Why does the referee wear two watches?

[Jimellow]

I am watching the Chelsea / West Brom match on FSC, and at the start of the game, they showed the referee as he started the match.

He had two watches on; one on each arm. He "started" them both at the same time.

Why is that? Is one watch a back-up, in case one malfunctions or breaks, or is there another reason?

Thanks!

[Red Star]

double bling bling

[Ref Flunkie]

double bling bling

That's right, we're all about the bling bling! I prefer to wear two, diamond studded gold watches with faces the size of dinner plates. Gets me all the hot ladies after the games!


On the other hand, it may just be for backup purposes ;).

[Claymore]

http://www.seanhealypresents.com/new_images/flavor4c.jpg
I just wear one large one. It cuts down on players constantly asking "how much time, ref?". :D

[Ref Flunkie]

http://www.seanhealypresents.com/new_images/flavor4c.jpg
I just wear one large one. It cuts down on players constantly asking "how much time, ref?". :D


That's great...I need to pick myself up one of those. It may bounce into my face as I run though.

[GKbenji]

Old proverb: "A man with one watch knows what time it is. A man with two watches is never sure."

[VaRef]

Good to have two for back-up.

I also wear two watches. I set one to count up and one to count down. ;)

Though I do like Claymores setup...gotta find me one of those...)

[Red Star]

That's great...I need to pick myself up one of those. It may bounce into my face as I run though.

Just cut out all that unnecessary running.

[flornatref]

The real reason most referees at the top levels wear the two watches is to keep track of extra time that will need to be added at the end of each half. One of the two watches is continuously run. The second watch is stopped during injuries, time-wasting, substitutions, the giving of cautions and red cards, etc. Thus, when your one watch which you have not stopped is getting to 45 minutes you can look at the other one and accurately determine how much time should be added to the half.

[mutinywxgirl]

That's good to know - it's actually something I didn't realize, but makes total sense now that you've explained it.

[AAGunner3]

I wear two all the time on the feild nowadays. I like the one being used as official timepiece and the second as method to determine how much extra time to add...

[gildarkevin]

I have one watch that counts both up and down -- I just keep the up counter running the entire time for reasons discussed above regarding stoppage time or malfunction of some sort. I also generally make a mark on my game card as to when in real time (i.e., 9:02 am) I started a half so I can further back up in case something goes really wrong, as I can then just stop the half at 9:47 in a pinch.

Of course, this isn't the best solution given that if the watch entirely malfunctions during the game, I've got nothing, but that's why you have the junior AR back you on time/cards/goalscorers.

If he/she doesn't have a watch, I do put on a 2nd, which I also do for assessments.

But if you think that's bad -- you should hear my story about having 2 whistles and the time it really came into play...

[whitehound]

The real reason most referees at the top levels wear the two watches is to keep track of extra time that will need to be added at the end of each half. One of the two watches is continuously run. The second watch is stopped during injuries, time-wasting, substitutions, the giving of cautions and red cards, etc. Thus, when your one watch which you have not stopped is getting to 45 minutes you can look at the other one and accurately determine how much time should be added to the half.
Not the REAL reason..........just A reason.

[refmike]

The real reason most referees at the top levels wear the two watches is to keep track of extra time that will need to be added at the end of each half. One of the two watches is continuously run. The second watch is stopped during injuries, time-wasting, substitutions, the giving of cautions and red cards, etc. Thus, when your one watch which you have not stopped is getting to 45 minutes you can look at the other one and accurately determine how much time should be added to the half.

I find it easier to write down the actual time of starting the first and second halfs. Then, knowing the game time, I know when the half should end. I also use the countdown timer on the same watch to keep track of the time played. BTW, I do keep a second watch in my pocket in case the first one breaks or falls off.

[Claymore]

Why do refs wear two watches? To make the assessors happy. :D

[ManiacalClown]

using the second watch to keep track of stoppage is pure genius

[AAGunner3]

Why do refs wear two watches? To make the assessors happy. :D

Yeah, I don't know what the big deal is. The winning coach is always happy to tell me when time is up... :P

[Garkbit]

But what if it's a draw? Next goal wins?

[nsa]

There really are times when the watch fails during the match.

I had it happen during a match on a hot day. Working up a good sweat I look at the watch as it begins to fade to nothing. I didn't have a second watch that day. I rarely go without a second watch now.

As someone mentioned, the winning coach is always happy to tell you when time is up. Or just wait to hear all the soccer dad's watches go off. Then blow the whistle about 30 seconds later and watch them all knowingly nod and murmur, "added time". :)

[flornatref]

Actually this was the reason given to the national referees several years ago when it was strongly recommended that we begin wearing two watches for all games.