What's black and white and runs around? No, it's not a zebra. It is the one person that has the ability to make or break a semi-final youth basketball game. That's right, the referee.

Meet Shalo Buck, on of 65 certified basketball officials in Caledonia and Orange County. Before every game the officials must introduce themselves, check the roster, and wish both teams luck. According to Buck, "Boys games are a little bit more physical. There's more running obviously with that kind of contact. Girls are likely to do more jump balls, more pushing. Their subtle stuff makes a difference." However, not only do they have to run up and down the court, but also have to be ready to handle temperamental coaches. The right way to approach the situation is to stay calm and cool up to a point. Officials also have their own "sign language" that is key to calling the game. Buck says, "Counting's the most obvious one and it is when players are within six feet on another player in a legal guarding position, which means that their front feet have to be facing their opponent between them and the basket, and as an official we start counting from our chest and out and start counting 1,001, 1,002, 1,003, 1,004, 1,005 and then we blow our whistles."

As officials, the referees try to make sure the game is played fairly, the rules are followed, and the details are correct. According to Buck the key to being a good referee is the passion. Buck said, "You have to like what you're doing and stay with it, you learn about it. You're always learning new things about this sport. It evolves just like everything else in the world. It evolves and gets better, it's fun."

News 7's Investigative reporter Courtney Corvelo has the details.