Needle, pump, gauge?

[bainsey]

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?

[Raymond]

Never have and probably never will.

[Freddy]

Originally Posted by bainsey

Does anyone else always bring a needle, hand pump, and gauge?

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.

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by bainsey

A needle is pretty worthless without a pump.

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

[JRutledge]

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

[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.

[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.

[BktBallRef]

Originally Posted by bainsey

Still, a needle is pretty worthless without a pump,...

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.

[Rich]

Originally Posted by BktBallRef

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.

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.

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by BktBallRef

A quick release of air during the introductions and we're all set.

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

[Freddy]

Originally Posted by BillyMac

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

Oh, it's the ball . . .

[DRJ1960]

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

[bainsey]

Originally Posted by DRJ1960

I must be the only one who [has] handed balls that barely bounce.....

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