I like to copy from the ones that I hear. I steal with pride.

In KS we only do one meeting by request of KSHSAA. We are required to ask.

Coaches, are the players properly equipped?
Players are you prepared to demonstrate good sportsmanship?

After that, the longer the worse. Be short and to the point.

Mine is

Players and coaches if you have a question ask it politely and professionally and we will answer is when we have time.
Players, put the ball in the basket, it makes for a better game.
Listen to us and we will talk you out of a few things.
Have fun!

I also do not ask for speaking captains. It's pointless, IMO. I'll speak to any player, as long as they are respectful. I also think asking for a "speaking" captain can be demeaning to the other captains.

I start with the coaches and I move quickly:
1) Coaches, are your players properly equipped?
2) Please let us know on the timeouts whether you want a 30 or a full.
3) Have the players ready to go on the 2nd horn.

Players:
1) There are 3 (or 2) of us, and 10 of you. Please help us by demonstrating good sportsmanship by leading by example. If you notice a problem, please come to us during a dead ball.
2) Keep your shirts tucked in and help us with the loose balls. Stop play on the whistle.
3) Have a great time and good luck!

I know some guys who mention playing defense with your feet and to not handcheck, but that just gets you into trouble. I would never advise bringing up how you are going to call the game. That can only be used against you.

T

So what is the point of knowing who the speaking captain is if you are just going to talk to anyone? I understand how situations come up where one wants to talk with a player but I don't really see the need to designate one person in specific as the guy to talk to. I doubt that guy will be playing the entire game anyways.

Oh good lord, are you serious? Then what about the other players still warming up that weren't asked to come to the captains meeting at all? They must really feel like crap.:rolleyes:

I dont ask for speaking captain as all the players on the court can speak. If I have a problem with a player I will speak to them, or worse case I will just mention to the coach. 100% of the time that fixes any issue that might have occured. Also for most of the partners that I do have, when I remember to ask them in the third quarter who were the speaking captains they dont have the faintest idea.

"You Are Correct, Sir" (Ed McMahon) ...
 

I believe that you are correct, but I will ask any captain, or if they're not starting, which is very, very rare, I'll ask all ten players on the floor, "Ready?".

Also, the referee doesn't have to toss anymore. He, or she, may designate a tosser.

When In Florida, Do As JOEADVANTAGE Does ...
 

Just pulled this off the NFHS forum from JOEADVANTAGE, who, I believe, is from Florida. Take your pick:

The NFHS and (insert your state here) require officials to enforce sportsmanship rules. High school athletics emphasize positive values. All of us have worked hard to create a sense of teamwork, respect, responsibility and perspective. We remind you that we expect good behavior and will quickly penalize misconduct. We encourage and appreciate your help. Let this competition reflect mutual respect among all participants and officials. Coaches please certify that your players are legally equipped and uniformed according to NFHS rules. Good luck and have a great contest.

The FHSAA requires officials to enforce all rules regarding unsportsmanlike conduct by players and coaches. Violators will be ejected. It is strongly suggested that you remind teammates and coaches of this policy. Additionally this is a reminder that jewelry is not allowed, and jerseys must be tucked in during play. Coaches, do you certify that your players are properly equipped and will demonstrate sportsmanlike behavior during todays contest?

The longer I think about this, the more useless team captains become. From habit and based on the way things are in my area, I have always asked for the spokesperson for a team. I always mark them in the book, although I have never had to address them.

I know that a team consists of 5 players, one of whom is the captain. If it is done in a courteous manner, the captain may address an official on matters of interpretation or to obtain essential information. Maybe this is why I determine that there is 1 captain. You never know when a captain may need an interpretation or obtain essential information.:rolleyes:

I think that I will continue to identify a spokesperson (the one and only actual captain of the team) and I will continue to mark them in the book. And i will continue to inform that same captain (or the jumper in his absence) when the game is about to start. When in Rome . . . :cool:

They just want to get back to warming up. If you say more than about 3 sentences, they've checked out on you anyway.

I'm Ray, this is Bob.

Coaches, are all your players legally equipped? We're happy to answer questions and listen to your concerns as long as you're in your box and not trying to talk across the floor to us.

Captains, you've got a job to do tonight. If you'll keep your guys under control, we can focus on getting the calls right. Deal?

Good luck.

1) "Coaches, are your players legally equipped and prepared to play?"
2) "Coaches, players, you're required to display good sportmanship at all times during the contest."
3) "Coaches, let us know if you want a full or a 30. If you don't tell us, it becomes a full."
4) "Good luck. Have a great game."

I get a speaking captain because I ask if they (and by extension their teams) are ready before the jump. I also circle the numbers in the book in case I need it later.

"Who's in charge? (speaking captains answer here). Guys, good sportsmanship tonight. You don't want us to get involved in that area. Good luck tonight, have fun."

The end. If it takes 20 seconds, I've taken too long.