Are there any rules or maybe even laws that prohibit the use of profanity in basketball warm-up music. I attended a high school game last night that warmed-up to Blink 182. Some songs included "Family Reunion" and "13 Miles". You can look up these lyrics, but I assure you they are ranker than any local tavern. Other than a letter writing campaign to the School, League and MHSAA what options does a disgruntled fan have?

If a fan came up to me to complain or if I heard the profanity in the music I would most definitely have the music turned off.

I would also have a conversation with the coach and AD about what is appropriate.

I would say be careful, just because the songs are played doesn't mean they aren't edited. However, if the unedited song was played then it obvious to me that the school admins aren't very good, which is sad, and two you can have them turn it off. What I would do however is, go to game management and advise him/her, most of the time the players are the ones who make the CDs and they aren't screened or approved by school admins. Let them handle it by changing the track or shutting it off.

I am often offended by the warm-up music, as well. I usually just say something to the AD, if it's extreme. My experience is that the management people just aren't paying attention, and the kids chose the music. I don't know if there's a rule, but they've never ignored the situation after I said something. I think it may just need to be brought to their attention, and I don't see why a fan couldn't do that as well as a ref.

Lyrics to the song that got fans from the visiting team out of the stands went like this. Sh** p*ss, f*** c*nt, motherf*****, repeated 4 times before anyone made a move for the pa system. Home team fans didn't even budge from their seats.

Sounds like a George Carlin song

I think this is severe enough that it should probably be discussed with the principal. If you are a parent, you should definitely make a stink. This is really quite over the top.

Okay, wait, you were a visitors' fan? You or a parent of a visiting player should talk to your AD or principal about this. Even if the home folks aren't worried about it, the league should have a policy, so that the standards are consistent across the league. What they do in practice is their business, I suppose, although I can't imagine that all the parents are as unconcerned as you make it sound. But there's no way that's acceptable in a game setting.

[Edited by rainmaker on Jan 26th, 2005 at 11:40 AM]

Hey now... I happen to enjoy George's thoughts in the confines of my car! :D

Maybe there is a procedure in your area, but there is no procedure that I am aware of where I live.

I think all you can do is inform the school of the content. It is not unusual that the adults at the school did not make the tape or put the specific songs on the tape. Usually some kid or player did so at the request of the team and the content was not reviewed before it was played. Most adults do not know the lyrics of most modern songs in the first place and really do not pay attention to the content. They hear the beat and ignore the actual content. Not sure outside of that there is much you can do at this time.

Peace

I have been guilty of this. I help run a basketball tournament each year and one night when I was "in charge" a fan came up to me and said: "Did you hear that?" I said, "Hear what?" The fan repeated some lyrics in a song playing over the PA system and I was shocked. I was in the gym, but I simply never "heard" the lyrics.

I don't know that you really need a "letter writing campaign." A simple telephone call to the athletic director at the school may be all that is necessary. I think the more organized/elaborate campaigns should be saved for situations where, despite knowledge of what is happening, nothing is done. Best wishes.

As Officials not our job. I agree the warm-up music is in poor taste. A letter to the Principal with copies to AD would be appropriate.

In the pregame for a Catholic school varsity game they were playing AC/DC's Hell's Bells. I thought it was very funny that noone seemed to notice the irony in what was playing.

Here is some of the chorus from the song:

I got my bell, I'm gonna take you to hell
I'm gonna get you, Satan get you

Blink 182, one of my favourite bands...I would love to hear this stuff during warmups. It's way better than the crap they usually play. And I believe I know the CD you're talking about. It's the live one, and some might find it pretty offensive, but man is it great music and funny jokes. Although if they were playing one of their newer CD's I would've made them turn it off ;) Talk about a band going downhill :p

Tell the person in charge and I'm sure the situation will be taken care of.

I am in charge of censoring the music for our schools middle school dances. I don't have time to check every single song so I warn the DJ's if I hear anything objectionable I will break the CD. If they have a question whether a song is OK or not they should show it to me ahead of time.--Since I told them that I have never had a problem and never had to follow through on the threat. Principal knows my policy and is fine with it.


I learned this strategy from a coach. Years ago when I was coaching at an away game the home players were playing a CD with profanity. My assistant coach
(and AD) mentioned something to the Home school's AD who was embarrased and walked over and smashed the CD.


(If there ever was a problem though I think I might just confiscate the CD, give it to the principal and let him deal with it.)

They had CD's years ago?!

Music
 

I usually don't take out my ear plugs until the game begins.

5 years ago.

warm-up music
 

My girls put together a warm-up CD that needs my approval before it goes over any PA system. I make sure there are no objectionable lyrics.

I told them that the one they put together this season was OK by me but to be honest, it was a horrible CD. Maybe I'm getting old or something but I think today's music is just horrible. Anyway, I told them I would put them together a 'real' warm-up CD, which included some Earth, Wind & Fire, Gap Band, Wild Cherry, etc, etc. Much to my surprise, its been a hit. I told them they need to learn how to apprieciate some old school stuff. They said. "You're right coach, this stuff is awesome!"

At our high school, one night several years ago, a fan overheard profane lyrics over the PA - since the fan was also a state senator his complaints were heard by a little wider audience. Now, we have a very capable school guidance counselor who announces and plays music. He does a great job.

Re: warm-up music
 

Please tell me you put in some Tower of Power and some War. I love that music!!

Maybe you could hire the Chicago Cubbie that took a baseball bat to Sammy Sosa's boombox.Guy could have a whole new career travelling around to basketball games when he retires.

Re: Re: warm-up music
 

Re: Re: Re: warm-up music
 

So, you've started a new career as a "Personal Shopper"?!

Re: Re: Re: Re: warm-up music
 

You'll get my bill in the mail, I give 2% off if you pay by certified check within 2 weeks.

Re: Re: warm-up music
 

Too true! A little variety would be nice also....if I hear "Eye of the Tiger" one more time I'm going to barf.....

I've never had it happen, usually the kids play the radio edited, PG-13 version.

One school was playing Motown and James Brown during warm ups, but they had an announcer running the show.

An issue not yet mentioned is the volume. How many of you are screaming at the captains meeting? Worse still, you are screaming and the song ends BEFORE you do.:D

I've delayed my captains' meeting until after a good song is finished (i.e. AC/DC "Thunderstruck"). But, there is something to be said for the live school band playing, even if you do hear a couple of off-key notes. To me it's all part of the "school experience".

Dang I'm getting old
 

A few years ago I was an adjunct professor at a local college and the department chair would send out this message at the start of each school year. It was produced by some college back east and talks about the incoming freshman class. The idea is to give the professors a little perspective about the things and events that shaped the students' lives. It was interesting to note that as of about five years ago, incoming freshman had no meaningful memory of the Reagen ear, were only children during the first Gulf War, and had never known a time when there were no personal computers or CDs.

http://www.deephousepage.com/smilies/djmixing.gif


blindzebra,
'At's what I'm talkin' about!
The Sensational Sixties!
Great for parents and refs that used to be....
mick

I agree with you, mick. Here in the DC area, we have Big 100 which plays 60's & 70's music (my era). My other choice is NPR. I think I need to get a life.

Music
 

I don't seem to care about the content of what the kids are listening to, but the loudness is a bit much . I have asked a coach to turn it down cause we couldn't hear each other during the captains meeting. Wow ,,,,Earth,Wind, and Fire. i usually have in the cd player on the way to games TOOL, Godsmack, Metallica or for you Northwest folk Queensryche ( tickets for the Feb 11show are in my top desk draw.)

Thanks
 

I'd like to tahnk you all for your input. I guess I learned that although there isn't a rule on the books for this, there are a lot of opinions. Just to recap, in this case the lyrics were the worse I have ever heard. I listen to all types of music, but for a public arena this could NEVER have been considered appropriate. I did write letters to the School Board, League and MHSAA, only because when first confronted about turning it off the home team seemed to laugh off our concern. All visiting parties (team, coaches fans and officials) were appalled by the music, while the home team just sat and A. listened or B. paid no attention , but did not C. Turn off the music. So, thanks for your input, I've enjoyed it.

Re: Dang I'm getting old
 

Funny, I was an adult when Reagan was president, and I have no memory of Reagan's ear. What did I miss?!