PAL Teaches E.N.Y. Teens The Rules Of The Game

Sixteen year-olds Kyle Adams and Shakir Leary participated in the recent PALCareers in Sports program at I.S. 218 on Fountain Avenue.

Fourteen teenagers from East New York recently completed the Police Athletic League's (PAL) first-ever Careers in Sports, Introduction to Basketball Sportsmanship and Officiating program. The teens brought their love for the game of basketball to Brooklyn's Intermedi-ate School 218 for an eight-week program designed to teach them about refereeing as an entrepreneurial endeavor. The program helps teenagers, who are serious about basketball, become aware of other opportunities to be involved in the sport professionally.

Careers in Sports introduced the teens to a side of the sport they only thought they knew. The program consisted of on-the-court learning and classroom sessions focusing on definitions, rules and mechanics of basketball, as well as the responsibility of game officials on and off the court. Drill activities included signaling, making calls, imaginary scorer's table and court location. They practiced by having two teens referee and make calls while the others played. The skills they learned prepares them to start refereeing at high school and PAL basketball games while still enrolled in the program.

Aside from the rules and mechanics of refereeing basketball, the teens were taught important life skills that can be applied to their everyday lives. They completed the program with more self-respect, self-confidence and an increased sense of responsibility and teamwork. Less-ons in professionalism included being on time and dressing appropriately for the games.

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