Violet Palmer: The Play Is The Play – Details, episodes & analysis

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Violet Palmer: The Play Is The Play

The Play Is The Play

Sports

Frequency: 1 episode/18d. Total Eps: 23

Hosted by Violet Palmer—the first female NBA referee and current Coordinator of Officials for the Big Sky, Big West, Mountain West, WCC & WAC—The Play Is The Play takes you inside the game through the eyes of a trailblazer. Each episode breaks down key plays, explores the art of officiating, and shares stories of resilience, leadership, and growth. With special guests and weekly lessons, Violet blends education, inspiration, and fun for referees, fans, and anyone who loves the game.

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Data updated on 24/10/2026

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Score global : 27%

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EP023 - NBA Roots - Guest: Joey Crawford

Season 2 · Episode 23

Friday, October 23, 2026 • Duration 01:14:59

NBA officiating legend Joey Crawford joins Violet Palmer on The Play Is The Play! With decades on basketball’s biggest stage, Joey brings a perspective shaped by pressure, passion, and the responsibility of getting the call right.Go beyond the whistle for a conversation about the people behind the stripes, the lessons that shape an officiating career, and what it takes to stay accountable when every decision is under the spotlight.Whether you’re an official, a coach, or a basketball fan, pull up a seat and take the nuggets—because The Play Is The Play!

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EP 022 - Reflection - Violet Palmer

Friday, March 6, 2026 • Duration 33:30

As the 2025–2026 basketball season comes to a close, Violet Palmer reflects on an incredible year of conversations, lessons, and stories from some of the game’s most respected officials and leaders.

In this special season finale of The Play is The Play, Violet revisits powerful moments from throughout the season. From Bobby Mozee’s insights on the importance of mentorship, to Rod Palmer and Tanya Stine sharing the unique dynamics of officiating within a family, each conversation highlighted the people and principles that shape the officiating community.

You’ll also hear key takeaways from Alecia Murray on building strong crew chemistry, In’Fini Robinson on the importance of branding yourself and owning your professional identity, Kathleen Cassidy on being ready when opportunity presents itself, and Dana Pappas on why starting at the high school level can be the foundation for a long and successful officiating career.

This episode is a celebration of growth, relationships, and the shared passion for the game that brings officials together. As the season wraps up, Violet reflects on the lessons learned and the voices that helped make this year of The Play is The Play so impactful.

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EP 021 - Family Roots - Guest: Scott Osborne

Episode 21

Friday, February 27, 2026 • Duration 01:00:23

In this episode of The Play is The Play, Violet Palmer sits down with Division I official Scott Osborne for a conversation rooted in family, fundamentals, and the responsibility that comes with wearing the stripes.

Scott shares what it was like growing up in an officiating family — learning the craft not from a classroom, but from the backseat of a car listening to postgame breakdowns with his dad and watching games alongside his mom. From camp gyms to conference tournaments, Scott’s journey is proof that officiating isn’t just a profession — it’s a lifestyle built on preparation, passion, and perspective.

Violet and Scott break down a monitor review involving a potential unobserved flagrant foul — but this conversation goes deeper than the replay. It’s about open looks, primary coverage, rotation discipline, and trusting your fundamentals. Because sometimes the biggest lessons aren’t about what you review… they’re about what you should have seen the first time.

This episode is about growth, accountability, and understanding that elite officiating starts long before the whistle.

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EP 020 - International Official - Guest: Simona Petronyte

Episode 20

Friday, February 20, 2026 • Duration 44:41

In this episode of The Play Is The Play, Violet Palmer sits down with Simona Petronyte for a conversation that blends culture, authenticity, and high-level officiating.

In the Keepin’ It Real segment, Simona opens up about her journey as an official from Lithuania, navigating basketball at an elite level while embracing who she truly is. She talks about the importance of being authentic, staying grounded in her identity, and carrying her international perspective into every game she works. Together, Violet and Simona discuss how confidence, individuality, and preparation allow officials to thrive — no matter where they come from.

Then, in The Play Is The Play, Violet and Simona break down a complex team control situation on a loose ball — a newer appeal play that requires sharp awareness and strong real-time communication. They walk through how to identify team control during scramble situations, what signals matter, and how to communicate the decision clearly and confidently to coaches and players in the moment.

This episode highlights the power of authenticity and the importance of mastering evolving rules through preparation and communication.

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EP 019 - Happily Ever After - Guests: Tanya Stine & Brian Woods

Episode 19

Friday, February 6, 2026 • Duration 01:20:03

This episode takes you behind the whistle and behind the scenes.

Violet Palmer opens the show with a candid conversation alongside her wife about what it’s like to be married to a basketball official. They discuss travel, time commitments, understanding the profession, and the role support plays in sustaining both the relationship and the career.

Violet then teams up with Brian Woods to break down a play centered on dead-ball officiating. The discussion focuses on situational awareness, recognizing adverse situations, and the importance of being fully engaged when the ball is not live—often when problems begin.

This episode is about support, awareness, and doing the work when it matters most.

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EP 018 - Not Just A High School Official - Guests: Dana Pappas & Rich Waters

Episode 18

Friday, January 30, 2026 • Duration 01:04:05

The Play is The Play with Violet Palmer returns with a meaningful conversation centered on development, foundation, and trusting the officiating process.

In this episode, Violet is joined by Dana Pappas for the Keepin’ It Real segment, where they discuss the importance of interscholastic sports officiating. Together, they highlight why the high school level is more than just a stepping stone—it’s where officials build their foundation, develop strong habits, and gain experiences that prepare them for opportunities at the next level. The conversation reinforces how working interscholastic games helps officials grow both on and off the floor.

Violet is also joined by Richard Waters for a breakdown of a key coverage play. Rich and Violet walk through a situation where the trail official trusts the system, stays disciplined, and allows the play to develop, ultimately preventing an incorrect call. It’s a great example of how proper mechanics, patience, and teamwork lead to successful outcomes.

Whether you’re a newer official or a seasoned veteran, this episode is a reminder that preparation, trust, and teamwork matter—because at the end of the day, the play is the play.

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017 - VP12 New Hires -

Friday, January 23, 2026 • Duration 01:12:39

n this episode, Violet Palmer sits down with several new hires for the VP12 team to give listeners an inside look at what it’s like to work on her staff.

The group shares where they got started in officiating, what led them to this opportunity, and their early experiences joining a leadership team built on preparation, accountability, and trust. They also talk candidly about expectations, communication, and what it means to be part of a staff that prioritizes development and consistency.

This episode offers real perspective on team culture, growth, and what it takes to earn a seat at the table.

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EP 016 - Showtime Lakers - Guests: Jeanie Buss & Kelly Broomfield

Season 16

Friday, January 16, 2026 • Duration 49:51

In Keepin’ It Real, Jeanie Buss joins Violet Palmer for an honest discussion about leadership at the highest level of professional sports. Jeanie shares insight on decision-making, responsibility, and what it means to lead with purpose in environments where pressure is constant.

Then on The Play Is The Play, Kelly Broomfield dives into the importance of understanding the layers within a play, having meaningful discussions with your crew, and using film as a tool to prepare, evaluate, and improve. It’s a real look at how communication and shared understanding elevate officiating beyond just getting the call right.

This episode is about leadership, preparation, and doing the work behind the scenes to perform at a high level.

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EP 015 - All About The Basics - Guest: Chancy Jones

Season 15

Saturday, January 10, 2026 • Duration 23:45

In this episode of The Play Is The Play, Violet Palmer is joined by her best friend and right-hand person, Chancy, for a behind-the-scenes look at the Basics Referee School program and the people who make it special.

In Keepin’ It Real, Violet and Chancy talk openly about the vision behind Basics Referee School—why it was created, how it supports officials at every stage, and what it takes to build a program rooted in development, accountability, and care. Chancy shares what it’s like working side-by-side with Violet, helping manage and grow a program that impacts officials across the country.

Then, in The Play Is The Play, Chancy surprises listeners by breaking down a game situation with confidence and clarity—showing off her sharp eye and basketball IQ despite never having officiated on the hardwood. It’s a powerful reminder that understanding the game goes beyond stripes, and that preparation, observation, and trust in the process matter.

This episode celebrates teamwork, vision, and the many roles it takes to elevate officiating.

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EP 014 - Basketball Family - Guests: Wun Versher & Cheryll Blue

Season 14

Friday, January 2, 2026 • Duration 49:28

The Play Is The Play brings together family, basketball culture, and on-court teaching in a powerful way.

In the Keepin’ It Real segment, Wun Versher — Violet Palmer’s nephew — joins the show to talk about growing up in a basketball family and his experience with the Harlem Globetrotters. Wun shares what it was like being surrounded by the game at a young age, how that environment shaped his mindset, and the lessons he learned performing basketball at the highest level while entertaining and inspiring fans around the world.

Then, in The Play Is The Play, Cheryll Blue sits down with Violet to break down a screening action play, focusing on coverage, positioning, and awareness. Together, they walk through how officials can stay disciplined, communicate with partners, and trust the system when navigating complex off-ball action.

This episode blends storytelling and teaching — reminding listeners that whether you’re playing, officiating, or growing up around the game, basketball has a way of shaping who you become.

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Violet Palmer: The Play Is The Play – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Recent rankings

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Violet Palmer: The Play Is The Play – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Recent rankings

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Shared links between episodes and podcasts

RSS feed quality and score

Publication history

Latest published episodes

Similar podcasts and content

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities