Countdown Timer
 

My countdown timer finally bit the dirt and I need a new one. The one that just went out on me was a great pocket one with vibrating mode...boy I loved that feature:rolleyes: !!! Anyway the price on it has jumped to $45. Don't want to spend that kind of cash if possible.

I've seen some indicators with the timers built in. Where can you get those, or any other ideas.

If you look back in old threads, you will see this topic has also been discussed before. However, I use a $12.00 watch with a timer function. It is strapped to the right temple guard of my mask, and is only on there when games are timed. College and varsity HS it is no where to be seen.

In our area, mostly everyone uses Kitchen timers clipped on the fence. In fact, usually, whoever goes on the field first sets up theirs and it stays for the whole tourney day.

I've used kitchen timers and the Eagle Timer. If what you are looking for is really a pocket timer that vibrates then you might want to check this out for $12.95.

http://lucidsage.com/prd_personal_alarm.html

I did a Google search "count down timer vibrate" and got several options. Good luck.

I believe Honig's used to sell an indicator that had either a timer or a clock on it. I don't see it on their website anymore, but it may still be around.

It's model# K45C, but doesnt show in the Honigs listings, or come up on the search. They do have one with a retractable plate brush! (dumb idea)

It does show up on the UK Honigs page.

I have one (mrs has one also) and they are nice for timed games. The functions are; countdown timer, stop watch, and 2 time zones with alarm.

http://www.honigs-europe.com/detail....ub=38&Item=386

I bought a small (womens or childs) wrist watch with a countdown timer I cut off the straps and used velcro to put it on the back of my indicator.
Works great to both countdown on timed games or even use as a clock to know what time it is without bringing out a watch.

Thanks for the input! Can't imagine wearing a timer on my mask though!!

Here's what I have used in the past, it's really good just not sure it's $45 good! Price doubled over the last year. http://www.epill.com/count.html

I sent an e-mail to Honigs to see if they have that one in the US.

Thanks again

I've emailed Honig's, asking them what happened to this product. Let's see what they say.

Why not? No one notices it. You wouldn't even notice it was there. But, as with so many things, it is just a matter of personal preference.

I'll second Wade on this one. Kitchen timer on fence; count up, count down, time of day, and it beeps. Coaches can look at it when they change sides. Those of us with hi freq hearing loss won't hear it, but all those younger ears along the fence will let you know.

$8 at your local discount store.

WMB

The only down side, you cant shave off a few minutes like those who hide the clock in their pocket do... (well its much tougher!)

Other than that, great. Preset the time limit.. press the memory button and you are off.. also uses 1AA battery, no weird batteries.

Oh, mine did not hold up well in the rain.. it did recover, but failed during the rain, luckily I have a back up digital stop watch that is on my water bottle holder... so was no problem.

I cant see wearing a watch on your mask (someone recommended this, never heard of it before).. if a ball hits that and it shatters into your face or a girls face, you are in a heap of trouble.

The ball can't hit it, the mask protects it. It is on the back side of the temple guard, very well protected. I have taken shots there and it, and I, and the players, are all fine. Now a timer on a fence can easily be hit, shatter into a million pieces that go flying everywhere.

Well, let's see - I have about 40' to 50' of fence behind me up to 6' high where I may hang my 2" x 3" timer. So my timer represents an area of 6 sq inch against a target area of 45,000 to 50,000 sq inches. That is like 0.00012 % of the area. Probability of a 12 sq in softball hitting it? ? ? ? :rolleyes:


Of course, if Murphy is at bat, the timer will get hit every game! :D


WMB

But on the fence it has nothing, other than area, to protect it. On my mask it has the protection of the temple guard, which is like putting a cage around the timer.

Look, I am not trying to sway any of you to do it "my way (read convenient and intelligent :D )," I was just offering up a suggestion to the OP.

Ok enough with the math already! Wizard Math Brain... :D

So far the only time its been hit.. walking to a game.. I hear "HEADSSSS!" .. instinctively put my hand over my dome, the ball hits my hand, which had my timer in it, which fell to the ground shattering...

Is there a "Murphy" somewhere in your name?

I think so.. I been saying it, I'm gonna be the John Olerud of umpiring if it keeps up. I'm gonna wear a helmet.

I've seen timers on the fence hit and broken. My daughter fouled one off into such a timer last July, but I think she only broke the clip (i.e. the timer still functioned) It wasn't the first I've seen that happen to.

BTW, the softball isn't 12 sq inches. The surface area would be 45.84 square inches for a 12 linear inch diameter ball. The cross section would be 11.46 square inches (which is a lot closer to 12 inches than I thought it would be before I did the math).

Ok math lesson is getting crazy here, but since the is only 1 area of the ball coming at the timer (back side will never hit it only profile of the ball) then we really have about 18 sq inches coming at it....2*pie*r but some of that profile is reduced due to the sperical nature of the ball the outer edge of the ball could not contact the timer as the front edge will hit the fence thus keeping the edge away from the timer. So we need to know the distance that the timer is held away from the fence so we can calculate the actual square inches of ball that could contact the timer.....ok I give up. Use the timer hang it on the fence in line with the front right (toward plate) and back left of the right handed batters box extended to the fence. Have the offiical score keeper write down the start time as a back up, use the same watch...or cell phone, which I like better as most of their times are derived from the cell company, or a sync with a computer, so they are a lot harder to modify depending on your teams status when time is close. make sure everyone knows the start time (as a back up only).

I can guaran-frickin-tee you that if any of you come work games in Seattle, you'd better leave your kitchen timers in the kitchen, and not have them clipped to the backstop. If we've got a time limit (and we typically do), we tell the coaches that they can start their own clock with the first pitch, but our watch is official. Tell the coaches about an inning before time's about to expire that "this'll probably be the last inning" and there's no problem.

I've got two timers that I've removed from the back side of fences from umpires in tournaments I've UIC'd. (and I'm pretty sure bkbjones has some too for the same thing). If any of you need a new one, let me know, I'll send one to you. Just don't bring it back.

Another reason I don't like the kitchen time thing. Appearance.

We are instructed to not wear a watch on the field. I can't imagine there being an exception for wearing it on my mask instead of my wrist... ;)

We have one park here that has scoreboards with game timers. When I've umpired on those fields, we inform the scorekeeper when to start the timer, and after that, it is up there for all to see. It works well, and has not been a problem. Sure, it MAY from time to time have an extra inning played over what would happen with a shaved timer in the pocket. Big deal. If the game is going to have an official timer, what is the problem with making it visible for all to see? Seems to work for any other timed sport.

I don't understand the objection to a timer on the backstop. Although I've never done that, it does not seem to be a big appearance issue (it's on the fence fer cryin' out loud - along with bat bags, helmet bags, lineup boards, and water bottles...) The Seattle approach to this seem highly anal, to me.

As to the math... if you want to really be precise, you need to include in your calulations the curvature of the ball and the thickness of the timer to determine how close the ball can be to the timer before it actually hits it. Talking about anal....

Yes, I have three kitchen timers I have confiscated off fences.

This was a decision made several years ago by our then Seattle Tacoma UIC and is still our steadfast policy.

Part of the reason is that we are in control of the game. As SRW pointed out, our coaches know that game time starts with the first pitch (unless the home team REALLY dawdles, in which case we simply loudly announce that the clock has started, which usually gets them racing out onto the field). If we have someone in an invitational who is not from our area, we kindly explain to them time starts with the opening pitch and please do not dawdle. We expect the home team to take the field ASAP after the plate meeting.

We usually do not shave time from games, but not saying that hasn't been done. Heck, as often as not a coach who is getting his/her butt handed to them will say something to the effect of "Hey Blue, aren't we done?" in which case we will usually agree with them. With a timer on the fence, you eliminate that option. Often, coaches do want to play the complete game or at least until time expires, but sometimes they do realize enough is enough. However, we are expected to NOT shave time from a game on our own.

We have not encountered a problem with coaches keeping UNOFFICIAL time. About 89% of the folks up here have cell phones, and last I checked they all indicated the time. When we have the official timepiece in a pocket or otherwise on our person, we have more complete control of the game. Plus, IMHO, there is nothing more annoying than that timer beeping back there on the fence -- usually starting about mid-pitch and throwing everything off kilter. Umpire has to call time, go back and stop the beeping, yada yada.

If it is your chapter's/TD/UIC opinion that you have a timer on the fence, then by all means use a timer on the fence. Just don't bring one to Seattle Tacoma, k? Otherwise, it clutters up my trunk and have to find that damned beeping timer when I throw something in there and it hits a button.:D

No one ever sees it. I have had partners ask me if I have something to keep time with all the time. I will raise my mask so they can see it, and they will look at me puzzled. I will indicate or say something about the right temple guard, and they will go "okay."

Everything is black. The watch, the facemask, the strap that ties it on.

Even on fields equipped like that, I still like to keep time. At least three times in the past I have started my watch with the scorekeeper, only to find that after the first inning I am two or so many ahead of the "official" time. I will walk back there and find out if they have turned the clock off, only to get the reply, to the effect that, "yes, I have turned it off every half inning." D'oh. I will give them quick instruction and play from there.

I also keep the time on those fields. There have been issues (power failure, scoreboard glitch, etc.).

Even on other fields, I use a countdown timer that I keep in my extra ball bag (I've started wearing two) AND keep a watch with a countdown timer as a backup in my pocket. I have had my main countdown timer hit by foul balls. Usually, it causes no damage. I has stopped the timer once, and it has shattered the timer once. So, I keep a backup.

I'm so anal that in cold weather, all four cheeks get cold. Yes, we are anal. That's one reason why WA State is the home of the Bat Testing Lab.

We welcome all ASA umpires. Just leave that kitchen timer in the kitchen when you come visit. :)

Ive seen some areas use em and some areas they dont... no big deal. Thats the policy of your area. I'm not sure who these people are that allow you to "confiscate" their stuff, or who you think you are to take peoples stuff, but that is weak of them. Must be a WA thing.

I am sure it is more a case of the UIC removing the offending object from the game, and the umpire to which it belongs simply forgetting to pick it up after the game. "Confiscate" is probably a little harsh.

In one case, the timer was removed from the backside of the backstop, through the fence. The other case was the umpire's partner, disgusted about it being there, removed it off the fence inbetween innings and handed it to me at the dugout opening.

In both cases, I told the umpires that I had the timers, and was being directed to remove them from the fences on the tournaments I was the UIC for. I also told them that the timers were not allowed per the then-Seattle Metro UIC's policy, and reminded them of the general membership meeting where the policy was put into effect. I then explained to them that if they wanted to get the timers back, they needed to explain to the UIC why they so blatantly disregarded his policy, and if he told me to give the timers back, I would.

None ever talked to him about it. And I've never had any more problem with them putting timers up there, or anyone else for that matter.

Personally, I don't see the issue.

What is the problem with displaying the time? I've seen clocks at a national on the scoreboard and where are the controls? Hanging on the backstop!

I've also UICed regional and NQs where the clock was not available. Nothing, but whining when a team's clock did not coincide with the umpire's watch "hidden" (as it was put to me) in the umpire's pocket. I spent more time discussing the integrity of the umpires than the calls on the field, all because of the clocks. Personally, I have no problem defending the umpires on this issue, but I don't understand why you would go out of your way to insure the "official" time is not available when it could be.

One very good reason: because the then Seattle Tacoma UIC said so. :)

Its not inherently more professional to be digging around in your pocket for your watch or looking at your cell phone often towards the end of the game.

I do know some areas do not use timers.

That does not mean there is nothing wrong with them.

They are there, you cant shave minutes, they beep when they go off, coaches can check the time for themselves.

If an area told me not to use one in a tourney, I simply wouldnt. I have a back up timer on keep on my Water Bottle holder. No big deal.

Personally, I don't buy any of the reasons stated for not allowing them, other than the somewhat irrational "'cause he said 'no.'"

Amongst everything else hanging from the chain link, they are not a clutter problem.

The objection that the umpire is the official time doesn't wash, either, since it is apparently based on the assumption that the umpire needs to have the authority to shave the time.

And, besides, the umpire can still keep his "official time" in his pocket and the timer on the fence is unofficial and for information only (like football officials keep the official time even though the scoreboard displays the time).

Of course, this is not an issue worth kicking against. If the UIC doesn't want them, don't use them.

I keep a countdown timer that beeps in my second ball bag. It will let me know when it expires, but it is only loud enough for me to hear, and perhaps the catcher, with all the noise at the typical ball game.

Um.
Cell phone with you on the field?

Why?

Got a long distance call to make from behind the shortstop?

No, he needs it to check the video replay of that on single call that cost the team the game;)

I have the solution for all the timer issues. Let's make all tournaments 5 innings long, period. :D

Dunno, I use a kitchen timer.. thats what you see when you dont allow timers or with people that done use them.. watches and cell phones being pulled out from crevices.

I guess people think that looks better. Me, I just put the timer on the fence and announce to the score keeper when I start it.

Dang... don't get me started.

Members of the SC Legislature have decided to introduce a bill requiring instant replay during playoffs in High School League Football and Basketball.

Why? Because in last week's AAAA Boy's Basketball Championship game, a player (whose team was one point down at the time) slung a basketball from beside the lane on the other end of the court. It went around the rim once before falling in. From watching (and listening to the video), the ball has just left the player's hands when the final horn sounds. However, the three officials quickly conferenced, one of them signalled no good (too late) and nearly ran off the court [can't say that I blame them.]

Now don't get me wrong; this team got shafted. But the overraction from the legislators is a wonder to behold. Except it isn't. It's just par for the course these days.

Me irrational? I'm gonna tell my shrink on you. :eek:

I believe I have already stated that we do NOT stand for umpires to shave time. If it's an 80 minutes no new innings and the game is not complete before that time, you are expected to go at least 80 minutes.

And, I think I've already said that if your association uses a kitchen timer, alarm clock, the old Longines clock from Yankee Stadium or Big Ben, I certainly have no problem with that.

We also discourage our umpires from "digging around in their pockets" for their timepiece, especially when you know damned good and well it's not 1:20 yet. A glance at it between innings when you've got a minute and standing on the foul line or getting a drink should suffice. We have more important things to do when standing behind the catcher than dig around for a timepiece.

Plus, if you have that much crap in your pocket that you can't easily retrieve your timepiece, you have too much crap in your pocket.

This is NOT meant to be critical of associations or individual umpires who use kitchen timers or other timepieces. A kitchen timer on the fence is no more irrational than my 15 year old watch with a stopwatch function in my otherwise-empty front right pocket. I understand their function and actually agree that it's a good way to do it. Besides, my wife doesn't have to wonder what happened to her kitchen timer on the side of the fridge.

it's just not the way we do things here, and by God if my UIC says don't do it, I'm not going to do it. (Besides, he carries a much bigger gun than I.) By all means, do what your association expects you to do.

Either that or you are wearing those $#%#$%^& Official ASA britches with the #$@#$%$#%& Western cut pockets... :rolleyes:

From what I can gather from viewing the really poor video and reading the BB board and looking at the still frames from the video, I do not believe your conclusion can be supported as anything other than an opinion. Of course, being from upstate, your opinion may be somewhat biased! ;)

Still frames that have been posted (reported to be every frame, that is every 1/30 of a second) show

--- ball in the players hands, scoreboard lights not lit
--- ball out of the players hands, scoreboard lights lit

So, all that tells us is that sometime in the intervening 1/30 of a second, the time expired and the shot was away. It does NOT say which happened first.

One ref on the court waved the shot off BEFORE the refs conferred.

Also, NFHS rules (so I've been told - I'm not a BB ref) go by the horn only and not by the scoreboard light, so in a sense, the still frames are irrelevant. As bad as that video is, I don't see how anyone could overrule the on-the-court ruling from the video.

There were 1.7 seconds on the clock at the time of the missed free-throw. That is 51 video frames if the scorekeeper started the clock at exactly the correct time in the game action. From the time the Spartanburg player touched the ball after the missed free throw until his hands were back making the shot (ball still in his hands) was 56 frames - meaning time should have expired 5 frames earlier.

Not trying to re-start the discussion from the BB board over here (where we are, at best, mostly fans, not officials of BB --- if that), but I don't think you can say Spartanburg "got shafted." They were on the losing end of a tough call. I would guess they had ample opportunities earlier in the game to actually win it.

And how much money will the appropriate to support this ruling? There is the equipment and maintenance, personnel to operate the cameras, technicians to monitor and troubleshoot, electricians and advisors. Mama Gump must have been from SC where stupid is as stupid does.

No, they didn't. Any team which relies on final play of a game to secure a win did not play well enough to deserve it more than their opponent.They are competing with the US Congress to see who can waste more time and money trying to control things beyond their scope instead of doing the job we elected them to do. These guys should go fly a kite, but if it is the Stars & Bars, they better be sure it doesn't wonder over the capitol or the NCAA will have them in front of some simple-a$$ committee in DC.:mad:

I don't want to drag this out, but my "got shafted" comment comes from viewing the local news feeds where the ball definitely appeared to be out of the hands before the horn sounded. (On the other hand, it appears that in the time frame in question, the speed of sound is quite relevant.)

I don't normally frequent the BB board. I did after I posted this out of curiosity, which took me to the Spartanburg paper's web site. Looking at that, I see what you see, that it isn't quite possible to tell if the ball was out of the hands before the light on the backboard came on. I'd love that sequence at a right angle to the shot's path, with the backboard light included.

I agree that a team has little right to complain if they let the score get that close. And if the shot was late, then it shouldn't be counted just because it was an outstanding shot.

My main point is that regardless of the quality or accuracy of the officiating, having it become a legislative issue is hogwash.

I agree, none of the legislature's business.

Even if replay had been in place for this shot, it is highly unlikely to have changed the call on the court, for two reasons:

1) It was exceedingly close, and therefore the on-court call cannot be reversed due to the lack of "indisputable video evidence"

2) The video review would probably also show that the clock operator was about 1 step (of the player) late in starting the clock.

Of course, all this depends on how the replay rule would be written.

Regardless, I agree the legislature is just grandstanding for the folks back home (especially those back home in Spartanburg).

It is entertaining to read some of the comments posted to the various local papers running the story... especially those that claim the result was "clearly" this or that based on the video (or even more humorously, based on seeing it in person - from the stands!).

As opposed to our UIC here in Phoenix - who requires a timer to be available and hung on the fence for all to see.

Does he supply them???

Sure... they're shipped in from Seattle.

That's exactly what I thought to myself after I posted the previous post. :eek:

That's not a bad idea...;)

No more so than he supplies any other required equipment - like the uniform shirt, pants, caps, shoes, etc.....

Phoenix ASA uniform

(SRW - if you want to ship a few down here, it would save me a few bucks) :D

Features & Specifications
When the pie is in the oven and the game is 1 hour and 40 minutes, and each has a different cooking time, turn to the Taylor Weekend Warrior Two-Event Digital Kitchen Timer, which helps you monitor the cooking length of two different items. Two independent timers count separately and simultaneously up to or down from 23 hours, 59 minutes 59 seconds. The second timer display may be switched to a clock display, and back again, while the second timer continues to run.

• Easy-to-read backlit 1" LCD screen
• Times two events simultaneously
• Water-resistant

Customer Product Reviews:
The timer works great but has some drawbacks. The magnets aren't strong enough to hold it to the fence in vertical position. The five minute warning is a little annoying, and can distract batters. ... But having two timers is a nice feature and the clock is a nice feature as well. Might want to note that this product is on the Seattle Metro ASA Banned Equipment List.


:D

Hung on fence or what? Kept in pocket? Worn on temple guard of mask? All we do know is that he doesn't want it on the wrist or belt, but then again, who does?!?!

First time I've seen the 4-stich hat as illegal...

No "shave 2 mins" button?

No. I dont....


and trust me...it works well, no problems....


It definitely wasnt my idea originally, but I like it

Okay Darrell, please address my last post.

Maybe the Sea-Tac UIC is a soccer fan? The referee is the only person that sees the clock in commie kickball...

Oooooooohhhhh...if you only knew how mean that was. We are in the midst of losing our best softball complex at Fort Dent to commie kickball.

Working tournaments across the country I've had UIC's that wanted a timer on the fence and have had other UIC's wanting you to keep the timer off the fence. Bottom line: Humor the UIC's demands.;)

How about this one? :D

http://geektechnique.org/images/190.jpg

I particularly like the "annoying" setting... :D

Now THAT we could probably hang on the fence...especially if we had leads going from the box to each coach (and perhaps to GLMs for a different purpose).:eek: :D :D

I like that! A yapper for each dugout.:D

That particular website has a misprint. There is no "or". The timer is to be put on the fence...