Pregame dance at mid court

[Rich1]

Can't find reference to this in casebook or rules but remember reading it some where.

Is it acceptable for a team to gather at center court for a pregame ritual -- stomping, clapping, chanting, swaying, etc.? Stayed to watch part of the game after mine tonight and when I saw this it got me thinking.

[refiator]

We are required to keep teams off of mid-court and on their side of the court…Visiting teams on the logo at mid court stomping and such can cause issues. This is a simple preventative officiating technique to ensure that your game gets off with no addition negative adrenaline.

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by Rich1

Can't find reference to this in casebook or rules but remember reading it some where.

You cant find it because it's not in the rulebook. It is in an old rulebook, but how is a rookie official supposed to know that?

2011-12 POINTS OF EMPHASIS

1. SPORTING BEHAVIOR. The NFHS Basketball Rules Committee continues to be concerned about the following behaviors:
A. Pregame Situations. Teams entering the gymnasium prior to the contest should not run through the area occupied by the opposing team or under the basket where opponents are warming up. Teams should only enter, jog or warm-up on their own half of the court. Gatherings intended to motivate a team after the warm-up period, during or following player introductions and post-game celebrations should be performed in the area directly in front of the team bench. If during the pregame or half-time warm-up period one team leaves the floor, the other team should not use the entire court; teams should only warm-up on their half of the court. Only authorized personnel should be permitted on the floor. All spectators should be in designated areas

[bob jenkins]

You also might need to check your state guidelines -- different states interpreted the FED POE a little differently.

[Raymond]

Virginia forbids this.

[Adam]

Originally Posted by BadNewsRef

Virginia forbids this.

I somehow doubt Texas forbids it.

[Welpe]

Originally Posted by Adam

I somehow doubt Texas forbids it.

It is probably encouraged...

Actually this was a POE for us when it was a Fed POE. Prevent it if you can, if not shut it down or T it up.

[grunewar]

Originally Posted by BadNewsRef

Virginia forbids this.

Yep, if the first or second player begins to gather at the center circle, we just move them out. Never had an issue.

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

You also might need to check your state guidelines, different states interpreted the FED POE a little differently.

Here's the state guideline in The Constitution State: Team members are not allowed to congregate at division line or on school logo during introductions.

We've had cases where visiting teams congregated on the home team's center circle logo and pretended to punch it. On at least one occasion the visiting team members spit on the logo. In many cases, the visiting team, introduced first, congregated on the center circle logo, and stayed there, knowing that it was the home team's custom to do that. These are certainly not good ways to start a game, especially a "big" rivalry game.