What is that on the Ref's hand?

[Tickle_Me_Elmo]

My GF has noticed a bracelet/strap on NFL Ref's hands, and has questioned me many times what it is. Not really knowing, but taking a educated guess, I suggested that it was what they used to keep track of downs, looping it over their fingers. She finds that answer completely absurd, stating, "How hard can it be to count to 4!". Sticking to my answer, I stated that when you have as many things going on that you need to keep track of and pay attention, it's pretty easy to forget (I pitched for 6 years within a MLB system, so I understand how easy it is to lose track of outs, counts and what not).

Then she noticed that she has never seen a Ref throw a flag, she just notices one on the ground. So now this "down counter" as I call it, has now become a Penalty Flag Slingshot, lol.

So I come here today to ask of you all, what is it? I could be wrong, wouldn't surprise me if I was, but I'm guessing it is not a Slingshot



This Photo didn't help my case since the loop is now off of the fingers

[Ref inSoCA]

You're right, it's a Down Counter. Fortunately, most of us have 4 fingers.

[golfnref]

As evidenced by the second photo, your GF is correct, it is indeed a sling-shot.

[Tickle_Me_Elmo]

Originally Posted by golfnref

As evidenced by the second photo, your GF is correct, it is indeed a sling-shot.

Just adding fuel to the fire my friend, fuel to the fire!

[waltjp]

If you watch closely you may see the umpire wearing a strap on each hand. One is used to keep track of the down and the other is used to keep track of the ball position in relation to the hash marks.

[waltjp]

btw - I like Hocculi's Did-you-notice-my-guns holding signal.

[Texas Aggie]

My last game, I had to wear gloves due to the cold. First time working with gloves and the down counter. Next time i may just risk frostbite, as it harder to work with those things than it seems.

[JugglingReferee]

Originally Posted by Texas Aggie

My last game, I had to wear gloves due to the cold. First time working with gloves and the down counter. Next time i may just risk frostbite, as it harder to work with those things than it seems.

Cold? In Texas? C'mon - what was it, 75 degrees F? LOL Come up to Canada to officiate for 2 weeks. We ref in snowsuits and hang out in the igloo at halftime.

[JugglingReferee]

Originally Posted by waltjp

btw - I like Hocculi's Did-you-notice-my-guns holding signal.

Hochuli

[kdf5]

Originally Posted by waltjp

btw - I like Hocculi's Did-you-notice-my-guns holding signal.

Hochuli keeps Scotch tape in his back pocket because he's ripped.

[OverAndBack]

Originally Posted by Tickle_Me_Elmo

She finds that answer completely absurd, stating, "How hard can it be to count to 4!".

Tell her to try it sometime.

This avocation looks really simple from the couch.

[RMR]

Field Judge Doug Rosenbaum - great guy - I had the chance to learn from him a clinic and the man knows his business.

[tjones1]

Originally Posted by Tickle_Me_Elmo

Man, look at Ed... talk about weak! Ha Ha - just kidding.