The ol' "we'll play the black line all the way around the court" gets under my skin a little - unless it's a poorly marked playing area. I just limit to properly/legally equipped, sportsmanship, any questions and good luck.

My point was that if someone is inclined to blame you, having asked a question at the beginning of the game isn't going to absolve you in this case. I've never had a coach hesitate to answer, yet I've sent players to the bench for earrings, miscolored T-shirts, etc.

Don't get me wrong, I ask the question; I think it's a good reminder to the coach if nothing else. I just don't see how it's going to affect whether anyone hold me responsible.

If I allow a player to play with an earring, how is having asked the coach before the game goingto help?

I've had that partner, and he then went into CE rules with the coaches. I've also had the "watch the hand checks" and "reaching" partners.

I'm talking about a player injury due to an illegally equipped player that "got past us" and was allowed to play in the game.

What it boils down to for me and my partner is whether we asked the coaches in pregame if their players were legal/proper and if we, as a crew, were observant. If the answer to both are 'yes', then we know w/o a shadow of a doubt that we managed the game correctly and there will be no heat coming our way from the schools' AD or my assignor because we used correct protocol.

I understand doing what's required, I just don't get any practical benefits from it. If i let an earring through and someone gets hurt, I don't see how having asked about equipment before the game gets me off of this. Either my assigner would hold me accountable for missing it, or he wouldn't. Personally, I don't think he would anyway.

"I asked the coaches if their players were properly and legally equipped."
"And do you think he gave you a thoughful answer?"
"Not really."

Could just be me, though. :)

Who knows, maybe that's why they do it in my area; I only do it because I'm not going to be "that guy." The only thing I don't do that others do around here is ask for speaking captains

I've had partners talk about handchecking and "reaching" but correctable errors?! :eek:

I respect that. Perhaps it was "the way I was raised" by my assignor and area officials/evaluators. They are very specific and insistent about pre-game and the content covered - and why.

At least for me, I know that if I don't ask these questions, I am in some shape or form going to hear about it. And, "hearing about it" is potentially a negative in my file with the assignor and/or coach/AD. And, I can't have negative stuff piling up on me when it's very easy to stay out of trouble by doing what is expected.

Yep, but personally if I had to choose, I'd rather talk about CE rules. It doesn't put me in quite the same corner as, "we'll be watching for hand checks and palming tonight, gentlemen."

What if the player is injured by a piece of jewelry that wasn't visible to the officials?

Then I don't see how not having asked a question to which most coaches just give an unthinking "yes" really does any good.

Agree
 

For both Captains and Coaches one practical benefit I get is maybe to break the ice a bit have everyone shake hands and get off to a calm, friendly, amicable start.

Concur, few listen at either meeting. Never had a coach say, "No, my players are not properly equipped." But, have had to tweet, very early for violations.

I do it because I'm supposed to, it breaks the ice, and I cover what I'm told. Me no likey "Speaking Captains."

Now, if we could speak to the entire team for 20 seconds AND have an associated T when a player violates any of our "recommendations", I might like that! ;)

From CIAC Website ...
 

COACHES – CAPTAINS PREGAME CONFERENCE
I. RECOMMENDED TIME
a. 2-Minute prior to the start of the game
II. HEAD COACH REFUSES TO PARTICIPATE
a. Conduct the conference (Assistant coach can be present)
b. Notify Secretary or Commissioner, who will notify CIAC
and Athletic Director
III. VERIFY WITH COACHES
a. Are team member’s uniforms and equipment legal and will be
worn properly?
b. Will all participants exhibit proper sporting behavior throughout
the game?
c. The coaching box area is marked and it is expected
that you will adhere to the restrictions as

From CIAC Website ...
 

COACHES – CAPTAINS PREGAME CONFERENCE
I. RECOMMENDED TIME
a. 2-Minute prior to the start of the game
II. HEAD COACH REFUSES TO PARTICIPATE
a. Conduct the conference (Assistant coach can be present)
b. Notify Secretary or Commissioner, who will notify CIAC
and Athletic Director
III. VERIFY WITH COACHES
a. Are team member’s uniforms and equipment legal and will be
worn properly?
b. Will all participants exhibit proper sporting behavior throughout
the game?
c. The coaching box area is marked and it is expected
that you will adhere to the restrictions as well as the privileges.