[Adam]

Originally Posted by just another ref

There is a lot of slack between "being appropriately attired" and "showing up in anything." If I had a partner show up to call varsity games in black jeans, I, too, would be taken aback. Both sides have overstated their positions on this issue. I am extremely guilty of that here, as well as other times. I have stepped back and looked more closely at myself recently. There is much room for improvement. But, is it the fans we are concerned about here? Seriously, at the games last night, I made it a point to look and was uncertain. Take a poll of the fans with the following question.

Were the officials last night wearing belts?

A. yes
B. no
C. didn't notice
D. What difference does it make?

Not relevant. You could also poll them about whether the officials were in proper positions on free throws, throwins, or the jump ball and they wouldn't have a clue.