The theme for this year’s Summit is "Leadership Officiating."

"Leadership is central to the future of the officiating community," said Rush. "Leaders are influencers and, simply put, others will follow effective leaders. We all learned during the NASO conference on recruiting about the national shortages that plague most sports. Strong, effective leaders will draw quality people to the officiating community. The officiating world cries out for leaders who will influence by example as well as words.

"NASO has addressed meaningful and pertinent topics. It has helped provide guidance to all levels of sport. NASO has become a terrific vehicle for information exchange. All officials at every level have been influenced by NASO’s positive approach. NASO is all-inclusive and a place for officials to call home."

While serving the NBA as director of officiating starting in 1998, Rush innovated the training program, making video review a special emphasis. It was also under his watch that the first female referees were hired by the league.

"Ed was easily one of the most influential officiating leaders in the business and his service on the NASO board was equaled by few," said NASO President Barry Mano. "It’s that dedication and enthusiasm for NASO – for all of officiating – and the leadership that Ed has always shown that makes him the perfect person to deliver the keynote address."