Violet Palmer has been appointed as the new Coordinator of Officials for women's basketball in the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA). A CCAA Hall of Famer, Palmer played from 1982-86, winning two National Championships and establishing herself as a top player in steals. She was the first female referee in the NBA and officiated a groundbreaking 919 games before her retirement in 2016. Palmer currently serves as a Coordinator of Officials for several major college basketball conferences and succeeds Kathleen McGlynn in this role.

By the Numbers
  • Palmer officiated 919 games in the NBA before retiring in 2016.
  • She won two National Championships with her CCAA team in 1985 and 1986.
Yes, But

Palmer's appointment may raise expectations for significant changes in officiating quality in the CCAA, but continued success will depend on her ability to adapt to the needs of college basketball officiating.

State of Play
  • Violet Palmer takes over as the new Coordinator at a time when women's basketball is gaining popularity and scrutiny regarding officiating standards.
  • She brings extensive experience from her previous roles in collegiate and professional officiating.
What's Next

Palmer is likely to implement new training and evaluation programs for officials in the CCAA, aiming to improve the quality of officiating across the league. Initiatives may also focus on enhancing the visibility and support for women's basketball officiating.

Bottom Line

Violet Palmer’s appointment as the CCAA’s Coordinator of Officials represents a pivotal moment in women's sports, combining her rich legacy with the potential for transformative impact in college basketball officiating.