Hahaha. So, what do y'all jokers say at a pregame?
I think it's a waste of time and a completely archaic tradition that we should abolish. But that's just me.

"IHSAA requires us to emphasize sportsmanship tonight. You guys know who your hotheads are, get to them before we do or it will cost your team two shots. Have a good game. Coaches, stay for a second."

"Coaches, all players legally equipped? Okay, first horn ends the timeout, second horn we're ready for play. Have a good game."

HS: "We tolerate no foolishness. Sportsmanship. Do not touch the free throw shooters".

College: "We're all adults here, we expect you conduct yourselves as such. If you have a question ask us respectfully. Sportsmanship".

"Take care of your knuckleheads so we don't have to."

"Hi, I'm Mr. MyLastName and I'll be your referee tonight...."

Headphones ???
 

Richard MyLastName.....you of Swedish descent?

This.

Now, concerning the Captains Meeting: Sportsmanship statement; put the ball in the hole, that's what makes it fun. DONE . . .
Except, my last two partners have been "that guy"! . . . listen to us, POE's, blah, blah, blah . . . And this, after I had told my partners in our dressing room that I don't talk about all of that! In one instance, he went on for over a minute. I kept hoping he'd notice me, looking off into space! If I weren't bald already, I'd pull my hair out!

Standard Captains speech = respect each other, respect us, and respect the game.
Added question if I'm feeling goofy: do you have any freshmen on your team?
After answer of yes: ok, don't let them *#% up the game.
After answer of no: good, then no one will }€|* up this game.

Rule reference?

The ruling from the NFHS on pregame warm-up items was made several years ago. I will have to look if it is in the Case Book or made it into the rules as an editorial change.

I pulled tis off my hard drive. It's several years old:

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)

From the NFHS Rulebook: The referee shall: 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.

Mine: Players properly equipped, Players wearing uniforms properly, Practice good sportsmanship.

In PA, we are required to read a sportsmanship/uniform statement (see Billy Mac's post, #26); I recite it, then, "Any questions? OK, have a good game and have fun."

Yikes billy. Feel sorry for anyone who has to perform a recital before a game.

Mine: captains take care of your teams and let's be good sports. Put the ball in the hole, it makes it fun for all of us. Good luck.
And before Christmas, I'll say "remember fellas/ladies, Santa Claus is watching. Let's stay on the nice list."

In our games, the umpires don't usually stay for the meeting. Bring our captains, shake the other teams' captains' hands, and go back to our warmup positions.

That way if the R is "That Guy" I don't have to hear it.

Oh, don't I wish it were so in our area!:)