Some of Albany’s top leaders are questioning the integrity of local referees in high school sports. Now the refs aren’t letting those claims go unanswered.

Common Council President Corey Ellis said during the April 4 meeting that referees were unfairly biased against the Green Tech Boys Basketball Team, which won the state championship last month. Ellis said something needs to be done as parents and families are getting upset.

Members from the International Association of Approved Basketball officials pushed back against those allegations at Monday evening’s council meeting.

“Five on seven or eight on five infers that the officials are entirely biased. Making those accusations without any form of proof or data to support them is both irresponsible and reckless,” said Jeff Dollar, of the International Association of Approved Basketball Officials Board 36.

The association has a national reputation of training high-quality referees, said the organization, adding Ellis’ claims are unprofessional and inappropriate.