NBL: Court Announcers Guidelines

Duties:

• Welcome the spectators to the match
• Introduce the game, competition, sponsors, venue,
• Introduce the players / officials (coaches + team manager) from the two teams
• Prior to tip-off – introduce the referees
• Crowd engagement

Introductions:

• As the Teams enter the floor to start the warmup they should be introduced to the crowd.
• At 7 minutes (or time specified by the Game Day Delegate in the pre-game meeting) before tipoff the teams should clear the floor and be introduced. The visiting team should be introduced first, then the home team – name & number (Referees will clear floor).
• After the teams have been announced, announce the match officials.

To Do List – During the Game (When appropriate):

• Read through the starting fives as the players enter the court prior to tip-off.
• Name the scorer of a basket when appropriate to the game (i.e. close game, impressive play).
• As a substitution occurs, the names and numbers of the players involved.
• As a time-out occurs, name the team calling the time-out, number of time-outs, etc.
• During time-out, breaks between quarters, half-time and any other intervals, the announcer can contribute statistical information on the match, make other public announcements (e.g. future events, sponsor messages, etc.) and music can be played.
• The announcer shall be prohibited from interrupting the game through the use of the microphone unless there is an emergency.
• Announcements or comments shall be made during those times when there is a stoppage of the clock and the ball is not live, such as time outs, between quarters, pre- game, half time and post game.
• During a basketball game, announcers should announce the player who scored, the player charged with a foul, the player attempting a free throw, the team granted a time out and the length of the time out, and any players entering the game.
• Announcers should only announce basic information that does not potentially affect play in general, the players, the coaches, or the officials.
• Announcers should not comment on the decisions of the match officials.
• Announcers can influence the atmosphere of the contest by what is said and how it is said. The announcer who performs professionally promotes good sportsmanship by what they say and how they act upon saying it.

It is important that the Announcer always remain neutral. These positions are key components of game management. If for any reason an announcer or game entertainment can’t remain neutral, the Home Team Game Day Delegate should be notified and relevant action taken.