This weekend I had the pleasure of officiating basketball games that included a team from Spain visiting the USA. It was a fun experience to make several observations that I'll now share...

These are not in any particular order...

1) Do you recall in the NBA Playoffs this year how commentator Jeff Van Gundy talked about the "European two step?" It had something to do with how international basketball players play the game of basketball differently and that travelling (at least in terms of how it is called) is different at the international level as opposed to other levels of play here in the USA. Well, anyhow, I observed these girls playing from Spain (they were approximately 14 years old) and they had an unusual way of attacking the rim with the ball. Sometimes they were called for steps, either by me or my officiating partner. As the game progressed and in the aftermath, I wondered how prevalent it was for players to move to the rim to try to score in the manner that they did. It's something to take note of for sure.

2)I met one of the coaching assistants for this Spanish team for a brief conversation after the game. She taught me that "Arbitro" is the Spanish word for referee and/or official. It was fun to try to understand what this assistant and the head coach was trying tocommunicate to the players. Having learned Spanish and used it in my visits to Mexico, I had to be careful not to get so caught up in the coaching that I let my work as an official lapse. In the final analysis, it wasn't all that difficult.

3) Finally, at the conclusion of the game, these international players shook hands and congratulated their American opponents on a well-played game. As they approached, they were well prepared to hand over gifts they had brought along for each player. There were even extras that they left for me and my partner. I gladly took enough for each of my five children to give to them upon my return home that afternoon!

So, you've now been kept in suspense for a while about this blog entry's title. I'm wondering... what is it that makes teams willing to travel? It doesn't even have to be from outside the country. I'm wondering, what draws a team, say from Maryland or New Jersey or even Massachusetts, to come over here to my home state of Pennsylvania and play in tournaments? I wonder, what's the hook that got them to play on the floor where I'm wearing my stripes! Any insights someone might have will be much appreciated!

Thanks for reading!