Connecticut Jerseys ...

[BillyMac]

Big controversary, by Connecticut IAABO State Board mandate, all varsity officials will be reguired to purchase new jerseys next year.

The jerseys we've been wearing since 1985 were 100% black and white stripes.

The new jerseys will be black and white stripes on the front and back but will have all black sleeves; very ugly.



This mandate will eventually filter down to subvarsity officials (junior varsity, freshman, middle school).

I only do wash one day a week (Saturday night) so I will need six new jersys. New jerseys are $44 each, that's an investment of $264 (plus tax and shipping), for an ugly shirt.

I will probably start off with four new jersys, and do an exta wash if I need more for the week, and I will slowly add to my inventory every year.

Many Connecticut IAABO officials, in all six local boards, at all levels, are very upset about this controversial decision.

Not all bad, I do like the American flag on the sleeve instead of centered on the upper back (as we've been wearing since 9/11).

Of course, according the U.S. Flag Code (4 U.S.C. § 8) the flag should not be used as a "costume or athletic uniform."

However, it explicitly makes an exception for certain groups: Military Personnel, Firefighters, Police Officers, and Members of Patriotic Organizations.