"Purple" or "Blue"

[johnny d]

Originally Posted by rockyroad

A side question...do you blow your whistle before tossing? If so, why? Shouldn't everyone know the game is about to start because you walked to the center circle with the ball in your hand?

No whistle when I toss. Again, no problem with those that do, but it isn't necessary. The players know the game is about to begin, with or without the whistle.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by johnny d

No whistle when I toss. Again, no problem with those that do, but it isn't necessary. The players know the game is about to begin, with or without the whistle.

I blow the whistle ever single time I start the game. Just like I would a quarter or half start. It lets everyone know the game is starting including the partners of mine, coaches, players, bench personnel and even the fans. I would never do it any other way.

Peace

[Adam]

Originally Posted by johnny d

No whistle when I toss. Again, no problem with those that do, but it isn't necessary. The players know the game is about to begin, with or without the whistle.

What about following a timeout?

[Raymond]

Originally Posted by Adam

What about following a timeout?

I hit my whistle before each quarter/OT, and before putting the ball in play after an intermission or time-out, including before free throws.

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by BadNewsRef

I hit my whistle before ... putting the ball in play after ... time-out, including before free throws.

Free throws? Good for you. It's in the mechanics manual, but nobody here, in my little corner of Connecticut, ever does it, including me (I would probably be laughed at if I ever did). I wonder how common it is to sound a whistle before a free throw following a timeout in other parts of the country. I'm just thinking aloud. No need for a poll.

[Raymond]

Originally Posted by BillyMac

Free throws? Good for you. It's in the mechanics manual, but nobody here, in my little corner of Connecticut, ever does it, including me (I would probably be laughed at if I ever did). I wonder how common it is to sound a whistle before a free throw following a timeout in other parts of the country. I'm just thinking aloud. No need for a poll.

Not many do in the places I work, but I've decided it's something I will keep doing.

[BryanV21]

While I'm sure the coaches and players know the game is about to start when you're walking towards center court with the ball, those at the table might appreciate the whistle. They have a number of things to do, so there's a good chance one of them (including the scoreboard operator/timer) could use the head's up.

[johnny d]

Originally Posted by BryanV21

While I'm sure the coaches and players know the game is about to start when you're walking towards center court with the ball, those at the table might appreciate the whistle. They have a number of things to do, so there's a good chance one of them (including the scoreboard operator/timer) could use the head's up.

Many officials will ask the table crew if they are ready before they give the official tossing the ball the thumbs up signal, when they are the tableside official before the toss.