I've always been a fan of the pre-game captins meeting. Its one of my favorite moments in the game.

I note that many disagree and advocate that players don't listen anyway. True in many cases but I am following a quick 60 second agenda that clears my obligation and for me gives some benefit.

1) Group Handshake - Gentlemen / Ladies introduce yourself to your opponent tonight. (Handshakes all around)

2) Point out generlities of the Court - Overhanging side baskets ("those are OOB fellows"), those Vollyball stripes just in front of the free throw line, etc.

3) POI review - "were focused on sportsmanship tonight. let's play the game as it's meant to be played. Lets all help yourselves and team mates watch their hands and mouths. .... etc.". We'll try to warn early but as we get flowing were gonna call 'em."

4) Guys, Section Three of the Basketball rule books say we have an obligation referee's and captains. You alone can approach us in a polit manner and ask for clarification or vital information. Do NOT let your teammates verbally challenge calls. Only thing we can do is rule a technical and then your team is hurt. Remind and monitor your team mates. You know who tends to get vocal and your job tonight is to help them". "Were here to make for a fair organized game - you can help in that accomplishemnt win or loose"

5) Shirt Tails coming out is a POI this year. We will, and have removed players from the game because of it. You as captains are asked to help me keep them in. Watch and remind Remind your teammates. You'll see the tails out as good as I do.

6) Any questions? if not as the captains I'll check with you before I throw it up for a jump ball to start the game as stated in the rule book.

7) Good luck and We'll see you back out here in a few moments.

60 seconds.

Pretty similar to how I start it off, add a little levity to let them know we are there to have fun. Try and keep it relaxed and quick.

Now emphasize the coaching box restriction to coaches at the end, only difference.

Hi, I'm Larry. This is my brother Daryl. This is my other brother Daryl. Good luck. :D

I usually ask them if they can handle their own players. And if they couldnt, i would in the worst way!

I have only ever had two questions from captains:

1. By an eight year old in a provincial championship tourney. She even politely raised her hand! (Cannot remember what she asked.)

2. During a game in which I was forced to referee my own school and the captain was my student, she asked "Sir, do we have a math test tomorrow."

Certainly wish both coach's well and point out the "Box" before the game. Wanted to comment that its NOT appropriate to mention the "Litter Box" to the players.

Keep It Short
 

Here in Connecticut, we're going to meet with captains and coaches two minutes prior to the start of the game. It has been suggested that we keep the meeting short and to the point:

1) Introductions.

2) All all players properly equiped?

3) Do all players know how to wear their uniforms properly?

4) Good sportsmanship will be emphasized tonight.

5) Questions?

6) Good luck. We'll be starting in about a minute.

[Edited by BillyMac on Dec 2nd, 2005 at 08:22 PM]

I have a buddy I work with quite a bit and he says to the captains "You may talk to us, but you must use complete sentences!"

It's hilarious!

I do coaches and captains separately.

Captains: You're responsible for your teammates. If you keep them in line we don't have to. And remind them to take off their jewelry and hair things.

Coaches: Two questions, Players legally equipped? and Demonstrate good sportsmanship and fair play? Any questions about rule changes this year (first two weeks of season)?

That's it.

Short and sweet.

They never remember any of it anyway, so why do more than bare minimum?

Hi, I'm Andy, this is X and this is Y....Questions?

Have a good game

====

Does anyone even remember "speaking captains numbers?

How often does a captain actually approach you during the game?

1. "Are your players properly equip?"

2. "Who are my speaking captains."

3. Sportsmanship statement

4. Address coaching box (just for this year)

5. "Guys, keep your shirts tucked in."

This is what I have done this year. In the past I have never said anything about shirts or coaching box issues. I am probably going to stop saying anything about the shirts after tonight.

Peace

Had a discussion about that last night. After the first month of the season, shouldn't have to mention the coaching box or uniforms again.

REQUIRED:
 

Along w/ anything else the R wants to do, this is required by the PIAA to be read (and when I say read, I mean either read or memorized to perfection) during every captains meeting for every sport at every level:

" PIAA requires all registered sports' officials to enforce the sportsmanship rules for coaches and contestants. Actions meant to demean opposing players, team, 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 referee/umpire that your players are legally equipped and uniformed according to NFHS rules. Good luck in today's contest."

Whats the background of the "speaking captiain" concept.
Is that supported by rule?

Rule book says 1 (one) captain per team - is that what the "speaking captain" is referring to - when 2 or more appear at mid court?

It's just generally accepted that in real life there really aren't any restictions on the number of captains. That's why you might get 5 or 6 of 'em out there on senior night. You normally only want one player asking the questions though- which is why you ask them who's gonna do the talking. Usually, most officials will amswer any player's questions anyway though, as long as the player is being fairly polite.

Iow, it just ain't a biggie. :)