Would you have done it different?

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by PSidbury

I don't know if you have a pre-game with captains or the teams at center court, but part of my pre-game has always been (even at HS level), "Gentleman/Ladies, the referees are not going to chase balls. We cannot turn our backs on the court or players and we won't , so please keep the game running smoothly by retrieving the ball if you are closest to it."
Of course, I say this in a nice manner, not trying to give a "holier-than-thou" attitude.

Good luck !

I find that "The young folks chase the ball" gets the same message across without sounding so "officious." That said, I rarely give that speech -- and just ask whoever is closest to chase it down if / when the ball gets away.