Expert: Thom Brooks - 10/12/2008

Question
Is there any outline/guidelines when you announce an armature football game. Most parents do not have a clue when there boys team needs some one to announce a game?

Answer
Ned, Hello!

I have attached some NCAA websites that may aid your question.  My best advice would be to contact the local radio and tv announcers that call the games.  I was a clock operator at a game this week and sat 2 feet from the DJ who did a great job of Play by Play.  Those folks can give you a great deal of quality advice.  

You certainly need to prepare.  You need to know the rules, the formations, the names of players and coaches, and keep the listener informed of the time, score, down and yards, etc.  

I laughed at the radio man when he was lamenting a bad call.  An official blew an inadvertant whistle on an interception return.  The official has 25 years of experience but simply lost the runner with the ball when he spun down but his knee didn't touch.  The radio man kept saying it was a terrible call and it was.  Later, he complained about our Linesman throwing too many flags by saying that if he threw another, that official would have to ice his arm or bring in a relief pitcher.  Later, he complained about an Unsportsmanlike Penalty on his team but it was justified.  The player kicked a player who was a bit too rough with him.  It's usually the one that retaliates that gets caught, but he deserved the penalty.  

So, my message is broadcast the game but don't get too personal with your opinions or it turns off the audience.  I took it in good humor but the fans would not have been so forgiving.


Take care,

Thom Brooks



Please review the following websites. The first one is my youngest son's band!

www.myspace.com/listen2three




D1AFootball.com

NCAA I-AA

Welcome to I-AA.org, the worldwide leader in I-AA official news!

D1AA College Football  


Query historical college football results ncaafootball.com

JC Football Recruiting Front Page




Encyclopedia - Southeastern Conference

Big Ten vs. SEC



NFL Players Listed by College - databaseFootball.com College Football

NCAA Football Coaching Records


College Football Data Warehouse


This history of college football stadiums in 4,000 words [Archive] - Pigskin F


College Football National Champions

SportingNews.com - Your expert source for MLB Baseball, NFL Football,

Football.com


The Sports Network - I-AA College Football Historical Scores -
The Sports Network Football Bowl Subdivision


HickokSports.com - History - Index to Football


http://www.ncaapublications.com/Uploads/PDF/Football_Rulesadc982b5-03fb-4e27-828...


http://www.ncaa.org/library/rules/2006/2006_football_rules.pdf


http://www1.ncaa.org/membership/membership_svcs/eligibility-recruiting


PlayYourGame.com - NCAA Eligibility Explained



Official Web Site of the NCAA


GHSA.net > www.ghsa.net