What do you keep in your bag?

[Raymond]

Originally Posted by UNIgiantslayers

...
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.

[UNIgiantslayers]

Originally Posted by BadNewsRef

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

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.

[Rich]

Originally Posted by UNIgiantslayers

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.

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.

[Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.]

Originally Posted by Rich

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.

Rich:

I couldn't have said it better myself.

MTD, Sr.

[bainsey]

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).

[OKREF]

Originally Posted by Rich

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.

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.

[Rich]

I'd take a whistle for the AP arrow and would wonder if I actually moved it to the other pocket.

[Dad]

Originally Posted by UNIgiantslayers

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.

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.

[bob jenkins]

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."

[Adam]

Originally Posted by Dad

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.

I think the mental energy required to train oneself to move the chapstick/whistle/rubberband from one side to another is better spent training oneself to watch the arrow change after each AP throw in.

[Raymond]

Originally Posted by Adam

I think the mental energy required to train oneself to move the chapstick/whistle/rubberband from one side to another is better spent training oneself to watch the arrow change after each AP throw in.

As well as checking scoreboard to ensure the Team Fouls change after each foul. Game management stuff that shows assignors you're into all aspects of the game, not just running up and down the court blowing your whistle.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by BadNewsRef

As well as checking scoreboard to ensure the Team Fouls change after each foul. Game management stuff that shows assignors you're into all aspects of the game, not just running up and down the court blowing your whistle.

I also never look at the scoreboard. I usually do not have the perspective for that direction. I just try to remember who we gave the ball to last and go from there. I usually time stamp it in my mind as well. That has worked much better than anything.

Peace

[packersowner]

I put a safety pin in my bag a few years ago. In a pinch it can work for a few different things:

- mending a broken button on pants
-pulling a shoelace through a hole (frayed lace)
- releasing fluid from a blister
- picking the door lock to the AD's office where you dress, because they forget that you have to get in there to change
- poking your eye out after a game for the partner who wants to review in detail every rule that might have been called into question during the last 75 minutes.

Originally Posted by BadNewsRef

As well as checking scoreboard to ensure the Team Fouls change after each foul. Game management stuff that shows assignors you're into all aspects of the game, not just running up and down the court blowing your whistle.

I will always know what the time is, what the general score differential is, where the team fouls are, watch to see if points are added after PC foul, and look at the arrow after having an AP throw-in but watching the team fouls to make sure they change after every one seems a little over-the-top. What's case for why this is important?

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by AremRed

I will always know what the time is, what the general score differential is, where the team fouls are, watch to see if points are added after PC foul, and look at the arrow after having an AP throw-in but watching the team fouls to make sure they change after every one seems a little over-the-top. What's case for why this is important?

So you need a crutch to determine something that many of the top officials can do on their own?

Peace