loud speaker intros

[UmpireErnie]

I umpire the game on the field. PA announcements, music selection, etc. are things best left to the schools staff. If visiting team has issue they should address it thru the proper channels at the states high school athletic association. None of it is really something the game official should deal with.

Most states high school athletic associations have codes that deal with all the administrative part of holding playoff games.

[Dakota]

Originally Posted by UmpireErnie

I umpire the game on the field. PA announcements, music selection, etc. are things best left to the schools staff. If visiting team has issue they should address it thru the proper channels at the states high school athletic association. None of it is really something the game official should deal with.

Most states high school athletic associations have codes that deal with all the administrative part of holding playoff games.

Agreed. Umpires only have jurisdiction over the confines of the field and designated warm up areas visible from the field. This does not include the PA announcer's table, equipment, or the use thereof (unless it disrupts the game).

[Little Jimmy]

Proactive. Just being proactive. I do know that tomorrow the home playoff team will be jamming at every possible opportunity. And there won't be an administrator anywhere in sight. I'll make the call, just wondering if anyone ever had a complaint from the other side.

[RKBUmp]

Leave it alone unless they are using it to intimidate or degrade the opposing team.

[EsqUmp]

This happens in virtually every college and pro event. Leave it alone.

What prohibits it? It adds to the game. Don't take that away. I would say you made the situation worse by making them do something for the visitors.

[DaveASA/FED]

I don't disagree with any of you that say leave it alone! To me it's in the same boat as hairbows and ribbon color! But I enforce the rules as written, don't like them all but enforce them. For those that want the reference it was a point of emphasis in the NFHS 2011 rule book.

The 2011 NFHS Softball Rulebook Points of Emphasis is as Follows:

SPORTSMANSHIP. The NFHS disapproves of any form of behavior intended or designed to embarrass, ridicule or demean others. There have been instances noted nationally of the Public Address (PA) system being utilized to intimidate or “taunt” the visiting team by playing negative sound effects when specific opponents come to bat or the playing of “motivational” music only for the home team. When the PA system is used for announcements, introductions, sound effects, music, etc., the presentation should be as neutral as possible. Clear guidelines and expectations should be developed by school administrators and shared with the individuals serving in this capacity so presentations are not viewed as acts of intimidation.

[Dakota]

Originally Posted by DaveASA/FED

...The 2011 NFHS Softball Rulebook Points of Emphasis is as Follows:

SPORTSMANSHIP. The NFHS disapproves of any form of behavior intended or designed to embarrass, ridicule or demean others. There have been instances noted nationally of the Public Address (PA) system being utilized to intimidate or “taunt” the visiting team by playing negative sound effects when specific opponents come to bat or the playing of “motivational” music only for the home team. When the PA system is used for announcements, introductions, sound effects, music, etc., the presentation should be as neutral as possible. Clear guidelines and expectations should be developed by school administrators and shared with the individuals serving in this capacity so presentations are not viewed as acts of intimidation.

First underlined part: it is a stretch (IMO) to define motivational music for the home team (I assume they mean something like walk-up music) to be "intended to embarrass, ridicule or demean others."

Second underlined part: it ain't my problem anyway, unless it does cross a boundary where it is (in my judgment) intended as a taunt or the like.

[dlsumpntx]

Originally Posted by Little Jimmy

And there won't be an administrator anywhere in sight.

Are you allowed to start the game without an administrator present?

[nopachunts]

Originally Posted by dlsumpntx

Are you allowed to start the game without an administrator present?

Wholeheartedly agree. Playoff game without an on-site administrator is not starting. At least in Texas.

Usually in playoffs, we have an on-site for each team.