(Part 2) Top products from r/Referees

For those of us who have an offseason - either because weather demands it or because you just choose to work harder in some seasons than others - having a training plan is both critical and awesome. Like many, I mostly referee in the Fall and Spring HS/College seasons, with an occasional youth game outside of that - being in shape for 3-5 games/week is very different than a Saturday or Sunday game. (I do other things, like ski, and adjust accordingly, but this is a basic plan.)

My goal is to continually improve my running endurance and overall fitness without overdoing it and causing injury, plus enjoying what I do.

My plan looks like this:

--3days/week running - every run is challenging in some way. I follow the Train Smart, Run Forever plans (https://www.amazon.com/Runners-World-Train-Smart-Forever/dp/1623367468) - one interval, one tempo, one long - but you can choose something else, as long as they are real work. It's enough to really improve your cardio fitness without reaching injury thresholds.

--2-3 days/week strength training - I tend to avoid significant strength training on my lower body during heavy soccer season - it just creates too much strain and exhaustion. I'm able to more balance that training during the offseason. I always have two days: I sometimes add a third depending on schedule.

--1-2 days/week cross-training. I use a stationary bike - I do this quickly, like a 20min HIIT ride - I enjoy it in small doses. If I have a game that week, I'll generally swap this out.

--1 day rest. (Some of the bike/weight days are the same.)

I'll sometimes mix things up with a group training session of some kind, etc., but this is the basic plan. I love it.

This one is my favorite because it's got big clear numerals. It's not giant overall, just really easy to read. And it's got a comfortable band.

I've switched to black bamboo - after dozens of uses they still don't stink :)

Here's the last set I bought: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00E87TF0C/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00

They fit well, wick great, and wear better than the cotton & polyester ones I used to wear - none have worn out.

Personally I use pencils with a clip top very similar to the ones found on this link. Might be something to look into? I would thoroughly recommend them.

https://www.amazon.com/Faultless-Pencil-Clips-Quantity-DCLIPS/dp/B00N3HKL7E

Just to start, let's talk whistles. My NFHS (American high school) season is just starting, and I have a new whistle I'm going to try out.

Fox is, of course, the standard in refereeing. I have two trusty Fox 40 backups in my bag at all times - one on a wrist lanyard, and one fingertip version.

But the new one I'm going to try is the Fox Sharx:

http://www.amazon.com/Fox-40-Sharx-Whistle-Lanyard/dp/B0034IUTU6/ref=pd_sim_sg_4

Anyone have any experience with this one? I'll probably use it with my wrist lanyard...

I really like these

If you want to do PRO games you need:
Tag Heuer
Polar V800

Just kidding any watch with a stopwatch function is fine

I bought the acme tornado because it looks cool. It also has a unique sound.

www.amazon.com/dp/B005UGMKFM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_o7CNBbWXRFMCA

I use this 2 in 1 ball pump and gauge. It gets the job done for me and is $20. I can’t say much for this electronic pump, but have seen some people I’ve worked with use it without a problem and it only costs $22

https://www.amazon.com/Casio-AE-1300WH-4AV-Referee-Timer-Watch/dp/B00JQ2QY1W/ref=sr_1_1?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1467149115&sr=1-1&nodeID=7141123011&keywords=casio+referee+timer

This is pretty much the same watch as the RFT-100 but without the vibrate function and a smaller display. Comes in different colours too, red, blue, black, yellow...

Also, much cheaper.

Law Five


Amazon 4 Colors for $80

I use luggage cubes. A medium one will hold 4-5 jerseys folded: https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Piece-Packing-Travel-Organizer/dp/B014VBHEFW One bag for USSF short sleeve, one bag for USSF long sleeve, one bag for NISOA new, one bag for NISOA old.

I've also seen other officials use a gallon zip loc with a jersey and dryer sheet in it.