Which do you prefer? Personally I find having to push a button to be quite annoying as an AR. You have the flag in one hand, and trying to push a button and run or even jog at the same time is almost impossible. I think I'd prefer a set-up where as a CR I'd use the push button and as AR use the VOX. Thoughts?
I use the midland, and greatly prefer push to talk. Discipline is key to using electronic communication. Idle chatter in the ear distracts from focus. I don't like things strapped to my arm, so I purchased three stretchable waist packs at REI. (They are designed to carry cellphones/keys, but stretch to allow the radios to be worn horizontally at your lower back).
I thought about this as well, and think it would be much more comfortable. But using the Midland ear pieces it looks like they have very short wires and you'd have to splice in some additional wire to make it long enough to run up to your face. I also read some Amazon reviews that mentioned this. Which headsets do you use and did you have any problem with wire length?
I also use the AVP-HP3 headset. More than enough length. I find that putting each headset in a sandwich zip baggie avoids the wires getting entangled. If I weren't so cheap, I'd add a wireless push to talk button to place on the AR flags.
Hey, andymoss. I know I'm late but I just changed bigsoccer. Thanks for all the info. I'm looking to purchase 2 sets of each of those you provided. For the headsets, when you clip the mic where you do, do u have to push it up closer to your mouth to hear it, or do you just talk and leave it where it is? I am just worried that the sound won't be strong enough. Also, do you only use it when you're not moving it or what are the main uses you use it for? Thanks!
Hello. If you can, could you link me to the stretchable waist packs you purchased? I've looked at some but they don't look big enough. Thanks!
I have an issue with this. If you have two attackers both with equal opportunity to play the ball, one being onside, the other offside then you need to wait for involvement. That does not include a defender going to defend one over the other unless the attacker has done something to further influence the play. The defender needs to be worried about the ball not the two onrushing attackers. The defender making a bad decision to choose to defend one over the other when neither is a more immediate threat does not constitute interference with a defender. If this is not what you are saying then my mistake but I hear this all the time when I teach. "I would call the man standing near the goal offside because he could be distracting the keeper" Sorry, the keeper/defender needs to be worried about the guy with the ball, he is the only one that can score. As far as the headsets. I just got mine and I am trying them out in a scrimmage today. I will report back on how things went.
Used the 'bootleg' headsets yesterday and things went well for the most part. I will say the armbands that are being used have their drawbacks. For instance if your fellow referee is a beast like mine yesterday, the strap does not stay well on their tree trunk arm. An alternative, though they are MUCH more expensive are these: http://www.nxeproducts.com/cgi/commerce.cgi?preadd=action&key=EX-SLV-BW . They are great and the pocket can fit almost any sized device. I am going to use the to hold the beeper for my flags or referees with large arms with the headsets. Also I would not advise using this in a big match the first time you use them. It takes some time to get used to the push to talk system and the slight pause you must have before you speak. Other than that we used them effectively. Shame I will not be able to use them in high school games this year as my state association has said they are not allowed.
I use the same sets Andy posted (AVP-H3 headsets). I clip the PTT receiver/mic in between the holes for the buttons on your OSI Pro jerseys. The actually work best not being too close to your mouth, and this distance is pretty solid without having to pull the mic up at all. You just push the button down, tilt your head a tad bit so your speaking more in the direction of the mic, but you really don't have to pull the mic up closer to your mouth for a clear transmission. You can easily use it while moving if need be.
