A Gesture of Gratitude

On the evening of Tuesday, December 16, 2025, the officiating crew arrived at the facility to prepare for the scheduled contest involving the Plainview-Elgin-Millville (PEM) Girls Basketball program.

Typically, pregame administration involves specific duties: inspecting the court for safety, verifying the official scorer and timer, and conducting the pregame conference with the captains and head coaches. However, the PEM team added an unexpected element to the standard pregame timeline.

Prior to the start of the game, the PEM student-athletes and coaching staff presented the crew with "Referee Appreciation Bags" filled with treats. In an avocation where the focus is often strictly on rule enforcement and mechanics, this proactive display of sportsmanship was immediately noted. It recognized the officials not just as enforcers of the rules, but as essential participants in the competition.

The crew was genuinely moved by the thoughtfulness of the PEM Girls Basketball program. This gesture set a positive tone for the contest and served as a reminder of the mutual respect that makes high school athletics special.

Shout Out to PEM GBB: Thank you for the treats and the hospitality. We are grateful!