Captain's meeting

[Rich]

I've always been a fan of the quick captains meeting. When I started officiating HS games 20 years ago, I'd see referees talk about keeping hands off, playing good defense, describing the court, giving a good, long dissertation. So, I tried to copy that.

Over the years, it's gotten shorter and shorter.

The main purpose, for me, of the captain's meeting is to greet the players and show them the officials are human beings. I introduce myself by first name, get their names, and use their first names in a reply.

I don't discuss the court (who cares if I say "blue line all the way around" - does that really make the game better?), tucked shirts, fouls, etc.

We gather the captains at 12:00 and the R's at the table before the clock strikes 10:00.