You got to know the rules...

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by Mark Padgett

BillyMac, you've given me a great idea for our local kids rec league. Next season, before each game, I'm going to have the two officials stand in front of the benches and address the teams and the spectators by announcing, "Everyone who cares which team wins this game raise your hand. Thanks. Please note that my partner and I were the only two people in the gym who didn't raise a hand. Remember that while the game is being played. Thank you." Actually, I may really do that - I'm not kidding.

I don't do the following every game, maybe a couple of times a season, especially before some of my big "rivalry" games:

Pregame meeting with coaches and captains, as the referee:
"Coaches, are you players properly equipped and do they know how to wear their uniforms properly? Coaches, and captains, my partner and I are going to emphasis good sportsmanship tonight. Look around the gym. The players, coaches, cheerleaders, and fans, have something in common. They all want one of the teams to win. Except me and my partner. We're the only ones in the gym who don't care who wins tonight, so we're going to try to be as unbiased in our calls tonight as we can. If we make any mistakes tonight, it will not be because we want one team, or the other, to win the game. Please remember this during the game. Partner, got anything to add? Coaches, and captains, got any questions? Let's all have fun tonight.