[Back In The Saddle]

Originally Posted by mick

Call me Mick.
If you want my attention, I'm more likely to recognize my name than any other sound.

Exactly. Especially if you want a time out and I'm focused on the play. My name gets my attention. Ref, stripes, Mr. Referee, Hey dumbass...none of those is quite as effective.

I introduce myself and my partner by our first names only at the coaches/captains meeting. I call my partner by name during the game. Some coaches call me by name, most just call me Ref. I feel that the informality created by allowing them to call me by name leads to better communication. YMMV.