JBCousins

I know a guy who would allow 1 per game. After the 1, he'd say, no more. It's not the worst thing in the world but 2 or 3 in a game would be. I don't think any coach

No they don't. Unless you are referring to the situations mentioned--trapped, loose ball, etc. Even then, I think most would discourage it unless it's the 4th quarter.

Are any of them coaches or have any of them ever coached?

How can you expect a middle schooler to have the awareness to call a timeout? I wouldn't want most high schoolers to make that decision (fwiw, I hate when players call timeouts when there is a scramble for the ball in the FIRST quarter).

Let's hope HS basketball announcers DO have higher aspirations. Fun job, but, really?

The "champions of character" quote is a little over the top but generally speaking I would have to agree. I think this should be put in place for football more than basketball. I've heard a simple "there is ANOTHER flag on the field" before. In basketball, as long as they are not over the top, it will not be a problem. The main idea is to not announce incorrect information regarding fouls or timeouts, not give point totals (I don't know a coach who likes a scoreboard WITH points scored on it), and be sure they are not talking over FT shooters. Also, telling fans to get on their feet or make some noise is not their job. Someone mentioned milestones, I think those will be handled the same way--let the opposing coach and officials know about it and when it happens, stop the game and acknowledge the achievement. No big deal, not taking that away. For the record, I've never heard of an announcer being a part of a home-court advantage.

Exactly

They ARE "champions of character" and should act like it!

Sounds more like Kelly Leak....keep him in the box.

Just as if the batter had leaned into the pitch to try and get a HBP. Dead ball, runner returns.

I'd have to see it. If it was Kelly Leak catch it like a joke, then yes. If he looked like he was doing it in self defense, then I'd still give him the base. As a rule, I side with the hitter unless they are leaning into the pitch or hovering over the plate. I don't think you should reward a bad pitch.

As to the second point, I'd like to see something done to tone that down--especially if you are promoting that on your website. Something simple from the ump, "Hey, cheer for YOUR guy." Hard to say how bad it was since I wasn't there but if they are 7-10 years old (guessing) then maybe try to cut down on it a little bit.

At that age, if it's coming right at them, a lot of them don't know how to react. If it's coming directly at them and it hits them, they get first base. My question was, did he catch it in front of him because it was going to hit him or out in front of him and he would not have been hit.

To be clear, the ball would have hit him had he done nothing, right? I'm assuming yes, so then, yes, he gets first base. Or was it just "up and in"?

:thumb: You're dead on target on all 5 points.