Another local official, Jose Villafranca of Sweetwater, called the state tournament last year. And it's perfect training for the officials. They videotape the officials. After a game, they will sit down with the crew to critique them and talk about positioning, rules interpretations and things like that. But the coaches can watch, so that gives the officials and coaches a chance to get to know each other.
Coaches can get together in a non-combative atmosphere.
It's a chance to get to know the coaches outside of November to February. Shootout began Friday. Play resumes today at 10 a.m. and continues through 7 p.m. at both Abilene High's Eagle Gym and Cooper's Cougar Gym. The tournament is open to the public and there is no admission charge. There are eight boys teams and 12 girls teams participating in the Shootout.