I like that Chuck, but what if red doesn't have the arrow????

http://www.ocf.berkeley.edu/~gng/confused.jpg

One of the guys I ref with chews gum while working. He switches the gum from one side to the other in his mouth on a jump ball. I'd like to see the evaluator ring him up on that.

I'm pretty sure if I was chewing gum while reffing, I'd get a bad evaluation as well.

He may not get rung up for switching the gum , but he may get knocked for chewing the gum to sart with.

I also chew gum when I am working. I have found that my jaws do not get as sore after calling a lot of games if I keep the gum in my mouth. I like the flavor thing also. Do other officials here chew gum on the court and is it usually frowned upon by evaluators.

clarification
 

I don't actually chew it during live ball situations running up and down the court, it just stays in my check. I do take a few chews during a timeout or dead ball period.

Chewing gum is worse than coming to the site dressed. Well, some people may disagree...;)

I am really in trouble then. I usually walk into the gym with my uniform on and chewing gum. I am so bad. Shame on me.

This is not really meant to be a joke, but I don't know how you'd be able to chew gum and blow the whistle at the same time. I just think it looks bad - like it would look to be in a business meeting smacking gum. I also take my wedding band off while officiating, although many don't. I personally feel that I should not be able to wear jewelry if the players are not allowed to wear it. So maybe I'm just being overly nitpicky about the gum as well.

I have never mastered this. I keep trying, though. But in the meantime, I've been trying to watch the arrow as the AP throw-in is being completed, to be sure it gets switched. Then it doesm't matter how long it is till the next AP, I trust the arrow. Also, if the table's got it right every time, the administration is so much easier. No arguing about why the table says white when I know for sure it's black.

Well, like I said smitty. I don't actually chew the gum while I am blowing the whistle and calling fouls. I kind of just use it for the flavor and may take a few chews here and there during breaks in the action.

Actually my dentists recommended it a while back because I fond that my jaws and teeth would hurt after calling a few games in a row. He said that I may be biting down on my whistle without really knowing it. It felt like my teeth were moving. He suggested putting some gum in my mouth to see if that would help, and it has helped a lot.

Tis in the NFHS book:

SECTION 16 POSSESSION ARROW
A visible display shall be located at the scorer's and timer's table to indicate team possession for the alternating-possession procedure.

Don't forget the option of a peice of paper with an Arrow drawn on it in an emergency

I like to see a gif of a ref with a whistle in his mouth, and gum bubbling up out of the little split-holes!

It's not really a problem. I occasionally chew tobacco while I'm officiating. Comes in handy at times too. Coach says something I don't like-----> ptuuiii! Shuts 'em right up usually.

It's nice that this evaluator has soooo many people lined up to work for him. Glad I'm not one of them.

Jurassic,

Do you ever have to spit or do you just swallow it. I used to dip, but I would usually spit.

I was wondering if you had good coaches during a game, you would never have anyone to spit on.