I am old school and it is one of the things that when I am evaluating an official I will pick like a scab if he/she is not using a lanyard. It looks professional. Nothing looks as goofy as an official trying to give his signals while trying to old a whistle in one hand.
I do not by the excuse that it slows one thought process down. Practice slowing your thought process down is what slows one's thought process down.
I officiated for 46 years, 34 years at the collegiate level and always used a lanyard. I am no Joe DeRosa but I can officiate that long at the collegiate level using a lanyard then any one can.
My rant is over. Time for me to go to bed. Have a good one everyone.
MTD, Sr.