The Importance of a Positive PA Announcer for High School Sports [NIAAA]

By: Rob Seymour, CMAA - Athletic Director, Fishers High School (IN)

High school sports bring excitement, passion, and a sense of unity to students, parents, and the community. Amidst the cheers, whistles, and the roar of the crowd, one often overlooked figure plays a crucial role in enhancing the overall game day experience – the public address (PA) announcer.

Whether it's basketball, football, or any other sporting event, a positive voice behind the microphone can define the culture and experience of your venue.

During my inaugural year as an athletic administrator, we had the privilege of bringing on board Wes Shealey as our public address announcer for football, basketball, and baseball. It turned out to be an incredible stroke of good fortune for us.

Not long after Wes joined our team, he enthusiastically completed an online certification as a PA announcer. As a result, he became the epitome of excellence and set the bar for the role of an announcer at Fishers High School.

In 2015, despite being diagnosed with ALS, Wes remained dedicated to his role and continued to serve the Tigers for several more years. Wes was a Tiger at heart and a respected member of our community. His commitment was evident in the way he carried himself and the respect he showed for the teams and events he announced. It was also noteworthy that Wes had the joy of watching both of his children graduate from Fishers High School, further strengthening his connection to our school and community.

1. Announcers are part of your game management, not cheerleaders:
   Although PA announcers are immersed in the energy and excitement of the game, it's crucial for them to maintain a professional demeanor. They are not there to act as part of the cheering section, but rather to serve as facilitators, providing information that enhances the overall game day experience. By adhering to this principle, the PA announcer maintains a sense of neutrality while keeping the focus on the game and the athletes. Wes had the ability to convey the importance of good sportsmanship and he made timely announcements to remind our fan base of appropriate behavior.
2. Conveying pertinent information:
   A positive PA announcer excels in providing relevant and accurate updates about the game. They share essential details such as player names, important milestones, and the progress of the match, ensuring that spectators are well-informed and engaged. By delivering this information in a clear and concise manner, the PA announcer contributes to the understanding and enjoyment of the sport. Wes prepared written scripts for his games, and we utilized shortened versions for our other contests.
3. Emotionally neutral and unbiased approach:
   A truly positive PA announcer understands the importance of maintaining an emotionally neutral stance. They refrain from inciting the emotions of spectators, whether positive or negative, towards either the home or visiting teams. By exhibiting fairness and impartiality, the announcer creates an environment where the focus remains on the game, fostering sportsmanship and respect among all involved. Wes was an announcer, not a commentator. He did not voice his opinion on the positive or negative play of our student athletes. He gave equal respect to our home and away participants.
4. Silence is golden:
   While the role of a PA announcer is to convey important information, they also understand that silence can be just as powerful. When there is nothing significant to announce, a positive PA announcer recognizes the value of quietude. This not only prevents unnecessary distractions but also allows space for the game and its players to take center stage. The occasional pause helps maintain the flow and rhythm of the event, improving the overall experience.
5. Ensuring safety during inclement weather:
   A positive PA announcer assumes a critical role in keeping fans and athletes safe during inclement weather. By providing timely updates and instructions, they help prevent confusion and ensure that everyone is aware of any necessary precautions. Whether it's an approaching storm or extreme temperatures, the announcer acts as a guiding voice, prioritizing the safety and well-being of all participants and spectators. Wes’s presence in the press box was like having an additional administrator managing the event. In times of crisis, Wes was an asset in keeping our participants and patrons safe.

   In conclusion, a positive PA announcer is an invaluable asset to our high school sporting events. By adhering to a professional code of conduct, providing essential information, maintaining emotional neutrality, and ensuring the safety of all involved, they have the power to impact the overall success of the games.

   By embodying these principles, a positive PA announcer elevates the experience for athletes, spectators, and the entire high school community. If you would like to provide guardrails for your announcers, consider funding their completion of the PA Announcing course via the NFHS Learn website. Below are the basic guidelines posted in our press box and on the scripts that are provided to our announcers. This piece was written in memory of the contributions and life of Wes Shealey, April 19, 1963 – January 9, 2023.

PA ANNOUNCER EXPECTATIONS

1. Announcers are not part of the cheering section
2. Only convey pertinent information about the game
3. Do not incite the emotions of the spectators (positive or negative)
4. Announcing should be unbiased and the same tone of voice used for both the home and
5. When there is nothing significant to announce, silence is golden
6. Announcers play a vital role in keeping fans/athletes safe during inclement weather
7. Music played should not require a “radio edit” or a “clean version”