Skip to contentABOUT US
MONTREL SIMMONS - CO-DIRECTOR
Montrel Simmons founded the Raising the Bar Officiating School in 2017, alongside his wife, Crystal Simmons, with whom he has been married for 25 years. His vision for the school was to provide training that was previously not readily available to aspiring officials. Montrel aimed to create a comprehensive learning environment that would fill the gaps in knowledge he had to seek out on his own, ensuring that new officials would have access to essential training and resources. In addition to training,
Montrel wanted to offer opportunities for officials to be noticed by collegiate coordinators, paving the way for those aspiring to officiate at the collegiate level. With over 16 years of officiating experience, Montrel is a highly regarded official across all levels of basketball, including Pro-Am leagues and NCAA divisions I, II, and III, as well as the NAIA, NJCAA, and high school competitions. His credentials are impressive and include 10 years of experience in Pro-Am games, 14 years at the collegiate level, and 11 years in NCAA Division I. He has dedicated 12 years to NCAA Division II, NCAA Division III, and NAIA, NJCAA, and has also officiated high school games for 16 years, constantly refining his craft.
Montrel’s accomplishments include officiating in various postseason tournaments: 4 years in Pro-Am postseason tournaments with The Basketball League, 1 Military Basketball Association National Championship Final, and 9 years in collegiate postseason national tournaments.
CAREY SMITH - CO-DIRECTOR
Carey Smith – Basketball Official & Wellness Educator
With over 16 years of officiating experience, ranging from high school basketball to NCAA Women’s Basketball, Carey Smith brings a deep well of knowledge, integrity, and passion to the court. Her journey in the game is rooted not only in officiating but also in years of personal playing experience, giving her a unique perspective on the needs of athletes and the game’s dynamics.
Carey is known for her energetic presence, sharp decision-making, and unwavering dedication to fairness and growth in the sport. Beyond the hardwood, she is deeply committed to educating others on the importance of mental and physical wellness. Her work empowers athletes, coaches, and fellow officials to develop physical and psychological resilience.
Driven by a genuine passion for helping people, Carey combines her extensive basketball expertise with a heart for human development, making her a respected voice in sports and wellness communities.
Meet OUR STAFF
Raising the Bar Officiating School is an exceptional training program for aspiring basketball officials. Our team consists of seasoned instructors with experience at the NCAA Division I, II, III, NAIA, NJCAA, and high-level high school basketball. With an impressive collective average of over 25 years of officiating experience, we ar excited to help you elevate your skills and love for the game!
CRYSTAL SIMMONS
HERB BURL
STACEY CHAMBERS
MELISSA MITCHELL
DENISE TYUS
