When it comes to refs it would be interesting to look at the feeder system. What is the path for an NBA ref? (or even a college ref?)
Perhaps some of the factors that go into someone wanting to be a ref, should be a reason to eliminate them.
If you did a deep psychological test on all NBA referees would you find a high incidence of narcissism? Do they want to be the show? I know someone who has worked with "TV" Teddy Valentine. He loves Teddy, but said it's absolutely true that he thinks fans come to the games partly to see him ref.
What if the psychological qualities that would make the best referees (perhaps one of those qualities is someone who doesn't even like basketball) could be pinpointed?
And then you could do a job search for just those types of people, and train them to be a referee. Would that make a difference?
If you found someone who...
Didn't give a Edited. Profanity and masked profanity are against forum rules and may result in discipline. what fans think about them
Don't get emotional when being yelled at
Can hyperfocus even in loud/crazy environments
Have great vision
Are super smart and quick with rules
Able to handle coaches/players by diffusing situations