Blast from the past "FIRST DOWWWWWWWNNN, HOGTOWN." He was as annoying as that cannon Highlands used to shoot.

Announcers should only talk between plays. Any play by play or comments during live action should be outlawed. I feel very strongly about that. Play by play by an announcer should get the announcer a warning by the officials and then an ejection if the PA person does not stop the play by play. It is a distraction to everyone and allows the announcer to possibly have an impact on the game. I don't mind some enthusiasm on a big play, but the focus should be on recognizing the players who make plays and game status updates like yards to go, down, score, etc.

 

I don't agree with everything below, but here are guidelines from the Ohio Athletic Directors manual that I think all states should review and consider putting in place:

 

http://www.ohsaa.org/sports/ft/boys/AD_Manual.pdf

 

GUIDELINES FOR FOOTBALL PUBLIC ADDRESS ANNOUNCERS

 

A.) GENERAL GUIDELINES AND SUGGESTIONS

1. Speak slowly, clearly, and distinctly at all times.

2. Be professional and unbiased. The P.A. announcer can play a major role in ensuring sportsmanship. If he or she has been ―hot-dogging it over the P.A., spectators will pay no attention to special announcements attempting to keep things under control.

3. Say only what is necessary.

4. Do not panic on public service or emergency announcements—they need to be easily understood. Take time to organize the announcement so that there will be no confusion or misunderstanding about it; do not take a chance at miss communicating improper information (another four or five seconds before it is made will not make a difference).

5. Make only those announcements that are necessary.

6. Be organized: prepare all special announcements and promotions so that they may be easily made during time-outs, quarter changes, etc.

7. Do not attempt to do play-by-play.

8. Do not editorialize about or comment on any aspect of the game. This includes not making comments about the officials’ calls, the quality of play or plays called by the coaches, or trying to make jokes about car lights being left on, etc.

9. Always check equipment to be sure it operates properly.

10. YOU ARE NOT THE ENTERTAINMENT – The spectators came to watch the game, to support the cheerleaders, and to hear the band—not to listen to you!

B.) SPECIFIC APPLICATIONS OF GUIDELINES – PRE-GAME:

1. Line-up Sheets:

a.) use special forms

b.) try not to bother head coach; work with assistant coach

c.) call or use FAX when appropriate (e.g., playoff games)

d.) make use of your spotter: get line-ups (―Visitors‖); name pronunciations

2. Band Pre-Game Show:

a.) synchronize with Home Band Director

b.) special (separate) announcements

c.) National Anthem: who directs, etc. (league policy?)

3. Toss of the Coin

a.) spotter’s assignment

b.) know Officials’ signals (e.g., defer until second half)

4. Starting Lineups:

a.) ask Visitor’s coach his preference

b.) suggestion: Kick team: Defense; Receive Team: Offense

c.) coach not sure of who starts: announce both as ―alternating‖

5. Introduction of Officials – as per the ―card‖ they send to the press box.

6. Special Game Announcements:

a.) prepare ahead of time: proofread and/or rewrite

b.) do only what is necessary or appropriate; clear with Athletic Director ahead of time

 

C.) SPECIFIC APPLICATIONS OF GUIDELINES – GAME ITSELF:

1. Offense – announce:

a.) ball carrier only, or…

b.) passer and intended receiver

2. Defense – announce:

a.) tacklers

b.) as many as possible (two or three for sure)

3. Specialty Teams – announce:

a.) Punt: punter and deep receiver(s)

b.) Kickoff: kicker and deep receiver(s)

c.) PAT/FG: kicker, holder, (and long center)

4. Penalties:

a. wait for the second – not the preliminary indication signal from the Referee

b. make use of the signals chart to cross reference the Referee’s signal

c. announce only: the school, the violation, the yardage, and loss of down (if applicable)

5. Special Concerns

a.) give both first and last names of athletes

b.) work closely with scoreboard operator (e.g., yardage to go)

c.) no editorial comments

d.) no attempts at humor

e.) apply general guidelines (from above)

f.) if possible, do not announce during the offensive huddle

g.) do not announce during the quarterback’s snap call

D. SPECIFIC APPLICATIONS OF GUIDELINES – POST-GAME:

1. Appropriate ―wrap-up:

a.) no editorializing about the game

b.) don’t ―rub it in

2. Reminder of schedule (upcoming games)

3. ―Drive Safely promotion

Give me a cheerleader but don't be the person who is screaming when your team makes a play and then sound depressed when the opposing team doesn't something good.

Mine is a general comment about all HS sports PA people, not just specifically football.

 

Most of the local folks I deal with in the Bardstown area (Bethlehem, Thomas Nelson, Nelson Co. and Bardstown) are all pretty good. Some go a bit overboard and could stand to dial it down on occasion, but overall, I have no complaints.

 

EXCEPT ONE! Don't use nicknames of the home team players. Not everyone is privy to inside jokes and nicknames used within the team or those directly connected with the team. We want to know their real name, as it corresponds to the roster. There's nothing worse than a starting lineup being announced or a big play being announced and it's by (insert cute or other nonsensical nickname here that only teammates/coaches/parents know). I can't stress enough how annoying this is to me.

And while we're on the subject how about at least trying to learn how to pronounce names correctly. Look at a roster and if you see a name you aren't sure how to say, ask someone.

I know Trinity's PA guy takes a roster and confirms pronunciations with a staff member from the opposing team prior to the game.

Announcers should only talk between plays. Any play by play or comments during live action should be outlawed. I feel very strongly about that. Play by play by an announcer should get the announcer a warning by the officials and then an ejection if the PA person does not stop the play by play. It is a distraction to everyone and allows the announcer to possibly have an impact on the game. I don't mind some enthusiasm on a big play, but the focus should be on recognizing the players who make plays and game status updates like yards to go, down, score, etc.

 

I don't agree with everything below, but here are guidelines from the Ohio Athletic Directors manual that I think all states should review and consider putting in place:

 

http://www.ohsaa.org/sports/ft/boys/AD_Manual.pdf

 

GUIDELINES FOR FOOTBALL PUBLIC ADDRESS ANNOUNCERS

 

A.) GENERAL GUIDELINES AND SUGGESTIONS

1. Speak slowly, clearly, and distinctly at all times.

2. Be professional and unbiased. The P.A. announcer can play a major role in ensuring sportsmanship. If he or she has been ―hot-dogging it over the P.A., spectators will pay no attention to special announcements attempting to keep things under control.

3. Say only what is necessary.

4. Do not panic on public service or emergency announcements—they need to be easily understood. Take time to organize the announcement so that there will be no confusion or misunderstanding about it; do not take a chance at miss communicating improper information (another four or five seconds before it is made will not make a difference).

5. Make only those announcements that are necessary.

6. Be organized: prepare all special announcements and promotions so that they may be easily made during time-outs, quarter changes, etc.

7. Do not attempt to do play-by-play.

8. Do not editorialize about or comment on any aspect of the game. This includes not making comments about the officials’ calls, the quality of play or plays called by the coaches, or trying to make jokes about car lights being left on, etc.

9. Always check equipment to be sure it operates properly.

10. YOU ARE NOT THE ENTERTAINMENT – The spectators came to watch the game, to support the cheerleaders, and to hear the band—not to listen to you!

B.) SPECIFIC APPLICATIONS OF GUIDELINES – PRE-GAME:

1. Line-up Sheets:

a.) use special forms

b.) try not to bother head coach; work with assistant coach

c.) call or use FAX when appropriate (e.g., playoff games)

d.) make use of your spotter: get line-ups (―Visitors‖); name pronunciations

2. Band Pre-Game Show:

a.) synchronize with Home Band Director

b.) special (separate) announcements

c.) National Anthem: who directs, etc. (league policy?)

3. Toss of the Coin

a.) spotter’s assignment

b.) know Officials’ signals (e.g., defer until second half)

4. Starting Lineups:

a.) ask Visitor’s coach his preference

b.) suggestion: Kick team: Defense; Receive Team: Offense

c.) coach not sure of who starts: announce both as ―alternating‖

5. Introduction of Officials – as per the ―card‖ they send to the press box.

6. Special Game Announcements:

a.) prepare ahead of time: proofread and/or rewrite

b.) do only what is necessary or appropriate; clear with Athletic Director ahead of time

 

C.) SPECIFIC APPLICATIONS OF GUIDELINES – GAME ITSELF:

1. Offense – announce:

a.) ball carrier only, or…

b.) passer and intended receiver

2. Defense – announce:

a.) tacklers

b.) as many as possible (two or three for sure)

3. Specialty Teams – announce:

a.) Punt: punter and deep receiver(s)

b.) Kickoff: kicker and deep receiver(s)

c.) PAT/FG: kicker, holder, (and long center)

4. Penalties:

a. wait for the second – not the preliminary indication signal from the Referee

b. make use of the signals chart to cross reference the Referee’s signal

c. announce only: the school, the violation, the yardage, and loss of down (if applicable)

5. Special Concerns

a.) give both first and last names of athletes

b.) work closely with scoreboard operator (e.g., yardage to go)

c.) no editorial comments

d.) no attempts at humor

e.) apply general guidelines (from above)

f.) if possible, do not announce during the offensive huddle

g.) do not announce during the quarterback’s snap call

D. SPECIFIC APPLICATIONS OF GUIDELINES – POST-GAME:

1. Appropriate ―wrap-up:

a.) no editorializing about the game

b.) don’t ―rub it in

2. Reminder of schedule (upcoming games)

3. ―Drive Safely promotion

WOW! YOU DID GIVE THIS SUBJECT SOME THOUGHT!!!!!! Thanks for sharing!

Most of that post is from the Ohio Athletic Directors manual. I didn't write all that myself.

Announcers should only talk between plays. Any play by play or comments during live action should be outlawed. I feel very strongly about that. Play by play by an announcer should get the announcer a ]warning by the officials and then an ejection if the PA person does not stop the play by play. It is a distraction to everyone and allows the announcer to possibly have an impact on the game. I don't mind some enthusiasm on a big play, but the focus should be on recognizing the players who make plays and game status updates like yards to go, down, score, etc.

 

I don't agree with everything below, but here are guidelines from the Ohio Athletic Directors manual that I think all states should review and consider putting in place:

 

http://www.ohsaa.org/sports/ft/boys/AD_Manual.pdf

 

GUIDELINES FOR FOOTBALL PUBLIC ADDRESS ANNOUNCERS

 

A.) GENERAL GUIDELINES AND SUGGESTIONS

1. Speak slowly, clearly, and distinctly at all times.

2. Be professional and unbiased. The P.A. announcer can play a major role in ensuring sportsmanship. If he or she has been ―hot-dogging it over the P.A., spectators will pay no attention to special announcements attempting to keep things under control.

3. Say only what is necessary.

4. Do not panic on public service or emergency announcements—they need to be easily understood. Take time to organize the announcement so that there will be no confusion or misunderstanding about it; do not take a chance at miss communicating improper information (another four or five seconds before it is made will not make a difference).

5. Make only those announcements that are necessary.

6. Be organized: prepare all special announcements and promotions so that they may be easily made during time-outs, quarter changes, etc.

7. Do not attempt to do play-by-play.

8. Do not editorialize about or comment on any aspect of the game. This includes not making comments about the officials’ calls, the quality of play or plays called by the coaches, or trying to make jokes about car lights being left on, etc.

9. Always check equipment to be sure it operates properly.

10. YOU ARE NOT THE ENTERTAINMENT – The spectators came to watch the game, to support the cheerleaders, and to hear the band—not to listen to you!

B.) SPECIFIC APPLICATIONS OF GUIDELINES – PRE-GAME:

1. Line-up Sheets:

a.) use special forms

b.) try not to bother head coach; work with assistant coach

c.) call or use FAX when appropriate (e.g., playoff games)

d.) make use of your spotter: get line-ups (―Visitors‖); name pronunciations

2. Band Pre-Game Show:

a.) synchronize with Home Band Director

b.) special (separate) announcements

c.) National Anthem: who directs, etc. (league policy?)

3. Toss of the Coin

a.) spotter’s assignment

b.) know Officials’ signals (e.g., defer until second half)

4. Starting Lineups:

a.) ask Visitor’s coach his preference

b.) suggestion: Kick team: Defense; Receive Team: Offense

c.) coach not sure of who starts: announce both as ―alternating‖

5. Introduction of Officials – as per the ―card‖ they send to the press box.

6. Special Game Announcements:

a.) prepare ahead of time: proofread and/or rewrite

b.) do only what is necessary or appropriate; clear with Athletic Director ahead of time

 

C.) SPECIFIC APPLICATIONS OF GUIDELINES – GAME ITSELF:

1. Offense – announce:

a.) ball carrier only, or…

b.) passer and intended receiver

2. Defense – announce:

a.) tacklers

b.) as many as possible (two or three for sure)

3. Specialty Teams – announce:

a.) Punt: punter and deep receiver(s)

b.) Kickoff: kicker and deep receiver(s)

c.) PAT/FG: kicker, holder, (and long center)

4. Penalties:

a. wait for the second – not the preliminary indication signal from the Referee

b. make use of the signals chart to cross reference the Referee’s signal

c. announce only: the school, the violation, the yardage, and loss of down (if applicable)

5. Special Concerns

a.) give both first and last names of athletes

b.) work closely with scoreboard operator (e.g., yardage to go)

c.) no editorial comments

d.) no attempts at humor

e.) apply general guidelines (from above)

f.) if possible, do not announce during the offensive huddle

g.) do not announce during the quarterback’s snap call

D. SPECIFIC APPLICATIONS OF GUIDELINES – POST-GAME:

1. Appropriate ―wrap-up:

a.) no editorializing about the game

b.) don’t ―rub it in

2. Reminder of schedule (upcoming games)

3. ―Drive Safely promotion

 

why should the officials be involved? As if they don't have enough to worry about during a play!?!?Isn't this game management??

Big time pet peeve of mine.

 

The PA guy should relay the pertinent information to the fans, and not much else. He should know when to speak and when to be silent. He doesn't have to be a robot, and I'm OK if he gets a little excited for the home team, but I absolutely hate a cheerleader. That job description should not involve trying to "pump up" the crowd or players. That's horrible. And while I am at it, I can live without the guys who think they have to play a musical interlude between plays too. How did this ever get started?

 

At Belfry we had a hall of fame type PA guy for many years, Steve Phillips, who passed away about 10 years ago and it has been a bit of a revolving door since then. Some have been really good, some have been like listening to a WWE match. The current guy is doing a great job, IMO.

 

LOL.. we are tracking the same way

 

The first takeaway from a highly contested game between two powerhouses should never be "That was classless that he played that song"

I forgot to add letting the fans know how many yards the play went for is a great addef touch. The guy from Bellaire always does this and then lets you know where the ball is spotted.

LOL.. we are tracking the same way

 

The first takeaway from a highly contested game between two powerhouses should never be "That was classless that he played that song"

 

Amen to that.

LOL.. we are tracking the same way

 

The first takeaway from a highly contested game between two powerhouses should never be "That was classless that he played that song"

I don't mind it at all before or after the game. I just can't handle it much during the game, between plays, etc. As long as the music stops when the teams line up on the ball, then it is not illegal, just an annoyance. It is just a preference issue for me. As someone said above, I go to watch the game not be entertained by the PA guy.

 

And as soon as the PA guy starts doing things to be funny, or get noticed, then you have a sideshow on your hands.

 

The instance you referenced was kind of funny though. It was after the game had ended and I was in a good mood because Belfry had won, so I probably took it better, lol. I know a lot of folks got upset about it, and it was a little bush league, but not that big a deal, IMO.

I don't mind it at all before or after the game. I just can't handle it much during the game, between plays, etc. As long as the music stops when the teams line up on the ball, then it is not illegal, just an annoyance. It is just a preference issue for me. As someone said above, I go to watch the game not be entertained by the PA guy.

 

The instance you referenced was kind of funny though. It was after the game had ended and I was in a good mood because Belfry had won, so I probably took it better, lol. I know a lot of folks got upset about it, and it was a little bush league, but not that big a deal, IMO.

 

Well my team lost and it still upset me. You dont tarnish a game like that with such childish antics. It screams immaturity if you ask me.

 

in the Capital game, it seemed to have been toned back somewhat.

Well my team lost and it still upset me. You dont tarnish a game like that with such childish antics. It screams immaturity if you ask me.

 

in the Capital game, it seemed to have been toned back somewhat.

To be honest, if it had happened at Belfry, it would have bothered me too. "Antics" is a good word for it.

 

You quoted me before my edit, "And as soon as the PA guy starts doing things to be funny, or get noticed, then you have a sideshow on your hands". It is a sideshow

To be honest, if it had happened at Belfry, it would have bothered me too. "Antics" is a good word for it.

 

You quoted me before my edit, "And as soon as the PA guy starts doing things to be funny, or get noticed, then you have a sideshow on your hands". It is a sideshow

 

Well you know, when I go to a game, I like to talk to those around me about the game. Most of the time, you couldn't even hear if someone was talking to you. I'm all for music before the game, on a big 3rd down play, between quarters, etc. If it gets the players excited I'm good with it. Just don't make it about yourself which seemed to be what was going on. But it did appear to be toned back in the Capital game which I took as a good sign.