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Opening day photo blog by Rod Mar

Officials Jason Crider, left, and Kirk Lyons go through their pregame checklist before the 8:30 p.m. tip-off between West Valley and Squalicum.

Earning their stripes.

For the referees, the state tournament is as big an honor as it is for the players and coaches.

Most work for years before being selected as one of the 16 members of each "crew" for a specific site.

At the Tacoma Dome this week, there are two crews — 16 officials working the girls' games and 16 working the boys'.

And like the teams, officials are also hoping to advance to Saturday night's title game. They'll be observed by professional evaluators for the first two days of the tournament before being rated and given assignments for the final two days.

In the referees' locker room, Seattle-based officials Jason Crider and Kirk Lyons have their pregame meeting. It's Crider's second state tourney and Lyons' first.

Just as the teams do, the officials have a pregame conference, in which they go over strategy, positioning and game management.

Lyons puts some final polish on his shoes. Crider adjusts a rubber strap used to keep his shirt tucked in.

Crider then sits down and pulls from his bag a dry-erase board diagramed with a basketball court.

Methodically, the two go over a checklist of things to remember during tonight's game. The officials talk about every possible scenario — from press coverage to substitutions to handling irate coaches.

Some snippets:

Crider: "If there's a major crash, let's have a whistle."

Lyons: "Let's be consistent and let's communicate."

Crider: "Let's go out there and be professional, and take care of business."

As they button their jackets and head for the door, Lyons adds his final piece: "Hey, let's smile and enjoy this game."