Join us for an insightful conversation with Chris Rastatter, the NCAA National Coordinator of Officiating for Men's Basketball, as he pulls back the curtain on what it takes to reach the pinnacle of the college game: the Final Four. Raser emphasizes that successful high-stakes officiating goes beyond calling plays, highlighting the critical nature of game management, communication (soft skills), and crew leadership. As the individual who assigns officials for the NCAA Tournament, he explains the rigorous, objective evaluation process—checking every call and no-call—used to determine which referees advance from the First Four all the way to the championship game. Rastatter also shares his passion for mentoring and teaching the importance of mechanics and fundamentals to new officials, while advising younger referees to prioritize gaining experience over rushing their careers.

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