PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- The Sun Belt Conference has joined the men’s basketball officiating consortium formed last summer by the American Athletic Conference, Southeastern Conference and ASUN Conference, it was announced Tuesday.
 
The consortium was established prior to the 2016-17 men’s basketball season to allow the conferences to collaborate on all officiating matters related to recruitment, education and training, scheduling and evaluation of officials.
 
“We welcome the addition of the Sun Belt Conference to our consortium with the SEC and ASUN,” said American Athletic Conference Commissioner Mike Aresco. “In its first year under the direction of Mark Whitehead, the consortium was a great success. The Sun Belt’s addition will strengthen our consortium and provide greater impact with respect to recruitment, education and evaluation of our officials."
 
Mark Whitehead, who serves as Coordinator of Men’s Basketball Officials for the SEC, American and ASUN, has been named Coordinator of Men’s Basketball Officials for the Sun Belt Conference as well and will oversee all operations of the consortium.