Gear for New Official

[Mark Padgett]

Originally Posted by bisonpitcher

Do basketball officials use hand signals to each other to communicate as much as baseball? I have seen officials point at their wrist when the clock is nearly expired, are there any others I should be aware of??

I don't think that's very common. However, watch for the pat on the top of the head when the clock shows one minute left in the period.

[BktBallRef]

Or an official holding up one finger. We don't pat our head, it looks stupid.

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by BktBallRef

We don't pat our head, it looks stupid.

Agree.

YouTube - pat your head and rub your belly

[26 Year Gap]

Originally Posted by BktBallRef

Or an official holding up one finger. We don't pat our head, it looks stupid.

NYUK! NYUK! NYUK! [what he said]

[bisonpitcher]

So about the gear, do I seem set at least to start? Anything you guys would change/add?

[Camron Rust]

Originally Posted by bisonpitcher

So about the gear, do I seem set at least to start? Anything you guys would change/add?

You seem ready to go...basketball is one of the least equipment intensive sports for officials. The basic clothing plus a whistle and that's it.

We don't need any protective gear nor any bags, brushes, flags, beanbags, hats, etc.

[Welpe]

I would add another shirt and pair of pants so that you have a backup and don't have to necessarily always do laundry right after an evening of games.

Do you have a jacket?

Also, check around with some local folks to see if you need to have v-neck undershirts or not. In some areas, it is frowned upon to have your undershirt showing underneath your stripes.

If you do need v-neck shirts, I highly recommend these.

Diamond V-Neck HOTSPORT® Loose Fit Shirt - Black: Ump Attire

I also recommend the Ultimate Referee shirts sold by Ump-Attire as well.

Welcome to the hardwood. I worked baseball for around 10 years, plus two years of football before starting basketball last year and I had a great time doing it.

[bisonpitcher]

No jacket at this point. I Plan on getting one in the very near future.

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by Mark Padgett

I don't think that's very common. However, watch for the pat on the top of the head when the clock shows one minute left in the period.

That's the shot-clock violation signal.

If under 5 (or 10 or 30 depending on the area) seconds are left, the official responsible for the last-second shot will so indicate -- usually one pat of the chest.

There's the signal to tell your partners that one team (or both) is in the bonus -- to be sure we get the shooter on the next foul.

[Back In The Saddle]

A couple small additions to the gear already listed that I've found occasionally indispensable over the years:
* Extra whistle on a noose-style lanyard tucked in your back pocket.
* Small sewing kit (kept in your equipment bag)

[Indianaref]

Also, carry a needle.

[curlingrocks]

No belt

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by Back In The Saddle

Small sewing kit (kept in your equipment bag)

Originally Posted by Indianaref

Carry a needle.

I'm sure that there's one in the sewing kit.