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I'll throw this out for discussion.
Increasingly, I am seeing teams and cheerleaders gather at the center circle after player introductions and particiapte in some type of chant, cheer or dance. I've also seen teams that enter the floor and run around the opponents' end of the basketball floor. So far, I haven't heard of a situation where this has escalated. But is it just a matter of time? Is this unsporting behavior? Or is it just part of the game?
Evidently, the NFHS feels strongly about it, including it as a POE for the 2002-2003 season.
NFHS 2002-2003 BASKETBALL POINTS OF EMPHASIS
3. Sporting Behavior Pre-game Situations The committee discussed specific, inappropriate pre-game situations that must be stopped immediately. Coaches must demonstrate leadership by immediately putting an end to these practices. Officials must be prepared to stop these unsporting acts and penalize the offending team(s) if necessary. Teams are deliberately running through or disrupting the opponents pre-game warm-up. Teams are also competing for the center circle when entering the court or following player introductions.
Suggestions for improved behavior:
· The state or local athletic conference should establish appropriate pre-game procedures and protocols. A policy could be established confining teams to their own free-throw semi-circle for pre-game huddles or rituals or that only the home team utilizes the center circle.
· Coaches should take an active role and establish guidelines for their teams and permit only those pre-game rituals that promote sporting behavior and cannot be interpreted as taunting or baiting the opponent.
· Officials should be prepared to assess a technical foul to a team member/team demonstrating these unsporting acts. The specific inappropriate actions of a few team members may be individually penalized or the entire team may be assessed one technical foul, if they collectively engage in any inappropriate behavior(s). Since all team members are considered bench personnel before the game and during intermissions, the head coach would also be charged indirectly with the technical foul (10-4-1d; 2-8-1).
The NFHS stopped short of establishing any real policy, instead leaving it up to each state association. What steps do you think your state association should take with regards to this POE? Should they wait until an "incident" occurs or should they take action now? Is it necessary to take action? Have there been any problems in your area?What's your opinion?
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