Beards & Umpires

[Adam]

Originally Posted by SanDiegoSteve

Like that notorious Jesus fellow.

I'd heard that, too, about politicians, and think it simply comes from focus groups' perceptions. Probably subconscious.

There are obvious historical exceptions, but there's a reason people like Gov. Richardson (NM) shave their beards once they start gaining aspirations for a higher office that requires the trust of people they've never met.

[cbfoulds]

Originally Posted by johnnyg08

How many politicians wear beards?

It creates the perception of not being trustworthy.

Our association has no policy against it.

I'm confused: are you asserting that many politicians wear beards, and thus beards make one appear untrustworthy?

Or that [credit George Carlin]:
"Karl Marx wore a beard .. Lenin wore a beard .. (Gabby Hayes wore whiskers!)" - somehow beards are "untrutworthy" and so politicians avoid wearing them?

Are you forgetting "Honest Abe"? - and about half of the men elected president in the 1800's?

Beards are a cultural manifestation that come and go according to fashion whims over time.

[MrUmpire]

Originally Posted by ozzy6900

How is your association about umpires sporting beards?

1. Does your association allow them?
2. Does your association request that they be a certain length?
3. Does your association limit your assignments because you have a beard?

1. Yes
2. "Neatly trimmed"
3. I don't have one but others do. It doesn't seem to have effected their schedule...they work top level assignments and get post season work.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by ozzy6900

How is your association about umpires sporting beards?

1. Does your association allow them?

Association as no say over this.

Originally Posted by ozzy6900

1. Does your association request that they be a certain length?

Look at #1.

Originally Posted by ozzy6900

1. Does your association limit your assignments because you have a beard?

That is a different issue. I am sure the people that assign want you to look neat and that can be a factor. But there is no rule that I am aware of that says yes or no a to such a thing other than looking professional. And there are so few umpires available I doubt that this is a deal breaker unless there are two equal guys and the one that looks the most professional is also available.

Originally Posted by ozzy6900

Obviously, beards have nothing to do with an umpire's knowledge or his calls. Although if the beard is similar to that of Billy Gibbons (ZZ Top), I suppose it could get into the way of your strike or out signal!

You are right, but perception is reality to some.

Peace

[cbfoulds]

Originally Posted by ozzy6900

How is your association about umpires sporting beards?

1. Does your association allow them?
2. Does your association request that they be a certain length?
3. Does your association limit your assignments because you have a beard?

To the substance of the OP:

My assn has no such policy, other than a general expectation that one be clean and neatly groomed. I was [at one time] told that the main NCAA umpire group in my area DOES have such a policy - beards not welcome. If HHH still reads/ posts here, he could, perhaps, give more current or accurate info on that.

So far as I can tell, my assignments are not limited or effected in any way by my [distinctly NOT "ZZ Top"-style] beard, which has no effect on my comfort in plate gear during summer games.

[DG]

Originally Posted by ozzy6900

How is your association about umpires sporting beards?

1. Does your association allow them?
2. Does your association request that they be a certain length?
3. Does your association limit your assignments because you have a beard?

Never heard beards mentioned.

Dont have any association members with a beard, that I can remember.

[jicecone]

Originally Posted by ozzy6900

How is your association about umpires sporting beards?

1. Does your association allow them?
2. Does your association request that they be a certain length?
3. Does your association limit your assignments because you have a beard?

Obviously, beards have nothing to do with an umpire's knowledge or his calls. Although if the beard is similar to that of Billy Gibbons (ZZ Top), I suppose it could get into the way of your strike or out signal!

Yes, No, No

Our association is run by open-minded officials that are more interested in the following:

1. Professional appearance. (With or without a beard)
2. Good Rule knowledge.
3. Good Mechanics.
4. Professional attitude.
5. Promptness.
6. Hustle
7. Respecting Players and Coaches

All the other bullcrap went out in the 60's. HELLO!