Auburn tricked unknowing refs
And because of this situation, starting in the 2019 tournament, a designated alternate will be at a site for all the games for the first round. Before the "R" on other games would be the alternate official before or after their assigned game. Now the NCAA will bring in an official who will sit at the table for all the games at the site; like they do for the Sweet 16 and Final Four. This alternate official will most likely an "up an coming" one who was on the cusp of getting a tournament assignment and will finally get his chance.
2018 NCAA Tournament: Why referee John Higgins won't work Final Four
Now if there is an administration error or problem during the game that the alternate could have prevented, only that game crew will be affected. Unlike before, the previous "R" who used to sit at the table, will not be affected to advancing on to the tournament. In the D1 fraternity officials, this is also known as the "John Higgins Rule."
