When Jeff Anderson isn’t refereeing Division I basketball you can find him on the Boys & Girls Clubs of Rochester court for the annual Project Step Up League. Jeff has reffed the League since its inception 12 years ago. “The Club games keep me humble and give me a chance to really see our community grow,” Jeff said.
Jeff’s love of basketball convinced him to become an official and he has been active in the role 20 years since, 16 of which he has spent at the Division I level. He has been a part of 13 different leagues, ran the court of many final four games, and has experienced four top divisions – the ACC, SEC, Big East and Big 12.
“I enjoy the change that the Project Step Up League provides with the high school level,” said Jeff. “I’ve actually reffed a few of the college players that come back to the Club to play. And others who’ve seen me ref on TV really enjoy having me officiate their games. It is nice to give them that sense of entitlement.”
Jeff had finished refereeing the Project Step Up championship game the night of August 19, 2015 when gun shots were fired at the parking lot. Three young men lost their lives and four others were injured. Jeff will never forget that horrific night, but when asked if he would consider coming back to referee when it came time for the League the following year, he didn’t hesitate.
“I am supposed to be here,” he said. “I will continue to come back because it’s where I belong.”