Chew Gum? (Poll)
 

Wired points out a number of studies that show chewing gum can, in fact, boost your memory, attention, cognitive reasoning skills, and other mental abilities.
It's unclear why gum seems to have such a positive effect on our mental state, but a number of studies have shown it to be true. More

Chewing Gum Can Boost Mental Performance

Big Red every game!

Double Your Pleasure ...
 

Some people can't walk and chew gum. I can't referee and chew gum.

When we were first married, Bonnie Jean made me chew gum when we went to bed. :p

MTD, Sr.

Really? She tells me I don't need to. :rolleyes:

Tried it, can't do it.

I voted "sometimes". I always chew it before the game and during the first half. I spit it out at halftime and don't chew it during the second half. Just a habit I've developed.

Almost always.

I chew my whistle. Don't think I could manage gum without choking on it.

Fine for pre-game, but come game time, it's a little distracting. I guess what they say about walking and chewing gum is true.

Looks unprofessional IMO to be gnawing on gum while communicating with players and coaches. I don't...but to each his/her own.

You can chew gum without anyone really knowing you even have it in your mouth if you do it right.

Peace

For that Refreshing Break
 

I like picking up Skittles from the floor and popping them in whenever I find them. Gives me that added "zest" needed to stay alert and on top of things. Works best when the new trail in quick transition so that not that many people see me doing it. That "stopping play for foreign object on the floor" is such a clock killer.

Fox CMG
 

That's why I use the Fox CMG. Now if they would only come out with cinnamon or mint flavors. ;):cool:

"Can you catch it on your tonsils, and heave it left and right?
 

Does your chewing gum lose its flavor on the bedpost overnight?"
Surely, some of us remember.

I clean my Fox 40 in scope every now and again, so it has that minty fresh taste for a while.

Plus, I "pop" a Listerine Strip before every game.

Like some others, I don't think I could walk, chew gum, and ref at the same time.... :rolleyes:

I know folks who do. I can't. One reason I can't is that I instinctively blow bubbles when I chew gum.

Agree 100%.

I love chewing gum when officiating, but I saw myself on video once and decided to switch over to Breath Savers (usually cinnamon) or Life Savers. I'll keep one in my mouth as long as it lasts and will have a couple in my pocket to replace during timeouts or extended dead ball periods.

It Cost Him A Lot Of Business ...
 

We have a dentist on our local board who told us that sugared mints, and candies, would wreak havoc on our teeth. He suggests that we use sugarless cough drops.

Agree with Jeff.

I don't chew it while I'm talking to players or coaches.

It's one reason why I prefer Breath Savers. That, and I like the Cinnamon flavor the best.

Every game. I only use 1/2 a piece each half though and never chew it when speaking to players or coaches.

I remember. Yes, it does.

I use warm water and vinegar to clean mine. I'll have to remember to try your suggestion.

No. I'd fall down.

Yes I chew gum. Have been doing so for 20 years umpiring baseball and softball and the first basketball game I did this year I went without because I didn't know if I could blow the whistle and chew gum.

That was just one more thing that threw me out of sorts, put gum back in for the 2nd game that day and everything felt better.

I'm Serious ...
 

... And don't call me Shirley.

ive had partners who walk, chew, whistle and talk. Me? I have trouble holding the whistle in my mouth and if I try chewin gum, i know it would en up on the floor and sombody would see it come out of mouth and on a player's shoe...end of career. I soak my whistle in scope every 2 weeks and use Listerine breath spray. keeps the dry away and mouth tingling. :D

Trending about 2-1 No. I know some are not allowed to by their supers.

For me...I do and re-load at halftime. Have for so long, I feel weird when I dont.

Thanks for answering.

My R last night had a bag full of Spearmint Lifesavers and popped one before taking the floor last night. I never even noticed it or how long it lasted. Maybe just pre-game.

I still don't know that I could do it.

I usually go through 3-4 of them during pregame. Sometimes I'll pop one in my mouth right before the tip or before the second half starts. When it's gone, it's gone (unless I put an extra one or two in my pants pocket, of course).

I do the exact same thing.

I chew two pieces every game. I pop in one before we take the floor and change it out for a fresh piece at half time. I have found that my game is off without it. I know it is mental but I much rather have a piece in my mouth and feel comfortable and getting the calls right than not having it and feeling out of sorts and kicking a call or two... So I guess you could say it helps me stay in the game for 40 minutes...

Phil