Shelley Russi, the visionary Founder of Ref-ology, has seamlessly blended her lifelong passion for basketball officiating with her commitment to fostering a compassionate and inclusive environment in sports. With years of experience on the court, Shelley understands that the pressures of competition can weigh heavily...
Shelley Russi, the visionary Founder of Ref-ology, has seamlessly blended her lifelong passion for basketball officiating with her commitment to fostering a compassionate and inclusive environment in sports. With years of experience on the court, Shelley understands that the pressures of competition can weigh heavily on players and officials alike. This insight has driven her to create Ref-ology, a platform dedicated to redefining the officiating experience through empathy and understanding. In 2023, Ref-ology achieved a significant milestone by becoming licensed by Blast Equality Collab (BEQ) 501(c)(3), further solidifying its mission to promote equity and respect in sports officiating.
At Ref-ology, Shelley has spearheaded key projects that focus on the BEQ Embodied Referee designation, which emphasizes the importance of emotional intelligence and ethical decision-making in officiating. This innovative approach not only enhances the skills of referees but also enriches the overall game experience for players and spectators. Shelley's expertise in strategic planning, contract negotiation, and marketing has been instrumental in establishing Ref-ology as a leader in the sports officiating community.
In addition to her work with Ref-ology, Shelley leverages her background in finance and investments to ensure the sustainability and growth of the organization. Her commitment to training and customer service reflects her belief that every stakeholder in the game deserves respect and support. As she continues to expand Ref-ology's reach, Shelley remains dedicated to empowering referees and creating a positive impact on the sports community, proving that compassion and professionalism can coexist on and off the court.
