Earrings and a ponytail.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by Snaqwells

Jeff,
I agree with you on the standards of appearance, but this is bound to vary by region. For example, SD may be more politically conservative than the rest of CA, but it's still CA and I would venture to say the standards of dress are still more casual in the business world of SD than they are in Des Moines or Minneapolis or Kansas City. The individual details of these things are going to vary widely by region.

My philosophy on the appearance thing (goatees, ponytails, etc) is that you just need to do as the Romans are doing. If your particular area doesn't give a rip, then don't worry about it. If it's a problem where you live, then I'd adhere as best as possible to the unspoken local standards. Just don't be surprised to find that the hippies in CA do it differently.

I think it is all about local standards or company standards in the first place. I tend to dress better than most people in professional settings because I feel I already have people trying to judge me anyway. The last thing I want someone to try to infer is that I am not professional or that I am not qualified based on how I look. That is my standard and how I approach these issues. I would never get a tattoo or have my hair in a way that is not considered professional by the most professional expectations.

I am sure CA might have D1 umpires that look different than across many parts of the country. But I would like to look like someone that could easily fit in anywhere in the country and sometimes is overly dressed in this capacity.

Peace