[Back In The Saddle]

Originally Posted by Mark Padgett

Just curious as to how many of you wear your uniform as a Halloween costume? Years ago, I was wearing mine while taking my son around trick or treating when some guy drove by and yelled, "You suck ref". If I could have caught up with him, I would have teed him.

Anyway, now that I just stay home and give out candy, I wear mine. Quite a few of the kids and parents who come by recognize me as someone who has worked their games, since I have worked our local kids rec league for about 15 years. Usually the parent will say something like, "Hey - you reffed my kid's games." I sometimes reply, "Yeah - you look familiar too. Didn't I throw you out?" Most of the time that gets a laugh, but last year one woman thought I was serious and admonished me for even thinking that she could do something that would warrant an ejection. I had to tell her three times that I was only kidding. I think she was just trying to make me feel guilty so I'd give her kid extra candy.

Any pros or cons on wearing this? Any funny stories?

It just doesn't feel like a costume to me, so I'd feel like I hadn't actually dressed up. But I do sometimes loan gear out to friends who want to dress as a ref.