Would you take the field with this guy?

[MikeStrybel]

Originally Posted by umpjong

The use of different colored shirts, as long as you match your partner, is still the standard in regular season games in Illinois. This is what we are told to teach at clinics and that has not changed. Navy blue is standard for tournament play. The patch should always be worn on the left shirt sleeve or embroidered.

Jon, I am part of the 'we' who conduct clinics. I posted the official line. Dave or Anthony may have been more tolerant but that is not the case any more. Far too many umpires were working games without our patch and wearing whatever color they thought appropriate. Check the IHSA site with the Case Situations and you will see what is being taught now and what Craig wants.

Craig was at one of the clinics I taught for the IHSA this year. At the other three I saw clinicians preach the official handbook uniform. They did mention what I encountered, if your partner doesn't have the official uniform, do your best to match his for that game but don't make it a habit. Call your partner prior to find out what they will do.

Here is what the current IHSA handbook states about our regular season uniform:

Baseball
1. Heather gray pants;
2. Navy blue coat/jacket/sweater/shirt;
3. Navy blue pullover;
4. Navy blue windbreaker;
5. Navy blue or black socks;
6. Navy or black belt if applicable;
7. Proper umpire’s cap. Cap of plate umpire should have a 1 1/2” or 2 1/8” visor.
Cap of base umpire should have 2 1/2” or 3” visor;
8. Black polished shoes with black laces. The shoes of the plate umpire should
be of the safety variety. The base umpire should wear the ripple or sudden
style sole;
9. Plate umpire needs:
a. ball and strike indicator,
b. small whisk broom,
c. protective supporter and cup,
d. properly regulated watch,
e. chest protector,
f. sturdy mask,
g. shin guards,
h. navy blue or gray ball bag.

I always found 'd' to be misplaced but was told it is there due to lightning and the thirty minute rule. I'm heading to my truck and I have a clock in it that works just fine. Other than that, tourney play requires an official IHSA hat which is not mentioned in the regular season protocol.