newer official, various topics
 

Brand new to this forum. Enjoy it alot. I'm looking for the best place online to order refereeing pants and I am also interested in the opinion of compression shorts vs. compression tights that a bunch of people wear.
Thanks for helping out a new guy.

Welcome to the forum! The purchase of gear will be based off the timeliness of the gear arriving to you and service provided. Pesonally, I purchase my gear from Honigs. Others will provide their preference. I wear both compression shorts (with shorts) and tights(with pants). They both provide comfort for me.

I most often purchased pants based on the quality of the pants, not just the service that I get unless I can buy the same pair of pants. I personally like the Sansabelt brand the best. Usually you can purchase these pants from just about any place that sells Referee gear. I personally buy from Gerry Davis for my pants. I like Sansabelt better than other pants, but I have bought the Cliff Keen version and those works well. I just think they are too thin and do not look as sharp. All of this is a personal choice and others could disagree with my point of on this.

I also always where Under Armor compression pants when I referee with long pants instead of shorts (regular season of course). I have not had any leg problems and they are very comfortable when working games. The Under Armor also keeps the sweat off of you very well and is not very hot either.

Peace

I wear Honig's pants and the McDavid compression shorts. I've had no problems with either. This is also the first pant style I tried. I've had no problems, therefore I haven't tried anything else. As the old saying goes; if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

Best of luck searching for your gear. If you are a new official, I recommend a Starter Package from a company that fits you (Honig's, Gerry Davis, Between The Lines, etc.).

Official's Apparel and Accessories
 

Look at +POS. Their website is www.pluspos.com. Also look at JC Penneys for SAnsabelt pants. Also don't be cheap when it comes to your officiating shoes. If your feet start to hurt or do hurt you won't able to do much officiating. Here is a list of stuff that possibly should go into your officials bag. I got it off a website some years ago and I have modified it to suit me but it gives an indication that are some "musts" prior to showing up for a game. This probably is for more advanced officials but as you advance you will have an idea of what others have in their bag.

WHAT SHOULD YOU PACK IN YOUR GAME BAG?

1. Clothing
A. Two pair of pants
1. In case the first pair rips
2. In case blood gets on the first pair
B. Black shorts
1. If your game pants rip, it should not be obvious to all
C. Black socks
D. Gym socks
E. Two striped shirts
F. Two T-shirts
1. Don't wear a t-shirt that has writing on it, as it can be seen
through your striped shirt
G. Shoes
H. Black belt, if your pants have belt loops
I. Black jacket
J. In reserve, you should always carry an extra pair of black and gym
socks, black shorts, and a t-shirt

2. Equipment
A. Store your game equipment in a secure container (i.e., Tupperware)
1. Minimum of two whistles of each variety (Fox 40 and Acme)
a. Should your partner not have a Fox 40, use the Acme)
2. Minimum of two lanyards
a. Keep the extra lanyard in your pocket with the extra
whistle
3. Rubber bands
a. If you use this for possession arrow
4. Inflation pin
a. In case the game ball has too much air
B. Pregame card and court diagram
C. Rule and case books
D. Date book
E. Bring contract for that game in case there is a problem

3. Miscellaneous
A. Shoe bag and shoe trees
B. Shoe laces
C. Shoe polish, brush, and cloth
1. Shape Up Military Style works very well
D. Towel
E. Soap and shampoo
F. Mouthwash and/or toothbrush and paste
G. Comb/brush
H. Hair spray
I. Shower slippers
1. When was the last time anyone cleaned the shower stall
J. Deodorant
K. Razor blades/Electric razor
L. Plastic bag for wet clothing



Michael

Where/how do you use/wear the rubber bands?

If you wear compression shorts or pants, you do not need a pair of shorts.

If you are into the game, you do not need anything for the possession arrow. This should already be in head which way you are going. Constantly moving around a rubber band or whistle looks silly. What are you going to do if you forget to switch one of these devices? Do you need a note pad to tell you who the shooter is after timeouts too? You should know this stuff on your own. If you need a tool like this, it will come back to bite you.

This is mostly a cultural and racial thing. I do not need hair spray and a lot of people that I know do not need hair spray. ;)

Peace

Oh you need hair spray.

For what?

Peace

Dan_ref doesn't need hairspray.

He needs hair.

I would say a minimum of 4 whistles. If your partner doesn't have a Fox40 (yikes!), offer one to him/her. Stick with the Fox40 regardless of what your partner does. If he/she declines your Fox40 offer, so be it, use your Fox40.

If you don't already do it, don't start doing it. Looks terrible on the court. Plus, whenever you make little Johnny take off his good luck rubber band, then he sees you with one, it doesn't set a very good example.

Agree...the FED issued a directive a while back about rubber bands. They're treated the same as jewelry; you can't play if you're wearing one. For officials, it's no different than wearing a watch. You just don't do it.

Man, it has been a long time since I posted, but I have been checking in recently. Anyway . . .

I wear pants from Official's Choice. I like the material, although you can't put them in the dryer. I get my shirts from them as well. The micro-mesh they have is the most comfortable fabric I have found.

I wear UA compression shorts, and UA baseball socks. I like the feel of the long socks.

I'm glad someone mentioned the whistles. Extra Fox 40's are a MUST. If you don't have one. . .get a dozen.

About the rubber bands, don't use them. If you MUST use something for the possession arrow, try an extra whistle in your pocket, and switch it accordingly. The best solution for the arrow is to do a good job of managing the game and monitoring the table, and it shouldn't be an issue. Of course, we all know the potential issues with volunteer table personnel, but a few mistakes now leads to valuable experience later.

The whistle in the pocket looks stupid too if you ask me. If you are into the game you will not need one. Do you need something to tell you when to tell you when bonus is taking place (other than the scoreboard)? If anything it looks like you are playing with yourself. It looks silly to keep pulling something out of your pocket and putting something in your pocket.

Peace

I agree with you 100%...no aids needed for remembering the arrow. Just know it or verify the table has it right after every AP throwin if you can't remember it.