Funny Pregame

[PIAA REF]

I had another official share this humorous story with me yesterday. He was working a small school, varsity girls' game. He was with less experienced officials. He told the one to be the R (so he could have some practice), mid you that this ref only gets maybe 3-5 varsity games a year. This official starts his pre-game with going over that they need to watch for goaltending and basket interference. Now mind you the tallest girl playing is 5'5.
She must have one hell of a vertical

[inigo montoya]

I know an official who will often "remind" middle school girls that hanging on the rim is a technical unless they are concerned about safety.

Can help break the tension after the whole "unsportsmanlike behavior will get you ejected" speech.

[26 Year Gap]

One guy I know reminds players to keep their shirts tucked because they might end up on TV that night and they should look their best.

[Scooby]

If you want to be a comedian go to an open mike night, pre-game is not the place. Tell them what you have to, keep it short and get out of there. Most likely they won't remember what you said anyways.
If the only way you can get someone to listen to your jokes is in a captive audience then you need new jokes.

[Adam]

So you're going to tell people they can't use some basic jokes during pregame captain and coach meetings?

To each his (or her) own. I've made jokes a few times (used the hanging on the rim thing in a jv girls game) to good effect. I have a very short captains meeting, but sometimes will drop a joke in to keep it light.

Maybe you can tell me what's wrong with that?

Oh, and I'm confident enough in my sense of humor that I don't need a captive audience. Frankly, trying out new material on 14 year old girls isn't the easiest of tasks.

[26 Year Gap]

Originally Posted by Scooby

If you want to be a comedian go to an open mike night, pre-game is not the place. Tell them what you have to, keep it short and get out of there. Most likely they won't remember what you said anyways.
If the only way you can get someone to listen to your jokes is in a captive audience then you need new jokes.

You are right. I should tell that 25 year official who is one of the most respected officials in the state by players, coaches and other officials to knock it off.

[eyezen]

I've let the players and coaches do the pregame before during the last week of the season. Seems to get them in a better mood when everyone is really tired mentally at that point.