Every official has had something happen to them that could be considered embarassing. I have learned something from my moment. Anyone brave enough to add one?

HS varsity game, 2 neighboring towns. The gym is packed. I had a recent bout with the dredded "jock-itch", so I thought a little Gold Bond powder in my spandex undershorts would relieve some of the discomfort. Well, you can imagine, it took all of three times down the court for the white powder to start seeping through the black pants. At first I thought it as some dust but when I went to pat it off, I was standing in a cloud of smoke. Luckiliy I had an extra pair of pants in my bag.

A woman came down out of the stands, at halftime, and said to a friend something like, "There's not a good way to say this, but you zipper is open."

Once, I ripped my pants on the crotch seam getting out of my car in the parking lot! Fortunately, I always carry a pair of black sweats in my bag.

Sure looked goofy doing the game, though.

I once had a partner that, every time he reported something to the table, elicited huge laughs from the crew there. At the next break, I found out why - he had a big booger hanging from his nose.

About 3 years ago, I had a partner who loudly passed gas about 5 times when administering free throws. The players were continuously laughing along the lane. It got really comical after a while. Here's the kicker - it was a female.

I had the zipper break on a new pair of sansabelts
during a girls game. I usually pack an extra pair
in my bag but for some reason that night I didn't.
Now I carry an extra pair in my bag, keep one in my trunk
and I also carry safety pins. Every once in a while
a player would notice & try to bring it to my attention.
Near the end of the game we are lining up for a FT and the
shooter pointed down at my, well, my area. In 1 voice
the 5 other players on the lane said "He knows!"

Well, now. At least you caught their eyes.

Yeah, she said something like "Hey ref, I think a tree limb
fell on the court." :)

Must've fallen from some son of a birch.

rookie advice
 

We tell every incoming class of new officals, "if you learn only one thing this year, this will be the most important thing to remember: always wear black underwear!"

How many of you carry needle & thread in your bags? Pick one up the next time you stay at a 3-star hotel!

Needle and thread
 

Pizanno,
Great idea with needle and thread. I do carry one but luckly I have not had to use it yet. (knock on wood) Now that I said something I probably will need it soon.

Nope
 

glind,
You "knocked wood".
That works. No praw.
mick

Embarrassing Moment
 

If you want to talk embarassing...try being an official with acute Narcolepsy.

Mark, boys' game or girls' game??

Boys game.

Re: rookie advice
 

We tell ours that the most important thing to remember is to tuck your whistle inside your shirt when you take a leak.

Re: Embarrassing Moment
 

Most coaches assume that officials are asleep on the court anyways.