About us
A nonprofit built to
make the call when it counts.
The Ref Lab is dedicated to empowering youth ages 16–21 by providing mentorship programs and fostering social development skills. We inspire confidence, leadership, and resilience in the next generation.
Our mission
To ensure every young person we serve is well-equipped to navigate life's challenges and opportunities — through mentorship, hands-on skill building, and a community that believes in them.
Our approach
We meet youth where they are. Programs combine consistent one-on-one mentorship, social development activities that build real communication and teamwork, and — new this year — certified referee training that opens doors to paid work and leadership.
Our values
Show up
Consistency is the whole game.
Make the call
Confidence grows through practice.
Own the outcome
Responsibility builds resilience.
Lift the team
Nobody wins alone.
From the founder
Jeremy Williams
Jeremy Williams, 35, is the founder of The Ref Lab. He brings 14 years of high school referee experience, 3 years officiating women's college basketball, and 3 years in the TBL basketball league. In the 2024–25 season, he worked the NJCAA Women's Regional tournament at St. Clair County Community College in Port Huron, Michigan.
Jeremy is a member of MDOA (2012–present) and CBUA (2015–2017, 2023–2025). He has also umpired for the USPBL in 2023 and 2024 and continues to sharpen his craft through advanced training at the Rob Doss Referee Camp (2024, 2026) and the Mike Conlin Referee Camp (2024, 2025).
In 2026 he attended the ABOC Division I women's college basketball camp, further strengthening his skills at the highest collegiate level.
His goal is simple: pass the lessons, discipline, and confidence he has learned behind the whistle to the next generation of young officials.
Board member
Ian Land
Ian Land is a baseball, basketball, and football official, educator, and assignor based in Southeast Michigan. With more than 13 years officiating high school athletics and collegiate baseball since 2022, he has worked in the Big Ten, Conference USA, the MAC, and the Horizon League, with postseason assignments including the 2025 GLIAC Baseball Tournament and multiple WHAC Championships.
As co-founder of Clear Officiating, Ian recruits, trains, and assigns officials across the region, overseeing Detroit Public Schools Community District baseball and basketball and the Royal Oak Sandlot League. He hosts free training clinics year-round and instructs at CBUA camps throughout Michigan.
Board member
Thomas Burrell Jr
Thomas Burrell Jr is a college sports official from Southfield, Michigan. He currently works as an NCAA Men's Division II basketball referee, an NCAA Division I baseball umpire, and a small-college football official.
Burrell previously spent several years in professional baseball, umpiring in the Midwest League — where he was selected for the 2019 All-Star Game — and the California League. He is also a longtime MHSAA official and has been featured in news coverage on the statewide shortage of game officials.
Board member
Ken
Ken is currently a Replay Communicator in the National Football League and has been officiating high school and college since 2006.
Prior to joining the NFL, he worked both on the field and in replay with the CIAA, CIP, Big South and the ACC.
Our people
Meet the refs shaping the next generation.
Real young officials from our program — leading on the court and mentoring the next class of refs behind them.
Ready to see the programs?
View programs →