Originally Posted by
YMCA
In all the races I have announced, as long as I kept... the air time full, it was all good..
Say too much and you'll become white noise.
Originally Posted by
urbanknight
I hate to say it, but watching just about any amateur crit is pretty bland.
I don't agree. If your announcer is attentive, he/she'll find something interesting going on in any race.
I've seen some lower Category races that were mind-bogglingly exciting.
Cardinal Rule Of Announcing: Do not cheer for, coach, or insult the racers.
Just because you happen to have a PA system does not give you the right to favor one rider over any other.
Do not belittle a Cat 5 race. They're working just as hard, they just aren't going as fast.
Do not mispronounce a sponsor's name. If you don't know it, don't say it on mic until you do know it.
Do not bemoan how boring/slow a race may be. You will chase away what few spectators you have.
Do not get the idea that you're the show. The race is the show. You are a small supporting role.
Do not talk constantly. See above regarding white noise.
(Here's a good example: you want people to get off the course, so you say it 5 times on the mic. They don't move. So you yell it really loud off the mic. They move.)
Do not go on and on about technical stuff. Spectators don't care.
Treat the volunteers well.
Treat the sponsors well. Know their product/service.
Treat the racers well.