Carrying Multiple Flags

[ajmc]

Don't have an argument with any of your concerns, but I think this is largely a matter of personal preference about two methods that are simply different.

I don't think either method rises so far above the other, to render the other method as "silly", and in the grand scheme of things where flags are kept doesn't really matter all that much. If there is a consensus, or preference, in your area then by all means joining the consensus makes perfect sense.

It seems sometimes, the beneficial objective of "consistency" is allowed to seep far beyond what it was ever intended to achieve.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by ajmc

Don't have an argument with any of your concerns, but I think this is largely a matter of personal preference about two methods that are simply different.

It is not just a matter of personal preference. You do not see officials where I live even putting a flag other than their belt. If they do, they are quickly told to do otherwise. And I belong to an association with many Big Ten officials, and it is clear they are not given that "personal preference" to put a flag in their back pocket. And they tell you about it when we review tape of officials from the SEC or ACC that tend to put flags in their back pocket. Just like they make comments about how the SEC at least used to be on the field at the wing positions.

Originally Posted by ajmc

I don't think either method rises so far above the other, to render the other method as "silly", and in the grand scheme of things where flags are kept doesn't really matter all that much. If there is a consensus, or preference, in your area then by all means joining the consensus makes perfect sense.

It seems sometimes, the beneficial objective of "consistency" is allowed to seep far beyond what it was ever intended to achieve.

I would disagree with that, but that is my opinion. If that is acceptable where you live, you have to do what gets you buy. But if you moved to other places, you might not have a choice or you will get marked down for using that flag mechanic. This is a little more than what I personally what I want to do. I feel this is the right way because I have seen both ways and the good and bad of both.

Peace

[ajmc]

I'm afraid we've absolutely beaten this horse to death. I think it's great that all the officials in your area, including those in the Big-10, have agreed on where to store your flags and I'm not surprised that you have chosen to "go with the flow", or believe your way is the "right way". Few sane people do things they believe is the "wrong way" deliberately.

I have worked in 3 States and 4 Associations, in which many officials agree with your concerns, and still others keep their flags in their back pockets. Other than simple banter, the issue has never been a problem. There have been no edicts, no declarations, no penalties imposed and no discernable degradation of the quality of officiating related to where flags are stored.

If asked by a supervisor to change where I kept my flags, I likely would because it's just not that important, but I would probably think less of the supervisor for being so petty and intrusive.

[JRutledge]

Whether you like it or not or I like it or not, supervisors, assignors and associations can be the gate keepers of our officiating opportunities. I did not just go with the flow just to do so. I was told what to do and if I wanted to continue working the things I like working, I had to do it or not work. And yes things like flags, mechanics and emphasis on certain rules and application of certain rules are all things you can be told how work or you do not work. This is one of those things that might not make or break you, but if you are evaluated with another person who is doing everything right and you are deciding to use a personal preference, then they might not pick you. I also do not expect you to change and it really matters little to me if you agree. We are just talking here and life will go on no matter what you do. But I do feel that putting a flag in your back pocket does not look as professional and also can be a problem when going through the process of calling and not calling a foul.

Peace

[Forksref]

I don't care if it's in the front or back, I just think it looks sloppy to see it hanging out of a pocket.

And being in the pocket is not going to make any difference with coaches. If they see my hand reach, they see my hand reach. I do not officiate according to what I anticipate coaches are going to say. I am a stronger official than that.

I used to keep it DEEP in my back pocket. (Now I have the ball in the front and a second flag in my front pocket out of sight.) "Coach, see where I keep my flag? That means when I take it out, I really mean it!" I used to love using that line.

As far as local associations go, our association has agreed to look sharp out there.