SKOOL OF THOUGHT
Game-Ready Anywhere: How I Travel With One Backpack As A Referee
By: Kevin Sparrock
After years of traveling for games, I learned that forgetting one small item can throw off your entire trip—and sometimes your entire performance.
Travel Lite
Packing smart became just as important as preparing physically and mentally. I built this referee travel list to make life simpler, not more complicated.
Everything I carry fits into my Osprey 27-liter backpack, which stays under the seat in front of me and keeps me moving fast and stress-free. If an item doesn’t earn its place, it doesn’t make the cut.
I pack this way because I hate the anxiety of carrying too much—lost luggage, checked bags, and unnecessary stress.
I intentionally avoid packing for “just in case” scenarios and focus only on what I actually need to show up prepared and professional. As the season goes on, I’ll share lighter-weight gear options to make this system even tighter.
I’m also wired for cleanliness and organization, and I can’t stand traveling with dirty, messy, or smelly gear.
With the right setup and a few smart habits, staying fresh and organized on the road is completely manageable.
REFEREE TRAVEL – MY MUST-HAVE PACKING LIST (ONE-BAG SYSTEM)
🏀 Game Uniform & Equipment
Referee pants — 2
Referee jersey — 2
Referee dri-fit undershirt — 1
Referee jacket — 1
Referee dri-fit underwear — 1
Referee socks — 2 pairs
Referee sneakers — 1 pair: Nike Pegasus
Handkerchief — 2: Because I sweat a lot
Stretch band — 1: Pregame stretches
Whistle — 1
👟 Travel & Casual Wear
Travel shoes — 1 pair: I switch them up often
Sweater — 1
Gym Shorts — 1: Great for workouts and the pool.
Pants — 1:
Long-sleeve shirt — 2
👕 Base Clothing
Undershirts — 2
Underwear — 5
🎒 Bags & Core Gear
Travel bag / main backpack — 1
Packable / foldable backpack — 1
Tech bag — 1
Receipt bag — 1
🚿 Hygiene, Laundry & Recovery
Toiletry bag — 1
Shower shoes — 1 pair
Clothesline for hanging clothing — 1
Ice bags — 2
Clorox / disinfectant wipes — 1 pack
📱 Tech
iPad — 1
📧 We want to hear from you! What’s in your ref bag that you cannot travel without? 🧳
OPTION TO ADVANCE
REF SKOOL started because we’ve been the lost beginner, the overwhelmed intermediate, and the quiet ref with big goals.
We want to build something that helps referees skip the confusion and accelerate the part everyone actually wants — getting better, getting noticed, and getting games!
👉 Join the community built for clarity, confidence and connection as an official.
