"Play"

[M&M Guy]

Originally posted by johnny1784
Valid points but you or my written post was misunderstood. I am referring to resumption of play and not when team A is late or wonÂ’t stand at the requested spot. I merely was using a comical moment when the thrower has his/her attention on team players or coach. No where in the manuals does it stipulate an official can not speak out loud to a player. May be your state association and or district area association does not permit certain communications during a throw-in but one should amend to use professional communication skills when necessary.

Communication is essential. I'm not saying we shouldn't communicate with the players, I'm just against the announcment-type comment, "Play!". Or, "Ready!". Or, "I'm going to hand the ball to the player that's out-of-bounds, so I sure hope everyone is ready to go, because I sure am!" It just draws too much attention to us when it's not necessary. I almost always say something to the player as I'm handing (or bouncing) the ball to them. "You're on the spot." "Ready, 22?" "Got the right play from coach?" But it's just between me and the player, not the big, overall announcement.