Doug Shows
Doug Shows
NCAA Men’s College Basketball Referee
NCAA Men’s College Basketball Referee
Making sound decisions in demanding situations has been a constant theme throughout Doug Shows’ professional life. Over the years, he has worked in roles that require preparation, composure, and accountability, often under public scrutiny. Widely recognized for his work as a college basketball referee, he has also built parallel careers as a Financial Advisor, business owner, and mediator, serving individuals and families across the Atlanta area with a steady and disciplined approach.
Doug began officiating NCAA Division I men’s basketball in 1993. His dedication and consistent performance led to his first NCAA Tournament assignment in 1998, and he has officiated in the tournament every year since. During that time, Doug has traveled coast-to-coast working games in major conferences and has been selected multiple times for conference tournaments and postseason play.
His officiating résumé includes several Final Four and Championship game assignments, reflecting long-standing trust from supervisors and evaluators. In addition to his work in the United States, Doug has officiated international basketball games in more than twelve countries, gaining experience across different styles of play and competitive environments.
These opportunities are not awarded lightly. Officials at this level are evaluated continuously, and assignments are based on accuracy, consistency, and the ability to manage high-pressure situations. Doug’s career reflects years of meeting those expectations while overseeing games involving elite athletes and coaching staffs.
Officiating requires more than rule knowledge. Doug maintains the physical conditioning necessary to stay in position and focused throughout each game. He has learned to remain composed during disagreement, accept criticism without losing concentration, and make timely decisions with limited information. He credits veteran officials who mentored him early in his career and helped shape his professional standards.
Doug has also supported aspiring officials by sharing practical insight into what officiating truly requires. He discusses preparation, fitness, positioning, communication, and professionalism, emphasizing that advancement depends on discipline and accountability rather than shortcuts.
Outside of officiating, Doug serves as a Financial Advisor and business owner. He works with individuals, families, and business owners who seek clear guidance in retirement planning, financial strategy, and long-term protection. His approach focuses on clarity and efficiency, ensuring clients understand their options and can make informed decisions.
Doug’s services include retirement planning, life insurance strategies, income protection, accredited-investor alternative investments, financial consulting, and real estate planning and negotiation support. He prioritizes straightforward explanations and responsive service, aligning recommendations with each client’s specific needs.
Earlier in his financial career, Doug served as Vice President in the Investment and Insurance Division at Heritage First Bank. In that role, he gained experience advising clients within a structured institutional environment while working on planning and protection strategies. This background provided him with insight into both institutional finance and independent advisory work.
Doug holds multiple securities and insurance licenses and has earned the Certified Senior Advisor (CSA) designation. This designation reflects specialized training in addressing the financial concerns of older adults, including retirement, tax, and estate planning. His work in this area focuses on helping clients maintain financial stability and independence as circumstances change.
Doug earned both a Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s degree from the University of Southern Mississippi. He later expanded his professional skills by completing mediation training at the Justice Center of Atlanta, where he became certified in General and Domestic Mediation.
As a Civil and Domestic Mediator, Doug brings a calm and structured presence to situations that often involve emotional tension. Mediation requires careful listening, identifying underlying interests, and guiding parties toward workable solutions. These skills closely parallel those he developed as an official, where neutrality and clear communication are essential.
Doug’s mediation work often intersects with his financial advisory role. Many financial decisions involve family relationships, business partnerships, or long-term planning considerations. His combined experience allows him to guide discussions thoughtfully while keeping them productive and focused.
Doug believes professional success comes with a responsibility to serve others. As a Christian, he places importance on tithing and charitable involvement through both financial contributions and personal time. Throughout his refereeing career, he has supported various charitable efforts, including organizations that assist veterans and families in need.
Rather than viewing service as occasional participation, Doug approaches it as a long-term commitment. He values consistency and believes meaningful service is built through steady involvement over time.
Doug shares insights from his experiences in officiating, finance, professional development, and community involvement through his website, DougShowsReferee.net. The site is intended for readers who value experience-based understanding rather than trends or promotional language.
The content reflects lessons learned through years of responsibility, evaluation, and service, to offer a practical perspective others can apply.
Referee Doug Shows stands as a reflection of a career grounded in preparation, fairness, and measured judgment. Across his roles as referee, financial advisor, mediator, and business owner, he is relied upon to listen carefully and respond with clarity. His professional journey shows how consistent values, applied across different fields, can lead to trust, stability, and long-term service to others.