During the Ballard - Trinity game last week it appeared that the officials stopped play at one point and asked the Ballard bench to stop the noisemakers. I emphasize appeared since I have no way to know what was said. The noise was coming from three sources, air horns, recorded music played over the stadium sound system and the marching band. The Ballard crowd was also loud, but I'm sure that wasn't the reason for the stoppage. All three were going until the ball was snapped (sometimes). The air horn continued during play. Are there any rules about such things? If it doesn't stop, what are the options? Let me state that I don't think it affected the game.

I can't imagine the officials can / would tell the crowd to be quiet...but air horns and music playing over the PA are another matter...

During the Ballard - Trinity game last week it appeared that the officials stopped play at one point and asked the Ballard bench to stop the noisemakers. I emphasize appeared since I have no way to know what was said. The noise was coming from three sources, air horns, recorded music played over the stadium sound system and the marching band. The Ballard crowd was also loud, but I'm sure that wasn't the reason for the stoppage. All three were going until the ball was snapped (sometimes). The air horn continued during play. Are there any rules about such things? If it doesn't stop, what are the options? Let me state that I don't think it affected the game.

 

There is no specific rules book coverage. The referee will ask game management to fix the problem, if possible.

A team's band was asked to stop playing during and between plays at one game I attended this fall. One warning was given, then an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. At another game at a different location, the band was given a warning to make sure they stopped playing before the ball was snapped. They complied, continuing to play between plays and stopping as the quarterback walked up under center. After a few minutes, however, they got disinterested and stopped doing even that.

There is no specific rules book coverage. The referee will ask game management to fix the problem, if possible.

 

So, are they just making it up when PA announcers before the game instruct the crowd that artificial noisemakers are not allowed (a rule/request that is ignored widely)?

In the past Fort Campbell has announced that air horns and whistles are not allowed, so many of the Fort Campbell fans use cowbell of various sizes instead. Has anybody ever been told to stop using cow bells and is this common with any other team?

 

I have been told by an umpire at a high school baseball game that noise makers were prohibited though.

 

While playing a team in Nashville their band, which was very loud, consistently played during our offensive plays throughout the second half. I just figured that Tennessee didn’t have the same rules or at least it wasn’t enforced if they did.

"More Cow Bell"

"More Cow Bell"

 

:notworthy::notworthy::notworthy::notworthy:

"More Cow Bell"

 

:dancingpa

"More Cow Bell"

 

 

:banana::banana: :dancingpa

So, are they just making it up when PA announcers before the game instruct the crowd that artificial noisemakers are not allowed (a rule/request that is ignored widely)?

 

My understanding is that there isn't a NFHS rule on this, however, the KHSAA has a rule prohibiting the use of artificial noisemakers at KHSAA sanctioned sporting events. I have seen this enforced (and ignored) at football, basketball and baseball games in KY. Usually ignored much more than enforced. About the only time I have seen it enforced was when someone used it to intentionally distract the opposing team (EG during a play, when a pitch is thrown, etc).

 

However, I will check to make sure my information is accurate. Often, it is up the AD at the host school to enforce this. The officials have plenty enough on their plate.

"More Cow Bell"

We've got a faithful father in the stands every week that rings his cowbell. He only does it on "rally moments" or after TDs or after his son does something well.

While playing a team in Nashville their band, which was very loud, consistently played during our offensive plays throughout the second half.

Pearl Cohn - Their band was really good though. In their defense, they played during PC's offensive plays as well. I remember this because their left tackle couldn't stop dancing in the huddle.

 

Later.

My favorite is a milk jug full of rocks.

Our school was told that a white board couldn't be used to make impromtu signs during a basketall game because it was an artificial noise maker. Of course I think artificial noise maker is a funny choice of words anyway.

Of course I think artificial noise maker is a funny choice of words anyway.

So, can we use a natural noise maker?