It all ends tomorrow...

Nebraska's playoffs are a bit complicated because of the variations in classifications. Class A (the biggest class) started their regular season on Week 0, where some Classes B-D2 schools started theirs the same week. Everybody else started on week 1. Those teams playing on week 0 got a bye week somewhere along the line. Week 8 is actually the last week of the regular season for everyone except for Class B. Class B's regular season ends on week 9, which is the first week of the state playoffs for everyone else.

The playoffs on week 9 are for Classes C1-D2 (32 qualifiers in each class) on Thursday (Oct. 25), and Class A (16 qualifiers) on Friday (Oct. 26). The following Wednesday (Oct. 31), Class B has it's first round games (16 qualifiers) while C1-D2 has it's 2nd round, and then Friday night (Nov. 2), it's Class A's turn with their quarterfinals. Classes B-D2 have their quarterfinals on the Monday after that (Nov. 5). Class A has their semifinals on Friday, Nov. 9, while the other classes have theirs on Saturday, Nov. 10. The state championship games are played in Lincoln on Thursday, Nov. 15 (8 man classes D1 and D2); Friday, November 16 (Classes C-2 and A-I believe that's right), and Saturday, November 17 (Classes C-1 and B-again, I think that's the order).

I don't know how they do assigning of officials for the playoffs, because my crew had applied for 2 years, and we haven't been fortunate enough to get a contract.

[parepat]

In Ohio approximately 15% of the teams make the playoffs among the 6 divisions. Thus, about 15% of the varsity (class 1) officials get assignments. Although we work in crews guring the regular season, playoff assignments are done individually. During week 3 or 4 an official may get a letter that tells him that they have met the criteria for eligibility to be selected as a playoff official. From my experience approx 90% of those getting the letter will receive an assignment. During week 8 those selected get a letter letting them know what crew they will be on. Crews range from 1 to 96. Crews 1 thru 6 get five games including a state championship game. Crews 48 thru 96 get one game. ANd so on. On Sunday after week 10 the internet will show which crew will be where, and the referees receive the info on their crews. I will not meet my crew mates until game night.

[Matt-MI]

MI playoffs start this weekend and run through Thanksgiving weekend. All schools with 6 wins in a 9 game schedule (or 5 in 8) automatically qualify. A point system is then used to fill out the field to 256 teams which are split into 8 divisions of 32. The first three rounds the officials are assigned as crews, semis and finals are individually assigned. I have no idea how anyone is notified as I have never been assigned a game.

[tjones1]

Good question. Season sure did go by fast. However, it was a very enjoyable and fun season! Looking forward to next year...but for now, it's time for basketball!!