referee testing ball for proper air pressure

[BLydic]

Originally Posted by grunewar

And always bring a small pump and needle too....just in case!

You're kidding right? I do carry a needle, slips easily in the Fox 40 mouthpiece.

But a small pump?

[BktBallRef]

You've never called volleyball, BL?

[grunewar]

Originally Posted by BLydic

You're kidding right? I do carry a needle, slips easily in the Fox 40 mouthpiece.

But a small pump?

I've never used the pump at a V game before. But sub-v, AAU, and rec ball......yep, used it several times. Fits neatly into my bag.

[BLydic]

Originally Posted by BktBallRef

You've never called volleyball, BL?

No, basketball is it.

Originally Posted by grunewar

I've never used the pump at a V game before. But sub-v, AAU, and rec ball......yep, used it several times. Fits neatly into my bag.

Cool, I could see it being an inconvenience to bring to a varsity game.

[grunewar]

Originally Posted by BLydic

Cool, I could see it being an inconvenience to bring to a varsity game.

It's no inconvenience, the pump fits right in my bag.

The inconvenience is if you can't find a good ball and no one has a needle or pump and you don't start the game on time.

Worst case scenario, it takes me a minute to jog back to the locker room get the needle or pump and make adjustments.

[Rich]

I have never run into a situation where *all* the balls are under-inflated. Matter of fact, in 50 varsity games last season, the ball given me (or a partner) was under-inflated exactly zero times and overinflated about 47 times. We carry a needle in our jacket pocket and I've gotten some funny looks when taking pounds of area out of a way over-inflated ball.

If, for some reason a ball is under-inflated, I tell them I need a different ball. I don't carry a pump.

[jkumpire]

I happen to work VB and BK, and used to work FB. When you check air pressure as much as I do, it pays to spend some $$ and get a Molten Digital Air pressure gauge. It's darn expensive, but it makes the process of checking air pressure very, very easy, and it is small enough to keep in your jacket pocket.

Amazon.com: Molten Digital Air Pressure Pump and Gauge: Sports & Outdoors: Reviews, Prices & more

[Jurassic Referee]

Originally Posted by RichMSN

I have never run into a situation where *all* the balls are under-inflated. Matter of fact, in 50 varsity games last season, the ball given me (or a partner) was under-inflated exactly zero times and overinflated about 47 times. We carry a needle in our jacket pocket and I've gotten some funny looks when taking pounds of area out of a way over-inflated ball.

If, for some reason a ball is under-inflated, I tell them I need a different ball. I don't carry a pump.

+1

I've always carried a needle to let air out but it's not my job to blow up balls. If I can't find a good ball from the home team, I go to the visitors. They all love to over-inflate 'em. They think it gives them a quicker bounce and are easier to dribble(and they are right). Teams have been over-inflating balls...oh...forever.

[Back In The Saddle]

Back in the days when I did VB, I learned a rather painful lesson about having all the right gear. I was checking balls before my first ever state match and somehow (nerves combined with my incredible strength?) snapped off a needle in the valve of one of the balls. It required several extra minutes to find a janitor and borrow a pair of pliers to remove the remainder of the needle, then to pump the ball back up. After that I began carrying a small Leatherman as part of my tool kit.

[GoodwillRef]

Junior High game last night we ask if they have a game ball and they tell us to just pick one...at the first time out the home coach says his point guard doesn't like the ball...really? Tough crap!

[Adam]

Originally Posted by BLydic

You're kidding right? I do carry a needle, slips easily in the Fox 40 mouthpiece.

But a small pump?

I hope it doesn't slip easily out of the mouthpiece while you're using it. That could hurt.

[BLydic]

Originally Posted by Snaqwells

I hope it doesn't slip easily out of the mouthpiece while you're using it. That could hurt.

Spare whistle, fits nice and snug.