Germantown High School tournament announcer tells fans to 'shut up,' sports officials applaud message

GERMANTOWN, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Sports announcers typically call out the good plays, but one at a high school basketball tournament called out angry fans on Saturday, Jan. 28.

The announcer told fans to "shut up" toward the end of a game between Brookfield Central High School and Cedarburg High School at the Warhawk Invite in Germantown. 

"I would like to take this opportunity to remind all fans- and I should have done this a lot earlier- shut up," the announcer said. "WIAA is always looking for officials and since you do such a good job from the stands, get on the floor, wear a striped shirt and do it yourselves."

Video from the game was deleted from the high school's YouTube channel, but the clip is still circulating on social media.

??? The announcer had enough of the parents foolishness! The Refs didn’t even call anything yet! pic.twitter.com/xIQr6xIPaR

— Joe Chapman (@joechap32) January 28, 2023

While some say the announcer was harsh in his delivery, some referees argue it needed to be said. 

"We and the officiating community appreciate that he offered that emotion," National Association of Sports Officials President Barry Mano said. 

Mano told CBS 58 referees see a lot of unhappy parents who sometimes take their actions too far.

"The behavior has never been worse," Mano said.

Mano said the social etiquette between parents and referees at youth and high school sporting events has diminished.

"It's okay, you can boo, you can do those things, but coming down on the physical environment is not acceptable," Mano said.

Mano is reminding all fans to manage their expectations and remember what they're there for.

"In the times that you feel aggrieved, that you feel some injustice has been rained down upon you, that's the moment you have to get yourself under control," Mano said.

Mano said the National Association of Sports Officials will give a "Great Call Award" to the announcer.

A spokesperson for the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA) told CBS 58 they do not comment on local school execution of game management, but they do serve as a resource for schools if assistance is requested.

The spokesperson added that WIAA recognizes and promotes the five basic tenets of sportsmanship, including:

1) Show respect for self and others at all times

2) Show respect for the officials

3) Know, understand and appreciate the rules of the contest

4) Maintain self-control at all times

5) Recognize and appreciate skill in performance regardless of team affiliation

CBS 58 reached out to Elmbrook Schools, Cedarburg School District and Germantown School District for comment but did not immediately get a response.

An earlier version of this story included video of a basketball game unrelated to the original story... we have removed that video and apologize for any confusion it may have caused.