Anthem Blue Cross And Blue Shield Honors Black NBA Referees As Trailblazers

NEW YORK, February 26, 2025 – This Black History Month, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield celebrates the trailblazing achievements of Black referees in the National Basketball Association (NBA) while promoting a unique initiative aimed at shaping the future of basketball officiating. Through its support of the International Association of Approved Basketball Officials (IAABO), the leader in basketball rules education and training since 1921, Anthem is fostering career development and personal growth in sports. PHOTO CAPTION: Gerald Thomas officiates New York PSAL basketball playoff game between Leaders in Our Neighborhood (LiON) Charter School and Harlem Village Academy, Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025, at the Hyde Leadership Charter School gym in the Bronx. Thomas is a successful graduate of the International Association of Approved Basketball Officials (IAABO) industry-leading training program, sponsored in part by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield. Enrollment information for IAABO training is currently available at https://iaabou.org/. (Photos: Courtesy Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield) The IAABO training program creates multiple pathways for individuals passionate about basketball officiating, allowing them to become certified referees. It equips them with the skills and knowledge to officiate at every level of the sport, from youth leagues to the professional arena. Supporting IAABO...