[Raymond]

Originally Posted by Matt S.

We'll all be waiting to see who is working this year's tourney, but I can tell you right now that at least 8 (another source says 16) "regulars" in the NCAA Tournament will NOT be working because of a glitch in the NCAA computer system.

A prominent official I know is not working this year because the NCAA allegedly didn't receive his online background check. All other paperwork filled out, everything complete, but a computer glitch didn't recognize the completed background checks of several officials, including at least one with Final Four experience.

We'll see if any new guys advance farther than you'd imagine...

quite possible. Here's verbiage from the bulletin post 17 Sep 07:

• SUBJECT: Game Officials' Background Check Program.
  This is to provide you with information as it relates to the 2007-08 college basketball season game officials background check program.
  As a reminder, for a game official to be eligible for assignment to work the NCAA Division I Men's or Women's Basketball Championship, it is necessary to submit the required information via the new online NCAA Division I Game Officials Background Check Program. The following attachment will explain in detail the steps necessary to complete this process. The online system will be open for use beginning October 6 and will close at midnight Eastern time November 9. The system will not be accessible after midnight November 9. No paper documents will be accepted.
  If the form is not completed online by the noted deadline, there is no recourse and the official will not be eligible to officiate at a 2008 championship. For privacy reasons, there will be no notification from the national office prior to the deadline to officials or conference offices/officiating coordinators if background checks are not received from any individual.