Taped flags - Page 2

ref18 · #16 (**permalink**) Tue Oct 21, 2003, 02:36pm

At our assoiciation meeting last night, we were told, as FBullock said, not to alter our flags in any way. By altering the flag from the way it is designed, it does create extra liability on the officials part, and I believe someone (not in my association) is facing a lawsuit for an incident that occured with an altered flag. They've even changed the design from a metal washer weight, to a bag of sand, and the bag of sand does a horrible job weighting the flag down, but with the world we live in today what choice do we have.

TXMike · #17 (**permalink**) Tue Oct 21, 2003, 02:44pm

Until someone can specifically identify where this alleged "altered flag" lawsuit is pending and provide specific details, I would submit it is ludicrous to believe putting a few strips of tape around the ball/sand or whatever makes it any more dangerous than it already is. If you are stupid enough to be using a flag with any sort of metal in it, seems to me you are in a much worse position than I. I do not doubt there might be a lawsuit pending if the alteration consisted of removing the ball or sand and replacing with a lead weight. But not the mere taping of the end of the flag.

ref18 · #18 (**permalink**) Tue Oct 21, 2003, 06:36pm

Just to let you know, until recently, our flags were manufactured with metal weights.

tempestos · #19 (**permalink**) Tue Oct 21, 2003, 11:57pm

The liability point may be relevant, however farfetched. I can see a very odd situation where a piece of the tape was loose and you you throw a flag that hits a player at or near the eye (like Orlando Brown in the NFL). If there is a loose piece of tape on the flag ball, then there would be a liability argument that you altered the flag from the original specs and that alteration caused the injury when the loose piece of tape scratched/cut the eye. I know this would likely never happen, but no one thought the Orlando Brown thing would ever happen. We lawyers think of these possibilities when analyzing potential liability.

Also, as "stevegarbs" pointed out, it is curious that I can't find any manufacturer or reseller that sells flags with a white ball on it. If it is prevalent, you would think there would be a market for such an item.

cowbyfan1 · #20 (**permalink**) Wed Oct 22, 2003, 03:03am

I would also asy the white tape is good as if the flag gets muddy, especially in the ball area, washing them gets it all clean but the ball area. Replacing/recovering white tape makes it continue to look good.

I have always put my flag in the front belt of my knickers or shorts. I have a second one in my front pocket for a possible second flag.

I use 3 bean bags tho if I am LJ on 4 man or back judge on 5 man. If crew uses white, I will use a blue bag for end of kick and white for first touching/fumbles. I keep one of each color in my belt and one in my pocket opposite of my second flag.

William C · #21 (**permalink**) Wed Oct 22, 2003, 08:30am

Our association in NC requires us to wear our flag in the back pocket. Don't ask me why. I have worn it in the front -- but we were all told we could not do that anymore. It does make it a lot easier - plus if we reach and change our minds - the whole world doesn't see it.
I really wish we could wear it in the front.

TXMike · #22 (**permalink**) Wed Oct 22, 2003, 08:37am

What is the penalty for refusing to put it in the rear pocket? I understand the need to have some degree of uniformity in our appearance but that seems to be stretching it.

William C · #23 (**permalink**) Wed Oct 22, 2003, 08:49am

The 'penalty"? Probably none - per se --- but the repurcussions would not be good.
It's not that big a deal to us -- and our assoc. is open to suggestions -- but once a policy is in place - it's policy and we do it that way --- until it's changed again.
The penalty ? No one knows - because no one wants to find out.
We have had a few guys that did things 'their way' -- and were against the way we do them -- and it's funny --those guys didn't come back .

ABoselli · #24 (**permalink**) Wed Oct 22, 2003, 10:03am

I've never had it in my pocket. I don't even like to keep a second one there. Seems like the only times I need two are for youth games.

If you're a wing official, the sidelines are always looing at your back and they'll definitely see the wheels turning in your head if you put your hand back there and then don't pull the trigger.

To me, it's just like a finger whistle vs. a lanyard. I have given myself a moment to process everything and no one is the wiser.