RefStripes.com
Football Officiating => General Discussion => Topic started by: TexRef2280 on August 29, 2012, 07:57:24 AM
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Subject line is probably confusing....but I am looking for any suggestions of how to keep my flag from inching out as I run down the field on a play. I hate that it looks like I'm constantly tucking the thing in like I was indecisive about throwing it or something. My pants are not too loose, and I have even starting tucking it under my belt and then down into my pants. But still, on a long run, I am having to tuck it in. Any tips from anyone on any piece of wardrobe/equipment that would help with this? or a better way to tuck the flag in?
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Well, the flags with heavy balls tend to do this more then those without heavy balls.
Persdonally, I use the former.
I have found if you wrap a rubber band or 2 around the base of the flag that the rubber from the rubber band rather 'sticks' (or certainly has more friction than the flag itself) to not only your stripe shirt, but also the elastic on your pants waist.
Also wearing it out towards the hip, v near your belt buckle, helps too.
The same is true for your little black book thingie in your shirt pocket. If you put a rubber band around it, it won't come flying out of your pocket.
Another option I've seen is to tuck your flag in, per the norm; but then pull it out a bit & put that what you just pulled out between your belt & your pants. - so your ball is actually hanging down, vs up like otherwise.
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Thanks. I actually do the last thing you mentioned (ball facing down through belt) but I have not tried the rubber band idea, and i most certainly will. Thanks for the tips.
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Nice tip Steve. Office supply cabinet here I come!
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Tuck the flag into your compression shorts. It gives another elastic band to hold it in. Steve's suggestion of it being more toward your hip makes sense too since your hip and your waistline on your pants naturally are pressed together more.
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...plus when I need to 'pull the trigger' of my weapon, I reach for my hip, not my tummy.... ;) ;D
TX guys can relate...
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Easily done if you can sew or even hand stitch.
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...plus when I need to 'pull the trigger' of my weapon, I reach for my hip, not my tummy.... ;) ;D
TX guys can relate...
That all depends upon where one prefers to carry!
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Some of the new black pants have a small pouch like that already on them. I found it a little too small for the flag - respectively, you can't control what part of the flag you are pulling out as well as when the ball is right at your belt, but some officials I know like using the pouch.
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I actually find the pouch a little big, I take it from your comment you are stuffing the whole flag (including ball) into the pouch? I have the ball only sticking out, but have the same problem as the OP with the flag gradually creeping out and having to "re-stuff" it all the time. I'm considering putting a stitch in the pocket to make it a little narrower which I think may help.
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I have found that almost every flag I purchase is always a little to heavy. I open them up and remove some of the weight material and then I'm good to go.
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If you want your flag to be tight, I'd suggest rum.
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I actually find the pouch a little big
Yeah, me too. My pouch is definitely big. yEs: pHiNzuP
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I second the Velcro suggestion. I went to a fabric store and bought some Velcro in a spool, about a half-inch wide. I wrapped a short amount around the taped neck of my flag and sewed it into place, with assistance from some strong glue. Then I sewed about a two-inch target to the inside of my pants. That was the hard part, pushing a needle through the elastic waistband. I've never had a problem with flags sliding out ever since. Except when I buy new pants and don't get around to sewing new Velcro.
By the way, a Velcro tip: Normal Velcro has one side with fabric "loops" and one side with plastic "hooks." The hooks typically face away from the wearer, if you notice how clothes are designed, because they're scratchy. I don't want either my pants or my flag to be scratchy. So I bought a special kind they make, where each side has both hooks and loops interspersed. The hooks aren't as prominent with this kind of Velcro. Now neither the pants nor the flag are likely to catch and damage my shirts or compression shorts.
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I wear a rubber flex belt around the tail of my striped shirt and just under the waist band of my pants. This keeps my shirt tucked in, my pants up, and my flag locked in place. Best solution ever!
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I tuck it in more at the hip as well. It seems to hold there pretty well.
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lol, ok probably should have gone with flag pocket rather than pouch I guess.
I'm taking it that not many of you have the pants with flag pocket at the front? Or do you just choose not to use it?
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I wear a rubber flex belt around the tail of my striped shirt and just under the waist band of my pants. This keeps my shirt tucked in, my pants up, and my flag locked in place. Best solution ever!
This is what I use as well.