FROM: Mike Hayden, Executive Director

SUBJECT: Basketball Pregame Warm-up

DATE: December 2, 2002

The National Federation of State High School Associations at the annual Rules Interpreters Meeting in September expressed a growing concern about unsportsmanlike behavior and injuries resulting from unsafe practices during pregame warm-up. The NFHS asked each state association to address the issue and encourage schools to examine their pregame drills, crowd control and warm-up routines of players and cheerleaders.

Unsportsmanlike acts before the contest will no doubt carry over throughout the game. Players elbowing opponents while running laps around the court, stepping on blankets designed to hold warm-ups, or fans yelling insults to particular players have no place in high school athletics. We would never tolerate that kind of behavior in the class room.

Players and cheerleaders need a safe environment to prepare them for the action to follow. If possible provide both home and visiting cheerleaders a place to warm up away from the court area. Keep fans, especially small children, off the playing surface during the pregame warm-up period as well as during the contest. As fans enter the gymnasium, every effort should be made to keep the court free of water and/or snow.

It is the recommendation of this office that teams should take the shortest route to the basket assigned to them during either the first or second half without impeding the warm-up of their opponent. According to the National Federation Spirit Rules Book, cheerleaders are prohibited from building or tumbling in the vicinity of the court as well as stretching during live ball situations including warm-ups until such time that teams are not on the floor.

I would ask that you share this memo with athletic directors and coaches. Let’s have a great basketball season one free of unnecessary unsportsmanlike acts or injuries resulting from carelessness.