Description
Book SynopsisThe eye-opening and inspiring memoir of Shannon Eastin, the first female official for the NFL
Shannon Eastin was used to breaking new ground. As a teenager, she was a six-time national judo champion before women were allowed to compete in her sport in the Olympics. Years later, she was the first woman to referee Division I football. But when she set her sights on officiating in the NFL, nothing could fully prepare her for the obstacles that would be thrown in her way.
In Lady Ref: Making Calls in a Man’s World, Eastin candidly shares the struggles she faced throughout her journey to the pros. Dealing with sexual harassment, apparent sabotage, and blatant misogyny, there were times Eastin wondered if it was worth it, if perhaps it would be better to quit. But a return to her faith would ultimately help her hold onto her dreams, and when the full-time NFL officials were locked out, Eastin found her opening into the pros.
Eastin’s cap and whistle now rest in the NFL Hall of Fame, a testament to the hard work, dedication, and sacrifice that went into her groundbreaking rise up the officiating ranks. Her eye-opening story reflects the relentless battles women have fought—and continue to fight—working in fields often perceived as a man’s domain, while also celebrating those who have supported these trailblazers in their journeys.
Trade ReviewI was instantly engaged in Shannon Eastin’s provocative and very personal journey to becoming the first female to officiate in the NFL. Her story is equal parts inspiring and maddening—for the constant gender inequity she faced in what remains to this day a male-dominated profession. I found myself rooting for her as she stayed the course and achieved her incredible dream with competence, grace, and professionalism!
-- Dana Sparling, executive director, Women's Gridiron Foundation
Shannon does an incredible job telling the story of becoming the first female on-field official in NFL history. But, this book is more than just that story. She takes a candid look at how athletics were an important part of her life growing up, and how her parents and faith shaped her into the person who she was then and is now. She discusses rising up through the officiating ranks and the struggles she faced along the way and also after her milestone achievement. She is also open about her personal life and relationships. This book is a must read!
-- Ken Crippen, founder and lead instructor at the Football Learning Academy
Table of ContentsAuthor’s Note
1. Offside?
2. Early Promise
3. A Strict Regimen
4. Sidelined
5. Substitution
6. The Playbook
7. Pregame
8. The Kickoff
9. The Opening Drive
10. Red Zone
11. Illegal Use of the Hands
12. Delay of Game
13. Odds on Favorite
14. Encroachment
15. Personal Foul
16. Charged Time Out
17. Integrity of the Game
18. Unsportsmanlike Conduct
19. My Lucky Charm
20. Making Herstory
21 Living the Dream
22. Game Changers
23. Replay the Down
24. The Final Whistle
Bibliography
Acknowledgements
About the Authors
