Jr. High Coach = 1st toss for me.

[mkiogima]

I only bring this up because of the tie to Catholic schools. I am doing a game tonight at a Christian school that says a prayer after the National Anthem but before player introductions. Have any of you guys seen this and has anyone seen the other "public school" team make a fuss out of it? I certainly don't have a problem with it but I can see where some schools might.

[Adam]

If the public schools don't like it, they won't schedule the games. I've had these games before, and never seen a problem from the visiting public school.

[jdw3018]

Originally Posted by mkiogima

I only bring this up because of the tie to Catholic schools. I am doing a game tonight at a Christian school that says a prayer after the National Anthem but before player introductions. Have any of you guys seen this and has anyone seen the other "public school" team make a fuss out of it? I certainly don't have a problem with it but I can see where some schools might.

First, there's absolutely nothing that can be done (nor should there be) to stop a private school from doing this.

Second, here in South Carolina I was at a public high school football game this fall where we had a prayer over the PA. Now that surprised me...

[Mark Padgett]

Originally Posted by jdw3018

Second, here in South Carolina I was at a public high school football game this fall where we had a prayer over the PA. Now that surprised me...

Really? Surprised? In South Carolina? I thought South Carolina was the buckle on the bible belt.

[jdw3018]

Originally Posted by Mark Padgett

Really? Surprised? In South Carolina? I thought South Carolina was the buckle on the bible belt.

I would have been better understood that "even in South Carolina that surprised me."

But you're right - if it's going to happen anywhere, even when definitely against the law, it's going to be right here in SC!

[rainmaker]

Originally Posted by mkiogima

I only bring this up because of the tie to Catholic schools. I am doing a game tonight at a Christian school that says a prayer after the National Anthem but before player introductions. Have any of you guys seen this and has anyone seen the other "public school" team make a fuss out of it? I certainly don't have a problem with it but I can see where some schools might.

I haven't seen it when the Christian school prays and there's a non-Christian school there.

The best pre-game prayer story I have had was when the little girl who was praying got almost finished, and then said, "Oh, and God, please help these refs do a decent job." The tone in her voice was the we needed all the help we could get!

[Back In The Saddle]

Originally Posted by rainmaker

I haven't seen it when the Christian school prays and there's a non-Christian school there.

The best pre-game prayer story I have had was when the little girl who was praying got almost finished, and then said, "Oh, and God, please help these refs do a decent job." The tone in her voice was the we needed all the help we could get!

Did it help?

[inigo montoya]

Just out of curiosity, when there is a prayer offered before a game... what do you all do? Bow your heads out of respect or to join in? Continue to watch the benches?

[rainmaker]

Originally Posted by inigo montoya

Continue to watch the benches?

Watch players and take numbers of anyone who doesn't have bowed head, folded hands, closed eyes and lips moving along with the prayer!

[fullor30]

Originally Posted by inigo montoya

Just out of curiosity, when there is a prayer offered before a game... what do you all do? Bow your heads out of respect or to join in? Continue to watch the benches?

I had a few varsity games with a Christian tournament recently and had a prayer before each game.

I wish all schools did it. God, Allah, everbody is welcome.

[Rodical]

In my game recently between 2 Christian Schools, the one leading in pre-game prayer, prayed, and I quote, "Lord, please grant the officials a keen eye and sound judgment."......I have no problem agreeing with that, but wish he had prayed, "Lord, please help our coaches know that our officials are COMMITTED to un-biased regulation", since the home coach spent so much of his energy trying to convince us that we were biased against his team......very sad

[Smitty]

Originally Posted by inigo montoya

Just out of curiosity, when there is a prayer offered before a game... what do you all do? Bow your heads out of respect or to join in? Continue to watch the benches?

Not being a Christian or Catholic or whatever, I stand in front of the scorer's table with my hands behind my back and look straight ahead during the prayer.

[mkiogima]

Originally Posted by inigo montoya

Just out of curiosity, when there is a prayer offered before a game... what do you all do? Bow your heads out of respect or to join in? Continue to watch the benches?

I'm Catholic and try to go to Church every Sunday so I made the Sign of The Cross, bowed my head, and said Amen after the prayer.

[Mark Padgett]

Originally Posted by inigo montoya

Just out of curiosity, when there is a prayer offered before a game... what do you all do? Bow your heads out of respect or to join in? Continue to watch the benches?

Usually, I bow my head and recite the sh'ma to myself. The only thing I regret when I do this is that my head is uncovered but I figure the big guy upstairs will understand, given the circumstances.

And no - I am not joking.

[justacoach]

Originally Posted by Mark Padgett

Usually, I bow my head and recite the sh'ma to myself. The only thing I regret when I do this is that my head is uncovered but I figure the big guy upstairs will understand, given the circumstances.

And no - I am not joking.

Do you dav'n as well??? That'll really get them going.....