Bands at games
Posted: Wed Oct 13, 2010 9:25 am
I know this came up in a thread earlier but couldn't find it.
Here's the official word from Helena since someone sent the question in
Question ‐ can bands play during a football game when the play is "live"?
Answer ‐ Yes – Bands cannot play when the ball is live at indoor events, but the MHSA does not have
these same restrictions at outdoor contests. Here is the language in regard to bands playing at MHSA
events. This is taken from the 2010‐11 MHSA Handbook, page 53, letter J:
Section (34) – J. The use of bells, air horns, whistles, wooden blocks and other noise
makers during indoor Association contests is prohibited. At indoor contests bands may
only play before the start of a contest, during intermissions between periods (quarters)
and during a time out. They may not play during “live ball.” At outdoor contests band
directors should use discretion when determining the appropriate times to play.
For instance, if a band only plays when the visitor is on offense, we expect local administration to get
involved and ensure that their school is exhibiting good sporting behavior and respecting the opponent.
In most of the cases I have seen with this issue, the band director is not aware of the problem, and once
is he/she is notified, will take care of the issue.
Here's the official word from Helena since someone sent the question in
Question ‐ can bands play during a football game when the play is "live"?
Answer ‐ Yes – Bands cannot play when the ball is live at indoor events, but the MHSA does not have
these same restrictions at outdoor contests. Here is the language in regard to bands playing at MHSA
events. This is taken from the 2010‐11 MHSA Handbook, page 53, letter J:
Section (34) – J. The use of bells, air horns, whistles, wooden blocks and other noise
makers during indoor Association contests is prohibited. At indoor contests bands may
only play before the start of a contest, during intermissions between periods (quarters)
and during a time out. They may not play during “live ball.” At outdoor contests band
directors should use discretion when determining the appropriate times to play.
For instance, if a band only plays when the visitor is on offense, we expect local administration to get
involved and ensure that their school is exhibiting good sporting behavior and respecting the opponent.
In most of the cases I have seen with this issue, the band director is not aware of the problem, and once
is he/she is notified, will take care of the issue.
