Normally my line would be to coaches:
Myself and my partner are both approachable,
feel free to Address us but, don't Undress us.

"The fans are here to watch you play basketball, not watch us call a bunch of fouls. Play straight up and everything else will take care of itself."

I tell them to be problem solvers and not problem makers.

here is one...
 

I was taught this one by a veteran official in my association with the military. I ask if they want to hear a joke...if they reply yes:

Q. Why do officials officiate?
A. Because they can't play

Q. Why do players play?
A. Because they can't officiate

Q. Why do coaches coach?
A. Because they can neither play nor officiate

I think it establishes roles while also easing tensions...IMHO;)

I always mention the coaches box and the requirement for the coaches to remain in the box. We discussed a situation that happened about two years ago in a football game where an official ran over a coach who was out on the field coaching. Seems the official changed direction and ran into the coach. The coach was injured and sued the referee. Our association stressed last season to make sure you tell the coaches to stay in their box so if you ever run one over who is out on the court you can be sure he was told by the referee to remain in his coaches box. Just a little extra ammunition if you ever need it in litigation.

always say two things...whistle blows play stops...no subs on the court until we bring you in...

I just say, "Sportsmanship is our goal, as captains take care of your teams, if a teammate is getting out of line you handle it.

"Have fun!"

With apologies to Johnny Cochran..."If the coach is full of sh!t, you must acquit."

I introduce myself and my partners, make sure the captains shake hands all around, tell them sportmanship is all I expect of them and their teammates, and ask if there are any questions. Takes about 30 seconds.

A member of our association who has the personality to get away with the following does an intro about halfway through the season where he'll look at the captains and point them toward their counterparts, direct them toward his partners, give a questioning expression to the captains with hands upraised, and when there are no questions, which there never are, clap his hands once and back away. The players are more attentive to this silent pre-game than any other pregame I've ever witnessed. Cracks me up everytime I "hear" it.

If I'm running the captains meeting at half court, I always tell the girls not to hang on the rim when they dunk. It always cuts the tension and gets a laugh.

As I said in another thread:

• Repect the Game
• Respect Your Opponent
• Respect the Officials
• Have Fun

I like the proactive part about the hotheads. I may add that to my speil.

JR had the funniest post in this thread and his wasn't about a captains meeting.

Why do we think there is tension?

...except for that guy sitting way up there with the cup of coffee and clip board reading the paper. And woe unto any of you who make us look bad in front of him.

:D

LOLOLOLOLDr.PepperLOLOLOLOLOL
The "Dr. Pepper" part is what ran out of my nose when I couldn't stop laughing.

"No on may participate in this game with any jewelry on"

"Any body piercings I can't see, I don't want to know about."

We were doing a 9th grade game/2 man. My partner introduced himself and then nodded to me as he said, "you probably recognize my partner from television." All four captains looked at me with questioning looks, trying to figure who this famous ref was. Then, he added, "Americas Most Wanted." It was great. :D