Music during the game

[maybrefguy]

We worked a game recently where there was music, piped over the PA system, inbetween every play.  For both teams.  The visitors were trying to run a fast paced, no huddle system.  They could hardly hear each other.

Maybe I'm making too much of this, but it seemed like this wasn't appropriate at the HS level.  I've dug through the rule book and it does not address music during the game that I can find. 

Any thoughts?

[ECILLJ]

It is reasonable to let the administration know that music after the RFP whistle will not be allowed. If the administration is not accessible or is unable to manage this, then it is time to let the head coach know about the situation and if he is unable to get it under control, he will be assessed an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. This follows under "the items that are not addressed in the book" rule.

[IA-HL]

There are no specific rule book references regarding crowd noise. Rule 9-9-1 is a “catch all” rule covering unfair acts by nonplayers and could be invoked by the Referee. Prior to throwing the flag, warn the head coach/game administrator of the team whose band is playing that further playing during a live ball could penalize the team. If the warning is ignored, I’d make it 5-yards for delay of game. If the playing persists, 15-yards for Unsportsmanlike Conduct. The generally accepted policy is that the band should stop playing when the offense breaks the huddle, or in the case of a no-huddle offense, when the snap is imminent.

[srhendon]

If its over the PA i have a problem with it or if the band is only playing when the other team has the ball I would try to get it stopped. If it interrupts the other team play calling it needs to be stopped.

[Rulesman]

Some states have rules that prohibit the practice. In reality, if they don't, there is nothing in the Federation rule book to support involvement from the crew.

[sir55]

This is something that needs to be addressed by the game administration, not the officials.  I don't know that I would throw flags based on some catch all rules event.  The FED rules don't penalize this conduct.  A couple of years ago, there was a FED move to make this a penalty that went no where, so the FED choose not to penalize band conduct.  However, several state high school associations addressed (google Missouri's) this in the officials hand book and/or student hand book.  Some states make this an USC foul, but you need to check your own jurisdictions to find out if this is penalized.

[AFSST]

Colorado High School Activities Association also has published guidelines about artificial noise while the ball is live.

[Atlanta Blue]

Georgia has addressed it:

Bands are not to play during live-ball situations.
NOTE: This includes the situation in which there is no timeout and the teams are in a huddle.
(a) If, during a football game, a team claims interference with communications due to band noise, the Referee shall give a warning to one or both head coaches and the bands must cease playing.
(b) If there is a second offense by the same school's band, an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty will be imposed against that school's team.

While it doesn't say so specifically, the same is applied to music over the PA (I guess is music is being played by someone's band!).

[TampaSteve]

To my knowledge, we have nothing published for FL like CO & GA have.

[maybrefguy]

Thank you for your input.  You've reinforced what I thought.  While not trying to go looking for problems, if it effects one or both teams ability to play the game, it does have to be dealt with.  I appreciate your thoughts.

[VALJ]

Definitely needs to be reported to the state office, IMHO.

[fudilligas]

on the Treasure Coast of FL, Vero Beach to Stuart, it is common practice to play during the game, especially when the other team has the ball

[Roscoe]

We had an issue friday night where a person in the press box was playing loud music every time the home offense was walking up to the line. I don't think the kid running it knew what he was doing. The coaches weren't happy at all and shut it down asap.