Pre-Game With Captains

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by Gargil

I am a fairly new Official (3 years) doing JV and Frosh games this year. The more experienced officials I have worked with have not done a captains meeting prior to the game. Should there be a captains meeting at this level?

Depends on your area -- and it sounds like the answer might be "no."

If I were to initiate the meeting what is the common things that are covered? I think I have a good idea but would like to hear from the more experienced.

Ask the captains if they have any questions. They won't.

Follow whatever state-mandated "legally equipped" and "sportsmanship" protocol exists in your state.

Tell them to have fun.

Total time: <30 seconds.

[doubleringer]

[QUOTE=bob jenkins;655837]

Ask the captains if they have any questions. They won't.

QUOTE]

I've been having an ongoing conversation with my high school crew about asking for questions. I'm not a fan. One time, working a lower level game, I asked for questions and some coach, don't remember the level, wants to ask about a ruling on a play from the night before. Made for an uncomfortable conversation because it took too long and I was obviously only getting a one sided description of the play. 99.999999% of the time you aren't going to get a question, but to me, the one time they might have something for you, the pregame isn't the place for a rules meeting. Anyway, just my $.02.

[bob jenkins]

[QUOTE=doubleringer;655879]

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

Ask the captains if they have any questions. They won't.

QUOTE]

I've been having an ongoing conversation with my high school crew about asking for questions. I'm not a fan. One time, working a lower level game, I asked for questions and some coach, don't remember the level, wants to ask about a ruling on a play from the night before. Made for an uncomfortable conversation because it took too long and I was obviously only getting a one sided description of the play. 99.999999% of the time you aren't going to get a question, but to me, the one time they might have something for you, the pregame isn't the place for a rules meeting. Anyway, just my $.02.

"Coach, I meant questions about tonight's game."

[bas2456]

Still working on mine, but here's how it went last night...

Introduce yourselves.

Coaches are your players properly equipped? Yes

We expect good sportsmanship. White you talk to white, blue you talk to blue.

Coaches when you request timeout let us know 30 or full so we don't have to interrupt your huddle.

Questions? No

Good luck!

[doubleringer]

[QUOTE=bob jenkins;655894]

Originally Posted by doubleringer

"Coach, I meant questions about tonight's game."

Good answer. I like it.

[BillyMac]

The National High School Federation and your state association 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 the competition reflect mutual respect among participants and officials. Coaches please certify that your players are legally equipped and uniformed according the NFHS rules. Good luck and have a great contest! (New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association, Kentucky High School Athletic Association)

"PIAA requires all registered sports' officials to enforce the sportsmanship rules for coaches and contestants. Actions meant to demean opposing players, team, spectators and officials are not in the highest ideals of interscholastic education and will not be tolerated. Let today's contest reflect mutual respect. Coaches please certify to the umpire that your players are legally equipped and uniformed according to NFHS rules. Good luck in today's contest." (Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association)

To captains: 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 your teammates and coaches
of this policy. Additionally, this is a simple reminder that jewelry is not allowed, and jerseys must be tucked in during play if they are designed to be worn in. To coaches: Coaches, do you certify that your players are properly equipped and will demonstrate sportsmanlike behavior during today’s contest? (Florida High School Activities Association)

Coaches and captains meeting at 5:00: Players properly equipped, Players wearing uniforms properly, Practice good sportsmanship, Adhere to the restrictions, as well as the privileges, of the coaching box. (BillyMac)

[Adam]

I've never not had a meeting at the hs level, and they vary from "black lines wha wha wha blah blah...." to "put the ball in the hole and let's play ball." But that's my area. If your area doesn't expect it, it's up to you.

It could be one of two things:
1. It's not expected and the powers that be aren't concerned about it.
2. This is one of the reasons these folks are still working F/JV in your area.

[dave30]

Ladies or Gentlemen.

"This MY court, MY game! You will speak ONLY when you are spoken to. (hitch up my pants)....You WILL NOT argue calls. You WILL stop when you hear the whistle! There is no place for whining on this court. Do you have any questions?....(silence)....I CAN'T HEAR YOU !......(no questions)..... OK, let's play basketball ! "