Richard West Has Enjoyed Officiating High School Basketball For Over 40 Years

Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) We just wrapped up another high school basketball season this month.
That means another year in the books for veteran Chattanooga official Richard West.
He’s been calling TSSAA games for over four decades.

When Richard West first started calling games in the early 80’s, there were only 2 officials on the court. Not three.
West:”There was a lot of running. A lot of running. I wouldn’t still be doing it if they were still doing two-person crews.” (laughter)
West is still doing a lot of running given his typical referee schedule.
West:”Typical week now. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Working a double-header.
The other night I was out. Gentleman walked up to me. Had his son and grandson. I had just worked his grandson’s game. He was like. Man he worked my games. He worked your dad’s games. Now he’s working your games. Man Richard when are you going to give it up.”
Not even close calls make West want to give it up.
West:”My most memorable game was Brainerd vs City. Orlando Lightfoot and Malcolm Mackey’s senior year. Brainerd ended up winning by one because City took a shot, and the kid’s toe was on the line. I had to make the call. As a matter of fact I was talking to Orlando about that the other day.
He was like man, I remember we had that game. I made the basket at the buzzer, and my foot was on the line, but it was the right call. I said Orlando. That was me.”
Given all of his experience, most coaches like seeing West come into the gym.
West:”It’s good knowing that coaches respect you as an official. There’s nothing better than a coach walking up to you after he has lost and tell you that you did a good job.”
If you love basketball, West says consider being an official, they need you.
West:”There’s a serious ref shortage. The average guy that comes into referee now may stay two years because of the abuse of the fans. Gotta take it easy on our young officials. That’s one of my first things when I walk in the gym. If I’ve got a young guy on my crew. In my pre-game I’m telling the coach. Don’t say nothing to him. If you’ve got any issues, you come to me or my partner. Leave him alone. We need to keep him around. Most coaches get it. They get where you are coming from. I’m not going anywhere until the Lord is ready for me to go. God gave my this platform, and I’m going to use it until I can’t use it anymore.”