What do you keep in your bag?

[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

Originally Posted by JRutledge

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

Crutch? What am I using as a crutch?

[Adam]

Originally Posted by AremRed

Crutch? What am I using as a crutch?

I was wondering the same thing.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by AremRed

Crutch? What am I using as a crutch?

If you have to rely on a device or something in your pocket to determine only one aspect of the game when you use your memory or being in-tune to the game to not make a mistake, that is a crutch to me.

Peace

[Adam]

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?

Originally Posted by JRutledge

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

Peace

Originally Posted by AremRed

Crutch? What am I using as a crutch?

Originally Posted by JRutledge

If you have to rely on a device or something in your pocket to determine only one aspect of the game when you use your memory or being in-tune to the game to not make a mistake, that is a crutch to me.

Peace

Did you even read the post? I quoted it above for ease of use, but he clearly does not say he uses anything you could call a crutch.

[Dad]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

If you have to rely on a device or something in your pocket to determine only one aspect of the game when you use your memory or being in-tune to the game to not make a mistake, that is a crutch to me.

Peace

I can think of a few devices you use.

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by AremRed

Crutch? What am I using as a crutch?

Just my opinion that, obviously, won't work for everyone on this Forum.

I believe that it's just as easy for me to "remember" to switch the whistle in my pocket, as it is to remember who had the last arrow. In fact, after doing the whistle pocket switch since they introduced the arrow (we teach all our rookie officials this procedure), it has actually become second nature (automatic) to me to make the switch. I really don't have to think about it. Plus, we have three different ways to figure out a questionable arrow: the table (arrow, scorebooks), our pocket whistles, and our memories of the most recent alternating possession.

When working Catholic middle school girls junior varsity (fifth, sixth grade)games, there is no way that I'm going to remember all the arrow switches without the "crutch" of the pocket whistle, plus this league doesn't require an arrow at the table, not even a switching pencil point.

Then, again, I'm sure that this won't work, or may be a waste of time, for many Forum members, especially those with really good memories, and those that work with really good table crews.

Vive la difference (pardon my French).

[Adam]

Originally Posted by BillyMac

Just my opinion that, obviously, won't work for everyone on this Forum.

I believe that it's just as easy for me to "remember" to switch the whistle in my pocket, as it is to remember who had the last arrow. In fact, after doing the whistle pocket switch since they introduced the arrow (we teach all our rookie officials this procedure), it has actually become second nature (automatic) to me to make the switch. I really don't have to think about it. Plus, we have three different ways to figure out a questionable arrow: the table (arrow, scorebooks), our pocket whistles, and our memories of the most recent alternating possession.

When working Catholic middle school girls junior varsity (fifth, sixth grade)games, there is no way that I'm going to remember all the arrow switches without the "crutch" of the pocket whistle, plus this league doesn't require an arrow at the table, not even a switching pencil point.

Then, again, I'm sure that this won't work, or may be a waste of time, for many Forum members, especially those with really good memories, and those that work with really good table crews.

Vive la difference (pardon my French).

Like I said earlier, for me, it makes more sense to expend the mental energy learning to look at the arrow after each throw in than to learn to dig in my pockets after each throw in.

Note: none of this applies to wreck games and such that have no arrow at the table.

[UNIgiantslayers]

I am still getting used to it, but it works well for me. Rec ball on Sunday didn't have an arrow and the JV game I did earlier this week had an awful table. It's nice to be able to just pat my pocket and not have to second guess myself. Obviously in a varsity contest, it's not necessary but I am getting the feeling that some might think less of me for using something that gives me peace of mind as a still growing official. Like I've said before, I'm here to learn and I appreciate the input, both condescending and constructive.

[Adam]

Originally Posted by UNIgiantslayers

I am still getting used to it, but it works well for me. Rec ball on Sunday didn't have an arrow and the JV game I did earlier this week had an awful table. It's nice to be able to just pat my pocket and not have to second guess myself. Obviously in a varsity contest, it's not necessary but I am getting the feeling that some might think less of me for using something that gives me peace of mind as a still growing official. Like I've said before, I'm here to learn and I appreciate the input, both condescending and constructive.

I should note that while I think it's something officials should work to move past, I don't think of this as a major issue; particularly in subvarsity games where a table can be hit or miss.