NBA Official Keeps Spare Whistle in Pocket!
 

As long as he's not switching it from one pocket to the other every time there's a change in the arrow.

What if he switches whistles every arrow, and alternates which pocket keeps the spare? :p

I still don't understand the antipathy towards this practice.

I'd Rather Fight And Switch ...
 

Hey? You talkin' to me? You gotta a problem with that? And what's wrong with wearing a black belt? And we point to the floor when a shooter is stepping on the three point line. You gotta a problem with that, too?

Some people just have a constant desire to criticize other people for things that have zero effect on anything that really makes a difference.

And other people just have a constant desire to criticize those people for doing that.

Pot, meet kettle.

Swallowing the whistle?
 

One vote for the lanyard.

The same as the antipathy for those who go without a lanyard, I suppose. Honestly, I think the whole thing is funny. I won't use the pocket trick, but I see a few JV officials in my area who do. Since I haven't inquired, I don't know if it's a bad thing or not here.

I would add facial hair to this category; things that don't really matter but can affect the image you present. Some areas don't care. Other areas, once you've established yourself it won't matter.

Well, if nothing else, he's proven he doesn't ball watch from C.

The alternating pocket trick comes into effect during Rec league season here. For HS games, its not needed as usually the table knows what they are doing or learn quickly after being corrected.

I would hope he proved that a long time ago to get to where he is.

As for the facial hair, I always officiate clean shaven, but that's because I don't grow a good beard. I worked with a guy this past season who always has a beard, and he keeps it very neat. I know for a fact that he's well established in the community, so it may not matter for him. As others have alluded to, his officiating speaks for itself.

A guy around here has the affectionate nickname of "Mr T", both for his bearded appearance... and his whack-a-thons:D

Actually, around here, it would help if it's kept well trimmed rather than just looking like you forgot to shave.

Well you do live in the mountains...