Needle, pump, gauge?

[grunewar]

I use the needle most at scholastic games, but, my pump comes in handy at Rec, Mens, and Church League games when there is not a "rack full" of balls to choose from.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by grunewar

I use the needle most at scholastic games, but, my pump comes in handy at Rec, Mens, and Church League games when there is not a "rack full" of balls to choose from.

Don't work those last list of games you mentioned. And if I did, I would play with what we got.

Peace

[Rich]

I worked 58 HS varsity games and above last season and had exactly two basketballs (in the 30 or so games I was the referee) that weren't over-inflated.

I carry a needle in my jacket pocket and spares in my bag.

I see no need for a pump. If the ball is under-inflated, we get a new ball.

[rockyroad]

Originally Posted by Rich

I see no need for a pump. If the ball is under-inflated, we get a new ball.

Why not just get a new ball if the game ball is over-inflated also?

I have never carried a needle to any "school" game...they have lots of basketballs to choose from.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by rockyroad

Why not just get a new ball if the game ball is over-inflated also?

I have never carried a needle to any "school" game...they have lots of basketballs to choose from.

How many basketball are we going to test? Better yet, where are we going to choose the basketball from? The rack? Get a new ball out of the AD's office?

It is just easier to accept the ball that they give you and take a small sample of air out of the ball. I just do not like it when a basketball bounces over your head off a single bounce.

Peace

[rockyroad]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

How many basketball are we going to test? Better yet, where are we going to choose the basketball from? The rack? Get a new ball out of the AD's office?

It is just easier to accept the ball that they give you and take a small sample of air out of the ball. I just do not like it when a basketball bounces over your head off a single bounce.

Peace

You don't choose the game ball...it is sitting there at the table. If its not right, a simple "Coach, we are gonna need a different ball" takes care of it.

Not that, big of a deal either way, just don't feel a need to carry extra crap around with me that I don't need and will probably just lose anyway.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by rockyroad

You don't choose the game ball...it is sitting there at the table. If its not right, a simple "Coach, we are gonna need a different ball" takes care of it.

Not that, big of a deal either way, just don't feel a need to carry extra crap around with me that I don't need and will probably just lose anyway.

Well by rule you approve the game ball. Also if I do not like the ball, I can ask for another one. Very, very rare, that has happened. Sometimes the ball is not at the table and they ask to pull it out of a bunch of balls on a rack or bag. That happens a lot especially at the lower levels. And I do not go to the coach, I tell the table if I need another ball.

And honestly I do not care really if you or others feel you need a needle or not. It is your game and just like I could give a damn what kind of whistle you use also. The reason I use the needle is very personal to prevent the ball bouncing around at a fast rate and give a little. If that is not what you like, it is not my game to tell you what to do. Just like I do not even teach people or require folks to bring them when they are working and I am observing. But I have found those that do this tend to like to take air out of an over-inflated ball.

Again, not a big deal at all.

Peace

[HawkeyeCubP]

Originally Posted by rockyroad

Not that, big of a deal either way, just don't feel a need to carry extra crap around with me that I don't need and will probably just lose anyway.

I'm required by one of my manuals to carry it. And I don't ignore that manual too often.

[Rich]

Originally Posted by rockyroad

You don't choose the game ball...it is sitting there at the table. If its not right, a simple "Coach, we are gonna need a different ball" takes care of it.

Not that, big of a deal either way, just don't feel a need to carry extra crap around with me that I don't need and will probably just lose anyway.

I've never lost a needle. Goes in the jacket pocket. Since I fold/store my jacket inside out and never wash it, it stays right in the pocket.

I'm anal about the amount of air in the ball, I guess. Ideally, I want it to be at the low end of the range and I make sure it's there for every game I'm the R.

If you don't do it, no big deal.

[Raymond]

Originally Posted by rockyroad

Why not just get a new ball if the game ball is over-inflated also?

I have never carried a needle to any "school" game...they have lots of basketballs to choose from.

This is what I do.

[Rich]

Originally Posted by rockyroad

Why not just get a new ball if the game ball is over-inflated also?

I have never carried a needle to any "school" game...they have lots of basketballs to choose from.

If the game ball is overinflated, quite a few of the rest probably are, too.

Actually, I like it this way because I don't have to get anyone else involved -- I have a basketball, I remove some air, we're ready to go.

[grunewar]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

Don't work those last list of games you mentioned. And if I did, I would play with what we got.

Peace

Certainly understand JRut - but, it has served me well over the yrs.