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A ponytail does not necessarily look "goof", except in the eyes of some beholders.
An umpire needs to be well-groomed enough to command (or at least not repel) the respect of the players and coaches. That should be the assignor's test, using the standards of the players and coaches. A well-groomed (subjective, I know) ponytail can look the part. Even with non-outlandish (inlandish?) earrings and tattoos. And accuracy, consistency, rules knowledge, hustle, and game management can compensate for a marginal appearance.
Get with the times, fellow fogies! Given the low participation of youth in baseball, especially after puberty, maybe competent ponytailed umps can help attract some of the dropouts who think baseball is boring and uncool.
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