For all the years officiating football my watch has gone on my left wrist and the index finger of my right hand has started and stopped it. I am left handed.

In checking my equipment I tried the watch on my right wrist using my left index finger to start and stop and it felt more natural.

Any comments?

Ed, that is up to you.
 

Are you left handed?

Are you right handed?

Are you ambidextrous?

This question is like asking is a NBA noose better than a finger whistle. You can use which ever method that makes sense to you. If it works for you, that is all that matters. I am right handed and I would feel funny trying to start and stop my watch with my left hand. But then again, I can play video games or type easily with my left. So I guess it is just a matter of habit and custom
for me.

Peace

I'm right handed, and haven't worn a watch in years. Had to go buy one for officiating this fall, and wear it on the left wrist.

But in addition to all the stuff I picked up and posted in the "Sequence of mechanics" thread, if I had to start and stop my watch, too, I think my head would explode! I'm sure I'll get it eventually, but that's just one more thing to do. When I do, I'm sure I'll try right index finger stop and start.

Stick to what you have done in the past. You'll find yourself reaching for the button and it won't be there because it's on the other hand. I carry my flag and bean bag in the front. Bag on right and flag on left. My habit was to throw flag with the left hand and bag with the right. I am sort of both handed but favor my right hand. Well I had the bright idea that since the flag was used more that it made more sense to put it on my right side. Wrong choice. First game last year fumble on the play and out flies the flag. Forgot that I had swithced sides. Had to explain that it was meant to be the bean bag.

I agree with the others. Whatever is most comfortable for you. I wear the watch on the left wrist because I am used to it and because of the design, it is really better suited for the left wrist.
Also I put my flag and beanbag in my waistband in front with the flag on the right. I am right handed and it is more important (to me anyways) to be more accurate with the throw of my flag then it is with my beanbag. Others may not agree with that because it is habit the other way or to put them in their pockets.

I'm a lefty, and I've always worn my watch on my right wrist.

Of course, with button design being what it is, do whatever lets you get the best "aim" at the start/stop buttons. And, if you should switch sides, you may want to time a few pre-season televised games for practice, just to get used to reaching for the 'wrong' wrist.

It's personal preference, if it ain't broke don't fix it.

Which arm do you wear your down-indicator on?

Bushref,

It depends on the position you work. If you are the BJ you are responsible for the timing of the 25 seconds and the timeouts. If you are the referee you need to syncronize times with the coaches. Some other positions may not need watches, but it is a good idea for everyone to have one for all possible instances.

Yeah, I'm with SoGARef. I don't usually wear a watch and when I do it's one that wouldn't be any good for timing a game so I went out and got a Timex Ironman that is kept in with all my other game stuff and I consider part of my uniform.

Heck, I don't usually carry a yellow hankie but it just might come in handy when I'm wearing those black and white stripes.

-SW---