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There is no truth to the previous statement that officials who work a conference championship game are "automatically" given NCAA tournament assignments. Each conference is allowed to select one official from its' staff; those officials are guaranteed of an assignment. The remaining officials are chosen based on their performance during the season (by Hank Nichols and those that assist him)
Of the 99 officials who work the 1st round (33 games - including the "Opening Round" game in Dayton, OH), 48 are selected to work the 2nd Round (based on their performance in the 1st round at each sub-regional site). On the following Mon/Tue, 36 officials (that worked the 2nd Round)are notified of their assignments for the Regional Semi's and Regional Finals. The Mon/Tue prior to the Final Four -10 officials (qty. 3 3-man crews plus an alternate) that worked the Regional Semi's and Finals are selected. For example, last year J.D. Collins was the Final Four alternate (for all 3 games); he worked the Ok. St vs. Pitt. Regional Semi-Final game. This year he worked the WVU vs Louisville Regional Final game - therefore, he is one of the 36 officials eligible to be selected for the Final Four.
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Jeff Pearson
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