Any good Capt. Meeting lines I can borrow?

[TravelinMan]

I try to incorporate something about the teams into my pre-game. I noticed at one of the varsity boys games a sign on their lockerroom door "NO EXCUSES". So I basically built that theme into my pre-game - "No Excuses and that includes not blaming the officials for losing a game......

[eventnyc]

The official I worked with tonight said, "guys you are going to miss more shots tonight, than I am going to miss calls. Don't get on me for missing any and I won't get on you." I thought that was pretty good!

[w_sohl]

Ihave had partners turn that around a bit.

"We won't make any baskets so please don't make any calls."

[CaptStevenM]

I work intramurals here at college and we don't allow dunking, its a technical foul and ejection. As part of our captains meetings we tell each team this.

When I do women's games I always say "There is no dunking or touching the rim. I know when the game gets going you want to take it to the hole and jam it down, but control youselves."

I always gets a laugh and lightens the mood seeing most of the girls are barely over 5'3" or so.

[totalnewbie]

At the end of a very brief captain's meeting (good sportsmanship, etc), my partner closed with the "You guys dont miss any shots and we wont miss any calls. Good luck."

I loved it. I thought it set a great tone. He had a smile on his face and the players dug it. Maybe not right for every situation, but I filed that one away and plan to pull it out next season.

Clark

[Ref Daddy]

Captains meeting is a ritual dictated by rule.

It can be worthwhile, or at officials discretion, become a waste of time.

I do enjoy a moment to "chat" with the kids, shake their hands, say hello, and establish that me and partner are credible, informed, serious but human. Being with the kids is why I do this anyway.

Officials authority in the environment of the basketball floor (it is a game) is best introduced at captains meeting firm with a smile.

[observer]

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

[buckrog64]

"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."

[stripes]

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

[agmattbballref]

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

[johnnyrao]

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.

[Corndog89]

Originally Posted by johnnyrao

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.

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

[Corndog89]

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.

[cloverdale]

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

[blindzebra]

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!"