[JRutledge]

JAR,

Nobody said that you had to wear something just because what they wear at the NCAA or NBA level. But the standards that they have set have filtered down to us HS officials. No different in baseball when Major League Baseball Umpires started wearing the dark blue pullovers.

If you think the only thing holding you back is your ability, that is fine. You might be right. But if you have never been told, you might find out it is something else and it might not have a thing to do with the pants you wear.

I apologize if this discussion offends you, but we are just sharing an issue that many of us have faced. I for one was told to get rid of my goatee for a particular conference. If I want to continue to work in the conference, I better get rid of the facial hair. I know another official that was told he would not be hired because he did too many girls games (assignor only assigned boy's in this particular conference). So these "generalizations" can hold you back. Especially if you are just as good as other officials trying to get those few slots on a staff.

Peace