announcer

[oc]

Are there NFHS rules covering guidelines for the announcer at Football games? Not recomendations but specific NFHS rules written in the book or a game administration manual? Case plays? What are they?

[HLin NC]

Here is the 2010 NFHS Point of Emphasis verbiage in their PowerPoint presentation:

Sportsmanship and Public Address Announcers (Point of Emphasis):

PUBLIC ADDRESS ANNOUNCERS:
The public-address announcer contributes in a major way to the atmosphere for the event. This individual should never be an advocate from behind the microphone, and should always remember that this is an educational event that is taking place as an extension of the classroom. An effective public-address announcer is an individual who sets the proper atmosphere for the event by doing advance preparation for the game, having the proper voice quality, knowing the game and officials’ signals, knowing when to speak, and maintaining a professional approach to the game at all times. The unseen, but often-heard voice is an important part of the administration and the enjoyment of interscholastic events. To accomplish this, public-address announcers must:
• not attempt to be bigger than the game or event by doing play-by-play or by providing commentary;
• be impartial, with announcements (written or impromptu ) being made with no show of favoritism, in a positive, non-disrespectful manner;
• understand that cheers and antics designed to incite the crowd for the purpose of gaining an advantage are inappropriate such as yelling, booing or heckling officials or their calls;
• use proper language at all times;
• treat the opposing coaches, participants, cheerleaders and their fans as guests;
• never criticize players, coaches or officials.

Rules coverage comes under 1-1-4 through 8 and 9-9-1. If you have specific questions, I suggest you contact your state's governing body.

[Robert Goodman]

From what I can tell, field announcers who do play-by-play tend to disadvantage the home team thereby. They'll be so enthusiastic about the great fake the home quarterback made and announce that he still has the ball and is looking to pass, etc.