He's got legs, he knows how to use them ...

[BillyMac]

(Apologies to ZZ Top)

In the past my local IAABO board only assigned AAU games when the games were in conjunction with our local camp. Now our board is assigning AAU games for several tournaments over the next few months. I plan on working games in these tournaments for several reasons: get in some running, stay on top of my game, see some of my buddies that I don't normally see in the off season, and make a few bucks.

Problem. Since, other than camps, I have never worked spring, or summer, ball, I don't own a nice pair of black shorts for officiating. I always wore long pants for the camps. Does anyone have a suggestion, or a link, to where I can purchase a few pairs of black officiating shorts? They can be belted, or beltless. I take pride in my appearance, and always like to look professional, so I don't just want to run down to our local sporting goods store and buy a pair of black running shorts.

Another silly question. With black officiating shorts, do I wear black socks, or white socks?

[grunewar]

I had the same issue last yr........

I bought my mid-leg, length running shorts from Runners World. They're not short. I did find that you can get them in most any sporting goods store though.

We wear white socks.

I do however bring a complete, regular uniform just in case.......as happened at a tourney a few weekends ago when my partner wore the wrong uni.

[Nevadaref]

Where I am ALL summer games, including camps, are officiated in shorts. Most people just go down the sporting goods store and pick up a pair of Adidas, Nike, Reebox, etc. As long as they are black, no one is going to say a word.
People wear either white or black socks. There is no standard on that in this locale.

[JRutledge]

Do everyone a favor and wear shorts that are long. Do not buy those ugly coaching shorts (I do not know what you mean by officiating shorts BTW anyway).

Also wear white socks, it looks better and you do not look corny.

Peace

[Mark Padgett]

You might try these. They look pretty good, especially with the black socks.

[26 Year Gap]

Some AAU, like the tournaments that Disney runs, require us to be in full uniform. Many others allow shorts. I have some black Nike shorts that have pockets. Some want us with white socks. Some want black socks. But they are the short socks, not the 'normal' length socks. I would ask the assignors what the proper dress is for each tournament.

And leave the fishnets at home. Unless you have a night game.

[Nevadaref]

Originally Posted by 26 Year Gap

Some AAU, like the tournaments that Disney runs, require us to be in full uniform. Many others allow shorts. I have some black Nike shorts that have pockets. Some want us with white socks. Some want black socks. But they are the short socks, not the 'normal' length socks. I would ask the assignors what the proper dress is for each tournament.

And leave the fishnets at home. Unless you have a night game.

We don't allow the tournament folks to dictate anything to us. We tell them what we are going to do and if they don't like it they can find other officials.

I believe that the powers that be in your local area are making a huge mistake by allowing the tournament directors too much say on officiating matters.

[Camron Rust]

Originally Posted by Nevadaref

We don't allow the tournament folks to dictate anything to us. We tell them what we are going to do and if they don't like it they can find other officials.

I believe that the powers that be in your local area are making a huge mistake by allowing the tournament directors too much say on officiating matters.

It is not like the tournament director wants to have veto power over foul calls.

I don't have a problem with the TD/customer wanting to buy a certain product with a certain image to give his event the appearance of a higher level of professionalism than the others...as long as he's paying more than the ones using officials that can wear shorts.

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

I do not know what you mean by officiating shorts BTW anyway.

I don't either. This is new territory for me.

[mbyron]

Originally Posted by BillyMac

I don't either. This is new territory for me.

Never heard of officiating shorts? Tosh.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by mbyron

Never heard of officiating shorts? Tosh.

All you have to do is go to a sporting goods store of some kind and buy them. I have several pairs I have bought over the years. And that is what many people wear when at local camps and working AAU ball.

Peace

[grunewar]

....and, FYI, my shorts even have a small (barely noticiable) manufacturers logo on it and no one has said anything to me yet.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by grunewar

....and, FYI, my shorts even have a small (barely noticiable) manufacturers logo on it and no one has said anything to me yet.

Isn't that the case with most of them? I have several pair with a Nike logo on them. Then again I get the joke.

Peace

[dsqrddgd909]

Any nice golf shorts will do. I wear a belt..(oh, the horror). I wear short black socks.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by dsqrddgd909

Any nice golf shorts will do. I wear a belt..(oh, the horror). I wear short black socks.

That just looks ugly. But that is after all a personal choice.

Peace