Needle, pump, gauge?
 

Rather than hijack the "What's In the Bag" thread....

I had not been in the habit of carrying a needle and pump for basketball. (We do so for soccer.) I just do the "drop test," and use whatever pump is at the gym. On Friday, after my JV game, I gave the game ball to a varsity official (and fellow soccer ref), who thought the ball was overinflated. When I mentioned I didn't carry the pump/needle for basketball, he shot me a "how crazy ARE you?" grin.

I honestly didn't notice "needle" on the pre-game checklist in our manual. That's on me. Still, a needle is pretty worthless without a pump, and the electronic pumps and needles are attached at the game sites. Does anyone else always bring a needle, hand pump, and gauge?

Never have and probably never will.

Meet You Half-Way
 

This all sounds so...so...so "medical."
Don't carry pump, but do carry needle. That way, it's 50/50 that I'll look prepared for improper ball inflatage.
Never had to require a ball be pumped up, but my needle-less partner used mine just this past Thursday to take some out. First time in about five years.

With Apologies To Lauren Bacall ...
 

You just put your lips together and blow into the needle.

I only carry a needle. Usually the ball are so over-inflated that you have to take some air out of the ball. And I certainly do not want long rebounds and high dribbles. I just take a little air out of most basketballs and cannot think of a reason to inflate them. If they need inflating, we can get another ball.

Peace

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

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.

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

Not if you need to let air OUT of the ball.

I don't find flat balls, I find them over inflated. A quick release of air during the introductions and we're all set.

A hot ball makes for a rough game.

I go straight for the game ball after the captain's meeting. Usually it's because the book isn't quite ready for me and I need something else to do. :)

With Apologies To Jerry Seinfeld ...
 

Did you ever notice how bad the air coming out of a basketball stinks?

Didn't Think It Was Me
 

Oh, it's the ball . . . :o

odd...
 

I must be the only one who is handed balls that barely bounce.....:confused:

You're not. I have to inflate basketballs more often than not.