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Its a mixed bag in Alabama. We have local associations some use crews and some assign individually each week. The first and second rounds are assigned by the AHSAA to an association and each association determines who individually works the games. It is preferred that each official worked that position multiple timeS during the year and should be a class 2 or 3 official.
We have 8 district directors (retired officials) who also act as evaluators for 3-5 associations through out the year. Third and fourth round games are assigned to the directors, who choose the individuals. Usually they pick a crew by position from an association (mainly for easy of travel) but can mix and match if they so choose.
The finals are assigned by the AHSAA by position based on the directors (and others) evaluations from through out the year. Coaches also send an evaluation each week I am not sure how much weight their evals carry. I can tell you that a negative eval by a coach is investigated and can lead to officials being suspended and/or an association put on probation.
The 6 finals are all played over a three day period in Birmingham. The individuals have a pre-game meeting the day before their assigned game, stay in a hotel together and have a pre-game meal / meeting with member of the AHSAA staff the day of the game. Believe me when I say it is an honor to be selected!
Zebra Sports sponsors a suite at the stadium for game officials, instructors and directors. If you thought coaches were tough on officials you should listen to those guys pick you apart!
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