Slightly off-topic and I don't have books available, but what does the manual say the referee should do just prior to administering the opening jump ball?

Captains: Good sportsmanship...and as leaders, take care of crap before we have to. Good luck.

Coaches: Reminder to tell us what type of TO right away and wrap up by the first so we can start by the 2nd.

Notify players the game is about to begin.

Sound whistle
Remove whistle from mouth :D
Toss ball - slightly higher than players can jump
Observe jumpers
Observe setting of AP

Wow, I have more spare time today than usual :eek:

Ok, thanks. Over the last couple years I've stopped announcing the color and which direction each team was going. Was wondering if was even a requirement per the Manual.

Something I cut out from my pre-toss as well.

I Don't Even Know Why These Are Still On My Hard Drive ???
 

All of these are several years old and are probably very much out of date:

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 contestants, teams, 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 contest official(s) that your players are legally equipped and uniformed according to NFHS rules and PIAA adoptions. 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)

Which manual?

and, the rule book says to "notify the captains" (well, it's listed under "officials" but it falls to the referee / tosser)

You can make fun, it's ok. But I've found that it takes less than 30 seconds and it tells them about sportsmanship and elbows in a way that they haven't heard before.

Mine too.

Had one girl look at me like I was speaking French. Don't think she knew what "knuckleheads" meant.

Uhhh...nope. Still getting a little card each year from the FHSAA with these exact words on it.

I Know, I Know ...