Captains Meeting

[Spaman_29]

I think that it is sad that it has come to where we have to read a stupid card to all present parties for the games. My state (Utah) now requires that it also be read over the pa system for all parties to hear. We are required to bring the coaches out for the pregame. I make it more of an introduction and I always keep it under 15 seconds. I don't read the card, but I do say to the captains that it is your responsiblity to keep yourself, your teamates, and your coaches in control.
I do not say what color the line is around the gym, what color that I am going to call each team, what kind of fouls that I am going to call or to keep your shirts tucked in. Don't state the obvious. If they can't tell what color the line is then they shouldn't be playing the sport, unless there are some really, and I mean really, weird lines. I also don't like to commit myself to a certain foul that will or will not be called. If you say that you are going to call it you then must call it. But sometimes a foul doesn't gain or create an advantage or disadvantage even though it fits the guidelines of a particular foul. Let the players dictate the game. If they want to play rough and tumble basketball then quickly call the foul and get them out of the game. They will adjust.
Nothing drives me more crazy than when I have a partner who takes forever in the coaches/captains meeting and didn't say a thing of importance. We all know they don't want to be there and they really don't listen. So get on with the formalities and get the the real stuff.