So much time is spent teaching young officials about rules knowledge, game management, proper mechanics, court coverage and the like. Heck, there are some clinics that hold breakout sessions to emphasize how to run properly. But teaching the nuances of another important part of the game is often overlooked: the pregame meeting with captains.
There are many philosophies of how to handle the meeting, all of which have merit. And while there may not be one “proper” framework for it, it’s important to know the meeting itself is more than a mere formality. It’s a chance for officials to set the tone for how they plan to run the game and communicate important information about the game, the gym, floor markings, etc. In some cases, the meeting will be brief, and in some games, it deserves a more detailed tact. But what should be addressed and what is the best way to communicate those important points?
Overall, officials should walk the fine line of being personable and commanding, without being robotic or stern — all while being efficient. Greet each player as they gather for the meeting. Tell them your name. Ask them their name and give them a handshake or fist bump to break the ice. If the game is early in the season, don’t be afraid to “welcome” them to a new season and to wish them luck. Conversely, if it’s a playoff game, congratulate them on making it as far as they have and reiterate that the crew understands what’s at stake — that one of the teams’ seasons will end after this game.
According to the NFHS, more than half of state associations require officials to hold a pregame meeting with either coaches, captains, administrators or a combination thereof. Several associations take the extra step to standardize the message of the meeting, adding an emphasis on respect and good sportsmanship.
Respect is a two-way street. While using this time to demand respect from the players and coaches, officials can also show respect during the meeting. Be sure to make eye contact with everyone in attendance. It’s something officials would want if they were in the players’ shoes. Additionally, using “we” statements instead of “you” statements can set the expectation that the officials and both teams are going to work together on this night. It also avoids any interpretation of singling out players or teams. Consider these examples of “we” statements:
“We are going to have a great game tonight.”
“We know this is an important game for both teams.”
“This game deserves our best effort, and we are going treat it that way.”
“We are going to work hard tonight. And we know you are going to play hard.”
One of the great things about interscholastic sports is that they teach teenagers to lead others, control their emotions and, at times, be a picture of calmness their teammates need in a tense moment. The captains are the leaders their teammates have elected to represent them in this meeting. Any interaction throughout the game should reflect the officials’ recognition of that status. During the pregame meeting is a great time to remind the captains that this will be acknowledged through the officials’ respect for the players, and similar respect should be reciprocated:
“You are here because you are the leaders of your teams. Your teammates look up to you. If we are asking you a question or talking to you, we’re trying to make this game better. We will always approach you respectfully. We expect the same in return.”
Like anyone else, officials enjoy reliving the glory days of their own high school experience. On nights when two rival teams are about to battle or if the game is being played in a packed gym with a raucous atmosphere, take the opportunity to acknowledge it to the players. Suggest to them that they look around and take it all in. Who knows … years from now, when they reminisce about their high school basketball career, the official’s advice to commit the experience to memory may be what triggers a smile or pleasant conversation with a former teammate.
There are formalities that need to be satisfied in the pregame captains’ meeting. However, don’t lose sight of it as a chance to break the ice, relate to the players and make it unique to you. Express the importance of giving and receiving respect, acknowledge their status as a team leader, and above all else, be sure to come across as someone who is there to do a job and recognizes that the players themselves have a job to do as well.
