Captains/Coaches Pregame meeting

[AKOFL]

When is the last time you saw the captain leave the meeting and go tell the rest of the team what we just told them? It is a little silly to have the meeting with just a couple of guys anyway. The more of the team that wants to listen the better. I cover sportsmanship, keep your ears open so we can try and keep you out of trouble, be ready to come in the game when you check in, and have a good time. I try to keep it simple and upbeat.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by LDUB

I agree. I see other officials asking who is the speaking captain before the game but I have yet to see or even hear of a situation come up where knowing who the speaking captain was has been useful.

All I think it does is help delegate "some" leadership with the kids. I usually write down the numbers in the book and when crap goes wrong, I try to use those players when I can. Hardly happens, but that is what I do.

Originally Posted by AKOFL

When is the last time you saw the captain leave the meeting and go tell the rest of the team what we just told them? It is a little silly to have the meeting with just a couple of guys anyway. The more of the team that wants to listen the better. I cover sportsmanship, keep your ears open so we can try and keep you out of trouble, be ready to come in the game when you check in, and have a good time. I try to keep it simple and upbeat.

Never. That is why I say as little as possible.

Peace

[LDUB]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

All I think it does is help delegate "some" leadership with the kids. I usually write down the numbers in the book and when crap goes wrong, I try to use those players when I can. Hardly happens, but that is what I do.

Are you only using the speaking captain or any of the "captains" who came to the meeting?

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by LDUB

Are you only using the speaking captain or any of the "captains" who came to the meeting?

Speaking captain.

[BillyMac]

I don't ask for speaking captains in my pregame. I will speak to anyone who approaches me politely.

That said, I've had many partners, who, as the referee, not only ask for speaking captains, but also ask if that speakng captain is starting? What if they say no?

I had a pregame this year with quad-captains from each team. There were twelve of us out there. I could have used a microphone like Freddy suggested.

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by BillyMac

I don't ask for speaking captains in my pregame. I will speak to anyone who approaches me politely.

That said, I've had many partners, who, as the referee, not only ask for speaking captains, but also ask if that speakng captain is starting? What if they say no?

Isn't the R supposed to verify with the captains that their teams are ready for the game to start (or some verbiage like that in 2-Referee's Duties)?

And, I have used the captain to help with a teammate issue, or to get the team out of the huddle promptly at the end of a time-out, etc.

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

Isn't the R supposed to verify with the captains that their teams are ready for the game to start.

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.

[CMHCoachNRef]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

All I think it does is help delegate "some" leadership with the kids. I usually write down the numbers in the book and when crap goes wrong, I try to use those players when I can. Hardly happens, but that is what I do.

My partners and I have used the speaking captain from time to time to try to help "clean up" things from time to time. This is especially true in high school "rivalry" games. If it is one player, we can address the player. If it escalates to a number of players bumping one another, etc., we will speak to the captain from each team to ask that they help us avoid having to take action. When teams are slow coming out of the huddle, we will mention it to the coach. We also mention it to the captain.

As JRut points out, this RARELY happens, but everyone once in a while it does.

[LDUB]

Originally Posted by CMHCoachNRef

My partners and I have used the speaking captain from time to time to try to help "clean up" things from time to time. This is especially true in high school "rivalry" games. If it is one player, we can address the player. If it escalates to a number of players bumping one another, etc., we will speak to the captain from each team to ask that they help us avoid having to take action. When teams are slow coming out of the huddle, we will mention it to the coach. We also mention it to the captain.

What do you do if the speaking captain isn't in the game?

[Scratch85]

Originally Posted by LDUB

What do you do if the speaking captain isn't in the game?

Happens once in a while, I use the jumper. I can never remember the other 3 or 4 players that were at the meeting.

[Ignats75]

When I am the R, I go with the 12-10-2 schedule. (Captains at 12:00, book at 10:00 and coaches at 2:00.)

I never ask for speaking captain. IF I have three players out there who I am discussing sportsman ship with, why would I tell two of them to ignore the next few seconds? Thats what is happening when you signify a speaking captain. Here's my spiel to Captains:

Gentlemen (Ladies), you have been chosen as captains for your leadership abilities. You know who your hotheads are. If you keep them under control, then we don't have to. If the ball rolls into the corner or away from us have one of your teammates get it for us, you're a lot younger than we are. Respect the Game. Respect your opponents, respect the officials and have fun. Good Luck.

With the Coaches its even shorter.:

Hi Coach, "Ignats75." (shake hands). Are your players properly equipped and ready to play? Your coaching box is marked there (point) with the *color* lines. Please signal the type of time out you want. If we do not get a clear signal, we will give you a full time out automatically. Please break them on the first horn. Good Luck.

[ILRef80]

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

[LDUB]

Originally Posted by Scratch85

Happens once in a while, I use the jumper. I can never remember the other 3 or 4 players that were at the meeting.

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.

[Scratch85]

Originally Posted by LDUB

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.

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.

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 . . .