Named after the three referee positions in a basketball game, "Lead Center Trail" is a podcast about a lesser-known side of basketball: officiating. Join host (and basketball referee) Stephen Greene as he chats with referees at different levels, coaches, players and more.
A new basketball season means new rules for players and referees to learn and adjust to. In this episode, 5th year official Stephen G. talks about the "mental agility" needed to adjust to one of the biggest rule changes in recent memory.
Intro/Outro - DENIAL IS A RIVER by Doechii
18 Jul 2025
S4 E6 - Art & Science
We all know the game; how to call it, what to do and when (art), but we don't always know the more technical part of the game -- the why behind what we do when we officiate games (science). In this episode, Stephen talks about a recent play that (he got wrong) that involved applying the art & science.
Intro/Outro - El Mayor de los Ranas by Victor Valverde & JR Torres
29 Mar 2025
S4 E5 - Saying "No".
It's hard to say no to opportunities that come your way, especially when the opportunity has the potential to raise your profile within a given space. So how (and why) do you say no?
Intro/Outro - Anxiety by Doechii
23 Feb 2025
S4 E4 - "Pass & Crash" and Then Some
Most basketball games have a similar shape, and most referees are prepared to deal with those games. But every now and then, something unconventional can happen and it's those games where the game requires a little more of you.
In this episode Stephen interviews Rhian, a veteran official, who unpacks a crucial play in a recent game where there were some extracurriculars after a normal pass and crash play.
Intro/Outro - tv off (instrumental) by DJ Mustard & Kendrick Lamar
12 Jan 2025
S4 E3 - Leveling Up
IAABO official Emily Johnson shares her journey from becoming a certified official to taking the next steps in her officiating career, leveling up her skills and expertise.
18 Dec 2024
S4 E2 - Humility & Teachability
Stephen Curry, NBA legend and dedicated family man, shares how embracing humility and teachability transformed his approach to criticism and improved his leadership skills.
28 Nov 2024
S4 E1 - Family First
Stephen shares how he's made simple yet significant changes to prioritize his family during the holiday season and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
6 Nov 2024
S3 E3 - Summer Lessons: Practice
Every time we step out onto the court, it's an opportunity to practice something. In this episode, I'm recalling some lessons from a few good practice opportunities that I had from this summer.
28 Sept 2024
S3 E2 - Summer Lessons: Communication
Communication is the name of the game. From how and where you stand & run, to how you signal your calls -- and of course, how you speak, you are communicating to anyone watching. In this episode, I'm looking back at my summer and learning from my own good and bad communication habits.
29 Nov 2023
S3 E1 - Ref Diary: I Took the Floor Exam!
It's November again, so a brand new high school basketball season is starting. In this episode, Stephen talks about his experience with the "Floor Exam" and his plans for the future of the podcast.
Intro/Outro Music - Be My Remedy by House of Say
25 Jul 2023
Managing [DIFFICULT] Personalities 😒
It's summertime, so men's leagues are in full swing. These leagues are fun because skilled local players from college and otherwise are home looking for a good run. However, these leagues are less fun when some of these guys think they can talk to the refs anyway they want to.
After working several games for a player with a difficult personality, Stephen now has himself a Scott Foster vs CP3 situation. Here's what he did wrong and how he'll manage the relationship going forward.
24 Dec 2022
"Gestational Fortitude"
It's winter recess for local schools in New York's Capital Region. Stephen takes a few minutes to detail an experience he had during his first game of the '22-'23 season where a coach decided to have some choice words him during a game. Did he have the "gestational fortitude" to give the technical foul? What did he do wrong in this situation? What did he do right? What did he learn through it all?
Intro/Outro Music by Stephen Stringer
30 Mar 2022
The [Rule] Book is the Bible
Two "rookie" refs named Stephen (that's pronounced with a 'V' sound) sit down to discuss their thoughts after one season of refereeing. In this episode, we discussed the "board", high school rules, mechanics, parents, game management and much more.
25 Mar 2022
Introduction
Stephen shares what this podcast is about, why he's making it and a little bit about himself.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
4.8 / 5
4 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 12 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
11
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
32
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