Atkinson Brings Fun To Games When Officiating Basketball

Denver Atkinson of Poplar jokes that he used to never miss a call during basketball games. Of course, that’s back when he was a “ref in the stands” and his sons were playing for Poplar High School.

“I reffed from the stands for over 20 years,” Atkinson laughed. “I was a terrible fan. I booed every ref that there was.”

His perception, however, changed when his wife challenged him to become an actual basketball official. He soon was faced with the challenges of being a 48-year-old “rookie” as a high school basketball referee. Atkinson quickly found out it was easier to make calls from the stands than when running up and down the court. “I had to eat crow, because I booed them before,” he laughed.

He is grateful that mentors Spike Bighorn, Danny Burns and Mervin Failing taught him the ropes.

“The first couple of years, you hear the boos and the yelling,” Atkinson explained.

He often thought about walking away from the officiating game, but then fellow referee Dennis Erickson persuaded him to continue.

“He encouraged me to keep going,” Atkinson said of Erickson. “He said it would get more fun, and it did.”

Nowadays, at age 68, Atkinson is a fixture in northeastern Montana basketball. He has been selected to his fair share of district and divisional tournaments for both Class B and Class C.

“The Class C fans are the best in the state,” Atkinson said. “All the community is there all the time. They are into it.”

He admires how the entire community cheers on players who may be limited with their ability. “The community accepts it. The team accepts it,” Atkinson said.

The Poplar native is also accepted on the court. Even though every call might not be perfect, he feels most fans understand that he’s doing the best that he can.

“None of us ever favor a team,” Atkinson said. “There’s no favoritism. Let the kids decide it.”

Of course, some fans may not agree that Atkinson gets each whistle correct. He remembers one fan in Scobey complaining about calls about three or four years ago. At one point of the game, the ball bounced into the stands near the grumbling fan. Atkinson retrieved the ball and remarked, “Which one of you guys needs a Snickers bar?” Everybody in the area laughed. “Things like that make it fun,” Atkinson said.

Having a good time is certainly a goal when Atkinson is around the basketball court. At a recent scrimmage, Wolf Point’s athletic director saw the experienced referee and announced over the public address system, “Denver is in the house.” Parents, players and fans applauded, and Atkinson gave a quick bow.

Positive experiences with student athletes is certainly a reason that Atkinson stays in the game. He notes some Class C fans even sing at him and yell, “We love you, Denver” at games.

“I thank the Lord for giving me the opportunity to have this rapport with the kids,” Atkinson said.

His dedication to helping students hasn’t been only on the basketball court.

Atkinson, who played collegiate basketball at Dawson Community College and then Adams State University in Colorado, has been a member of the chain game for Poplar’s football games during the last 42 years. He performed that service despite seeing all his sons run cross-country instead of playing football.

The former eighth-grade basketball coach was a member of the Poplar School Board for 12 years. “I think everybody should be required to be on the school board. It’s an education,” he said.

The self-described “basketball junkie” continues improving his favorite sport at the local level. He enjoys helping out younger referees during junior high jamborees. “It gives young refs good training,” Atkinson said.

He doesn’t plan to hang up his whistle anytime soon. After all, he is still having too good of a time.

“I will until it’s no fun, and it’s still fun,” Atkinson said. “Or until my body breaks down, and I do have a few new parts.”