Coaches and captains meetings are an important part of game administration and can significantly influence how the game is managed. While not all levels of play require formal pregame meetings, understanding when, how, and why to conduct them helps officials establish expectations, build rapport, and set a professional tone before the opening tip.

When Coaches and Captains Meetings Are Required

Not all levels of basketball require formal pregame meetings.

• Pregame meetings are rarely conducted at the recreation level or in AAU / travel basketball
• High school and college games more commonly require structured meetings
• Coaches meetings and captains meetings are typically held separately
• Some state associations may have specific requirements or formats officials must follow

Officials should always be familiar with their governing body’s expectations before the game.

Timing and Structure of Meetings by Level

NFHS (High School)

• Meetings typically occur with three minutes remaining in warmups
• The crew chief meets with the coaches first, usually in front of the scorer’s table
• The crew then meets with the captains at center court

NCAA

• Captains are usually met with informally around the 14:00 mark of the pregame
• Coaches are not formally met with
• Officials introduce themselves and shake hands with coaches around one minute remaining in warmups