In this inspiring episode of the Crown Refs Podcast, Paul welcomes longtime community member and high-character official Montreal Cade, who currently resides in Columbia, Maryland. Montreal began his officiating journey through the intramural program at Towson University before getting certified and working high school basketball for the past eight years. Over the last six years, he has steadily climbed into the college ranks, working NCAA games and recently officiated his first state championship game at the University of Maryland.

This episode is packed with rich insight and valuable lessons for officials at all levels. Some of the key topics and takeaways include:

🔹 Mentorship
— Why we outgrow some mentors and need to seek new ones
— The importance of finding mentors who fit you personally and culturally
— Giving back to mentees with intentionality, resources, and active support

🔹 Reps and Game Experience
— Quantity vs. Quality of reps
— Importance of exposing yourself to new environments, leagues, and challenges
— Offseason as the time to experiment and officiate free of fear

🔹 Confidence and Presence
— Voice as a reflection of confidence
— How gym familiarity impacts verbal engagement
— Using directional presence to show leadership and earn respect

🔹 Rule Knowledge as a Foundation
— The #1 key to confidence on the court
— Learning from mistakes
— Being committed to continuous rule study and mechanics mastery

🔹 Growth and Change
— You are the sum of who you surround yourself with
— Incremental change over perfection
— How your habits, reps, and support system must evolve as your goals grow

🔹 Final Advice
— Consistency over perfection
— Everyone falls down before they learn to walk
— Bring someone with you: mentorship creates sustainability in officiating