[BktBallRef]

Why shouldn't local assignors be involved in deciding what officials in their area work the playoffs? Why is it a major conflict of interest?

An assignor assigns the same officials all year long. He knows who the best officials are. He know what their capabilities are. He knows who can blow the whistle and who can't.

In NC, local assignors assign officials to work Sectional playoff games. If you're a Class 1 or Class 2 official, you'll get one, maybe two playoff games. The state association people don't see everyone work. They depend on the local assignors, who do the job all year long, to assign their locals during the playoffs.

In our local, if you work varsity all year long, you'll get a Sectional playoff game. The higher your rating, the more experienced, the more likely you are to get a second or even third game.

The local assignor submits nominees for the Regional tourney. The state usually accepts those nominations. They then assign those officials to 2 regional games and choose the state final officials. The same guys do NOT go every year. If you do a great job and keep your nose clean, you'll go once every 3 or 4 years. I went in 2003 and 2006. I don't expect to have another opportunity until 2009 or 2010.

I'm sure good ole boy systems exist in some areas across the country. But to ignore the fact that the local assignor knows his people, and knows what they are capable of would be stupid. Without his input, you're just pulling names out of a hat.