Word has it that the gray pinstripe shirts could be an option next year with the IHSA as long as all three (or two) officials wear them (of course) :) Thoughts?

Tanner,

Where did you hear this information at? I love the gray!

Ken

As someone who's area used to require greys but we recently switched to stripes, I have this to say,

"Watch what you wish for..."

Wish Wisconsin HS would allow them! What's wrong with having the OPTION? Like the "alternate shirt" in some other sports.

I've worn them in AAU, All-Star and JUCO.

wl

Ken,

No one directly, just something floating that I heard.

WL,

I agree. That's sort of the angle they are using, that other sports have alternate shirts.

We used the grays at State this year.
The State gave us one free...and most of us bought an additional one. The patches were embrodiered (sp) on...which made it kind of nice.

The thing I can see about these is that there will be different brands putting the shirts out...and the colors and textures will be different.
Also, as others have stated before, sweat really does show through these grays.
Other than that, I suppose the shirts were nice for a different look.

That's the main problem with the greys. When we used to wear them, there were more than 3 suppliers of the shirts and each one had a different idea of what grey was. Some people bought the pricey PolyCool shirt because it's lightweight and comfortable, others would buy anohter type because it's cheaper and already had the crests embroidered on it.

On a 3 man crew, you could see 3 different variations of grey, it looked horrible. Take my advice, stick to stripes.

RookieDude...

You are correct....there will be different shades of grays for every brand manufactured. Just make sure your whole crew gets the same brand from the same company!

Our crew purchased our grays w/black pinstripes from OfficialsChoice way back when they didn't have the shipping price fiasco. The shirt is the "Micro-Softer" brand....same as the B&W they sell. No question about it...it's the most comfortable shirt out there! This particular brand shirt has not shown the sweat to my knowledge....and I'm a free sweater. Being bald,:eek: the sweat just runs down your head/face and is absorbed by my McDavid Hdc Compression undershirt ready to be evaporated due to the "micro" holes in the "micro-softer" shirt. COOL....:cool: We've worn the grays during the summer AAU & HS All-Star games and stay pretty comfortable.

wl

Rookiedude,

I talked to the "big guy" of the WOA and he said that the gray shirts that you wore (and approved for use next year in Washington State) are the Cliff Keen brand.

I saw about 4 minutes of your game on last Friday afternoon at the T-Dome.

Z

Cool...wish I could have met you. I met Ron Pilo and we had a nice chat while watching a game. Ron's a class act...knows his stuff.

Z...was that game Friday the one I had with Snohomish?...They have that kid that is going to UW, what a great kid! Polite...just goes out and dominates with his size and athleticism.

TJones,

I have heard this rumor for 3 years now. Until it happens I will not believe it. I already wear the shirts for college basketball. I like the feel of the shirts when I work a game. I personally think it would be a bad idea if you ask me. Officials would have to buy new shirts and that alone might cause more problems than it is worth. I guess we will see.

Peace

I don't see how these state associations can "approve" the wearing of the gray shirts when the NFHS Rules Book doesn't permit it. It clearly specifies the proper uniform.

Rule 2 Officials and Their Duties
SECTION 1 GAME AND TABLE OFFICIALS
ART. 1 . . . The official's uniform shall be a black-and-white striped shirt, black pants, shoes and socks.

Perhaps the NFHS will make that change this summer.
Even the NCAA had to modify their manual this season to allow the 3 inch black insert in the sideseam for their officials.


Of course, we know that this is really just about someone making money. The shirt manufacturers see this as a great way to potentially double their revenue. If each official has to have both shirts in his bag, then they sell twice as many shirts.

Since I officiate soccer, I can tell you that multiple shirts is one of the worst deals for an official that you can imagine. We have FOUR different colors and two styles (short sleeve and long sleeve). That's eight shirts that need to be packed into a bag for games. Besides the expense of the additional shirts, the possibility of forgetting or losing one is greatly increased.

IMO just say no to the people pushing the grays. They do not have the best interests of the officials in mind.

No one is asking for "mandatory" Nevada....just the option! And of course, all crew members must wear the same that game.

The money issue doesn't stand. I generally purchase two new shirts per year. It generally is covered by working one game. I believe it's just the cost of "business". I also believe most of us pack an extra shirt or two in case we soak through one....blood gets on it.....partner, oops, forgets his/her's.

No big deal....if you don't like 'em....don't wear 'em....but those that do.....hey, you have a CHOICE.

JMHO ;)

wl

The National Federation does not have authority over what procedures and rules states want to follow. I have lived in different states over the years and there were a lot of procedures, rules and requirements that changed when I moved. Of course they might not like it when it happens, but if a state wants to have a procedure that works for them I do not see how that can be stopped. The rule also does not say it is required. It just states what the officials shall wear. I do not read anything that says it is required.

The states can do whatever they want. The NFHS doesn't mandate anything. Otherwise there'd be no high school shot clock anywhere and we know that's not the case.

"That's eight shirts that need to be packed into a bag for games."
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ +++++

I carry 40 (no you're not seeing things, that is "forty")
different shirts/undershirts to every baseball game.

But I AM a gear junky after all.

The NFHS does not mandate anything in high school sports. Any state can overrule the NHFS and do what they feel fits there specific needs.

There are penalties but no state "must" use any Federation rule.


[Edited by Tim C on Mar 16th, 2005 at 10:26 AM]

I would have come up and introduced myself but I'm on crutches so I probably couldn't have caught you after the game.

Yes, I saw part of your Snohomish game. Snohomish is one of our local teams. I had Brockman 3 times this year. His sportsmanship is the best I've ever seen. I remember one particular game that went overtime and he had 40 points and 23 rebounds. Snohomish is down one and Brockman gets called for a charge by my partner with 7 seconds left (a good call) to seal the game for Stanwood. Brockman gets up, tosses me the ball and goes to find the player he is supposed to defend. Not even a dirty look. He just plays ball. Everyone who knows him says he is even a better person than a player and that is really saying something.

Z

I agree JRut. Also it's been said the Kurt doesn't like them. Time will tell. :)

I'm a gear junky too! But 40, dang Tim, care to list them!? :D

The NFHS does prohibit any state that alters the rules from holding positions on the NFHS committees.

Shall means required...

From dictionary.com

<B>Shall</B>
Something, such as an order, promise, requirement, or obligation.

If it were optional, it would say recommends or may.

Tanner,
Tell me it ain't so! I have three B/W striped for b'ball, two white polo shirts for V'ball, and a Gold, Black, Black/White pinstripe, Red, and Blue for soccer. Where will I find room in my closet for gray?

:) I know the feeling. However, like it's rumored to be said, it won't be required, just optional if all three officials have them. For the record, I have 7 striped shirts, 4 pairs of pants, 3 compression shorts, and 3 sleeveless v-neck McDavid shirts. Sooooo I guess I could find the room for one pinstriped shirt! ;)

Has anyone asked certain members of our esteemed group colleagues how the gray looks with fishnets? Hmmm?

Gotta refer that question to Mark or rainmaker! ;)

However, if you're going to freely modify their rules anyway, why does it matter if you're on the committee?