The supervisor in our zone asked me to evaluate a young official who is starting out. The evaluation was fairly positive. Great attitude and he wants to learn. His mistakes were mainly due to inexperience.

He did however have a tatoo on the back of his neck that is visible from a distance. I never mentionned the tatoo in my report, however I was wondering if this is something that could hinder his career at some point. I don't ever remember seeing a high profile official with a tatoo. Any comments?

Kind of reminds me of the old "facial hair" debate, which then usually leads into the whole "appearance" debate, which includes all kinds of things.

Personally, I would ignore the tattoo, unless it was VERY noticeable and offensive in nature.

Whatever my thoughts on tattoos, I wouldn't mention it in my evaluation. His assignors will realize this in due time - let them do what they want with this situation.

While I would not mention the tatoo in my evaluation, I would approach the official and tell him as gently as possible that if his long-range goals include college ball, he should consider removing the tatoo. Obviously he could try to make it with the tatoo, but his odds would be better without it.

I agree with Chuck. I personally don't have a problem with them, but some would see them as a bit unprofessional, as they might in any other occupation.

For the most part I agree with Chuck. But I would be careful if you do not know the person. If you know the official, I then would be more candid to that individual. I would also make sure I did so in a private conversation, not a conversation with other officials around.

Peace

I see them as obviously unprofessional... however our society and "tolerance level" is changing. By the time he gets ready for the bigs - if he has the desire and apptitude, there will probably be a requirement that for success you must have a tatoo.

Aaah the continuing melt of boundaries :(

Absolutely. I should've said that myself.

How about one of those patches on his neck like Lebron James had to wear in high school