Small Mechanics tips

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by just another ref

I use the pocket whistle to keep up with the arrow only when there is a person who is obviously new and/or not doing a competent job of it. I've never done it at the varsity level.

Here's my question for those who do keep the arrow, whether it's with a whistle, or just in your head. What happens if the arrow points one way, you disagree, and the conflict cannot be resolved? This is listed as the timer's responsibility, not the officials, isn't it?

The norm around here is for the timer to work the arrow, and the scorer to also keep it in the book, and they check with each other. At some point don't you just have to trust your whole crew?

When I remember AP situations it is simple, I tell them when we last had a held ball. Usually that jars someone's memory other than mine and we put the ball in play and go. Usually you can remember this from the start of the game. I am not one to make a big deal about where it is pointed to start the game like some do until we have a dead ball, stoppage of play. Usually I will live and die with my memory unless someone can convince me we are wrong. But that happens so rare there is much of a debate either way. But I take it upon myself to not only know what situation we had the held ball, but try to remember the time. It has worked so far.

Peace