Veteran NBA Referee Trains Young Refs in Rockford

Former NBA referee Gary Zielinski recently came to the UW Health Sports Factory to train IHSA basketball referees and teens involved in Rockford Park District’s Jr. Referee Developmental Program.

Zielinski spoke to the group about the differences between high school, college, and NBA officiating.

The Rockford Park District’s Jr. Referee Developmental Program is funded by the Illinois Criminal Justice and Information Authority (ICJIA). We have been able to invest in the next generation through this program and many others, thanks to funding secured by State Representative Maurice West.