NBA referee Spooner holds clinic in Oak Park

Bill Spooner, a resident of Oak Park and an 18-year veteran NBA referee, conducted a referee and coach clinic for about 50 Agoura Youth Basketball Association youth and adult refs and coaches on Sun., Sept. 17 at Oak Park High.

Spooner shared valuable instruction on the many facets of effective refereeing, such as proper floor positioning for optimum game visibility and emphasizing the importance of mental toughness. He was assisted throughout the clinic by members of the Agoura High girls' varsity basketball team.

Attendees were inspired by Spooner's recollection of how he began his referee career in youth sports and how he was able to move up the ranks to eventual success in the NBA.

Spooner is two games shy of his 1,000th game in the NBA.

As is the case in every competitive endeavor, NBA referees are graded on their performance over the course of the season. Last season Spooner was hon

ored with his selection to the refereeing crew for the Eastern Conference Finals.