[Jim S]

Washington: Each association is assigned X number of positions for the Semis and Finals. The associations then assign officials to those positions. There are a number of ways the various associations assign those officials. Our asso. (PNFOA) uses a complilation of test scores and peer rankings. We're getting an good observer crew in place and hopefully starting next year these ratings will also be included.
Non state (semis & final) playoff games are assinged as follows. If both teams are from the area that a single association serves that association works all positions. If the teams are from diffeent areas. The "home" team association provides the R, L & BJ (I think I got that right, it might be the LJ), and the "visiting" team asso. supplies the U and the other side guy.
As an umpire it means I travel a lot for those games.....