Quote:
Originally Posted by M&M Guy
I was only told that it was a safety issue, much the same as any piece of jewlery that a player might wear. Yes, I know the lanyard is obviously a direct conflict to that ideal, but it is a part of the official's uniform, so we are allowed (and in some cases required) to wear one.
I've worn my wedding ring on the HS court, and taken it off for the NCAA court. That's why I said to check local listings. Snaqs mentioned the rubber band might be a good idea for some local rec leagues, and I've seen that, along with officials wearing watches. It still doesn't look professional, but it may be allowed in some cases.
I will go back and check, but I think I did not see a single official working the tournament have any rubberband or chapstick device to help keep track of the arrow. I wonder why?  |
Safety issue? The last time I saw a player scrapping with an official for the ball, that player was on their way out the door. In all seriousness, here should really be no way for a rubber band on an official's wrist to ever be a safety issue. And unless it is a super-rubberband, it's going to break a long time before it hurts someone.
As for the lanyard, it wouldn't be hard to invent a break-away lanyard. In fact, my employer provides them for our ID badges....one tug and its off. Since the NFHS and NCAA don't require such, it can't really be that big of a risk.
As for the professionalism of it...I fully agree, it doesn't look good.
As for the tourney officials not doing it...maybe, just maybe, it is because they have someone doing the books/table that is a wee bit more experienced and reliable.