REFEREE September Issue
 

Can anyone explain why they would publish a picture of an umpire, with his whistle in his mouth during the down, on the cover of the magazine?

As a U, I stick my whistle in my mouth prior to the snap, in case there's movement on the O-line or movement by the snapper with the ball. But I drop it at the snap and I don't blow it a handful of times during an entire game. Has something changed I don't know about? :confused:

It looks like he's just springing into action for a passing down. The snap probably just happened. Its quite possible he spit it out moments later.

I agree. In the games I've Ued, I always spit the whistle after the snap.

Although I'm not a U, some guys are like me and are cronic whistle in the mouth guys. I guess its the comfort level from working basketball.

Well considering that this is a long time D1 umpire and he worked the National Championship game, I am going to guess he likely knows what he is doing better than anyone here.

BTW, the official in the picture is a basketball official and a damn good one as well.

Peace

I really liked the pictures in the Montana story. They umpire is using a stripped and colored towel. And on the deep pass play, the wing guy is wearing an adjustable hat. In another picture, not sure which one, you can see the guys stripes through his pants.

Call the fashion police!!