I guess I'm the weird one. I only carry one flag. In 12 years I have yet to have a need for a second flag. That said, I know I've whammied myself for this season. I do carry 2 bean bags though.

You do not have to put tape on them, just buy the flags with the white tip or weighted part. :D

Before that I would tape the flags only because I did not want people to easily see when I reached for the flag. Since doing so I have not seen one person every say that you were about to throw a flag and decided not to. It is just one less thing for them to complain about.

Peace

I personally don't see the need for a taped or white balled flag in the first place. Everyone knows we carry them so why go to extra measures to hid it?

As for the reaching aspect, if someone saw me reach and then didn't throw and said something about it, I would respond with "I thought about it more and it wasn't a foul" or something like that. I know some people raise heck about seeing an official reach, or even pull and put away, but I really don't see what the big deal is.

Absolutely 2 flags. One in the belt and the other deep in a pocket.

I'm with Jim D about two beanbags, I work exactly the same beanbag mechanics as he described - taking out the 2nd one from a pocket when I cover kicks. Having it in my hand forces me to remember when I need to use it.

I carry two bags as a referee.

At least once a season one of my guys loses one on a poorly lit or snow covered field and I can help out. I usually keep it in a place where it doesn't get in the way.

Of course, last season I was about 8 minutes before kickoff for a HS playoff game and noticed I didn't have my whistle. Umpire offered me his, but I thought better of it and had game management go to the locker room with directions (and a reminder that the game can't start without the R's whistle :D).

2 flags always, regardless of position. One can be tucked down in front or back pocket. BJ and deep flanks (or LJ in 4 man crew) need 2 bean bags. Classic example: punt where team A illegally touches it (bag it) and then B recovers (bag it).

I have problems with this too. Especially early in the season.

Two flags - second in my back pocket.
Two beanbags - but I don't think I've ever used both on one play.

I'm surprised by how many have written that they would only need a second flag once every x years.

Even just an illegal formation then a facemask on the play would cover it. I don't get to be BJ much, but all other positions seem to have enough possibilities to carry the 2nd.

Isn't your whistle rule number 2? Only preceeded by making sure you zipped your fly? ;)

I'm in the same boat but in basketball. Luckly, I carry a spare in my jacket.

The longer you officiate, the greater the odds you'll forget to address even your Rule #1. Carrying a spare whistle in one of your front pockets won't slow you down much at all.

Rule 1-5-3
 

Says a player cannot wear penalty-marker colored pads or gloves. So does your "white" ball flag make a players white pad, illegal? I know I'm splitting hairs here, but there is a reasonable expectation that officials have penalty markers, the whole "let's cover them up" seems a bit off base. I've seen one sr official have his newbies cover the balls with black tape and then tell them to make the black fit on a black strip on the shirt. Appearance is important, but the goal is to get the call(s) right. Do that enough times and they won't worry about how many flags you carry or if the balls are yellow and showing.

No.

I've never purchased a flag. Thirty-five year ago, when they went from red flags to yellow flags, my wife made me two yellow nylon flags and sewed in a center square with b-b's in it. Wrapped with rubber bands, they've lasted thru the years, but I only carry one at a time, years ago in my back pocket, but in recent years in my belt in front. No white tape, thank you. If I every had a second foul, I would throw my hat; but I just call them one at a time.

REPLY: My former referee related that before the time of gold flags (also before my time), we held our association banquet at a restaurant that made the unfortunate mistake of putting red napkins on the table. Needless to say, they never made that mistake again.

I've never figured the wisdom of covering the ball of the flag with white tape in order to keep the flag from showing. Everybody knows we have them.

I have always gone with two flags, although, my second flag is small and does not have a balled weight. My intention is to have it available for those few occasions when required.

Also carry two bean bags, first one is worn on my belt and the second a small 3 inch by 1 inch bag is kept in the back pocket.

Interesting part is years ago I wore my flag in the back pocket until one day I thought about throwing it, put my hand on it, and then decided no. Of course, a coach saw the action and yelled, "Go ahead and throw it." From that day forward the flag was in the front.

My line judge used to like to wear his two flags in the front with the two balls showing until I stongly suggested putting one out of sight. Of course, there are those who wear two flags one hanging out of each pocket reminding you of the old gunslingers.