2024 NCAAW tournament discussion

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by Rich

There's a sizable subset of officials who won't enforce uniforms and jewelry rules ... Doesn't matter to me. I've dealt with headbands, leg sleeves, jewelry, undershirts, etc. I'm fairly matter of fact about it and I know those rules cold and simply enforce them. There are a few coaches who make a stink about it, but I always say I can't be responsible for what other crews have allowed. And to be honest, I think it's set a positive tone with some coaches cause they see we have attention to detail and know the rules. Also, we said a quiet word pregame rather than make a big stink about it later.

I'm also a "Fashion Police" stickler in my middle school games.

I don't ignore equipment (undershirts, headbands, wristbands, etc.) issues.

Rules that restrict equipment colors benefit officials by allowing them to easily identify players on each team during fast paced action.

Student athletes should take pride in their appearance as they represent their school and community.

I don't want my interscholastic games looking like the a "Clown College" fourth grade recreation league weekday night practice in a local elementary school gymnasium.

I will work with the coach to try to get those problems taken care of.

However, there's one aspect where I often "fear to tread".

Illegal undershirts under a sleeveless jersey on shy adolescent girls can be a problem for some middle school coaches to take care of.

I do the best I can with illegal undershirts on middle school girls.

I can be politely "talked into" allowing illegal undershirts on middle school girls (not boys) early in the season, with a promise that the coach will work to address the issue in future games.

Also, our interpreter and assigner have a middle school philosophy to "let them play".