Calling the shots: Moses Lake referee keeps games on the straight and narrow

MOSES LAKE — Fifty-six-year-old Scott Strom is a face many basketball fans or players may recognize around the Columbia Basin, especially those who do not agree with his calls.

Strom is a basketball referee with the Columbia Basin Officials Association (CBOA). And this is his 12th year being a referee.

Strom explained he has a long history with basketball and loves the game. He played basketball all through high school and college, as well as being an assistant boys basketball coach for Moses Lake High School for 12 years – 1995-2007.

Because of his time coaching, Strom said he is now seeing his players’ kids in the games he referees and said it is a fun part of his job.

Strom said refereeing was not something he was super excited about doing.

“I never did want to really do it (refereeing), but I wanted to stay part of the game. I love the game and love being on the court,” said Strom.

Strom is originally from Okanogan but moved to Moses Lake in 1995 to follow his wife who had a job in Moses Lake. Since then, he has coached, refereed and is a security guard at Frontier Middle School in Moses Lake during the day.

Strom said his favorite part of the job is being on the court with the players and letting them play their game. He noted it is especially important to him because of the COVID-19 pandemic canceling games and having reduced or non-existent seasons. This, along with a referee shortage has made it all the more difficult to have games.

“I do it so the kids can play,” said Strom.

He referees not only for varsity basketball, but also junior varsity, middle school and the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) games around Grant County.

Strom said not just anyone can referee. There are tests and certifications a person must pass, as well as monthly clinicals throughout the season.

Being in the right spot on the court to see what is happening and discovering how to work with the other referees on the court is the key to refereeing, Strom said.

Being a referee isn’t always easy. There are many times a crowd may not agree with a call Strom and his coworkers make during a game. Strom said there was a misconception about referees making their calls personal.

“I think a lot of people think it’s personal when we make a call against somebody or against a team; it’s never personal. We’re trying to ref a game and the athletes are bigger, stronger, faster these days. It is hard, it’s a heck of a lot harder than anybody knows,” Strom said.

He explained a call can seem one way in the stands, but on the floor so close to the action is a lot different.

“There’s always half the gym that’s mad at a call,” Strom said.