Rooting for the Ref in the High-Stakes World of College Basketball The Whistleblower (Hardback) - Common

by Bob Katz

During a season on the road with college basketball referees, Bob Katz watched the games they officiated, listened in on their candid conversations in locker rooms and hotel lobbies, and explored the challenges they must regularly confront. In this portrait of one consummate professional at the top of his game, Katz pulls off an unbelievable In The Whistleblower, we come to actually root for the ref.Ed Hightower, raised in poverty in the segregated rural South, went on to become superintendent of schools in Edwardsville, Illinois. But it is his side-career as an elite NCAA referee (4 NCAA Championship games, 12 Final Fours) that has earned him renown—which in the eyes of angry coaches and hostile fans is a far cry from affection. Alone among thousands in the stadium and millions watching at home, the ref’s goal is fairness and neutrality. He truly does not care who wins or loses. His passion to do the right thing on the court is shaped by character and training and a rare kind of honor. In The Whistleblower, the fascinating yet nearly unknown role of the referee is artfully revealed by a writer of talent.

Genres: Sports, Basketball

Hardcover

First published February 3, 2015

Reviews

[Lance · Rating 4 out of 5]

No matter the sport, the job of a referee, official, umpire, or whatever the people in charge of enforcing the rules of the game are called, it is not an easy job. This book follows one season and part of the career of one of these people, former college basketball referee Ed Hightower. It provides a great insight into the profession and what it takes for someone to succeed in that profession as author Bob Katz does a nice job of bringing readers onto the court with Hightower.

Katz not only describes Hightower's actions on the court, but he also discusses the intricacies into the profession and why the job of a basketball referee has unique challenges, such as monitoring the activity of 10 athletes whose quickness and skills will require the viewing of a situation, analyzing that situation against the rulebook and making a decision all within a fraction of a second. When described in that context, which Katz does, and then reading many of the various situations in which Hightower had to perform this task, it makes the reader truly appreciate what an official in any sport must do. Even if that fan is one who will vehemently disagree with said official if the call goes against that fan's team.

Hightower's life off the court is also a topic of discussion in the book, as he continued his education and eventually became the administrator for a school district. These duties don't go away when Hightower was on the road, and Katz writes about how he balanced these duties while on the road, usually during an Upper Midwest winter as Hightower's primary referee duties were for the Big Ten conference. How Hightower was able to juggle this, family duties and the travel involved in his "second" job is nothing short of amazing.

While the book focuses primarily on Hightower, it would be incorrect to label this as a "biography" as Katz delves deeply into the profession of basketball officiating more than the life of Ed Hightower. It becomes clear to a reader that Katz becomes more focused on officials, leading to the last chapter when he does what the title of the book says he will do and "roots" for the referee.

While this book does not tell everything about Ed Hightower or everything one can on the profession, this is one that any basketball fan will enjoy as it will give a good perspective of what the people in the striped shirts deal with in their profession – of course, this is in addition to the fans, players and coaches who believe that their version of what happened is the correct one and that the ref is _______. Fill in that blank with whatever insult or negative connotation you wish.

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[TJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

As a big college basketball fan, I was thrilled to have the opportunity to read this book about legendary NCAA basketball official, Ed Hightower, and the trials and tribulations of being a big-time college basketball official. Author Bob Katz does a nice job creating a story that should appeal to casual fans almost as much as it does to rabid followers of the game. Katz follows Hightower through the bulk of a college basketball season and shares Hightower's story and insights on the game as the book moves along. Katz succeeds in helping the reader see the game through the eyes of the ref - including topics like game management, impartiality, the stress of cross country travel, and having a life outside of the job.

All in all, this is an enjoyable experience that should appeal to basketball fans. A few editing issues were the only things that kept the book from earning 5-star status from this reviewer.

[Blake · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two years ago, I had plans to retire from refereeing basketball. It wasn't a decision I came to without some deep thought and I ended up deciding to not do so for various reasons. The state office granted me a one-year leave. As I was preparing to officiate what I thought were my last few games at a local district tournament, one of the other officials asked me what I was going to do with my free time. At the time, I had an idea, a concept brewing in my mind to write a book about referees. I told this fellow official about my aspirations and he said, "Blake, you should read, "The Whistleblower." I'm so glad Kevin E. gave me that recommendation that day, for it has been a pure joy to read this book.

The book is basically focused on college referees, more specifically on Ed Hightower, a man who has refereed hundreds of college basketball games, including Final Fours and National Championships, Big Ten Tournaments, and everything in between. The author basically follows Hightower throughout a season and part of his career, highlighting the ups and downs of officiating. In reading the pages, one gets to see the sport of basketball through the eyes of a very accomplished official. One learns about the ins and outs of the trade, the necessity of knowing rules down the fine, fine details, and the critical elements of being able to work with people---coaches, players, fans, and yes, other officials. One gets a glimpse at the pressure that comes with huge, national televised games, pressure that comes with making calls and dealing with the aftermath of getting it wrong and everyone looking at the the big screen gets to see how an official messed up. Ed Hightower, towers high (pun intended) in the ranks of college officials. His name is widely known amoungst the college ranks. He officiated some of the best games and best athletes the sport produced.

I think this is a wonderful read, one that any person who loves sports would probably enjoy. I know that as a basketball official, I loved seeing behind the scenes in the life of an excellent official and I highly recommend The Whistleblowe to all officials.

[Graham J. Diemer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I watched Hightower work games in The Kohl Center many years ago and have spent a little time with him since his retirement too. The book gives you a great behind the scenes look at what the life of a referee is like and how Ed’s story is unique. He is a class act and was a top-notch official. His passion for helping young people in both of his “professions” shines through. Tough to make a book about a hoops referee a real page-turner, but I am glad that I have deeper understanding of the Whistleblower, and more importantly, the man.

[Andy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I still think refs suck. Most of this book was about Ed Hightower, who in my opinion, was one of the worst kind of refs. The ones that try to make themselves stand out during the game and make themselves bigger than the game.

[Peter Galamaga · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given an advance copy of this book to review.

I am not a sports fan. I can probably name more types of potatoes than I can professional or college athletes. That said, I love to GO to games.

My wife is a former basketball star and was a college coach for several years, so I have definitely been exposed to the game.

So, it was quite serendipitous that I was given this book to read.

I loved it!

The book centers around the story of Ed Hightower, a hardworking NCAA basketball referee who also happens to be a superintendent of schools in Illinois. As a veteran teacher, I found this aspect particularly intriguing.

Katz shows how Hightower uses his skills to navigate both jobs with skill, humor, compassion, and dedication.

The sports aspect of the book was accessible to me and probably enjoyable to dedicated fans of the game.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you enjoy the thrill of college basketball, you'll enjoy this book, which lays out the motivations, training and commitment of the individuals who have chosen to become referees. The featured ref, Ed Hightower, is a remarkable man, both for his refereeing accomplishments and for his achievements as superintendent of a school system in Illinois.

My only disappointment was that the author, at times, pushed his personal views and agenda, trying to convince Hightower to confirm his conclusions. No dice. Hightower remained true to himself.

[Tim Hanna · Rating 1 out of 5]

I expected to get more than one perspective on college basketball referees. This book essentially follows one referee (Ed Hightower) throughout. While Hightower definitely is an interesting and successful man, I picked up this book to learn and get a new perspective about college basketball referees. I honestly did not really care to read 50 pages about Hightower's early life, we have all heard the story of a man making something from nothing before. It was well written, but just not what I expected from the title and jacket description.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting book looking at the game of college basketball from the perspective of the referee. I was afraid I would struggle to get into the book but I really enjoyed reading it. The change of perspective was really good and I am sure I will never look at a sports game quite the same way.

I received a free copy of this book through a Goodreads giveaway.

[Peter Angeli · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was an advanced copy. A behind the scenes look into the life of a college basketball referee. The author also try's to determine whether he can enjoy basketball by focusing on the refs. Also touches on why fans jeer refs.

[Robert M Willis Jr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

Every aspiring official should read this book. Following a legend during his final year is a great experience. Just like all refs the game is better to us than we are to it.

[Roger Wetlaufer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think it is intriguing. I have met Hightower and seen many of the games he refereed. I can't agree with some of the observations but I found them interesting nonetheless.

[Lisa Simmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Learned a lot. For basketball fans, a previously less examined part of the game. At least for me.