Do the participants really care how we are dressed

[ozzy6900]

Up here in CT, most of the HS coaches know what you should look like on the field. Old cronies such as myself are known to almost all of the Varsity coaches, so if I were to show up without my uniform and do the bases, they know what kind of umpire I am. They know that they will get the same umpire no matter what I am wearing (alright, I heard that wise-a$$ remark, Tim ). Of course, I would not dream of stepping on a field without the proper attire because that is part of my preparation as an umpire.

On the other side of the coin, I have seen spotless, perfectly pressed uniforms coupled with perfectly shined shoes, patent leather belt, cap creased in a professional manner, only to encrust a hopeless individual. It's like anything else, you can lead a horse to water and you can put the pigs in the barn, but in the end, integrity is what really wins out.