Controversy in the WNBA: Criticism of the Refereeing and Reactions
Amid growing criticism from coaches and players about the level of physical play this season, internal sources from the WNBA revealed that league data does not show a correlation between recent playoff injuries and referee decisions. The WNBA’s officiating operation analyzes data throughout the season to address what is considered “legitimate criticism” and to identify areas for improvement for referees. Through this process, the officiating operations committee determined that accusations that refereeing errors have led to more injuries are unfounded. This situation has generated a strong public reaction from renowned players and coaches, who demand that the league address what they consider to be deficient refereeing. Recently, Minnesota Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve was suspended after requesting a change in the league’s direction regarding the hiring and assignment of referees to games. Reeve will serve his suspension during Game 4 of the Lynx’s semifinal series against the Phoenix Mercury. Reeve called the WNBA’s assignment of the three referees who worked Game 3 a “bad practice,” questioning their credentials after her star, Napheesa Collier, was injured. On Sunday, Las Vegas Aces coach Becky Hammon, who criticized the officiating before Game 1 of her team’s semifinal series against the Indiana Fever, backed Reeve and her comments.The same officiating crew that worked Game 3 in Phoenix was present for Game 4 in Indiana on Sunday. Previously, Hammon had commented that the level of physical play that WNBA referees are allowing would never be tolerated in any other league. Fever coach Stephanie White said Reeve “made a lot of valid points.”“From what I heard, she didn’t lie. She told the truth,” Hammon stated.
Becky Hammon
Sources indicate that the league follows a three-pillar evaluation process to determine its officials. First, there is a review by WNBA officiating officials. Second, there is a panel of independent reviewers who analyze the referees and their work. Third, there is a text line to which coaches can send feedback after each game. Mid-season and end-of-season reviews are also conducted for all officers. The WNBA will not sanction, through fines or suspensions, officials for a singular error, but will evaluate their work throughout the season. If there is a common series of errors, that will be addressed, according to sources.“Every part of our league has improved, and that part has fallen behind, for whatever reason,” White said. “Often it’s infrastructure in terms of training, often it’s financial. And it’s really about investing in who we have as officials, and sometimes it’s manpower. Who’s coming into the program? How do we get them to stay? How do we keep them growing and improving? Do we have more resources to support them? Do we have more resources to help, whether it’s something like a replay center? And those are conversations that are ongoing.”
Stephanie White
