Pre-game Jackets...what do you have on yours?

[JRutledge]

Originally posted by DownTownTonyBrown
An American Flag on the back... and that is all. Everyone in our association put flags on our jackets following 9/11/01.

Nothing else really fits within the requirements unless it is an association patch that everyone is wearing.

NFHS Mechanics Manual, paragraph 23. Uniform b. "Jacket - Navy blue or black, all crew the same, if worn. Recommended for wear prior to game."

Individuals with pink ribbons, names, college patches etc. don't quite meet the requirements of "all crew the same."

The American Flag should be an option. Not everyone feels the need to put a flag on to prove some patriotism.

I have no problem with people putting a name on their jacket if it does not bother them. Unless there are some association rules, I think this is a non-issue.

I do agree that you should not put ribbons or other issue insignias for issues like Breast Cancer or AIDS as an example. I really do not feel that our jacket should stand for our political or social issues. Our role is to work a game, not tell the world about our political and social feelings. The same reason I do not wear a flag on my jacket or jersey. I do not need to tell everyone I am in America, they already know that.

I disagree that all the crew should be exactly the same. All jackets are not the same. Everyone is not a member of the same associations. Now in Illinois we can purchase little pins with an IHSA Cartoon that signifies sportsmanship ("Attitude") and that is OK from my point of view to wear that on the jacket. Some guys wear them, others do not. Many officials do not belong to the same official's associations, so I cannot tell other officials not to wear their association patches, nor should they not be allowed to wear them. As long as these things do not violate the policies of the state, I see no issue here.

Peace