John Blazek serves as the KJCCC Coordinator of Men's Basketball Officials.  His new position will not interfere with that role.

(NCAA) Indianapolis, IND. - The NCAA named John Blazek the first NCAA Division II men's basketball national coordinator of officials. Blazek has 28 years of officiating experience in addition to eight years as a supervisor of officials.

"I am so pleased that Division II has prioritized having a national coordinator for men's basketball," said J.D. Collins, the NCAA men's basketball national coordinator of officials. "John brings with him a wealth of officiating and coordinating experience, and he will do an outstanding job of delivering a consistent message to all Division II constituents. John's communications skills will truly enhance Division II officiating both in the regular season as well as during the NCAA Division II tournament." In his role as the Division II men's basketball national coordinator, Blazek will be responsible for working with Division II conference coordinators of officials to ensure the most consistent and effective teaching and communication methods. The goal of this collaborative effort is to identify, select and advance a diverse pool of officials for the Division II national tournament and to assist in the training, education and retention of Division II officials across the country.   

Jon Mark Hall, director of athletics at the University of Southern Indiana and the incoming chair of the NCAA Division II Men's Basketball Committee, is pleased with the selection.

"We are really excited to have John on board," Hall said.  "What stands out to me is his wide array of experience at all levels of basketball.  Not only has John been an outstanding referee for many years, including several years as a D2 official, but his administrative experience is strong as well.  John knows the Division II game and he will be a great asset to Division II Men's Basketball."

Blazek, who will begin serving in this new roll immediately, added, "I am honored and excited to work with the NCAA Division II Men's Basketball Committee as well as J.D. Collins.   I am looking forward to establishing an open line of communication with the Division II leagues, coaches, supervisors, and officials.  My goal for this position will be to establish a valid and reliable process to select Division II tournament officials that is fair and equitable."