Fox 40 Protective Pouch ...
 

A Forum member buddy of mine with intimate knowledge of the WNBA and NBA sent me this photo of the whistle "spittle bag" we've been discussing.

I can't find it anywhere on the internet, so I don't know the cost, or how to order it.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...1a730257_m.jpg

Not so. The *primary* benefit is to others, but there is also a benefit to the wearer. The understanding of masks is evolving.

https://www.npr.org/2020/07/20/89322...aring-them-too

They're posted at the Fox40 web shop with an expected ship date of mid month as of earlier this week.

https://fox40shopusa.com/collections/whistle-mask-1

Even Rocky Balboa did not use condominiums.

MTD, Sr.

Whistle While You Work ...
 

The Pouch is best used with a Fox 40 Classic Cushioned Mouth Grip ...

While many love the Fox 40 Classic Cushioned Mouth Grip, I've tried it several times and for some reason I chew the soft "cushion" and quickly rip the "cushion" to shreds. I don't seem to chew on the Fox 40 Classic.

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikiped...r_high_res.jpg

Whistle Mask, Redux
 

Sorry for the monster-sized image, but I don't know how to shrink it. In any event, try this version of a whistle mask:

https://www.allsportsofficials.com/c...ghtwhistlemask

https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/16...g?v=1597086020

Choices, Choices, Choices ...
 

With the two large "whistle masks" that we've seen in this thread (not the small "whistle pouch"), it seems that it would be difficult for the official to remove the whistle from one's mouth to speak, and to put the whistle back in one's mouth to officiate, something officials do dozens of times in every game. But these two large "whistle masks" would do fairly well (though not great) at protecting others and possibly one's self (according to very recent studies).

Not so with the small "whistle pouch", easy for the official to remove the whistle from one's mouth to speak, and easy to put the whistle back in one's mouth to officiate, although not protecting others (nose isn't covered) and possibly one's self.

Of course, an official can wear a surgical mask (protecting others and possibly one's self) and speak freely the whole game if one were to use an electronic whistle.

https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?id=OIP.n...=0&w=266&h=189

I finished reading the book The Great Influenza: The Story of the Deadliest Pandemic in History (the 1918 Spanish Flu), by John M. Barry, a few weeks ago; and I'm about halfway through the twenty-four thirty-minute video lectures of Great Courses: The Black Death: The World's Most Devastating Plague, by medieval historian Dr. Dorsey Armstrong.

COVID-19 is a pussycat compared to those pandemics, but even pussycats have sharp teeth and claws.

"Built in clearance in the front of the mask to allow the whistle to be removed from the mouth which allows the individual to talk while using the Lightweight Mask."

That Works ...
 

Thanks LRZ. Didn't understand that the first time through, does it mean that the whistle stays under the mask when the official "drops" the whistle? If so, sounds good (no pun intended), and would do well at protecting others and possibly one's self.

Peripheral Vision ...
 

Today was the one day during the week when I venture out of my secret underground COVID shelter to hunt and gather food. Of course, to protect others, and possibly myself, I wore my surgical mask, and I noticed something that I never noticed before that may impact the ability of officials wearing full masks (not the small "whistle pouch) to call games.

Wearing a full surgical mask limits my peripheral vision downward. Being able to clearly see downward is important to basketball officials. Boundaries. Pivot foot. Travels. Legal guarding position. Etc.

Billy:

Interesting observation. At my age my family won't let me out of the house because of COVID but last week we received mailings from two different funeral homes, so I might have to start worrying, LOL!

MTD, Sr.

Not to mention the altogether necessary action of walking up and down steps. Can't count the number of times I have nearly tripped/slipped while traversing strange stairs while wearing a mask.

Upstairs, Downstairs ...
 

Hold onto the railing. Better yet, take the elevator. Wait ... I'm being told ... COVID ??? Never mind ...

Don't take the elevator, take the escalator.

https://milkcaramelblog.files.wordpr...pg?w=510&h=265

Arthritis ...
 

Turns out that it isn't the bone spur that's causing me my ankle pain, it's the arthritis under my right ankle. My new foot/ankle orthopedic specialist fitted me with an ankle brace that he believes will relieve some of the pain.

He also diagnosed me with a torn meniscus in my right knee. It happened back in October 2019, I thought it was a torn MCL. He advised me to keep wearing the knee brace that I've been wearing which worked great (self-diagnosed, self-prescribed) last season.

I'll probably start with middle school games next season, my fortieth (if there is a basketball season). If I feel good, I may try some varsity games.

It's tough to get old. Why is it that the players stay the same age every year while officials always get a year older?