Pre-Game Captains Meeting
 

I am looking for some input on what others say during their pre-game captains meeting. The general flow of our conversations go like this:

R: Coach A, Do you have an administrator?
Coach A: Yes

R: Coach B, Do you have an administrator?
Coach B: Yes

R: (to both coaches) Are your players legally equipped and will demonstrate good sportsmanship?

Coach A and B: (faintly) yes

R: Who are my speaking captains?
A : 32 B: 10

R: White take care of white, blue take care of blue

R: Good luck....

Don't get me wrong there is nothing wrong with how this goes, but its become so repetitive with players and coaches, that I think most of them aren't paying any attention. The other night, I said "Coaches, my partners are not going to make any mistakes, but I will, come to us if you have questions." Just trying to see if they were awake....got nothing.

My captains meeting lasts an average of 11 seconds.

We have a Captains' meeting that is separate from meeting with the coaches.

Captains' meeting: you know who your hotheads are, take care of them so we don't have to. Do not knock free throw shooters off the free throw line, that is not boxing out, it's a foul.

Coaches' meeting: My first name and/or good luck.

"I have nothing to say that you haven't heard before, and if you weren't listening then, you're probably not listening now. I don't ask for a speaking captain, because we will respond to any player who comes to us in a respectful manner. Good luck."


That's to the captains.

I do like to ask the coaches: "Any special issue with any player that we need to know about? Asthma, seizures, or an injury that might possibly come into play?" About one game out of three one of the coaches will say, "Lack of talent."

R--Coaches, are all players properly equipped?

R--Be ready to play on second horn after timeouts.

R--Play with good sportsmanship. Good luck.

That's it. Maybe 30 seconds.

This with the couple of changes:

With captains replace "hotheads" with "knuckleheads".

With coaches rather than say "good luck" I say "Have a good game".

Had a veteran official tell me when I was just getting started he used to say good luck...until a coach smiled and ask "Am I going to need luck with you in the game?" He said it was obviously an attempt at humor but it got him thinking.

I actually do use "knuckleheads" about half the time.

Coaches/captains meeting, after all handshakes, by the R:

*"I'm Mr./Ms. (name), this is Mr./Ms. (name)."
*"Coaches, are everyone properly and legally equipped?"
*"Can I expect good sporting behavior from everyone here today?"
(Usually, I follow this with, "Okay, that was slightly enthusiastic.")

The rest is my personal touch:
*"(Visitors), it's pretty clear what's out of bounds here. Keep your shirts tucked in, listen to your coaches, and question anything you like, as long as you're civil about it. Let's have fun!"

Do any English teachers smack you when you ask this?

Definitely *NOT* this.

Tell the coaches that we're playing on the 2nd horn. Tell players that as captains, they are expected to show good sportsmanship.

My captains meeting may last 10 seconds.

Separate meetings here.

Captains:
"Take care of your knuckleheads so we don't have to. Have a good game."

Coaches:
Something about sportsmanship. Something about having the kids ready to play by the 2nd horn. With them luck.

I think we sometimes overthink crap.

8-9 of the seconds is fumbling around shaking hands

We used to do 2, but the new officials manual now only lays out the procedure for 1meeting at the 10 minute mark with captains and coaches.

Has everybody switched?

States interps may vary, but we have switched to just one meeting, short and sweet...

From My Hard Drive ...
 

PREGAME SPORTSMANSHIP STATEMENTS

The National High School Federation and your state association require officials to enforce sportsmanship rules. High school athletics emphasize positive values. All of us have worked hard to create a sense of teamwork, respect, responsibility and perspective. We remind you that we expect good behavior and will quickly penalize misconduct. We encourage and appreciate your help. Let the competition reflect mutual respect among participants and officials. Coaches please certify that your players are legally equipped and uniformed according the NFHS rules. Good luck and have a great contest! (New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association, Kentucky High School Athletic Association)

"PIAA requires all registered sports' officials to enforce the sportsmanship rules for coaches and contestants. Actions meant to demean opposing contestants, teams, spectators and officials are not in the highest ideals of interscholastic education and will not be tolerated. Let today's contest reflect mutual respect. Coaches please certify to the contest official(s) that your players are legally equipped and uniformed according to NFHS rules and PIAA adoptions. Good luck in today's contest." (Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association)

To captains: The FHSAA requires officials to enforce all rules regarding unsportsmanlike conduct by players and coaches. Violators will be ejected. It is strongly suggested that you remind your teammates and coaches of this policy. Additionally, this is a simple reminder that jewelry is not allowed, and jerseys must be tucked in during play if they are designed to be worn in. To coaches: Coaches, do you certify that your players are properly equipped and will demonstrate sportsmanlike behavior during today’s contest? (Florida High School Activities Association)

BillyMac's: Coaches and captains meeting at 5:00: Players properly equipped,
Players wearing uniforms properly, Practice good sportsmanship.

When In Rome ...
 

No. No. No. But check your local listings.

Yes, Yes. Yes.