NFHS Uniform?

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by LMan

Each state establishes its uniform (pants, shirts, pullover, etc), AFAIK.

I'm certainly not disputing that states might change this (officially or not), but the FED uniform is specified in 10-1-9. The part of "by state adoption" refers to adopting the navy pullover rather than the light blue Elbeco.

[LMan]

Point taken. I may be reading more into the 'state directives' that come down from the Mount than they deserve (such as the directive to put American flags on our shirts post 9-11, and such).

[Tim C]

The NFHS has made a STRONG stance against changing the requirments for uniforms.

If Eliott had it his way we'd be in Elbecos.

Here's why:

Expense. In my local group navy, light blue and black are accepted during the high school season. Creme is added to the list during the summer. Our assignor has banned Red at all times.

We have a great problem every year with subtle changes that make crews look different from each other.

Light Blue: We were able to work through the "trim" issue. Some had red and white piping and other navy and white . . . we selected to accept that. THEN WHAT HAPPENED: The dreaded Delta Blue w/ black collar arrived.

Grey Pants: It used to be so easy. Grey (sometimes turning to pink) pants from "most suppliers" looked pretty uniform. We only had to deal with pleats (please note that the NFHS Umpire Manual forbids wearing pleated pants) but we worked through that . . . UNTIL:

Poly/Wool Blend pants came on and they are a darker shade of grey.

Trouble in River City AGAIN.

Now remember this is coming from a guy that carries forty seven (47) different shirts to ALL games:

We are out of control!

It is not on the NFHS National Agenda to change, yet again, umpire uniforms.

We allow local crews to decide what they want to wear. The single largest complaint about umpire uniforms at this year's State Championship Triple Header was the difference in PANT color when all umpires were attempting to wear "grey" slacks.

Regards,

[nickrego]

Our association has stuck with Navy Blue / Powder Blue as the official colors. If both umpires wish to wear Black or Creme, that is OK also. The only guys who wear Black / Creme, are those who also work at the college level.

I doubt the official colors will change, as most associations do not want they're entire membership to have to purchase several new shirts. And chasing MLB colors is like wrestling a pig in the mud; You probably won't keep up.

I think a quick solution would be for each umpire to stay in their positions, during play, between innings, and quit standing around together, yakking so much. Then nobody will notice the slight color differences.

Blue piping vs. Red, slightly darker Gray slacks, Delta Blue vs. Powder Blue...I think we are worried about the wrong things at the HS level. Our customers just want umpires that are on time, look professional, act professional, and call a good game. Nobody gives a rats a$$ about subtle uniform differences, other than those who have nothing better to do than administrate. I'm so glad our assignor isn't one of them.

[briancurtin]

Originally Posted by Tim C

please note that the NFHS Umpire Manual forbids wearing pleated pants

really? i absolutely hate flat front pants and would never buy them probably ever. i dont even think any of the dress pants that i own are flat front.

[DG]

I only have pleated pants. My state only allows dark blue shirts for HS games. Powder would be good for warm/hot days. That's all I want, but it ain't coming. The reason I have heard is the state does not want to require umpires to have to fork out another $32 for another shirt, altough many of the guys I work with already have one for summer or college ball.

[dudeinblue]

Wobw......

[umpduck11]

Originally Posted by dudeinblue

Wobw......

Spoken like a true expert.

[SanDiegoSteve]

Originally Posted by briancurtin

really? i absolutely hate flat front pants and would never buy them probably ever. i dont even think any of the dress pants i own that are flat front.

Just to further prove "to each their own," I don't own a pair of pleated pants, as the look would be quite unflattering on someone of my size. I hate seeing pleated pants on big umpires.

[bossman72]

Our state requires navy as the default with powder blue as an alternative (if you partner has it of course). No other colors are allowed during HS season.

Legion/colts is the same as HS. For Rec and over 30, black, red, and cream are allowed.

I've always wanted to get colors other than navy and powder blue, but not enough people in my association have those different colors, so it would be useless to buy if i can't wear it because my partner doesn't have one.


Also, i've read here that red shirts are frowned upon all over the place. Why is this?

[UmpJM]

Originally Posted by bossman72

Also, i've read here that red shirts are frowned upon all over the place. Why is this?

bossman,

I have no idea what the real reason is. I would hazard a guess that it's because they're a little too "showy". (Ref. D. Versace, AO re: OBR 1.11)

As a matter of purely personal opinion, the only time I've seen them worn when it didn't seem somehow "out of place" is during 4th of July tournaments. Then, to me, they seem just fine.

JMHO.

JM

[nickrego]

Originally Posted by bossman72

Also, I've read here that red shirts are frowned upon all over the place. Why is this?

In our area, they are only worn in two instances;

1) Single man, Freshman HS games (not worked by umpires in the HS Association).
2) Little League (volunteer umpires).

They are probably frowned upon because few Associations have them on their list of approved colors. It's not that they are Red, it's that they are not on the list. In the two instances I noted, the umpire is not a member of an Association, so they can wear any color they choose.

[GarthB]

Originally Posted by bossman72

Also, i've read here that red shirts are frowned upon all over the place. Why is this?

Red is for disco queens and eastside whores. Other than that....

[dudeinblue]

Wobw......

[UMP25]

Originally Posted by SanDiegoSteve

Just to further prove "to each their own," I don't own a pair of pleated pants, as the look would be quite unflattering on someone of my size. I hate seeing pleated pants on big umpires.

You do know, don't you, that according to fashion etiquette, pleated pants are supposed to look better on bigger guys than nonpleated pants. For one thing, the infamous pocket ears are more prevalent on nonpleated pants worn by big guys.