Former Roadrunner Tim Bramble is now a high level official in both soccer and basketball. We thank him for his work and for taking a few minutes to answer some of our questions.
Roadrunner Athletics encourages current and former student-athletes to get involved in officiating. If you are interested, you can get started here: https://www.sayyestoofficiating.com/become-a-sports-official/
Tim Bramble played two seasons on men's basketball for the Roadrunners. He is now a Special Education Teacher at Camden County Technical School Pennsuaken Campus and lives in Willow Grove, Pa
Q: What sport(s) and level do you officiate?
Soccer:
NCAA: 9th year Divisions 1,2,3 junior college (2020 NISOA National Referee)
High school: 11 years, state finals, sectional finals
Basketball:
High School: 8th year, NJSIAA state playoff game & PIAA state playoff game
Q: Why did you become an official?
Soccer: I was 11/12 years old, I switched soccer teams and my brothers coach asked if I wanted to make money. So I signed up, started making money at 11/12 years old. Loved being around the game and still love it to this day.
Basketball: Came to grips my basketball career was over. Love the game and wanted to be in the game!
Q: What do you enjoy about officiating?
Every game is a new game. New players, new coaches, new fans. Reffing players that are on the court/field giving it all for their programs.
Q: Favorite memory as a Roadrunner?
Van rides up north with the team. Bonding at the rest stops and stories of AAU and HS ball.
Q: Someone from the college who had an impact on you and why?
George Rey with the Teachers 2000 group. Was in constant communication with students in the program and helped us out tremendously.
Fred Swartz in athletics. Always has a story to tell, even to this day. Always a smile on his face and was always very enthusiastic when announcing games.
Q: Advice for a student who wants to become and official?
Many athletes play sports for 10 years and most of the time it ends at high school graduation. Some move on to play college ball. The extreme few make it professionally. Sometimes players play recreationally in adults leagues and co ed. But many times it's very difficult to find these programs. People want to be close to the game, so they watch on TV. College and pro sports. But still, watching it doesn't bring it all. Officiating a sport puts you in the game. The game rules may change a little, you may get older, but athletes always stay the same age when officiating. It's a great way to stay involved and the best part, I was making $185 a weekend as an 11 year old. Cash! So become educated in the game, be a mentor for the youth in sports, and become an official.