In NC, we have Sectionals in all 4 classes, boys and girls, in which any class 1 or 2 official is classified to work.
Booking supervisors choose 3 crews to work in the Regionals, which are really the quarterfinal and semifinal round of the state tourney. The Regionals consist of the Regional Semifinal round and the Regional Championship round. You work 2 semis or you work 1 semi and 1 a Regional Championship. It can be 2 boys' games, 2 girls' games, or one game for each. One of the 3 crews from each association works the State Finals.
Until about three years ago, you could only go to the Regionals once every 3 years. But that was changed as sending 3 crews every year would force a supervisor to pick the 27th best official in his association every 3 years. That can be difficult in very small associations.
Last year, we worked a 4A and a 3A boys game at the Regionals. The other two crews in our association worked a quarterfinal and a Regional Championship, in the girls tourney. Then we worked the 1A Boys State Championship game. So, not only did we get the Finals, we also only worked Boys. Our Sectional Championship was also a 3A Bys game and was probably the best game of the 4. It was a blast!
Fortunately, I can go back in three years. Unfortunately, it won't happen that soon. It might be 10 years.
But it's a helluva ride and it's worth the wait!
