In The Opinion Of The Referee

Category: Gear Reviews

New USSF Referee Uniform Details (updated October 2022)

Details on the new USSF Referee shirt, including features, pricing, and implementation timelines.

July 28, 2016
Gear Review: Electronic Flags Roundup

We review and compare all three brands of electronic flags from RefsCall, Ervocom, and Touchline

June 7, 2014
Premier League Referee Gear Revealed

We reveal each piece of gear used by England’s top-flight referees, from radio communications to whistles.

January 27, 2014
Gear Review: Hydro Flask Stainless Steel Drinking Bottle

At $45, the Hydro Flask Insulated Stainless Steel Wide Mouth bottle isn’t cheap, but its’ rugged, leakproof construction and lifetime warranty make it worthy of consideration for busy referees.

January 14, 2014
Gear Review: ComStar Communication System

A full duplex, hand-free communications system, the ComStar has real promise for refereeing, but needs a new headset, and some weather protection feature before being ready to compete with the Vokkero system.

October 18, 2013
Gear Review: SPINTSO Ref Watch Pro

At an average price of $157 shipped, the SPINTSO Referee Watch sets the expectations bar high. And it delivers, with a plethora of features that make managing match time easy, allowing referees to focus on what’s happening on the field.

September 22, 2013
Gear Review: Molten Valkeen Whistle

The combination of outstanding tone, ease of use, and a unique carrying mechanism make the Valkeen the most desirable whistle on the market today. But these features come at a steep price.

September 5, 2013
Gear Review: Casio RFT100 Referee Watch

With its’ large face, easy to use buttons and vibrating alarm, the RFT100 is a good choice for referees ready to invest in a premium timing device.

July 28, 2013
Gear Review: Fox 40 Classic Eclipse whistle

Late in 2011, the Fox 40 company announced the first major revision to its’ flagship Fox 40 Classic pealess whistle since it was introduced over 25 years ago. The new Fox 40 Classic Eclipse ($8.50, plus shipping) retains the sound of the original Classic, but adds several new features, some more useful than others. The…

July 20, 2013
Gear Review: RefsCall Flag Set

iTOOTR conducts a comprehensive review of the $235 RefsCall “beeper flag” set, available from OSI, and now from SoccerSuperstoreUSA.com.

May 5, 2013