Why Do Fireman Wear Red Suspenders ???
 

IAABO (International) doesn't allow us to wear belts anymore. That's why I switched to black suspenders.

How did I miss your post announcing this?

My mind was blown when an older official showed me his AP trick while reffing some collegiate summer league this past summer. I modified it a bit, but I'm annoyed with myself that I had never come across it before then.

Keep chapstick in off hand if throwing the tip. Put the chapstick in the pocket of the direction the ball should go at next AP (when facing scorers table).

I felt like such a rookie for not knowing about it before then. Is this a universally known trick?

You'll feel like a vet when you're able to keep track without switching something between pockets.

I had never heard of that before. Then again, I just use my memory/brain. :)

Feel glad. That "trick" is idiotic.

I trusted myself until I was so sure of myself one time and gave an emphatic "White ball!!" Then I looked at the possession arrow and it was red's ball. That was the end of that for me.

Just curious on your thoughts of why?

Probably only something other officials notice, but it's seems both distracting and clumsy when watching another official fumble around with their pocket.

For goodness sakes -- at least ONE official is facing the arrow. If you make sure it's set properly at the beginning of the game and make sure it's changed after each AP and at halftime, it's going to be right.

So the official facing the table takes a quick glance and points the right direction.

No whistle, Chap Stick, or other doodad required.

The more you officiate the more everything will come together. After a couple years you'll glance at the table/scoreboard without even thinking about it to make sure it was switched.

Until then, I'm of the opinion it's a decent option for officials who are overwhelmed by all the information they are trying to retain. It's a good idea to not make it a habit as it'll take you longer to progress as an official. As far as table awareness goes, the end goal is to keep track of arrow/points going up/fouls/time without it being a nuisance.

Agreed with Rich and Dad.

Now, I do agree that if you are just starting, you have more important things to work on / remember. Or, if you are working three or more JH games in a row (with 17 held balls each), it's hard to remember.

But, any single HS game beyond an official's say, second year -- you can remember which way it should go -- and know if the arrow is wrong or if you "mis-remembered."

Rich:

I couldn't have said it better myself.

MTD, Sr.

I'm a bit more Spartan.

Two shirts.
Warm-up jacket.
Pants.
Compression shorts.
Wicking undershirt.
Towel.
Two black whistles & lanyards.
One pink whistle & lanyard.
One black pair of shoes.
Rule/case book.
IAABO Pre-game conference card.
My own pre-game conference card (for games completely below the rim).
Shampoo or body wash.

Red/yellow cards (whoops... wrong bag).

Totally agree. We have so much other stuff to concentrate on then trying to remember to switch the chap stick, or whistle from pocket to pocket when there are at least 2 people at the table responsible for it.