Personal Posession Keeper

Jurassic Referee

CaliOne wrote
My personal favorite is the rubber band on left or right wrist. My problem would be, trying to rembmer which team is which hand....

It's illegal for players to wear rubber bands, and we would never allow them to do so. Why would you wear something then that has already been specifically banned by the NFHS?

Jurassic Referee

Rusty Gilbert wrote
I use a small, flesh-colored rubber band on my index finger.

Would you let a player wear one of those?

Camron Rust

Jurassic Referee wrote
It's illegal for players to wear rubber bands, and we would never allow them to do so. Why would you wear something then that has already been specifically banned by the NFHS?

While I don't think we should be using a rubber band to keep track of the arrow, the equipment/uniform requirements for players simply don't apply to officials. If they did, we wouldn't be able to wear a lanyard for our whistles since that is akin to a necklace. The safety issues that affect players are not relevant to officials. The issue of the rubber band relates to a player slapping at a ball and getting their finger caught in another player's rubber band. I don't know of ANY legitimate situation where a player will be slapping at the ball when it is in or near a referee's hands.

It merely comes down to what looks professional.

WhistlesAndStripes

Jurassic Referee wrote
It's illegal for players to wear rubber bands, and we would never allow them to do so. Why would you wear something then that has already been specifically banned by the NFHS?

How many guys do you ref with that wear wedding bands while they ref?

Jurassic Referee

Whistles & Stripes wrote
How many guys do you ref with that wear wedding bands while they ref?

Most of the married officials do. Hardly any of the single officials.

Jurassic Referee

Camron Rust wrote
The safety issues that affect players are not relevant to officials. The issue of the rubber band relates to a player slapping at a ball and getting their finger caught in another player's rubber band. I don't know of ANY legitimate situation where a player will be slapping at the ball when it is in or near a referee's hands.

It merely comes down to what looks professional.

Camron, does your association allow their officials to wear rubber bands on their wrists? Watches too under the same reasoning that jewelry isn't relevant to officials either?

Camron Rust

Jurassic Referee wrote
Camron, does your association allow their officials to wear rubber bands on their wrists? Watches too under the same reasoning that jewelry isn't relevant to officials either?

While it is not viewed professionally and it is suggested that the official not wear a watch or large rings, it is not because players can't wear them. It's simply because that is the expected uniform for the officials.

As far as rubber bands go, I don't know that it has ever been mentioned. I think I've seen some people with them.

Again, just because it is frowned upon and usually not done does not mean that the reason is the rules governing players.

Rich

Jurassic Referee wrote
Would you let a player wear one of those?

Would you let a player wear a wedding ring? Huh, wouldja? 😀

Jurassic Referee

Rich Fronheiser wrote
Would you let a player wear a wedding ring? Huh, wouldja? 😃

No. That's the only thing that players aren't allowed to wear that our association lets our officials wear. No earrings, rubber bands, watches, etc. Anything that the FED doesn't allow, we don't allow.

You've been all over, Rich. What's the norm in the different areas that you've officiated in?

Jurassic Referee

Camron Rust wrote
Again, just because it is frowned upon and usually not done does not mean that the reason is the rules governing players.

What is the reason then?

Camron Rust

Jurassic Referee wrote
What is the reason then?

You got me. But the fact that we don't require that the officials match all the uniform rules of players is a clear indication that the rules that apply to players is not the source.

Mountaineer

Jurassic Referee wrote
I shift Wilbur from side to side in my pants to keep track of the arrow.

Works for me.

Maybe you should put the rubber band on Wilbur. . .

I have used the pocket method in the past - putting my whistle in the pocket of the direction we are to go when I face the table. I have, in recent years, thought it was a bit strange looking. I keep it in my head (lots of space in there) as I also keep track of team fouls and timeouts there. It's not something I trust the table to keep track of - because they screw it up regularly.

mplagrow

I had an 8th grade game where a parent filled in on the clock because someone didn't show up. She thought the possession arrow was supposed to point in the direction of the team that presently had possession (so everybody knew which team had the ball, of course)! She was so busy tracking possession she was having a hard time keeping track of everything else!😃

JRutledge

I am coming to this discussion rather late, but in my opinion you have to keep it in your head anyway. You have to remember to move any device anyway. You should be able to mentally talk to yourself to know who is getting the ball next anyway. I just think it looks awful to be digging in and out of your pocket during the game. How can you justify wearing a rubber band and the players cannot wear one.

Peace

Rich

Jurassic Referee wrote
No. That's the only thing that players aren't allowed to wear that our association lets our officials wear. No earrings, rubber bands, watches, etc. Anything that the FED doesn't allow, we don't allow.

You've been all over, Rich. What's the norm in the different areas that you've officiated in?

I don't even wear my wedding ring on the court. The norm is wedding rings only. I've seen lower level guys wearing a watch and the first thing I'll ask them when I see them is, "What time is it?"

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