Playoff conversation???

[JRutledge]

I was wondering if others do the same thing we do around here. As it has been stated before by me, our state does assignments from IHSA office. And as a result a lot of conversation or talk is about what will happen with those assignments, either personally or what will happen with others. I was wondering if officials on this site or it is common that you (or a social group of you) try to figure out who is going where and where they might be going? We also have "unofficial" websites that track where officials are going in both football and basketball and people spend a lot of time either tracking or trying to figure out what might happen. I was just wondering is that common or do people not care?

Peace

[OKREF]

Oklahoma..

The state association assigns all playoff officials. First round games (District) the coaches submit a list of 15 names and each three team district gets 2 off the list if possible. The only input we have on where we go is we can scratch schools if we have a conflict. After the first round, the association could send you anywhere.

Our assignments for this Thursday-Saturday came out today. We have no idea where or if we are going until we get the email from the arbiter site. We talk and speculate, but really have no idea. On Tuesday, the association puts up a link on arbiter which shows every site and the two, or three guys going to call the games. Schools and officials can access this info. There is also a link that show every eligible playoff official, which also contains there rating as well.

[Rich]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

I was wondering if others do the same thing we do around here. As it has been stated before by me, our state does assignments from IHSA office. And as a result a lot of conversation or talk is about what will happen with those assignments, either personally or what will happen with others. I was wondering if officials on this site or it is common that you (or a social group of you) try to figure out who is going where and where they might be going? We also have "unofficial" websites that track where officials are going in both football and basketball and people spend a lot of time either tracking or trying to figure out what might happen. I was just wondering is that common or do people not care?

Peace

Here everything other than the state semis and finals is posted for any official to see.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by Rich

Here everything other than the state semis and finals is posted for any official to see.

We see who are partners are, but we do not necessarily see who is working in places we are not working personally. That information is tracked by websites. It is not really a secret because people tell everyone where they are working.

Peace

[Raymond]

State officials here are selected by the VHSL. Only those officials plus the commissioners are privy to assignments.

District and regional assignments are made by commissioners.

[Terrapins Fan]

We were told today who made the list for post season assignments, I was blessed to make the list, not sure I will get an assignment, it depends on when and where the games are.

The board names the top 15 officials ( in Alpha order ) for regional games. And we had 8 qualify for Md. state tourney and 3 for W.Va state tourney.

[OKREF]

Originally Posted by Terrapins Fan

We were told today who made the list for post season assignments, I was blessed to make the list, not sure I will get an assignment, it depends on when and where the games are.

The board names the top 15 officials ( in Alpha order ) for regional games. And we had 8 qualify for Md. state tourney and 3 for W.Va state tourney.

I've had the honor of 5 postseason assignments so far. 2 district and 3 Regionals. We still have three more weeks to go. Small school state tournament is in 2 weeks with the big schools the following.

[Welpe]

As I understand it, here coaches pick officials (don't get me started on that) up to the state tournament. The UIL selects officials for the state tournament and I'm not sure what their selection process is.

[rekent]

Originally Posted by Welpe

As I understand it, here coaches pick officials (don't get me started on that) ...

Makes me want to go back to Oklahoma.

[Welpe]

Originally Posted by rekent

Makes me want to go back to Oklahoma.

It's an ugly system, especially in this area.

[rekent]

Originally Posted by Welpe

It's an ugly system, especially in this area.

In this area? Does it even vary between different areas of Texas? (assuming the same group UIL or TASO)

[Smitty]

Originally Posted by rekent

In this area? Does it even vary between different areas of Texas? (assuming the same group UIL or TASO)

I've received first and second round playoff games and I am certain I wasn't requested since I hadn't seen any of the teams involved. Ever. There are occasions where coaches will request certain officials and we were told that those requests would be fulfilled if at all possible. I know that several districts outside of our season coverage zone have requested our association work their playoff games. But not all coaches request specific officials.

[JerryLundagard]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

I was wondering if others do the same thing we do around here. As it has been stated before by me, our state does assignments from IHSA office. And as a result a lot of conversation or talk is about what will happen with those assignments, either personally or what will happen with others. I was wondering if officials on this site or it is common that you (or a social group of you) try to figure out who is going where and where they might be going? We also have "unofficial" websites that track where officials are going in both football and basketball and people spend a lot of time either tracking or trying to figure out what might happen. I was just wondering is that common or do people not care?

Peace

In the St. Louis area I can’t say that officials spend a lot time speculating or discussing playoff assignments prior to them coming out. It is not that officials don’t care; it would nothing more than an exercise in futility trying to guess anything.

From the sectional level and beyond the assignments are handled by the State Activities office. Very little information is available regarding the process and any speculation would be just that, speculation.

After the fact is a different story. There is the usual moaning and groaning about who got what assignment or didn’t get an assignment. Which I am sure goes on most everywhere.

From what I can tell Illinois has a more structured process and the progression through it seems more logical. In Missouri it is not uncommon for an official of seven or eight years make it to the finals. Based on what I know about Illinois that would extremely improbable.

[Indianaref]

This year Indiana has changed from the 100% coaches vote to 50% vote. The other 50% is made up of previous tournament experience, years of licensure, number of contests worked, test score (part II) and Association attendace.

[Scratch85]

Originally Posted by Indianaref

This year Indiana has changed from the 100% coaches vote to 50% vote. The other 50% is made up of previous tournament experience, years of licensure, number of contests worked, test score (part II) and Association attendace.

As Indianaref says, at least we have a little control over our rating now. Now that assignments are out for both girls and boys, I don't think it had much of an impact on most officials. Most of us scored equally on our portion and the coach's vote is still what makes the difference.

As far conversation, once the first assignments are made, we can pretty much pick the field for the rest of the tournament. An official in the central part of the state puts together a spread sheet showing all 384 officials selected for the post season tourney. That is of great interest and creates a lot of conversation. It is only distributed to the 384 officials who have been selected but the ratings are a great discussion.