A big name hangs up his whistle

Carmelo Lo Guzzo, the 54-year-old record-holder for the most appearances as a referee in Italy’s top basketball league, ended his career at the highest level after Game 3 of the Scudetto Finals between Reyer Venezia and Olimpia Milano at the Taliercio. In a message posted on social media, Lo Guzzo—a native of Catanzaro and a member of the Pisa Referees’ Association—wanted to say goodbye and thank the fans and industry professionals who have accompanied him on his journey on the court.

“Everything has a beginning and an end, even the most beautiful things,” he wrote. “With Game 3 of the Scudetto Finals, my journey as a referee comes to a close. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of setting records for the number of championships officiated and appearances in Serie A. I’ve never been the best, but I’ve always tried to improve every day, studying and working with dedication, sacrifice, passion, and professionalism, to always be as prepared as possible in the face of the game’s evolution and technical guidelines.”

“Thank you to the federation officials, the refereeing officials, the instructors, the technical bodies, and the match assigners for the trust and opportunities they have given me,” he added. “Thank you to all my colleagues with whom I’ve shared this extraordinary journey, both on and off the field. Thank you to the club officials, coaches, and players who have always respected me, even when they had to put up with my mistakes. And, above all, thank you to my family: first to Dad, Mom, and Minù; then to Giulia and Giulio.”

“They’ve always supported me and never made me feel guilty about the many, very long absences that this role entailed. I’ll carry with me memories, emotions, friendships, and lessons that will stay with me for the rest of my life,” concluded the now-former referee, born in 1971.