Athletic Directors,
In most instances, announcers feel like they are providing the fans a service by doing play-by-play and adding a commentary. While some play-by-play is an inherent part of sports public address announcing, the announcer must be vigilant that they refrain from comments that can be construed as being disrespectful to the opposition and other participants.
Following are some guidelines from the National Association of Sports Public Address Announcers Association’s Code of Conduct that are worthy of your consideration.
- Announcers will introduce the raising of the flag and the playing of the national anthem at the start of the contest in a manner that promotes respect and honor for our country.
- Announcers shall not attempt to be bigger than the game or event by doing play-by-play or by providing a commentary.
- Announcers shall understand that because they have a tremendous influence on the crowd and that cheerleading or antics designed to incite the crowd for the purpose of gaining an advantage for their team is inappropriate.
- Announcers shall promote good sportsmanship by what they say and how they act.
- Announcers shall treat the opponents and their fans as guests, not the enemy. Announcers shall respect the officials, participants of all teams and remain neutral when introducing the officials, the starting line-ups, substitutions and the outcome of plays or performances by participants.
- Announcers should be familiar with emergency procedures that may have to be announced.
- Announcers shall respect the individuals who are responsible for the administration of athletic contests such as officials, coaches and administrators and avoid making any comments that reflect positively or negatively on them. Announcers shall be prepared and familiar with the correct pronunciations of the names of officials, participants and coaches, knowledgeable about the rules of the sport, officials’ signals and how the game is played.
- Announcers shall endeavor to exhibit professional behavior and represent their school and community with respect and dignity at all times by what they say, how they act and how they appear.
- Announcers will make additional announcements during the contest but only those authorized by the host administration.
Thank you for contributing positively to the overall education value of TAPPS interscholastic competition and for upholding the TAPPS motto – COMPETITION WITH HONOR. If questions arise, please contact the TAPPS office at 254-947-9268 or by email at [email protected].
