Sport Officials Surrendered (S.O.S.) is excited to make a pair of announcements regarding next month’s Referees Embracing Faith “REF” Conference 2019, including the attendance of retired NBA referee Ed T. Rush, and a partnership with Chick-fil-A as lunch provider.
Former NBA referee Ed T. Rush will attend REF Conference for the second straight year in 2019. In 1966, Rush became the youngest referee in NBA history at age 24, and went on to work 32 NBA seasons, officiating 33 NBA finals games and five All-Star Games. He also served as the NBA’s director of officiating for five years. Rush is an author, and founded Court Club basketball referees mentoring program.
Rush spoke at the inaugural REF Conference in Texas in 2018, and has been a faithful friend and supporter of both the conference and S.O.S. Although he is not among the speakers this year, he will be in attendance and is looking forward to connecting with fellow officials.
Rush’s message and all messages from REF Conference 2018 can be viewed here: https://www.sportsofficialssurrendered.org/referees-embracing-faith-conference
Additionally, S.O.S. is blessed to announce that Chick-fil-A will provide food service for REF Conference 2019. Chick-fil-A will provide lunch service to the venue, free of charge for conference participants, in between the morning and afternoon teaching sessions.
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REF Conference 2019 hosted by Prasco Laboratories in Mason, OH is fast approaching on Saturday, August 17, now less than a month away. Registration is just $10 per person, and is open now. Registration will be available at the door the morning of the event, however advanced registration is encouraged to help organizers better prepare to serve you.
This year’s lineup of speakers is headlined by MLB umpire Ted Barrett (joining by video feed) and NFL chaplain LaMorris Crawford, and will be rounded out by NCAA Div. 1 basketball officials J.D. Collins, Nate Harris, as well as basketball official and pastor Alika Arisumi.
Josh Koch and “BE” will lead worship to begin the conference, and the emcee’s for the day will be NBA referee Pat Fraher and NCAA Div. 1 referee Darron George.
REF Conference information and registration: https://www.sportsofficialssurrendered.org/events-1/2nd-annual-referees-embracing-faith-conference
The one-day conference will last from 9:00 AM until 4:00 PM, followed by a to-be-announced social function with our guest speakers and S.O.S. team members.