Newbie

[tjones1]

Originally Posted by jdw3018

If you're starting out and have pants w/ loops and don't want to spend the money, still don't wear a belt.

I disagree. If you've got the loops, wear the belt. To me it'd look tacky.

[jdw3018]

Originally Posted by tjones1

I disagree. If you've got the loops, wear the belt. To me it'd look tacky.

Eh, to each their own. I'm just not a fan of the belt while officiating at all. If it were me, I'd take the loops off if I had them...

[Adam]

Originally Posted by jdw3018

Eh, to each their own. I'm just not a fan of the belt while officiating at all. If it were me, I'd take the loops off if I had them...

I've seen that done, but my understanding is the manual requires the belt if you have belt loops. Cut them off or wear a belt.
Where I ref, most guys just wear belted pants, so it's no big deal. I prefer beltless, but you just can't find beltless pants in town.

[JRutledge]

My suggestion is not to ever buy pants with a belt. Not because I said so, because whether we like it or not, we are compared to what officials across the board look like from the NBA to college ranks. You do not see any of those officials on TV with belts? This of course is a personal decision, but do not be completely surprised if folks do not like it and hold that little thing against you (right or wrong).

Peace

[bigdog5142]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

My suggestion is not to ever buy pants with a belt. Not because I said so, because whether we like it or not, we are compared to what officials across the board look like from the NBA to college ranks. You do not see any of those officials on TV with belts? This of course is a personal decision, but do not be completely surprised if folks do not like it and hold that little thing against you (right or wrong).

Peace

Got to agree...the more professional-looking you look in the gym...the more respect you will garner...at least until you start blowing the whistle. Then the only person that really respects you is your partner!

[Jurassic Referee]

Originally Posted by Snaqwells

I've seen that done, but my understanding is the manual requires the belt if you have belt loops.

Nope, all the manual says is that the pants must be black with no flares....and....if you wear a belt, the belt should be black.Go with directives from your local association or state body.

[grunewar]

Loners -

First, let me say welcome to the board. I am only in my second yr reffing in "the bigs" (i.e. - non-wrec) and really get good advice from the members here.

Pants - you'll just receive less scrutiny if you go beltless. Meaning, vets will never look at you oddly if you go beltless, but others are very opinionated as to not liking the belted pants. As a newbie, it's just easier to "fit in" going beltless. IMO

As for your play - as you have heard, there's no substitute for getting one of the books/manuals and reading up.

Good luck!

[26 Year Gap]

Originally Posted by Snaqwells

I've seen that done, but my understanding is the manual requires the belt if you have belt loops. Cut them off or wear a belt.
Where I ref, most guys just wear belted pants, so it's no big deal. I prefer beltless, but you just can't find beltless pants in town.

You mean you haven't ever been told to leave town?

[Adam]

Originally Posted by 26 Year Gap

You mean you haven't ever been told to leave town?

Nearest town bigger than this one is 250 miles away.

I would have gladly made accomodations to pick up the required attire, but the vets here are wearing belted pants. There's no reason to go out of my way to spend $35-$40 on pants during my brief trips to Denver, or buy them on the internet, when there is absolutely zero disincentive to wear belted pants.

Like I said, though, I prefer the fit of beltless, so I'll get another pair this year.