High school post season

[Zebra1]

I was wondering what procedures other states take to get into the state tourney. I'm from Indiana. We have, in recent years (1 or 2 years I think) went to coach's vote. And an observer is not required for lack of observers, but I hear there are some out there. Yes vote = 1 pt, no vote = minus 2 pts. Anyway, tooting my own horn a little, I was selected to work NCCAA Regionals this year. I can work this level, but cannot get into our high school tourney. I do think my age has something to do with it, 25 but look 19. I feel very confident and do get compliments after games. Maybe my expectations are too high. Well, I was just wondering what other states do to select officials.

On another note, Indiana basketball has not been the same since the transformation to Class basketball, either playing or officiating. I guess change of tradition tends to step on peoples toes. For the record, I liked one big tourney myself. Anyway, we have Sectional, Regional, Semi-state, and State Finals. Starting next season, 3-man is going to be used regionals on. So that's one positive that's happening in this state. I guess this posts sounds like I'm kind of venting over my frustration so bear with me in my displeasure. Thanks for your time.

[johnSandlin]

Zebra1, in Michigan we have an post-season assignment committee made up of athletic directors, coaches, retired officials, and state personal that make all the post-season selections for all the sports. There is a separate committee for each sport however.
To be qualified in Michigan, your rating(handed out by coaches you worked for during the season, then calculated by the number ratings sent in), your rules meeting attendance, and your completion of a required schedule form is the basic of the selection process. Then, when your name is brought up for discussion, they check your records, your rating, and schedule, and then vote whether you work or do not work. Our rating system is 1-5, with 1 being the top rating, and 5 being the worst rating. To qualify for districts or regionals, you have to have a 2.7 or better, for quarterfinals a 2.5 or better, and semi-finals and the state finals, you have to have 2.0 or better rating.
I hope this helps out Zebra1.

[dblref]

Zebra: I am located in northern VA. We have Class A, AA, and AAA ball. This is the last year for girls A & AA ball to be played in the fall. Starting with next school year, all classes -- boys & girls -- will be played in the winter. Should make it interesting since we are always short of qualified officials.

Assignments for District and Regional playoffs are made by the same individual that does our regular assignments. We cannot get games directly from the schools. For state assignments, the assignor prepares a list of 10 officials (I think) and sends the list to the state office and they make the selection. I seem to recall that we can't go to states more than 2 years in a row, or something to that effect. There is also some restriction on officiating a game involving teams that we normally might do during the regular season. For example, officials from my association would officiate a game involving a team from the beach area and one from the other end of the state. My association uses 3-whistle crews on all varsity games throughout the season (don't know if all associations within VA do this). To officiate at the state level, you have to have attended a 3-person clinic. As far as I know, the coaches have no input into the selection at the state level, although the coaches can "scratch" either 3 or 4 officials, up until the District playoffs begin.

[mick]

Originally posted by dblref
To officiate at the state level, you have to have attended a 3-person clinic.

Michigan used to run the "Three Official Clinic", but because it has become "commonplace", that is no longer offered.

[Zebra1]

Here in Indiana, we have to get our own games. That means calling AD's themselves at school. I don't like this because I feel like I have to kiss butt to get games. That's not me. If you feel I can work the game, put me on it. It's not about who's the better "salesman". We do have 1 conference, one of the largest in the state, that is 100% 3-whistle, boys and girls. They are using an assignor. Luckily, I'm on his roster. This is being used as a pilot program to see if it works. I think alot of other conferences are going to the assignor system, and I also think that COULD eliminate the weaker officials working the "big" games.

Do other states have 3-whistle post season tournaments?