New Referee

[ref81]

I have a question: what advise could you give me in regards to buying new uniforms. Is there a different levels of quality. etc? What are the best stores to take a look at, most popular?

New Ref, so sorry for such simple question.

[Mark Padgett]

First of all, welcome. I'm sure the posters here will give you some good information as to your uniform situation. Since I retired a few years ago due to medical reasons, I'm not up on the latest info for this.

[BlueDevilRef]

Between the lines. Google it. He is a local guy in my area. Has good stuff, good prices, and fast. His name is Rex. I believe he probably has a starter kit with whistle, shirt, pants, etc. I know he does for hardball. Check him out.

http://btlofficialsgear.com/

[ref81]

Is Smitty the best brand? I see them a lot..

[Adam]

I like refereescall.com out of Oklahoma City. Quick, reasonable shipping.

[ref81]

Originally Posted by Adam

I like refereescall.com out of Oklahoma City. Quick, reasonable shipping.

I like their site. What is the top/official brand? I don't mind spending few extra $ fro better quality. What do you prefer?

[ref81]

Originally Posted by Mark Padgett

First of all, welcome. I'm sure the posters here will give you some good information as to your uniform situation. Since I retired a few years ago due to medical reasons, I'm not up on the latest info for this.

Thanks Mark!

[grunewar]

Originally Posted by ref81

I like their site. What is the top/official brand?

This is like asking - which car do you like better - Audi, BMW, Acura, or Mercedes? (for example). People like different things for different reason - quality, fit, comfort, stitching, etc.

Ask some local officials and take a look at what they have and ask what they like.

I've bought at our local meeting after trying things on and also off the internet. Ordering off the internet to start can be a crap shoot - or it could work. Some things like socks, undershirts, whistles, etc may be better ordered online than shirts, pants or court shoes which you might like to try on first.

Good luck.

[Mark Padgett]

Originally Posted by grunewar

This is like asking - which car do you like better - Audi, BMW, Acura, or Mercedes? (for example).

I have a Rolls Canardly. It rolls down one hill and canardly get up the next.

Originally Posted by ref81

I have a question: what advise could you give me in regards to buying new uniforms. Is there a different levels of quality. etc? What are the best stores to take a look at, most popular?

New Ref, so sorry for such simple question.

Welcome to the forum! I've never bought a starter pack so I can't recommend that but it could work. When I started out I bought some things from a local store with basic Smitty gear but I returned most of that stuff and bought stuff online. I like Purchase Officials Supplies cuz they have treated me well with all my orders and returns.

[Multiple Sports]

I'm a fan of Officially Sports in Pittsburgh....

www.officiallysports.com

Buy everything you need and I'm sure you will get free shipping....

[WhistlesAndStripes]

I recommend you get the shirts with 1" wide black and white stripes.

[LRZ]

Originally Posted by Whistles & Stripes

I recommend you get the shirts with 1" wide black and white stripes.

Get the shirts required where you will be working. Some places use those shirts; others, grey with thin stripes; others, the college style, with a black side-panel. I think virtually everywhere, shirts are V-necks, so don't get football/lacrosse/soccer style shirts with black collars.

Pants: some places prefer pleats, others flat front. Western or slash pockets? I think most places require beltless, although there are some exceptions.

Smitty is a major brand, and is ok, but there are several different quality shirts within that label. Cliff Keen is another good brand.

Shoes: New Balance and Reebok Zigs are perhaps the most common options.

There are a number of mail order companies that outfit officials. All Sports Officials, Ump-Attire, Officially Sports, Honigs, Purchase. Before you buy, though, do a search, as some companies have problems at times, such as not shipping timely.

[Rich]

Originally Posted by BlueDevilRef

Between the lines. Google it. He is a local guy in my area. Has good stuff, good prices, and fast. His name is Rex. I believe he probably has a starter kit with whistle, shirt, pants, etc. I know he does for hardball. Check him out.

http://btlofficialsgear.com/

Ah, Rex. This is the guy who left Wisconsin mainly cause the WIAA endorsed another WI business (Gerry Davis Sports) and not him. I called him once looking for a certain plate shoe that was a bit hard to find then. He didn't carry them, tried to sell me something else, then essentially called me an idiot when I told him I'd keep looking elsewhere.

He also keeps a list of customers on his website that he refers to as the Hall of Shame.- people who he sent gear to on a promise they'd send a check or money order, then didn't. While I empathize with a business owner losing money, I always wondered what kept Rex from dragging someone's name through the mud - it's not like I have both sides of any story.

Finally, while other people give discounts (Honig's gives 10% for being an NASO member and GD Sports gives 7.5% as a WIAA official), Rex wants you to give up a list of your association first so he can spam them.

Glad you like him. Would be a cold day in hell before I ever called him.

[BlueDevilRef]

He has always given me the 7.5 discount and never asked me for anything. And his shop is local so I can try on stuff before buying and can pick it up so I don't have to pay shipping. Sorry you had a poor experience with him but I never have.

Actually, I've never had a bad experience with anyplace (knock on wood). Including Honigs and Johnny Macs