As adopted by the SCBOA Board of Directors for the Officials' Pregame Protocol, officials should use the order for the Officials' Pregame Protocol "Guidelines for Two Conferences" as listed on page 87 in the Officials Manual.  However, due to the variations in game management, the crew may vary the times from what is listed in the manual with the exception of the requirement for officials to enter the court area and in positions at 0:15:00 and the Referee's conference with the scorer's table at 0:10:00.  In double-header events, the order of the protocol should continue between games unless a change is dictated by game management.

• 0:15:00 Officials enter court area
• Introductions and Team Captains conference
• 0:10:00 Referee's Conference with scorer's table
• Greet Head Coaches prior to National Anthem and player introductions

After the first game of a doubleheader, all officials leave the visual confines of the court.  However, to aid in proper game management per the request of the SCHSL, there should be a minimum of one official to immediately return to stand on the court in the center circle in order to keep the center circle vacant as the teams enter the court for warm-up.

In addition, listed below is helpful information for both officials and teams as list in the December 2007 Update from the SCHSL.

Basketball Reminders

"Shoot Around"

Basketball teams are not permitted to "shoot around" during halftime of another team's game. (Example: Varsity girls' teams may not "shoot around" during halftime of the junior varsity teams games. Varsity boys' teams may not "shoot around" during half-time of the junior varsity teams or varsity girls teams games.)

Sportsmanship

Schools are constantly reminded to stress good sportsmanship to their teams. One way to help foster good sportsmanship at basketball contests is to establish pre-game and post-game procedures.  Some examples of pre-game procedures are:

·         Only warm-up on your half of the court.

·         Do not use the center circle for chants prior to warming up (visiting teams should not use the center circle for any reason.)

Some examples of post-game procedures are:

• Determine prior to the game if players will shake hands after the game provided there were no problems during game.
• Coaches should monitor handshakes for potential problems.
• Coaches, players and/or fans should refrain from comments made to officials after the contest.

Thanks and best wishes for the remainder of the season!