I am a rookie ref. I have read a number of threads that discuss the need for refs to be outfitted appropriately (collarless shirt, beltless pants, etc.). What about shoes? Is it "politically incorrect" to wear a pair of black Nike Shox that have a bit of silver/gray showing, especially in the heal-shox area? Or, is ALL black the only way for the "in" ref to deck him/herself out?

Unless you're only doing less than JH ball, I'd get the right shoes.

The best bet is to ask others with whom you will be working.

That's the issue
 

I see sum with all black, i see sum with a mixture. This includes HS varsity. Our local association recommends, does not require, all/as much black as possible. I like shox because they are SO comfortable. However, i wont mind ponying up for a new pair. Just wonder what the "enlightened" thought about this. I still say it should be "substance over style" if one had to choose.

All black. We don't have anyone in our association with anything but all black. It gives you a more professional appearance. It's the only "uniform" look you can have as a crew.

Re: That's the issue
 

Do what the vets in your area do. In my area, just about everyone wears all black. I've seen D-1 officials on TV with lots of white and/or gray on their shoes.

Personally, I couldn't give a rats patootie if my partner's shoes are all black. I have more important things to be concerned with.

Z

All Black!

When you are being sized for your suit, a good thing to do is look at your salesperson's shoe heels. If they are scuffed and have worn edges, there's a good chance he or she will not pay close attention to the details necessary to get your $300 suit to fit you properly. You are sending the same message with how much attention you spend on the "details" of your role. If the shoes are functional for you....can the non-black coloring be "painted" or "dyed" to give you the "all black" conformity?

It's a matter of how serious you are about your personal and "professional" appearance.

Re: That's the issue
 

Why are you adding up shoes? :confused:

Re: Re: That's the issue
 

The reason you see some D1 whit white or gray is that they most likely have a shoe deal with the conference and are required to wear them

Re: Re: That's the issue
 

Glad to see that GW education wasn't wasted. :D I have to admit that I had to "re-read" the original post twice to see what you were talking about.

There are a couple of ways to look at this. You can look at it as a chance to fit in, which isn't a bad thing. And you can look at this as a chance to stand out. If I were in your position, I'd think about the latter. Professionalism is one way to distinguish yourself from your equally skilled colleagues. Looking professional promote a perception of professionalism. Smart looking, polished all-black shoes is pretty universally accepted as professional looking. One day, a few years down the road, it might just mean you get moved up over another equally skilled candidated. One day, next month, it might just mean that a coach might just evaluate you as fresh meat that might know what he's doing, rather than just run of the mill fresh meat ;)

The National Federation of State High School
Associations state:
Entirely black with black laces.

I have written officials up on their evaluations
for grey or white on the shoes.

Yes, I do have other things to look for during
or pre game, but shoes always stick out to me as
do belted slacks.

Just be safe and go all black, it looks better too.

All Black
 

Patent Leather, all black shoes are nice and they shine like crazy!