FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
“Make the Call” with NASO partner RefReps’ Interactive Officiating Display
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis and RefReps are teaming up to let you make the call on some of the most interesting plays in basketball.
Opening on February 15, 2024, just in time for the frenzy of basketball festivities in Indianapolis, is an interactive sports officiating display that promises to engage children and their grownups in a unique and exciting way. This first-of-its-kind exhibit will challenge visitors to “make the call” just like the officials in high school, college and pro basketball do around the world every day.
The Zionsville-based education technology company, RefReps, aims to properly develop the next generation of great sports officials, as they help the world see the game through the eyes of officials– both literally and philosophically.
In just over a year, nearly a quarter of all high schools in Indiana and more than 350 nationally, have adopted RefReps’ curriculum and course materials into newly offered ‘Intro to Sports Officiating’ classes. In a short time period, RefReps has made a significant impact on the national shortage of sports officials by helping over 18,000 new officials get started– a number that is growing rapidly each day. While the museum’s experience focuses on basketball, RefReps provides programming for twelve additional sports.
The interactive exhibit will be open to the public from February 15 through March 17, 2024 offering museum visitors a chance to experience basketball from a fresh perspective – that of the referees. The interactive experience will feature unique point of view videos, providing an immersive look into the challenges and decisions faced by sports officials on courts across the world.
“As a career sports official from the high school to professional level, with a desire to give back to the avocation that gave so much to me, I knew we had to help the next generation of sports officials learn the right way. My career started in the classroom, just like it now has for thousands of students across the country with RefReps. Eventually, I spent 25 years officiating football professionally, so I have seen this process go full circle. Kyle, our team, and I are thrilled to help provide opportunities for others to do the same,” said Mark Baltz, RefReps Co-Founder.
RefReps Co-founder Kyle Armstrong also expressed excitement, “We believe this opportunity will help individuals form a new perspective and understanding of what it is, and what it means, to be a sports official. It’s a fantastic way to foster appreciation, and empathy, for the often-overlooked role of referees in the game. Until you’ve seen the game through their eyes, you can never imagine just how hard their job really is!”
“We are thrilled to partner with RefReps to bring this exciting and educational experience to The Children’s Museum,” said Dr. Enzley Mitchell, director, Riley Children’s Health Sports Legends Experience, The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. “This collaboration allows us to showcase the importance of sports officiating while engaging families in a fun and interactive way.”
It’ll be nothing but net (and whistles) as the “zebras” rule at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis from February 15 through March 17, 2024 (except for closed Mondays). It is a chance to step into the shoes of a sports official with the RefReps Interactive Sports Officiating Display. This experience is free with museum admission.
The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is proud to partner with Riley Children’s Health, Old National Bank, Ice Miller LLP and The Heritage Group.
About The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
We ignite joy, wonder and curiosity by creating powerful learning experiences for children and adults. For more information about The Children’s Museum, visit www.childrensmuseum.org, follow us on Twitter @TCMIndy, Instagram@childrensmuseum, YouTube.com/IndyTCM and Facebook.
About RefReps (www.refreps.com)
RefReps, a Zionsville-based education technology company, launched their “Intro to Sports Officiating” education initiative in 2022. On a mission to help the world see the game through the eyes of officials, RefReps provides coursework and materials to equip schools, colleges, and organizations with the tools needed to teach the pillars of officiating. With a standardized course curriculum, RefReps is making a significant impact by addressing the national officiating shortage by helping the next generation understand the importance of, and need for, great sports officials. Follow us on Twitter/X @RefReps, Instagram @refrepsplay, and Facebook.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Kimberly Harms
Director of Media and Public Relations
The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
317-809-5203
kimberlyh@childrensmuseum.org
Kyle Armstrong
Founder, RefReps LLC
260-525-0572
kyle@refreps.com
About the National Association of Sports Officials (NASO)
NASO, based in Racine, Wis., is a not-for-profit educational organization and is the world’s largest organization for sports officials at every level and all sports. 30,000 sports officials from around the world belong to NASO, enjoying member benefits and supporting an organization that advocates for sports officials and that helps them maintain the highest level of officiating skills. Founded in 1980, NASO is governed by a 12-member board of directors coming from numerous sports and organizations. For more information, visit the NASO website at NASO.org.
