In our association, we have the BJ go up to the press box to go over clock mechanics with the stadium clock operator before every game. Usually the radio and/or PA announcer is sitting right there. We don't offer our names, but if they ask we'll give them to him. We don't have a problem with it. Usually the only time that they announce the official's names are at the coin toss when they've just finished announcing the team's captain's names. Usually they just say, "...and officials for tonights game are: Referee, Joe Smith...Umpire, Mike Jones....etc." Then after that, the officials are never referred to by name.
One time last year, one of our crews had a situation where the PA announcer was questioning the calls publicly over the PA system. Then after one call that was judgmental in nature (I think it was a PI call), the announcer said something like "Now that's a horrible call...and by the way, the officials for tonight's game are ...." and he read off the names to the crowd.
Our Referee stopped the clock and found the Athletic Director and advised him that the game would not continue until the PA system was disabled, which he took care of with no problem. Last I heard, the PA guy was relieved of his position for the remainder of the year.
Long story short....we don't have a problem with anyone announcing names as long as it's impartial and exhibiting sportsmanship on behalf of the contest and team(s).
|