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Referees try to turn heads, earn spot in NCAA Tournament

FILE - In this Jan. 3, 2016, file photo, an official holds the ball behind his back during a break in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game between New Mexico and Boise State in Boise, Idaho. Referees undergo nearly as much scrutiny as the teams that want to join in March Madness, with a field of nearly 1,000 that is winnowed to 100 for tournament time. And just like the teams, the refs have to be on their game to keep advancing. (AP Photo/Otto Kitsinger, File)
FILE - In this Jan. 3, 2016, file photo, an official holds the ball behind his back during a break in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game between New Mexico and Boise State in Boise, Idaho. Referees undergo nearly as much scrutiny as the teams that want to join in March Madness, with a field of nearly 1,000 that is winnowed to 100 for tournament time. And just like the teams, the refs have to be on their game to keep advancing. (AP Photo/Otto Kitsinger, File)

By Associated Press 5 min read

CINCINNATI (AP) – Since the first jump ball of the season rose from their hands, the 1,000 or so referees who work men’s Division I college basketball games have been trying to turn heads and earn a spot in the NCAA Tournament.

Like the teams they officiate, the refs are being judged and graded to see if they’re worthy of March Madness. Only 100 of them will make it that far, and only 10 will get to work the Final Four. Just like the teams, they’re judged by their consistency and excellence under pressure in every step of a long season.

Every ref has to earn a spot each year.

“It’s a very big deal,” said Ted Hillary, who officiated for 37 years and worked four Final Fours. “It’s a recognition for your year’s work. If you get selected to move on, I guess you’re doing something right.”

Three years after retiring as a referee, Hillary is one of four NCAA regional advisers who attend games and grade officials with an eye toward picking the tournament crews. The complicated, time-consuming process starts before the season.