Artists in residence?

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by BillyMac

Sporting Behavior Pre-Game Situations was a NFHS Point of Emphasis in 2002-03. It was again a Point of Emphasis in 2003-04. In both cases the NFHS suggested that state or local athletic conferences should establish appropriate pregame procedures, and protocols.

Here in Connecticut our state high school athletic governing body (CIAC) came out with this: Team members are not allowed to congregate at midcourt during introductions. Officials will direct players to free throw line area in front of respective benches.

Here is a case where the national organization seems to have allowed each state to come up with it's own guidelines. This may be why we don't have consistency from state to state.

Personally I do not care what other states do and I do not know why you would either. I do not work for teams in other states and if a state wants to have a policy I am all for it. If I go to Connecticut to work a game, it will not be at the high school level.

This still illustrates to me why you should not be relying on a 13-14 year old casebook interpretation. You just showed that later they came back and decided that states had to come up with some guidelines. And I recall that my state allowed the home team leeway to come to the center and they also did not prohibit players to shake hands with the team in the center either. Most introductions I see now have the starters running over to shake the hands of the opposing coach and often trying to shake hands with the officials. I do not think I would ever have a problem with that expression of sportsmanship.

Peace