+ a bunch :D

Really?

What do you think looks more awkward from the perspective of game management and takes longer, to boot?

(1) Asking for a series of basketballs and finding that one that meets the specifications OR

(2) Taking about 10-15 seconds and removing a few pounds of air from a basketball that's sitting on the scorer's table?

I work NCAA football and we are given balls before the game starts, usually in the locker room. One of our duties is to ensure the balls have the proper amount of air. We do that by measuring the balls and adding or removing air from them. Wouldn't think of doing otherwise.

I don't think this is a huge deal, but having an attitude about removing a bit of air from a basketball strikes me as being a bit silly.

I was waiting for somebody to mention worst case scenario, but nobody did.

Ball is overinflated. "No problem, I have a needle right here."

And then you let out too much.

I'm sure it's happened.

:o

Seriously, never happen to me. You do not sit there and just let air out constantly. You let a little out, then stop. Then you test the ball. Let a little out again if needed and usually you are ready to go.

Peace

Ok.

And others of us think that having an attitude about simply asking for another ball is silly.

So what?

Again, it is not about just asking for another ball, it is about what it takes to get another ball. To get another ball I might have to go through 2 or 3 people just to find another ball. It takes seconds to let air out. Again this might be an area issue as we often figure out in these discussions, but it would take several minutes to get another ball as they do not always use the basketballs in the rack. The game ball is a specific ball used.

Peace

That's exactly it. Then they have to find a game quality ball. That might be one of the balls being used during warmups or maybe it's a ball in another location. Or they may wish to argue that the ball's perfectly fine, what's wrong with it? And then I have to wait for the ball so I can test it. And when *it*'s over-inflated, then what?

In the meantime, my method involves about 15 seconds of removing air, at most.

+1

Only happened a few times. Not a big problem.

I have never - at any of the levels I have worked - had any problem getting a different ball within 30 seconds of telling them we needed a different ball.

Again, do it your way. I have no problem with that. Just stop with the attitude that those who don't do it that way are in some way doing it wrong.

This is why this is probably an area thing. It would be difficult to get another ball for the reasons Rich stated earlier in many places I have and do currently work. Maybe you live in a place where everyone is accommodating and easy to follow instructions from an official. I can tell you arguments about obvious situations are common here. I take air out of the ball and literally no one even realizes I have done just that including many of my partners.

Peace

I started carrying a needle this year. Used it twice already.
Before I'd go find one with less air. A needle is a time-saver.

No.

Yes.

Always a needle. I've used it every time I've been R this season: a ball on the light side makes for fewer and easier rebounds, which helps the game, boys or girls.

Only Basketball Officials ???
 

Fifty-eight posts on needles? Can you believe it? Man, are we a sorry bunch, or what?

At least we are passionate about being a sorry bunch. :)