Newbie Update and whistle Q.
 

Passed Michigan Test - took it closed book.

Waiting for emblems and card.

Bought pants, shirt, still debating shoes.

Also bought my first official's whistle - Fox 40 Classic.

I tried it out and maybe I'm doing it wrong. It's loud enough - but it sounds a little "breathy" or airy. Any hints are welcomed.

“You know how to whistle, don't you, Steve? You just put your lips together and blow.”

-----Lauren Bacall--------

The thing I got from a camp last fall from an instructor was that my whistle sounded the same way. It was conceived as a "weak" whistle and was lasting too long. Try overemphasizing a sharp, quick, loud whistle and see if that helps. I had to really pay attention to it for a couple games but it feels and sounds a lot cleaner now.

I've worn three different types of shoes in three different brands, and my newest ones are by far my favorites. Nike Air Max 97's.

The Reebok "Refs" are nice too. Patent leather looks sharp.

The best advice on shoes is DO NOT TAKE ADVICE ON SHOES! Your foot may or may not be the same as the one of the guy making shoe recommendations. Go to a running shoe store and get fitted (not just measured) for the correct shoe based on your pronation factor. If you tend to overpronate or otherwise need some stability, most shoes for basketball or cross training (the ones sold at ref supply places) will work fine. This type of foot doesn't need substantial cushioning since the foot folds in when you walk/run. If you are neutral or a supinator (fewer than 20% are like this, but I'm in that group), you will have a more difficult time finding a shoe that has sufficient cushioning. Depending on your age and other factors, you may be able to get by on the above mentioned shoes, but you may also need a running shoe similar to what I have to wear.

My point is that if joeblow says "Nike ... works well for me," then say, "glad to hear" and move on. We can't blame these guys since they are only trying to be helpful, but shoe choices are intently personal.

I wear these. They look great with my fishnets. And if a coach gives me some backtalk, I just stomp on his toe with my heel. YOUCH!

http://www.splendicity.com/files/314...ent-sandal.jpg

Really? The intent of the designer was for it to be that way? :eek:

On wimmen.

To each is (or her) own.:D My Nike shoes actually look a lot better and are more comfortable and they're suede on the top. I just like the patent look every now and then so I wear them occasionally.

Where in the world did you find Air Max 97's? Are they the all black leather ones?
Those are my favorites ever as well but I can't find them anywhere.

If you lived here in "weird" Oregon, you'd probably know someone who could get you a pass to the Nike employee store. I think the price of the 97's there is $1.99, but that might be "each". Oh yeah - there's no sales tax here either. :)

They're actually called "Air Max Plus 97 SL". I found them on eBay brand new. Foot Locker carried them up until last fall then got rid of them. They are leather on the bottom part and suede on the top.

They're exactly like these except the shoes in the picture look like they're leather on the top and my "swoosh" is all black. I put some gel insoles in these shoes and I LOVE them.

http://images.eastbay.com/is/image/E...id=300&hei=300

I hope this question makes sense, but how do you blow your whistle?

As a former woodwind player, I'm accustomed to using my tongue on the end of the whistle to start and stop the flow of air into it. The result is a crisp, sharp blast.

OTOH, I've had partners who were obviously not using the tongue technique. They produced a sound that kinda ramped up and then tailed off. Not crisp. Not sharp.

Also, the force with which you blow a Fox 40 influences how "airy" the sound is. Try blowing it harder. When you can see the coach's lips moving, but not hear his objection to your last call, you're blowing it loud enough. ;)

Poor choice of words in retrospect.

Should have gone with "It sounds like a weak whistle." I wasn't quoting verbatim.:p

Yep, your diction was wrong.
You wanted perceived instead of conceived.

Because they have very different meanings, I was having a little fun at your expense. ;)