Guidelines for Public Address Announcers

NOTE: The following is a list of guidelines for persons volunteering as public address announcers during MHSHL games. The guidelines are based on recommendations from USA Hockey and the policies of the Midwest High School Hockey League.

The Public Address Announcer serves as the verbal communication link between the game officials and the spectators announcing information as it pertains to the game. Here are some important things to consider when serving as an announcer.

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Ask someone how to pronounce a player's name
A good announcer will take the time to consult with team representatives prior to the start of the game on how to pronounce difficult names. This eliminates player embarrassment and prepares the announcer to do a more confident and professional job.

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Announce the visitor line-up first
It is generally accepted that the visiting team line-up is announced first, followed by the home team.

The following is the official "Start of Game" procedure for Midwest High School Hockey League Varsity games from the Varsity Policy.

Start of game: Whole team on goal line. Announce starting 6 players, they skate to blue line, facing the opposing team. Rest of the team joins them at blue line, facing the opposing team. Opposing team announced the same way. Both teams turn and face the flag for the National Anthem. Players will show respect for the flag. Stand still, helmets off. The National Anthem must be played prior to the first period of all regular season Varsity games."

(Due to time constraints, there is no written policy for the start of Junior Varsity games. The choice of player introductions is optional.)

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Announce on-ice officials
It is always a nice touch to introduce the referee and linesmen after the teams have been introduced.

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Announce goals and penalties when play is stopped
The announcer will be responsible for announcing goals, assists, penalties and other pertinent information as it pertains to the game. These announcements are generally made during a stoppage of play in order to minimize distractions while the game is in play.
 

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 Announcing goals
When announcing goals, include the following information:
   

1.
2.
3.
4.

 time of the goal
number and name of the goal scorer
number(s) and name(s) of the player(s) being credited with the assist(s)
if the goal was unassisted, specify that during the announcement
    Example of announcing a goal:
    Announcer: "Kansas City goal at 13:12 of the 1st period scored by #8, Bill Smith; assisted by #15, Bob Hayden and #12, Todd Anderson; Smith from Hayden and Anderson at 13:12."
 

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 Announcing penalties
When announcing penalties, include the following information:
   

1.
2.
3.
4.

 time of the penalty
team, number and name of the penalized player
type of penalty (2-minute minor, 5-minute major, 10-minute misconduct)
name of the infraction
 

 

 Example of announcing a penalty:
    Announcer: "Mason City penalty at 1:13 of the second period to #22, Eric Bailey, two minutes for tripping; Bailey for tripping at 1:13.

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 Summarize the score and shots on goal after each period
At the end of each period, the score and shots on goal for each team should be announced.
    Example of summarizing a period:
    Announcer: "The score after two periods Mason City 1, Kansas City 1. Shots on goal for the second period, Mason City with 9 for a two-period total of 22; Kansas City with 10 for a two-period total of 18."