If I remember right, was an alternate as well during the Elite 8 weekend.

You don't have to work the Elite 8 to be eligible for the Final Four. You need to work a regional semi final or final.

The 10 are selected from all 36 that worked the Sweet 16/Elite 8.

And will I see any video of you in camp next month...good or bad.

Ok, not much to talk about so far. Relatively easy game to officiate thus far. Crew is doing well. Tom Eades almost got run over once going T to L while curling in at the endline. Glad that didn't happen.

So given the relative lack of anything to talk about in the officiating world, would anyone like to talk about the other thing I noticed in the first half, namely the glare on the court caused by the wrap-around scoreboard lights? I haven't noticed it as much in the beginning of the second half, so I'm wondering if it was a TV camera lens issue, or the court lighting was adjusted, or perhaps the high-gloss finish on the floor is becoming more dull?

I'm thinking they increased the court lighting and dimmed the wrap-around boards.

You'd think they would test this during shoot-arounds in the day or so leading up to the games.

There's an article on CBS Sports this morning about it.
LOOK: Reflections on the Final Four floor had fans' rods and cones in fits - CBSSports.com

I was actually in attendance last night and didn't notice it. Must of been the camera angles.

There is only one official that has refereed a Final Four game in four separate decades. The answer might be surprising.

Jody Silvester. I looked it up.

I shouldn't have had to, though. Silvester was local to me growing up.

Fine official. I had to look it up too. :)

Rich,


Bethlehem, PA. ??????

Question here for all those who have done games? Would you say making the call on the buzzer beater in a championship game one of the toughest(if not the toughest) because the call WILL determine a winner of the game(or have OT). Tonight's call was not that close but I'm wondering if thats a big worry, making a mistake on a call like that.

On this stage, if you think it through, not really. I'm not saying your hearth won't be beating fast but you have a gazillion angles and super-duper slow mo to get it right regardless of the call on the floor.

On another note, just think if it WAS waved off, I hoped they had some brooms handy.

Eh, it's as big a worry as any other call. Hell of a lot easier with replay though. I think we're officially done with the days of counting the bucket and running off the court. Now we gotta check the monitor even if it's obvious like this one.

I was thinking of a preventative officiating move I try to incorporate. During the last timeout, (or any chance near the end of the game) might it not be a good idea to instruct both assistant coaches, or whoever would be willing, to advise the benches to NOT rush the court on any last second play? I usually try and do that just to avoid crazy technicals, premature celebrations, etc.

Whaddya think, good, bad, stupid, smart?

The only person in Houston last night with a faster trigger finger than Kris Jenkins, was the dude controlling the confetti cannons! Ball barely went through and streamers were in the air!