THE
VOICE
JUNE 2013
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF SPORTS PUBLIC ADDRESS ANNOUNCERS
Administrators Reveal Their
Expectations for P.A. Announcers
INSIDE
Administrators Reveal Their
Expectations for P.A. Announcers
1
National Association of Sports Officials
Becomes NASPAA Affiliate Member
4
New Member Feature:
John Murray
5
Students Deserve P.A.
Announcing Opportunities
7
Use Your Head to Sound Good
8
Being in the Right Place, Right Time!
9
Letter to the Editor
10
Are You A 2012-13 Championship
Announcer?
10
NASPAA 1000 Club Seeking New
Members
11
Who Are You?
11
Affiliate Members
12
Board of Directors
brad rumble
president & executive director
tom busch
secretary
jeff kurtz
p.a. announcer, kent state university
mark mills
p.a. announcer, missouri state high school
activities association
gary williams
stadium announcer, oakland raiders
This issue is sponsored by Sound Director
NASPAA Copyright Statement
This newsletter is copyrighted. Therefore, none of
the content contained herein may be reproduced,
shared in part or whole, without the express written
permission of the NASPAA, unless in one of the
articles the NASPAA indicates that it can be shared.
A
s has been
stated many
times before,
consistency in
P.A. announcing is not
where it needs to be. Why
is that? In high school
and college sports,
coaches and officials
have expectations that
they must follow. Can you
imagine officials calling
games without using
the same set of rules, or
basing their calls on the
fact that they have been
making those calls that
way for years, or doing
Athletic administrators need to set expectations with their P.A. announcers.
things that would draw
attention to themselves because they want
announcers? The NASPAA invited some
some attention? Obviously, that would be
members who are administrators to share
a disservice to the game, players, coaches
their thoughts on the subject. Below is what
and fans.
they had to say:
Administrators know that, which is why
there are rules which officials are required
to follow. At the high school and college
levels, officials are graded after each
game. Calls that weren’t made or that were
made incorrectly will be pointed out. This
evaluation is an effective means of ensuring
consistency. Those officials who grade
out the highest at the end of the season
are awarded the opportunity to officiate
post-season competition. In high school,
that could be district, regional, sub-state
and state high school championships. At
the college level, that could be conference
championships, regionals and national
championships.
So back to the question about why
consistency in P.A. announcing is a concern.
Like the example about officials, P.A.
announcers need to know what is expected
of them. This can be as simple as following
approved announcing guidelines and
knowing and executing the P.A. expectations
of the sponsoring organization and the
individual who hired or assigned them.In
essence, this is their job description.
What are some primary expectations
administrators have for their P.A.
“We expect our public
address announcers
to understand that
they play a key role
in the management
of the game or event.
They are as important
as contest officials
in administration
of the contest. A
good P.A. person
Gary Musselman
thinks proactively
and understands they have the ability to
lead and manage the atmosphere of the
event and the crowd. Their comments
should be carefully considered so as not
to be inflammatory or biased, as emotions
run high at high school events and people
can react to the smallest thing, such as
mispronunciation of a player or school’s
name or mascot.
We provide pre-game and game format
information and announcements for our
P.A. people to study in advance, but it is
only helpful if the announcer does his or her
homework and prepares prior to the event.
P.A. people need to be well versed in the
necessary public safety information specific
continued on p. 2
Administrators Reveal Their Expectations for P.A. Announcers, continued from page 1
to the venue and understand they are the
key person in directing everyone to safety in
the event of an emergency.
If our P.A. announcers are involved in
selecting background music for game
atmosphere, we ask them to make
appropriate selections for a high school
event in an educational setting. We also
want them to be mindful and respectful of
school bands and their desire to play and
make their contribution to their schools’
participation in the game/event. Finally, it is
imperative the P.A. announcer be impartial
in their tone and inflection and understand
they are there to provide basic information
about the game and not talk over live play
during the game. They are not there to
provide play-by-play coverage.”
Gary Musselman
Executive Director,
Kansas State High School
Activities Association
“Even at amateur
baseball and softball
venues, the P.A.
announcer is a
professional part
of the ambiance
and success of the
event. It is important
that leagues and
communities that
run our upper
Abraham Key
level events have
accomplished public address announcers.
Public address announcers are not play-byplay announcers. Their role is to announce
the batter, starting lineups, changes in
the lineups and ancillary announcements
pertaining to the event. This creates a
professional atmosphere and is exciting for
the players, their parents and the fans.
Our expectations, even as amateur event
managers, are that the P.A. announcers are
professionals behind the microphone. Our
events are intended to create a “big-league”
atmosphere for our young players, and the
P.A. announcer plays a huge role in providing
that professional experience.”
“Public Address
announcers play
a vital role in any
sporting event. They
set the tone for the
game and anything
that comes along
with the game.
Two areas where
I focus with our
P.A. announcers,
Ryan Hartman
including myself, are
impartiality and emergency situations.
I want the visiting team to have the same
scoring announcement that my team gets.
The visiting team needs to have the same
enthusiasm having their names introduced
as the home team. The other focus is
emergency situations. To me, the P.A.
announcer has all the control. If they stay
calm, the process of evacuating a stadium
full of Friday night football fans will go a
little easier. When emergency situations
happen, it shows the importance of having
pre-scripted announcements. In any event,
the P.A. announcer needs to remember they
are one of the first impressions spectators
have and one of the last.”
Ryan Hartman, CPAA
Assistant Athletic Director
Mechanicsburg High School
Mechanicsburg, PA
“I expect my P.A.
announcers to
be professional
and energetic.
Professionalism is
displayed from the
time they arrive--to
their preparation
and to their
announcements.
Stan Bradley
Do they properly
pronounce the names of participants? Are
their announcements timely and accurate? I
want the fans to enjoy the experience, win or
lose, and the P.A. announcer has a lot to do
with that.
THE
VOICE
While the experience needs to be fun and
informative, it also needs to convey the
image we want. Finding announcers who
understand their roles and who understand
my expectations is important, because they
represent me, since I hired them, as well
as the school and in some respects our
community. Just remember that the face we
put on our events largely depends on the
VOICE that we put on the mic!
Stan Bradley
Associate Director of Athletics for External Affairs
University of Maryland Eastern Shore
Princess Anne, MD
“The two main
expectations I have
for our P.A.
announcers are to
be a fair and
unbiased reporter
and to promote
sportsmanship. That
Shane Backhus
means being fair to
all participants in a sportsmanlike way when
recognizing them.
I do not like hearing announcers who are so
biased toward the home team that it seems
demeaning to the visiting team and its fans.
Therefore, I feel that is important for me to
not only identify the expectations that I have
for my announcers, but to explain them.
Even if announcers have years of
experience, that does not mean that are
good announcers or how they announce is
the right way. That’s why I’m a proponent
of administrators meeting with their
announcers prior to the season to go
over the expectations that they have for
them and those of the state high school
association. The experience is much more
enjoyable if everyone is on the same page.
After all, the most important part about high
school activities is to have fun!
Shane Backhus
Activities Director/Assistant Principal
McPherson High School
McPherson, KS
Abraham Key
President and CEO,
PONY Baseball and Softball
2
continued on p. 3
Administrators Reveal Their Expectations for P.A. Announcers, continued from page 2
“As the administrator and the P.A.
announcer for the high school
basketball and softball teams, I
am bound by the rules of the high
school sports governing body. I work
closely with the athletic director to
make sure that I am up-to-date on
the expectations of the high school
sports governing body.
Darrell Jameson
My high school has two volunteer
P.A. announcers, me and another
alumnus of the school who has
radio experience (he does football
and baseball). The expectations
for both of us are to remain
professional at all times, abide by
the high school sports governing
body rules, and provide both game
details and pertinent information to
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VOICE
the crowd, such as any venue rules.
The three of us (two announcers
and A.D.) meet quarterly to review
any changes and what school
announcements are to be made
during sporting events.
Darrell Jameson
Assistant Principal for
Curriculum and Instruction
Marion High School
Marion, South Carolina
GAME OPERATIONS
sponsored by
3
National Association of Sports Officials
Becomes NASPAA Affiliate Member
THE
T
he National Association of Sports
Officials (NASO), the nation’s premier
association of sports officiating and
resource for sports officiating information,
has become an Affiliate Member of the
NASPAA.
“We are thrilled
that NASO has
become an
Affiliate Member,”
commented Brad
Rumble, NASPAA
Executive Director.
“NASPAA’s mission
is to raise the level
of professionalism
of P.A. announcing.
Brad Rumble, NASPAA A principle of the
Executive Director
NASPAA Code of
Conduct is to respect officials. Since P.A.
announcers and officials need to work
together, it is imperative that
they understand how they can
help each other.”
“Public address announcers
play an important role in setting
an appropriate tone for any
contest,” said Barry Mano,
president of the National
Association of Sports Officials.
“The mission of the NASPAA
enhances the officiating
experience for our members and
for the officiating industry as a
whole.”
VOICE
officials are considered to be on
the same team and should do
whatever they can to help and
support each other.
In the NASPAA’s new P.A.
announcing manual, which
is in the process of being
written, NASO has authored a
chapter about what officials
expect of P.A. announcers.
Barry Mano, NASO
This informations will give P.A.
Executive Director
announcers a much greater
appreciation for officials and
the role that P.A. announcers play in helping
officials administer games and events.
Even though P.A. announcers want their
respective team to win, they are not to say
The NASO, which was founded in 1976, is
anything that would reflect negatively on
headquartered in Racine, Wisconsin. For
the officials should a call not favor their
more information about the NASO, go to
team. Likewise, announcers are not to
www.naso.org.
say anything positive. P.A. announcers and
Bob Sheppard P.A. ANNOUNCER
OF THE YEAR
WANTED
The NASPAA is seeking nominations for the Bob Sheppard P.A.
Announcer of the Year. Only NASPAA members are eligible.
>>>>>> NOMINATION DEADLINE: August 1, 2013 <<<<<<
“P.A. announcers who follow the NASPAA Code of Conduct will definitely enhance
their chances for consideration,” commented Glen Waddle, NASPAA NCAA P.A.
Announcer of the Year. “Yelling and being over the top won’t cut it.”
“The NASPAA Awards Program is a tremendous membership benefit,” remarked
Brian McKiernen, NASPAA High School P.A. Announcer of the Year. Information about
the Bob Sheppard P.A. Announcer of the Year Award may be obtained at
www.naspaa.net.
4
New Member Feature
Allow Me to Introduce Myself
John Murray, P.A. Announcer
University of Colorado
Boulder, CO
W
hat’s the highest winning percentage in sports? Try the world
famous Harlem Globetrotters.
They’ve been dominating their arch rivals,
the Washington Generals, for several decades now. Their record must be 10,000
– 1, and that one loss is even debatable,
as the “official” scorebook didn’t agree
with the results on the scoreboard.
Even with that winning streak, the
Globetrotters bring their A-game, night
in and night out. They’ve entertained
millions in the U.S. and around the globe.
These basketball ambassadors never get
complacent, knowing that people are there
to see their antics and skill on display.
When I joined the NASPAA, I was asked
what tips or advice I had for others. My
response—enjoy what you do and have fun.
But stay organized and never, ever become
complacent.
My reference to the Harlem Globetrotters
is most relevant because I had the amazing honor of being the P.A. announcer for a
world tour for that team. Then, as a bonus,
I was asked by their organization to announce the game for the television show,
Celebrity Apprentice. That was probably my
biggest thrill as an announcer. Instead of
voicing an event in front of 10,000 sports
fans, my voice was heard through millions
of television sets across the country.
Just like any other reputable organization,
THE
VOICE
when I looked at the position with the
Globetrotters, they flew me out for an
audition, and the biggest thing I can tell
our readers is to keep your composure,
stay professional, and try to not get caught
up in the hype.
It’s the same for when you are working
with any celebrity or star players. They are
just like everyone else (in most cases), so
keep your composure, act professional at
all times, and do what you do best. Try
not to get star struck and caught up in the
moment. If you keep yourself professional
and build solid relationships, one day it
may lead to future high caliber events.
My current position is serving as public
address announcer for the University
of Colorado Buffaloes men’s basketball
team. I’m also the field announcer for the
CU football team. Over my 15 years in the
business, I’ve also announced soccer, boxing, volleyball, curling, rugby and baseball.
The exposure and experience have also
given me opportunities to emcee large
productions and events.
Besides the Globetrotters, I was also
honored to announce the Olympic trials,
the USA boxing national championships,
and the Churchill Cup.
There are always new events I’d like to be
involved with. One dream, as a die-hard
fan, would be to work with the Denver
Broncos. That position is held by a great
Murray can be heard on Saturdays at CU’s Folsom Field.
John Murray
John Murray relaxes before heading to the press box to
announce a University of Colorado football game.
mentor and really good guy, and I hope
he continues forever. But working for the
Broncos is a dream of mine.
That announcer is also the voice of the
Super Bowl, and he is one of many that
I have observed and listened to over the
years. I’ve learned from them and have
refined what I do behind the mic. It
seems I’ve learned new things at each
sporting event.
I would say that announcing has come
naturally to me. I announce because I love
the game and being part of something
special. A sporting event has so much
meaning to so many different people. Just
look at the enthused faces of the young
fans at a Globetrotter game and you will
know what I mean. When you can be a part
of that memory and that passion, it is truly
a gratifying feeling.
My goal is to continue to earn a spot
behind the mic at other great events and
projects, both in the field of athletics and
beyond. I love my career so far and just
aim to keep doing the best that I can in
my profession.
Of course, I never want to become complacent. My advice to myself and others is
standard, but it’s worth repeating. Make
5
continued on p. 6
New Member Feature - John Murray, continued from page 5
THE
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sure to learn correct pronunciation of the
players’ names! That way, you’ll never be
embarrassed.
Well, at least you’ll reduce the chance
of embarrassment. There was one time,
and it was just recently, when I had been
working out of town on a project. I got
back to Boulder and hurried to my job as
men’s basketball P.A. announcer on the
University of Colorado campus. As I was
introducing the home team’s starting
lineup, I announced to a nearly sold-out
Coors Event Center crowd that one of the
Buffs’ star players was from Los Angeles--Colorado. Needless to say, I was a little
tired that night.
During the basketball season, Murray announces Buffalo games at Coors Event Center.
6
I guess my advice would be—even if you’re
globetrotting, make sure you’re rested and
ready when you turn on the mic!
Students Deserve P.A. Announcing
Opportunities
Zach Mackey, Student Announcer, Geneseo High School, Geneseo, IL
This article is the second in a series about students
deserving P.A. announcing opportunities. The NASPAA
is an advocate for students being given a chance to learn
about P.A. announcing. Hopefully, the stories of students
who have succeeded at getting that opportunity will help
inspire other students, as well as the individuals who hire
and assign announcers.
M
y name is Zach Mackey, and I am
currently a junior at Geneseo (IL)
High School. The town of Geneseo is
about two and a half hours west of Chicago
on Interstate 80. It is a typical small town
where most people know each other and
the community is very close. It has been a
great place to go to school, get involved and
watch games.
I was not your typical fan. While others
were paying attention to what was
happening on the court or on the field, I
would listen to how the announcer was
announcing the contest. Whether it was
live or on television, I would listen to their
delivery and what made them unique.
Listening to the best in the business
helped me gain a basic understanding of
announcing. And although I have always
loved talking to people since I was young, it
wasn’t until seventh grade that I really made
a connection with announcing. Once I was
given my first opportunity to announce, I
knew it was something I wanted to pursue
further.
That first announcing experience in seventh
grade came about because the original
basketball announcer did not show, so I
asked if I could do it. My biggest fear was
that I wouldn’t be able to pronounce all the
names correctly. It turned out to be a great
learning opportunity for me. I am thankful
that I took the initiative to volunteer. Since
then, I have worked hard to broaden my
spectrum and announce many more sports.
I know many people would ask the
question, “How can a seventh grader ask
to announce a game and it just happens?”
My situation was unique, as my father is the
athletic director at Geneseo High School.
He has really made it possible for me to
pursue my passion for announcing. One
day he did not have an announcer and I
jumped right in without hesitation. It has
just grown and grown
from there. He has always
trusted me and given me
many opportunities to
announce.
Because sports are an
important part of life in
Geneseo, I have many
opportunities to announce.
Currently, I am the voice
of Maple Leaf baseball
and wrestling. I switch off
with two other announcers
in the winter with the
Zach Mackey
basketball schedule. I do
not announce in the fall because I’m on
the other side of the mic playing football.
I broadcast some home contests on
Geneseo’s channel 50, our local access
program. We also have a live streaming
opportunity on the internet and we have a
high school radio station which I have been
assigned to help run. I also broadcast our
nationally recognized wrestling tournament
on Mediacom’s MC22.
If I could give any advice to high school
students wanting to try announcing, I would
have them contact their Athletic Director.
That person is in charge of getting workers
for sporting events. When talking to the
A.D., make sure to mention that high school
is a time for students to learn and student
P.A. announcers need opportunities.
Volunteer for a sport that doesn’t have a
current announcer, like baseball or softball.
Volunteer to announce for free. Sometimes
schools cannot afford to have an announcer
for a freshman basketball game, which
might provide a great opportunity.
Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there.
Reach out to P.A. announcers and
broadcasters to see how the professionals
work a game. Many of the announcers out
there are willing to allow job shadowing and
are great about giving advice.
I have tried to make the best of every
opportunity. With the help of the NASPAA, I
have been in contact with Mr. Jim Riebandt,
the Chicago Bears’ stadium announcer,
and had the pleasure of going to a game to
listen to his announcing style. Mr. Andrew
Belleson, the stadium announcer for the
7
THE
VOICE
Chicago Cubs, allowed me to
be in the press box as well,
as well as the legendary
broadcaster for the Iowa
Hawkeyes, My. Gary Dolphin.
I had a great opportunity
to shadow them all. By
watching the professionals
up close and personal, you
get an opportunity to see
all the behind-the-scenes
workings. One of the
highlights was being at a
Sunday night baseball game
with ESPN commentator Mr.
Dan Shulman.
My dream is to be able to make a career
out of announcing. It is something I love to
do, and as the saying goes, “Choose a job
you love, and you will never have to work a
day in your life.”
I plan to attend a college in the midwest.
There are some outstanding schools and I
hope to make a decision by this fall. In the
meantime, I will keep working on improving
and perfecting my skills.
NASPAA has helped me tremendously in
improving my P.A. announcing. I try to apply
many of the principles of the NASPAA’s
Code of Conduct. They have helped me
branch out to other professionals in the
field of announcing. The NASPAA’s devotion
to professional announcing is unparalleled,
I am so very grateful that they give student
P.A. announcers the opportunities to
grow and become the next generation of
outstanding announcers.
Sponsored by
Clell Wade Coaches Directory
Use Your Head to Sound Good
By Gary Williams,
Stadium Announcer, Oakland Raiders
THE
A
s someone who makes his living with his voice,
I unabashedly admit I’m the world’s biggest
hypochondriac. The minute I feel a cold coming on,
unmitigated panic sets in. I think I hold the
Guinness Book of World Records for the largest
collection of over-the-counter cold remedies.
Fortunately, I’ve been blessed with relatively good health,
but a least a couple of times a year I can feel that sniffle
coming on and it’s time to race to the medicine cabinet.
Gary Williams
For what it’s worth and in no particular order, here are
some common-sense keys to sounding as good as you
can once you step in front of the mic.
1.
Think of your voice as an instrument. If I owned a Stradivarius violin, trust me, I
wouldn’t nonchalantly toss it in the closest once I was finished practicing with it. The
same practice holds true for your voice. Treat it with respect and you’ll get the most
out of it.
2.
Try not to strain your vocal cords. I never yell and scream at sporting events. I save
that for my kids. Same holds true for social gatherings. No sense losing my voice
trying to talk over all the background noise. Also, when I’m on the mic, I just try and be
me....not some “Ronnie Radio disc jockey” trying to see how low and self important I
can sound.
3. Drink plenty of fluids. Water and herbal tea are my “drinks du jour” I find they coat
my throat best. I’ve learned over the years to avoid coffee or milk while I’m “working”
since those kinds of drinks tend to give me cotton mouth.
4.
Warm up. For me, the easiest way is to simply read some copy, making sure the mic
isn’t on of course. Although if you’ve done this P.A. thing long enough, most of you
probably have a horror story or two about inadvertently leaving the mic in the “on”
position.
5.
If you do feel a cold coming on, don’t panic. This too will pass. Easy for me to say,
since no one is more paranoid about getting hoarse than yours truly.
Williams will be entering his ninth season as the stadium announcer for the Oakland Raiders. Prior to joining the Raiders, he spent 10 years as the football P.A. announcer for Stanford University. He’s also done work for the Oakland Athletics and perhaps most importantly, has been the voice of the Niles Centerville Little League where his four boys have played for the past 20 years. In his real life, Williams makes his living voicing TV/radio commercials and corporate narrations. He was the DQQRXQFHUDWWKH&%6DI¿OLDWHLQ
San Francisco for eight years, and now records most of his work at his home studio. He is also a popular master of ceremonies at events throughout the San Francisco Bay area. Williams, who is an NASPAA Board Member, has conducted three NASPAA Football P.A. Announcers’ Clinics. On Saturday, July 20, he will be the clinician at the NASPAA Football P.A. Announcers’ Clinic at De La Salle High School in Concord, CA. Information may be obtained at www.naspaa.net
Spire Interactive—Official E-Learning Provider of the NASPAA
8
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Being in the Right Place, Right Time!
By Mark Farina
Public Address Announcer, Chicago State University Cougars &
Chicago Public League Football & Basketball
THE
was invited to announce the Chicago Public
League City Championship Baseball Game
at Comiskey Park and, for the next seven
years, the Public-Catholic High School AllStar Football Game at Soldier Field, all this
as a graduating senior at age 17.
I pursued my Sports Broadcasting and
Journalism career in college at the student
radio stations at Illinois State University
and later Columbia College in Chicago, and
later worked in sports radio in Chicago in
the early ‘80s.
I continued to announce Steinmetz football
and basketball games and an occasional
college and charity event until 2011, when
things really seemed to take off.
Mark Farina
I
have been fortunate to do something I
love to do and by the accounts of others,
seem to do a good job at. But as we all
know, a little luck AND being in the right
place at the right time for someone to
notice you also helps.
Beginning as a student in high school
in Chicago in the mid ‘70s, I started to
serve as the Public Address Announcer
for Steinmetz High School football and
basketball games. It was something
I dreamed of doing since I discovered
sports and the legendary broadcasters
who described Chicago Cubs, Bears and
Blackhawks games, namely Hall of Famers
Jack Brickhouse and Lloyd Pettit.
Even then, my announcing caught the
attention of various decision makers, as I
For some 20 years, I was limited by my
full-time job in municipal government
public relations to only announcing
about five Steinmetz football games, and
another five public league games a year.
That changed when I left government in
2009 and started pursuing a freelancer
communications career.
I can thank social media, particularly
Facebook, for the spark that led to now
more than 130 events a year. One of my
“Facebook Friends,” Emily Bouzarelos
Vidas, who I attended high school with,
contacted me about announcing her son’s
high school homecoming game.
It seems the historic stadium where they
and other public league teams played
their games at, Lane Stadium, was being
completely rebuilt and didn’t have a
working P.A. system during that phase
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of construction. Taft High School was
renting a portable system for their game.
I went and announced the game, and the
coaches and parents seemed pleased with
my performance.
Almost a year passed when I called the
football coach, Matt Walsh and asked
him if they would be interested in having
me as their regular announcer, assuming
the stadium was completed and had a
working sound system. He enthusiastically
said yes, and that’s where the next twists
would take place. During the course of
announcing their first two games, the
stadium director and Chicago Public
League football director asked if I would
be available to announce all the football
games there.
Mickey Pruitt, Director of Football
Operations of CPS, then recommended me
to the Director of Basketball Operations
at CPS, who hired me to announce an
invitational tournament at the University
of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) Pavilion. It
was between one of the four games at
UIC that I was approached by the new
director of athletic facilities at Chicago
State University (CSU), who complimented
me and asked about my availability to
announce the Great West Conference
Basketball Tournament. That was my
“audition” for CSU, and along with Cougars
Basketball, Volleyball and Baseball, I
have added the Public League Basketball
Championship Tournaments along the way.
Amazing how being in the right place at
the right time and some blessings can
work miracles!
NASPAA DISCLAIMER
The concepts, recommendations and strategies offered by the NASPAA are for general instructional purposes only and should not be
used as a substitute for legal advice. While the information and recommendations offered have been compiled from sources believed to
be reliable, the NASPAA makes no guarantee as to, and assumes no responsibility for, the correctness, sufficiency, or completeness of
such concepts, recommendations or strategies. You are instructed to seek the advice of your school’s legal counsel before incorporating
any such concepts, recommendations or strategies into the management or conduct of your school’s public address announcing
program. Other or additional safety measures may be required under particular circumstances of your school’s athletic program.
THERE ARE NO WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO
WARRANTIES OF PERFORMANCE, MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
In no event will the NASPAA, its agents or employees be liable to you or anyone else for any decision made or action taken in reliance
on the information contained herein or for any consequential, incidental, special or similar damages.
9
Letter to the Editor
THE
VOICE
Good Afternoon Gentlemen:
T
his is Shawn Parker, new P.A.
announcer from Rockville, Maryland.
I spoke with you earlier this year
about needing some help with announcing
basketball and lacrosse. Gratefully, you
informed me that NASPAA offered a
mentoring service and arranged for Richard
Keller, CPAA, to be my mentor. I just wanted
to touch base with you now that the
basketball and lacrosse seasons are over
for me.
I have had the most enjoyment I have had
in a long time in announcing these games.
My wife has even commented that she has
seen a joy in me these last eight months
that she hasn’t seen in a long time.
I spoke with Richard the night of the
basketball all-star game that I was doing
and that game went off without a hitch.
Lacrosse started out not long after that
and let me say that I really had fun. I was
not only the P.A. announcer, but I was also
operating the scoreboard. As instructed by
Richard, I avoided WWE-style announcing.
Everything was professional and up to the
NASPAA standard of excellence. The boys’
coaches that visited Rockville this season
were so impressed with my work that they
asked me to be the P.A. announcer for the
Montgomery County All-Star Game that
week at Walter Johnson High
School. I never imagined that
in my first year doing P.A. that
I would be asked to do two AllStar Games! My motivation to
hone my new craft has grown
10-fold.
Everyone at Rockville High,
especially the boosters and
football coaches, want me to
announce football this fall.
The AD has already asked
me if I want to do boys’
and girls’ soccer. When I
started back in September, I
made an off-hand comment
about becoming “The Voice
of Rockville High.” With
each passing week, that is
becoming a reality.
Shawn Parker
I’ve been tracking my events and
counting the boxing ring announcing,
by the end of June I will be up to 40
events. Next stop, 100!
I am proud to be an NASPAA member.
I have a link to the NASPAA site on my
website and have been letting people know
about NASPAA. I really wanted to go to the
NASPAA Football P.A. Announcer’s Clinic
in July, but I will be attending my family
reunion that weekend. Maybe next year.
I just wanted to let you two know how much
fun that I’m having and that you have an
active member here at your disposal. Take
care and I hope to meet both of you one
day soon.
Shawn Parker
Rockville, MD
Are You A 2012-13
Championship Announcer?
If you announced a district, regional, conference, state,
national or international championship during the
2012-13 school year, or non-school championship by
9/1/13, you qualify to be listed on the Championship
Announcers page on the NASPAA website.
To be included, please e-mail the following information and
your photo to Brad Rumble, NASPAA Executive Director, at
[email protected].
1. Name
2. Name of Primary
School/Organization for
which You Announce
3. Number of Years You
Have Been Announcing
4. Championship Event(s)
Announced
10
Jeff Kurtz, Kent State University P.A. Announcer
and NASPAA Board Member, announces NCAA
Women’s Division I Gymnastics Championship.
NASPAA 1000 Club Seeking New Members
THE
F
VOICE
or an announcer, one of the most
important milestones is serving as P.A.
announcer at 1000 athletic games,
events or activities, including marching band
and cheerleading events and competitions.
1. Year Started Announcing
Any NASPAA member who has met this
requirement qualifies for membership in the
NASPAA 1000 Club. If you have reached this
milestone and are not currently listed, please
e-mail the following information with a photo to
Brad Rumble, NASPAA Executive Director,
at [email protected].
5. Significant Events/Venues Announced
2. Years Having Announced
3. Sports/Activities
4. Schools/Organizations Announced For
6. Occupation
7.
Residence (City/State)
If you are already a member and wish to update
your listing, please e-mail your changes to Brad
Rumble at [email protected].
Ron Henry, NASPAA 1000 Club Member,
has been announcing 57 years.
Who Are You?
The NASPAA is interested in knowing about you. When the new
website was built, a personal page was created for each member to
provide information about his or her announcing history.
This information is extremely important as it helps the NASPAA
determine the membership profile. If you have not provided the
information requested on your personal page, please do so as
soon as possible.
To access your personal page, you will need to log in. If you
have not set a password or have forgotten it, when you
enter your e-mail address, use Forgot Password.
11
THE
VOICE
Not A
Member?
For information about membership and
the NASPAA, go to www.naspaa.net .
If you are a P.A. announcer or have the
“Whether you are a rookie
announcer or a seasoned
responsibility of hiring or assigning
veteran, the NASPAA can
P.A. announcers, the NASPAA
help you to become a better
would like to invite you to become
announcer, connect with other
announcing professionals and
a member. The annual individual
provide tools for self-evaluation
membership fee for adults is $30 and
and continued professional
growth in the field.”
$20 for students. Schools may join
Jeff Kurtz, CPAA
for $69, which entitles them to six
Kent State University P.A. Announcer
and NASPAA Board Member
memberships.
Affiliate Members
National
Interscholastic
Athletic
Administrators
Association
Pennsylvania
Interscholastic
Athletic Association
Ohio High School
Athletic Association
Mississippi High
School Activities
Association
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School Activities
Association
Kansas State High
School Activities
Association
Georgia High School
Association
Tennessee
Secondary School
Athletic Association
College Sports
Information
Directors of America
National Junior
College Athletic
Association
National Association
of Intercollegiate
Athletics
National Federation
of State High School
Associations
Indiana High School
Athletic Association
Oregon School
Activities Association
Louisiana High
School Athletic
Association
American Legion
Baseball
Michigan High
School Athletic
Association
Texas University
Interscholastic
League
Mississippi
Association of
Coaches
Washington
Interscholastic
Activities Association
Iowa High School
Athletic Directors
Association
Kentucky High School
Athletic Directors
Association
North Carolina High
School Athletic
Association
Illinois High School
Association
PONY Baseball
and Softball
California
Interscholastic
Federation
National Association
of Sports Officials
12