For the 3200, talk about their PRs - you have about 10 minutes and you don’t want it to be silent.
for example: runner A has the fastest PR in the field and is a great XC runner (times or placement), but his mile speed and kick is a little lacking. Runner B is slower but has a better kick.
Yeah his parents will love that!
and no, it isn’t the same in HS as for the pros or even the semi pros in college
I agree with this. It's crazy, but we weren't allowed to say Fast Heat. It Loaded was ok but not fast. UGH.
You can explain that there will be x# of heats and they will take the fastest times among the heats for scoring. If you can communicate with the finish line you can report times as the heats progress (as in the "break in" time is 11.5).
Try to keep saying the score as often as possible. Have the field events report to you, via cell phone?, about progress and results.
Since when is there an audience for something called a 'high school track meet'? ... who even knows about these things? Parents? Is that 100% of the audience? 90%? ... If so, I'm guessing nearly the entire audience is coaches and people waiting for other events.
Yes, that's pretty much it. But those people are STILL part of the audience. They like to be informed too. Parents are there for their kids, but getting some of them engaged in at least watching other events helps the overall experience.
We had very large crowds at our dual meets- parents, family, friends. Our team typically had 100-120 and if we were competing against another team with similar numbers you could easily see a few hundred spectators. They'll appreciate being informed.
We had very large crowds at our dual meets- parents, family, friends. Our team typically had 100-120 and if we were competing against another team with similar numbers you could easily see a few hundred spectators. They'll appreciate being informed.
I have to say I find these big numbers a little hard to believe but you were there and I don't think you're making it up. When do these events take place? Is it Saturday? I guess when I was in high school there may not have been many or at least I never heard of them....and I was into running!
Yes, that's pretty much it. But those people are STILL part of the audience. They like to be informed too. Parents are there for their kids, but getting some of them engaged in at least watching other events helps the overall experience.
We had very large crowds at our dual meets- parents, family, friends. Our team typically had 100-120 and if we were competing against another team with similar numbers you could easily see a few hundred spectators. They'll appreciate being informed.
Or manybe they’ll just tune it out. There is no PA commentary during the major team sports and I’m pretty sure no one wants any.
Yes, that's pretty much it. But those people are STILL part of the audience. They like to be informed too. Parents are there for their kids, but getting some of them engaged in at least watching other events helps the overall experience.
We had very large crowds at our dual meets- parents, family, friends. Our team typically had 100-120 and if we were competing against another team with similar numbers you could easily see a few hundred spectators. They'll appreciate being informed.
Yep, our JH meets were mostly local and could see 400 parents easily there to watch kids after work. I pulled the grill in and the smoke coming over the top of the press box brought thousands of dollars in each meet. Parents couldnt resist and wait till they got home for dinner by 6pm.
A lot of good advice here. Just a few generalities I used over the years.
Depending in the time of the season, early vs late you dont want to oversell as if every race was the most important.
Be informative as others suggested with schools mascots, colors, season leading performances, previous state meet high performances, meet records and especially team scores throughout the meet.
3 people run the meets. Starter, clerk and announcer. Learn to work in tandem. Direct attention and info to the athletes, not yourself. Engage the fans to show their appreciation at the right times. Stay positive and recognize a great race even if its not up front and after the winners cross. The parents do care that their kids get attention even when not winning.
Ibwould say the first 10 minutes directing traffic prior to the meet is incredibly important to athletes, coaches and parents. Keep onformed of field event progress and encourage people to leave the stands to observe the throwing events. Stay prepared to direct hurdle crew beforehand of races. Keep current performance lists handy. Everyone likes to hear about improvements and comparables.
Overall, keep it fun, informative, chill but energized as appropriate. It has to flow without being annoying so find the right volume for the mic as well.
Jim Duncan @ Drake Relays when I first stepped into the stadium in 1980...."All Right East Side!!! Let'em Hear Ya!!! 18,000 stood up and carried Steve Scott to a 3:55 mile the first sub 4 on Iowa dirt in an open mile/non relay leg. Never forget it and many other races he called.