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Next level was founded to develop high character individuals into great officials
Patrick L. Graham, Founder
As the founder of Next Level Sports Officials, I felt my role as a sports official was not sufficient enough to develop more men and women into becoming great officials. I felt that having more than 30 years of experience as an official of basketball, baseball, softball and football provided me with a unique set of skills that needed to be shared and taught to many more people.
About ten years ago, I was approached with an opportunity to start my own association covering middle school basketball. It also came with the promise of one day having the association become a charter member of the Georgia High School Association (GHSA). For years, I had been a member of several other associations, none of which shared my vision and commitment to excellence. I am passionate about helping people achieve their goals though officiating. Thus, the name "Next Level."
I started my officiating career in 1992 in Butler, Alabama, umpiring youth baseball. My junior high physical education teacher was in charge of the park and needed someone to help out. At the time, I had never officiated anything and didn’t have a clue what I was doing. Coach Archibald asked me if I had some gray slacks and a light blue buttoned down collared shirt. I did and that was the beginning of my journey. That day, I umpired 8 – 10 games, was paid a fair fee, and didn’t know what I was doing. Something inside of me told me that I owed it to the young athletes to get trained and learn as much as possible about the business of officiating.
It didn’t take long before I was led to my first high school association, West Central. With them, I learned a great deal about umpiring, but there was no formal training. I also became both a basketball and a football official. After five years at West Central and enjoying my experiences, I asked where could I go to receive formal training. I was told I need to go to Atlanta and meet a guy named Tony Thompson. He was responsible for teaching men how to become umpires. In 1997, I moved back to Atlanta and attended his camp.
It was also in that same year that I joined my first high school association in Atlanta, Capital City Officials Association. After only a year, I was introduced to a man named Mr. Simmie Lavender, who was the supervisor of officials for the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC). I would go on to spend another twenty years working in the SIAC. A year later, I would join the SIAC as a football official and spend thirteen years as a wing official. In 1999, I joined the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) as a baseball umpire which I am still a member. In 2001, I began a member of the SWAC basketball staff and would referee in the conference for fifteen years. I’ve also worked in the Peach belt Conference, Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), The Gulf South Conference, The Panhandle Conference and Georgia Junior College.
As a high school basketball official, I have worked more than ten state championships. I’ve worked multiple football championships as well. The experience at a high level led me to this moment. My desire moving forward is to share these experiences, teach, elevate, and to get as many officials to “The Next Level”.
Sincerely,
Patrick L. Graham
Founder
PATRICK GRAHAM
Founder
30+ years officiating experience
"Chase greatness, never chase dollars."
DR. RALPH SIMPSON
Vice President & Recruiter
11 years officiating experience
"Refereeing is more than making calls. Game management, communication with coaches, and teamwork and taking care of the little things are essential to being a good official."
MIKE CARTER
Parliamentarian
18 years officiating experience
"Next Level provides me the tools I need to do the right thing on the court."
JARVIS JESTER
Training & Development
15 years officiating experience
"Next Level not only taught me to officiate at a high level, but also to lead others, work as a team, and foster relationships to navigate the world of officiating."
MARCUS BYAMS
Training Coordinator
13 years officiating experience
"As a former college basketball player, I enjoy being able to service the game and have a positive impact on the community."
KATRINA PLUMMER
Secretary
6 years officiating experience
"Next Level has taught me that being an official is about more than enforcing the rules - it's about upholding the integrity of the game and being a role model on and off the court."
JASON PIERRE
Administration Director
12 years officiating experience
"I have learned to actively listen, effectively control games, and develop a patient whistle, allowing me to officiate with confidence and consistency."
EDDIE JESTER
Evaluator
30+ years officiating experience
"Next Level not only taught me to officiate at a high level, but also to lead others, work as a team, and foster relationships to navigate the world of officiating."
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