[bkbjones]

Guys and gals, there is an easy fix. You can bet your bottom dollar that if we do NOT participate in the ASA program to attempt to have a more uniform gray pant worn by its umpires, we'll be looking at navy blue.

I am not speaking for any member of NUS, but I have heard them be very clear that we do have two options: wear the ASA heather gray purchased from ASA, who is working with Fechheimer to attain uniformity in its pants; or, it's navy blue.

We anal folks up here in Seattle Tacoma who are members of SMSUA have a great uniform program. We can purchase all of our equipment -- from protective cups to pants -- through our own uniform sales program. We receive what amounts to an interest-free loan to purchase our goods. The purchases are paid from our game fees collected by SMSUA.

The program is also handy come tax time because you know exactly how much you spent on uniforms and other essentials.

We have this program in place for all of our members beginning with their second year in the association. It's a great program and, if your association doesn't have something similar in place may be something you want to consider.