Carrying Multiple Flags

[wwcfoa43]

In Canada, it is against accepted mechanics to carry more than one flag. Recently, we had a situation where an official threw his flag for a hold and then had a bad late hit out of bounds. The players of the non-offending team for the late hit saw no flag thrown (since the official did not have one) and so ended up being called for Objectional Conduct (your USC).

While the players actions are no excused, the use of a second flag in this instance would have communicated that the late hit was penalized and so the further fouls would not have occurred.

So my question is what is the prevailing opinion on carrying more than one flag south of the border?

[Warrenkicker]

I think you will find that most carry two. However even if only one is carried then an act of throwing something, bean bag or hat, must be done to indicate that a second foul has occurred.

[FredFan7]

It is a standard and accepted practice to carry two flags. It is the official's option on where to carry the flags--at least the places where I've officiated. It is HIGHLY recommended that you stuff the second flag DEEP in your pocket so you don't look like some flag-happy gunslinger.

In the past, before carrying two flags was common, I've seen officials toss a hat for the second foul. Tossing a hat is more demonstrative than a beanbag, especially if you have a BIG second foul to call (like a late hit, etc.).

[MJT]

Maybe our northern friends will change their mechanics thinking if more plays like that occur. I carry two. They are the white ball flags and I carry them on my sides and they cannot be seen at all, but are very easily accessable.

[FTVMartin]

I carry a white ball flag in my belt (right front) I keep a second flag tucked inside my back pocket. Almost never need it but it's nice to have if you do need it.

[ODJ]

I have seen some wear one flag tucked in just above the belt buckle. Curiously, they were all happy to see me.

[Rich]

Originally Posted by MJT

Maybe our northern friends will change their mechanics thinking if more plays like that occur. I carry two. They are the white ball flags and I carry them on my sides and they cannot be seen at all, but are very easily accessable.

It will be a cold day in hell before I put white tape on a flag. I'm a referee, there's no need to hide the fact I have and carry a flag.

That said, I do carry two flags - one in the belt and one buried deep in the back pocket. That back pocket one comes out about once every two years.

[tjones1]

Originally Posted by RichMSN

It will be a cold day in hell before I put white tape on a flag. I'm a referee, there's no need to hide the fact I have and carry a flag.

That said, I do carry two flags - one in the belt and one buried deep in the back pocket. That back pocket one comes out about once every two years.

No white tape for me either and I can't see myself going that route. I, too, carry one in my belt and the other in my back pocket.

Your situation would certainly make sense for them to allow a second flag or clarify a secondary mechanic (i.e. hat, bean bag, etc) for another penalty.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by RichMSN

It will be a cold day in hell before I put white tape on a flag. I'm a referee, there's no need to hide the fact I have and carry a flag.

That said, I do carry two flags - one in the belt and one buried deep in the back pocket. That back pocket one comes out about once every two years.

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

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

[Mike L]

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.