Ultrax Referee/Coaches Watch
The Ultrax ref watch ($50) is a unique device designed specifically for soccer. The watch contains two timers (count down/count up) that are tied together to ensure accurate injury time allocations.
The Ultrax watch is uniquely designed. The count down timer is set for length of a half (e.g. 45 minutes). Each time the referee/coach feels that a material break has occurred, they start the stoppage timer. The wearer stops the count up timer when play resumes. In compliance with the FIFA laws of the game, the count down time does not stop. When the count down timer reaches the one minute mark, the watch beeps a warning. At the end of regulation, the alarm sounds and the count up timer starts. At the end of stoppage time, the alarm sounds again.
The watch is slightly bigger than a standard athletic watch, but has a very large face to accommodate the three line display. The watch is easily read and includes several different modes. Both the shell and band are plastic. The band is integrated into the case making for a very clean look but precluding replacement if the band breaks. The buttons are a bit flimsy and do not provide a great deal of confidence. The buttons are large and easy to find even without looking. The light is bright enough for nighttime use, but not spectacular.
In normal watch mode, it displays time, date and alarm time. In Soccer mode, the top line is the stoppage time (count up); the middle displays regulation time (count down); and the bottom line shows time of day. The watch also has standard athletic functions such as stop watch and alarm.
Overall, the Ultrax watch is a nice to have. The general design is user friendly, but the fit and finish leave something to be desired. This is a disposable watch, as it would be difficult to repair anything including the band. For the paid referee at the Club/High School/College level, this would very useful and provide consistent timing. For the coach/assistant who times every game, this might be a worthwhile luxury. However, it doesn’t really make sense as an every day watch.
The Ultrax watch is uniquely designed. The count down timer is set for length of a half (e.g. 45 minutes). Each time the referee/coach feels that a material break has occurred, they start the stoppage timer. The wearer stops the count up timer when play resumes. In compliance with the FIFA laws of the game, the count down time does not stop. When the count down timer reaches the one minute mark, the watch beeps a warning. At the end of regulation, the alarm sounds and the count up timer starts. At the end of stoppage time, the alarm sounds again.
The watch is slightly bigger than a standard athletic watch, but has a very large face to accommodate the three line display. The watch is easily read and includes several different modes. Both the shell and band are plastic. The band is integrated into the case making for a very clean look but precluding replacement if the band breaks. The buttons are a bit flimsy and do not provide a great deal of confidence. The buttons are large and easy to find even without looking. The light is bright enough for nighttime use, but not spectacular.
In normal watch mode, it displays time, date and alarm time. In Soccer mode, the top line is the stoppage time (count up); the middle displays regulation time (count down); and the bottom line shows time of day. The watch also has standard athletic functions such as stop watch and alarm.
Overall, the Ultrax watch is a nice to have. The general design is user friendly, but the fit and finish leave something to be desired. This is a disposable watch, as it would be difficult to repair anything including the band. For the paid referee at the Club/High School/College level, this would very useful and provide consistent timing. For the coach/assistant who times every game, this might be a worthwhile luxury. However, it doesn’t really make sense as an every day watch.
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