch film from your perspective as an official." Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 02:13 Land Clark's Journey to Officiating 05:09 The Importance of Relationships in Officiating 07:38 Constants in Officiating Across Levels 10:20 Advice for Aspiring Officials 13:05 Work Ethic in Officiating 15:38 Controllables in Work Ethic 18:04 The Role of Film Study in Officiating 22:27 The Importance of Support and Mentorship 27:08 Physical Fitness and Mental Resilience 28:44 Translating Skills from Day Jobs to Officiating 34:21 The Value of Reflection in Officiating 37:18 Giving Back to the Next Generation of Officials 41:07 The Unique Rush of Officiating 44:57 riverside_ed_- take 02 _ sep 25, 2024 001_from_a to zebra (1).mp4

    46 min

  4. APR 22

    From A to Zebra Podcast S3:E6 Letter Y - Youth guest Travis Fanning

    Summary: In this episode, Travis Fanning shares his officiating journey from middle school to collegiate sports, emphasizing the importance of youth involvement, standards, and mentorship in officiating. Discover insights on recruiting young officials, maintaining professionalism, and fostering a safe, welcoming environment for newcomers. Sound Bites: "We need youth to keep the officiating circle going." "Safety and respect are key to attracting youth." "Promote respect and understanding for officials." Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Youth in Officiating 08:21 The Importance of Youth in Officiating 17:09 Creating a Welcoming Environment for New Officials 24:08 Standards and Training for Officials 28:59 Addressing Barriers to Youth Involvement in Officiating 31:07 NEWCHAPTER 31:12 riverside_ed_- take 02 _ sep 25, 2024 001_from_a to zebra (1).mp4 resources RefReps - https://refreps.com PAVO Convention - https://pavo.org National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA) - https://niaaa.org

    32 min

  5. APR 15

    From A to Zebra Podcast S3:E5 Letter P - Planning guest Steven Woods

    Summary: In this episode, NFL umpire Steven Woods shares his journey from college football to the NFL, emphasizing the importance of planning, preparation, and mental agility in officiating. Discover practical tips for officials at all levels to elevate their game through strategic planning and mental resilience. Sound Bites: "You've got to always want it." "Reset your mind and focus on the present." "Always keep learning and elevating your game." Chapters: 00:00 The Journey to the NFL: Steven Woods' Officiating Path 07:20 The Importance of Passion in Officiating 08:38 The Call to the NFL: A Life-Changing Moment 12:56 Balancing Life as a Financial Advisor and Official 16:42 Planning for Success: Game Preparation Strategies 20:11 Preparation and Game Day Routine 27:05 The Importance of Control in Officiating 30:33 Crew Dynamics and Leadership 34:03 Mental Agility and Adaptation 40:07 Education, Elevation, and Excitement in Officiating 43:20 Outro 43:30 riverside_ed_- take 02 _ sep 25, 2024 001_from_a to zebra (1).mp4

    44 min

  6. APR 8

    From A to Zebra Podcast S3:E4 Letter O - Outside the Ring guest Marc Ratner

    Summary: In this episode, we explore the remarkable career of Marc Ratner, a legendary figure in sports officiating, boxing, and UFC. Discover his journey from high school sports to the White House, and learn valuable lessons on officiating, leadership, and adapting to new challenges. Sound Bites: "A parachute landing into the ring was unforgettable" "Asking the referee if he was sure saved the fight" "Being invited to the White House fight was surreal" Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Guest Background 01:58 Marc's Passion for High School Sports 05:10 Journey as a Division I Football Official 10:24 Getting Involved in Boxing and UFC 13:46 Challenges Across Different Sports Levels 25:05 Transition from Ring to Octagon 30:18 Event Planning at the White House 33:01 Evolution of UFC Over 20 Years 33:45 Marc's Hall of Fame Honors 37:02 Writing 'Ringside' and Memorable Stories 39:35 Advice on Officiating and Leadership Resources: RefReps Official Resources - https://refreps.com Marc Ratner's Book: Ringside, My Life Outside the Ropes and the Octagon - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09XYZ1234 Guest Links: LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/marcratner Twitter - https://twitter.com/marcratner

    43 min

  7. APR 1

    From A to Zebra Podcast S3:E3 Letter T - Table Crew guest Dr. David Pillar

    Summary In this episode, Dr. David Piller shares his extensive journey in basketball officiating, his role on the Indiana Hoosiers' table crew, and the importance of officiating in sports. Discover insights into the skills needed, the evolution of officiating, and how officiating enhances the sports experience. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest 02:09 David Pillar's Officiating Journey 06:00 The Role of Table Crew in Basketball 11:41 Ref Reps and Its Impact on Officiating 17:20 Recognition and Awards in Officiating 21:17 The Importance of Communication in Officiating 28:37 Building Relationships Between Officials and Table Crew 31:57 The Importance of Communication in Officiating 37:05 Game Management and Communication with Coaches 45:17 The Role of Table Crews in Officiating 48:23 Passion for Officiating and the Game Experience 56:09 Inclusivity in Sports and Opportunities for Involvement 01:00:06 Outro

    1h 1m

  8. MAR 25

    From A to Zebra Podcast S3:E2 Letter E - End of an Era guest Greta Langhenry

    Summary In this inspiring episode, Greta Lange-Henry shares her journey into umpiring, breaking barriers as a woman in baseball, and the impactful work of Level UMP supporting underrepresented officials. Discover how passion, perseverance, and community are transforming the sport and empowering the next generation. Takeaways Passion and perseverance can lead to breaking barriers in sports. Supporting underrepresented groups in officiating is vital for diversity. Community and mentorship are key to success in sports careers. The legacy of Wendelstedt Umpire School shapes future generations. Confidence and continuous learning are essential for officials. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Journey of Umpiring 02:54 Greta's Unique Path to Umpiring 05:38 Overcoming Challenges and Building Confidence 05:58 The Importance of Mentorship and Support 08:46 Trailblazing as a Female Umpire 11:20 The Legacy of Wendelstedt Umpire School 14:12 Reflections on the End of an Era 16:43 The Emotional Connection to Officiating 23:26 The Emotional Journey of Officiating 27:36 Understanding the Role of Officials 31:31 Lessons Learned from Umpire School 34:38 Introducing Level UMP: A New Era 43:45 Building Community and Support in Umpiring 53:43 riverside_ed_- take 02 _ sep 25, 2024 001_from_a to zebra (1).mp4

    54 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
8 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
    69
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Dana Pappas, Nate Acosta
  • Show Website
    From A to Zebra

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