[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

It is mandatory here in Illinois and it is required that both coaches and captains attend the same meeting. I doubt that is going to go away even if the NF said something about this (which my understanding is not mandated by the NF or the nature of that meeting). And we must address sportsmanship in that meeting. And now we must address who is the Approved Medical Professional with the coaches also (State law). I also do not think it is a waste of time. It is a way to set the tone and they can see you up close and as human.

JRutledge is correct that the NFHS doesn't mandate a specific meeting like many of us do, but the NFHS does require a few components of what most of us do at this meeting:

Referee’s Pregame Duties
2-2-4 Be responsible for having each team notified three minutes before each half is to begin.
2-2-5: Verify with the head coach, prior to each contest, that his/her team member’s uniforms and equipment are legal and will be worn properly, and that all participants will exhibit proper sporting behavior throughout the contest.

Official’s General Duties
2-7-1 Notifying the captains when play is about to begin at the start of the game.

We don't have to address the Approved Medical Professional here in Connecticut because, by state law, all coaches have to be trained in concussion protocol.

I agree with JRutledge that the meeting sets the proper tone for the game. My son, a sociologist, often talks about the importance of rituals and traditions in our culture.