Why do they call it uniform

[bkbjones]

RANT ON

Here is something I do NOT understand.

In NFHS, ASA and I'm sure other groups there is a uniform. "Standard uniform" would be redundant. Uniform has more than one definition, and I am interested in two uses of the word.

1) We do not wear a costume or have a suggestion. It is a uniform (especially in NFHS). It is spelled out in many places, is written in plain language and should be easy to follow.

2) The other usage is uniform as in uniformity. We wear a certain shirt, certain hat, certain pants, &c. These items are readily available from a number of sources. A proper uniform is a valuable investment. I know every chapter or association or whatever is different, but I also know that many associations or chapters or whatever sell uniform items (or make them available) and make the process painless. You get your stuff, and the money is taken from your earnings. Ya never see it, kinda like withholding taxes.

With all that being said:

WHY THE HECK CAN'T PEOPLE DRESS IN A PROPER UNIFORM?

I was at the State 3A/4A Tournament today. I saw two distinct styles of powder blue shirts and several shades of heather gray. I saw plain blue coats with Washington Officials Association patches (the proper uniform coat for NFHS here), I saw blue coats with white piping around the collar and sleeves, and a black coat. I saw mostly all-black shoes with one lone exception that was corrected with 2 minutes of shoe polishing.

This is NOT unique to our area, the Pacific Northwest, the portion of the country west of the Rockies where by God prices are higher. It's all over. Some places are better than others, some are worse. But the prescribed uniform is spelled out. ARRRRGGGGH.

AND THEN THERE ARE UNIFORM MECHANICS. ALLEGEDLY.

The mechanics are spelled out in umpire manuals. NFHS issues one generally every two years. I do not understand how it is possible for me, an overweight somewhat unhealthy at times 51-year-old human to be able to drag my fat *** inside from "A" on a two hopper to the right fielder...but several someones 20 years younger and much healthier are unable to come inside on a 7-hopper to the left field corner.

I do not understand how, with no one on and no one out, many umpires trail the b/r up the first base line, BUT OTHERS FEEL THEY HAVE TO GO AT LEAST A LITTLE BIT UP THE THIRD BASE LINE.

There's more, and I feel like I am somewhat preaching to the choir. BUT...if you see yourself in any of this, please don't take offense. Take action. Do more, and for God's sake take a little pride in what you do. I don't care if you are a volunteer for Little League or working NCAA or NPF or NAFA or whatever...TAKE SOME FREAKIN PRIDE IN YOUR WORK.

Otherwise you are STEALING from me and other umpires who do take pride in this avocation.

RANT OFF

Thank you and have a nice day.