[JRutledge]

Billy,

I am only talking about high school assignments. I am not talking about AAU or non-high school season events. Those around here are assigned by individuals that the leagues or tournaments directors give that responsibility over to a person. I know in basketball there is no association mandate or involvement from the top level for these kinds of tournaments. We might distribute the information if we find out a league or tournament needs officials, but nothing the executive board plays a role in.

I am sure it is different across the country, but the Illinois High School Association has to be careful with things they do so they do not violate state law. For example the do not have an evaluation system or observers program that is run by them because they would violate laws and make themselves the employee of officials. So the only things they do are license officials and assign them to their post season games. They do not do things to require training or other evaluation to move up the latter.

And this is why in football and basketball there are no associations that involve directly in signing and if they are they are careful to not make a distinction clear you do not have to be a member. Other organizations in other sports have some similar relationship, but the example I gave you was a baseball organization. Their situation scared the crap out of all other organizations and many bolted from that organization because of the legal issues.

Peace