Former referees from Atlanta pass on knowledge and experience

There is no hiding from a missed call — especially one that affects the outcome of an NBA game.

Every referee understands the reality of their profession. No matter how many correct calls are made over the course of a game, mess up just once and feel the wrath of coaches, players and fans alike. With the help of a mentoring program the league implemented several years ago, a group of up-and-coming young officials are learning not to run from mistakes.

+Eddie Rush retired last year after 26 years as an NBA referee. (Photo provided by NBA)“One of the things we do is reinforce the positives because referees live in a negative world,” said Bob Delaney, himself a former referee who leads the…