Patches
 

How many of wear patches on your uniform?

In Utah, we don't wear any and I like it that way. I spent a couple of seasons in Arizona and they wear two. I used to work in a NAIA league and we never wore patches, but we wore them during the league tournament. The tourney was held in MT and apparently, patches are worn there too. I kept kidding the other guys in the tourney that they looked like NASCAR drivers with all of the crap on their shirts. They weren't amused, but I was.

My association wears, generally, two patches. IAABO and the US Flag.

VA HS patch on left breast and US flag w/ gold trim on left sleeve.

We wear a flag, but I guess I never considered it a patch...even though it is one.

In Washington State, high school officials wear the WOA patch on the left chest.

For men's community college games, stripes with no patch. Wide stripe shirt OK if all crew members wear it.

Mo
 

In Missouri we are required to wear the MSHSAA state patch on the left sleeve.

Association patches in the area vary.

College is unadorned or flag on left sleeve.

No patches in SC, though we have one for our jackets.

Back in Kansas, the KSHSAA patch on the sleeve was the norm - it was also allowed on the chest though I never saw anyone with it there.

In Louisiana members of the state association wear the standard LHSAA patch on the left chest

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11.../STAvsMany.jpg

here is a buddy of mine with the National Federation patch on the left sleeve

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11...DvsArcadia.jpg

In Illinois it is only required that we wear the IHSA Patch on our left arm. The US Flag is optional and most officials choose not to wear them in basketball. In football it is hard to not find many veterans that do not have the US flag. Mainly because the September 11 event took place in the middle of football season and that just became a trend almost across the board.

Peace

TN requires the TSSAA patch on the left chest. Local associations dictate flag or no flag. Our association has flag centered 1 inch below collar on back of jersey.

Patches? We don't need no stinkin' patches. :mad:

Actually in AZ we don't have patches, the state logo and Pursuing Victory with Honor are embroidered on the shirts.

The only officials wearing patches are the ones that wouldn't replace their old shirts and would rather spend $9 on two ugly patches, and look out-of-place, than spend $27 on the shirts.

Oregon: All HS officials in all associations were the OSAA patch on their left chest and, optionally, a flag on the sleeve.

Ontario:

• High School
  • IAABO officials can wear the IAABO patch on the left breast
  • Some local boards have a crest to be worn on, usually, the right or left sleeve
• Club Basketball
  • No need for IAABO since club ball is now using FIBA rules
  • Some local boards have a crest to be worn on, usually, the right or left sleeve
• College and University
  • No crests permitted, AFAIK

Is that Butch Gill in the first picture?

This guy wanted to join our board, but...
 

...he misunderstood about patches.
http://www.centerstagecostumes.com/I...e_Eyepatch.JPG

Count me in as one who wore the ugly patches. Mostly because I found the whole patch thing and "Pursuing Victory with Honor" as worthless. It wasn't about the $27. IMO, the embriodered shirts were only incrementally better looking than the patches.

Every Game ...
 

In Vermont, we order our shirts with the IAABO logo on the left chest and an American flag patch centered on the back right below the collar.

Also, we have the option of two shirt styles: traditional black/white stripes and grey with black pin-stripes.

Any other states have the option of different shirt styles?

Devil's Advocate ...
 

For your information:

U.S. Flag Code (4 US Code 1)
Sec. 8. - Respect for flag
(j) No part of the flag should ever be used as a costume or athletic uniform. However, a flag patch may be affixed to the uniform of military personnel, firemen, policemen, and members of patriotic organizations.

That being said, my referee jersey has a flag patch on the back, I wear a flag patch on my laboratory coat at work every day, and I display the flag at home on every national, and state holiday, as well as every time a Connecticut soldier, sailor, airman, or marine, gets killed in Iraq, or Afghanistan, so far 41 flag displays:

http://www.courant.com/news/local/hc...-utility-local

I think our association considers ourselves a patriotic organization. :D

The flag with gold trim is also supposed to be reserved for military purposes, isn't it?

Indiana requires the IHSAA patch on left sleeve for all Freshman level and higher.

You don't have to be licensed for JRHS but I suppose it doesn't hurt. I let my license lapse a couple years ago cause I wasn't working HS games but I'm going to retake the test next fall and get my patch again...

One time I heard some fan say about me, "He doesn't even have a patch on" ....I thought to myself, well...he's right but the guy I was workin with did and he was a first year guy and I'm not sure the patch made much difference! ;)

I still have a few shirts without the IAABO patch, and I try to match my partners when working lower level games. I remember hearing a fan yell at me to go back to school and get my patch. I wished I'd brought my patched shirt so I could have changed at half time. :)

What's to prevent any guy off the street from buying a uni and purporting to be a ref? In Illinois it's a red flag with no patch. And any high school game at any level where a ref shows up with no patch(I've never seen it) would be under extreme scrutiny from both school administration and fans.

The patch I don't have and can't buy is STATE FINAL OFFICIAL...

Speaking of patches, just because an official has one doesn't neccessarily mean he/she can officiate. It just simply means they passed a test!!

Working 7th grade a&b games yesterday, my partner comes in fully geared up (IAABO patch & flag on shirt) 2 minutes before tip-off. As I'm changing from my greys to stripes, because he doesn't own greys, I ask him why he's wearing a HS shirt for a MS game? He says so coaches & fans will know he's certified & capable of working the games!

So I'm L & 3 minutes into the game an airball by A3 (visitors) he rebounds his own miss, I got nothing crowd goes nuts, the T comes in with the AT&T travel violation.
Fan says, that's why he has the patch on his shirt.

Perception is reality?

Dude. Ouch! Did you talk to him about that later?

BTW, middle school wears grey shirts around here?

I tried speaking with him about that, as well as not tossing the jump with his volleyball whistle in mouth & how the T should blow the FT dead when it doesn't strike anything, but he wasn't too receptive as he kept looking in the spot where the patch should be on my shirt.

He claims to be looking forward to attending our local HS camp this summer :rolleyes:
Thank gawd!!

When is it? I might go.

Couldn't get to it without a password. [shrug]
I've got to figure out what I'm going to do, though, as far as where to officiate (Denver or Co. Springs.)

I hate the patch!!
 

[QUOTE=Coltdoggs]Indiana requires the IHSAA patch on left sleeve for all Freshman level and higher.


Is it true that the IHSAA can revoke an officials lic. if he or she doesn't properly display the patch on the shirt? :confused:

Check your PM for password access to the registration form...

Let's see 5A Championship: Defending Champs East (DPL) vs T-Ridge (Continental)
4A Championship: Defending Champs Lincoln (DPL) vs Widefield (CO. Springs)

3-1 you see where the talent is at :D

And, his jersey is on sideways! :eek:

Must look pretty silly if refs have different shirts. How can we act as fashion police to teams if refs aren't 'uniform' Do you contact partners as to 'dress code' for games?

But we do need one of the worst songs ever recorded.........

Patches

Patches
(Barry Mann and Larry Kolber)

Down by the river that floats by the coal yards
Stand wooden houses with shutters torn down
There lives a girl ev'rybody calls Patches
Patches, my darling of old Shanty Town.

We planned to marry when June brought the sun
I couldn't wait to make Patches my bride
Now I don't see how that ever can happen
My folks say no and my heart breaks inside.

Patches, Oh, what can I do?
I swear I'll always love you
But a girl from that place will just bring me disgrace
So my folks won't let me love you.

Each night I cry as I think of that shanty
And pretty Patches there watching the door
She doesn't know that I can't come to see her
Patches must think that I love her no more.

I heard a neighbor tellin' my father
He says a girl name of Patches was found
Floating face down that dirty old river
That floats by the coal yards in old Shanty Town.

Patches, Oh, what can I do?
I swear I'll always love you
It may not be right but I'll join your tonight
Patches I'm coming to you.

Recorded by Dickey Lee

No, we don't.

Freaking, God-awful song.

Now I owe you for reminding me of that one.

Be afraid.

Very, very afraid!:eek:

May your head hit the pillow humming this tune tonight.:p

http://www.stomptokyo.com/guests/img/uhf.jpg


Oh wait.... those were badgers. :cool:

I'm guessing the standing rule is "All the same" for the floor. All stripes, all grays. Just carry 1 or 2 of each.

I used to carry 2 shirts, flag/no flag. Then this whole wide panel thing came out and people started saying "if all three have them wear them otherwise don't." I've seen so many first year guys with them as they came in a kit that a vendor was selling at the chapter meetings, so during the off season I just bought two of those, and both will carry flags.

To the OP. In Houston it's patchless shirts with the option of an American flag on the left sleeve. Football guys seem to wear patches though...

When i lived in Louisiana it was LHSAA patch on the left chest, IIRC

What's the point in having two different colored shirts?

In Texas we don't wear patches (got away from them in late '80s, thank God). We also seem to moving away from the flag, and I wish we would. I'm as patriotic as they come, but I don't like the flag on the shirt. For one thing, there's no consistency in where it is. Its supposed to be on the left arm. Some have it 2 inches down from the top; others have it 2 inches up from the bottom. Some have it in the middle and crooked. I've even seen it a time or two on the right arm.

For our local kids rec league, we wear Antarctica flag patches since I am the U.S. ambassador to that country. They really tickle when they wave like that.

http://www.globaltower.com/images/fl...ntarctique.gif

Legit question fullor....I guess for ME, I've been around the city working games for 7 seasons now so it's not been a big deal for ME.

When I first started working games at the hoops facility I work during the summer (MS/AAU/Summer HS stuff) I had a list of references I was ready to have my scheduler call on. He stated he was fine with me not being IHSAA Licensed but that they would monitor/evaluate me in their "house league" first...After my first weekend of games he was fine with me working and since then I've worked plenty of games in their larger tournaments that draw teams from around the state as well as Midwest.

For the HS games in Indiana...yes, you do have to be State Licensed and MUST wear your patch...

I agree with that, flags are all over the place. Although, I recently ordered a shirt from honigs & the invoice states "centered 2 inches from the bottom of the left sleeve".
Why did I work a game at The Pepsi Center with an official who had his flag on the right sleeve?

In Iowa, we have a patch trimmed in different colors depending on one's level of accomplishment. In other words, you pass the closed book test, your patch is trimmed in green (approved). Then you start working your way up, demonstrating rules knowledge on tests, working V games, getting playoff considerations from coaches, and other stuff, you go to being trimmed in gold (recognized), then blue (certified) and finally purple (superior). That all having been said, I see very few guys who actually wear patches no matter their level of accomplishment. Our state allows for a flag and they encourage us to wear a small red patch, trimmed in gold, that says 'Say No to Drugs.'

You might mention to them to change the patch to match our kids rec league slogan: "Do Sports - Not Drugs". It's a little more "catchy" and relates to the fact that we want kids to participate in sports to help them keep their heads on straight.

BTW - does a pink border around your state patch mean "there's nothing wrong with that?" :p

I'm sure there are plenty of unpatched refs here, yet we have over 5,000 licensed officials. I started off doing high school games immediately and wanted to do it the right way. I felt I'd be cheating myself if I wasn't patched and didn't pass the test. It's pretty much the norm regarding being licensed and patched. You won't get much respect nor much of ANY schedule without being licensed here.

I do believe that's an empty beer bucket next to our striped friend. So it's not just the jersey that's sideways :D

I have had people that said the same thing to me when I was working AAU games or even summer games which do not require a patch.

Peace

I think the whole "Patched" terminology and language is ridiculous and many comments in this thread are the reason why. To say someone is going to get patched says nothing of their ability to officiate a game well. Whether someone wears a patch or not is no indication of their training or ability.

Agree. You evaluate the official, not the patch.

This patch has to be on the right-hand side, correct?

To say someone is going to get patched says nothing of their ability to officiate a game well. Whether someone wears a patch or not is no indication of their training or ability.

Disagree to some extent. You have to be licensed in Illinois to ref high chool games, to be licensed yearly, you have to pass a test and attend a mandatory rules meeting and additionally attend a clinic I believe every other year. Does this make you a good ref? Of course not, but it does say something about one's training........... they've made the effort. I can only go by what I see in the Chicagoland area, and an unpatched official at the middle school level leaves alot to be desired and clearly indicates no effort for self improvement or a willingness to learn. That said, there are plenty of horrible officials that are patched only in an effort to collect a check.

I do know there are quite a few varsity games worked in Illinois without patches being worn. Some of the officials are from out of state and aren't looking to impress the IHSA since they aren't going to get post-season games anyway. Some work mostly college games.

Nobody's ever said anything to me about not wearing a patch. Of course, in Wisconsin we don't wear any.

You don't where you are, but I'm sure you've read someone say something like, "I think I will get patched next year" or something similar. My comment had to do with the fact that a patch alone, or the process involved with getting one, doesn't make an official a good official. This may be something that is very misunderstood by the fans.

Local IAABO Board Patch ...
 

On our local IAABO board, the "first" year official is considered a "probationary" member, which simply means that he, or she, has passed the written test before the season began, usually after attending about a dozen rules clinics. Once they pass the written test, they attend several mechanics clinics, after which they are eligible to accept subvarsity assignments, middle school, freshman, or junior varsity games. Toward the end of the season, they must pass a floor exam, after which they become full members of our local board, which is signified by the new member receiving his, or her, patch at our final board meeting of the season.

I agree with those who posted that an unpatched official can be a very good official, especially those who may have had previous experience outside our IAABO organization. I also agree that a patched official can be a very poor official, especially if he, or she, doesn't take advantage of camps, clinics, colleague critiques, etc.

Fans in our area seem to recognize the meaning of the patch. As is our custom, varsity officials must observe about three periods of the junior varsity game, that usually precedes our varsity game. We often hear fans reacting to a "bad" call by a "probationary" member, that the official "doesn't have a patch".

http://re3.yt-thm-a04.yimg.com/image/25/m2/2354979356

I think we should all wear this patch. I bet coaches would stop giving us crap.

http://www.fleoa.org/images/products/PATCH02.jpg

...or patches like these....

http://www.friscohellsangels.com/

enter at your own risk...

I laughed when I heard it....Like a patch is gonna make me call it differently? :p From a "credibility" standpoint...OK, I can maybe see it...but if you aren't gonna take the time to investigate how long I've been at it, a patch aint gonna make much difference!

I've worked in more states with patches than not. And when I'd move to another state it would be time for a new wardrobe.

But they give ANYONE a state patch in places where I live. You sends your money, you gets your patches. Worthless.

Becoming A Patched Man ...
 

Is getting a patch anything like becoming a "Made Man"?

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...oodfellas2.jpg

It is not an issue of impressing anyone, it is a requirement. And when you do not follow requirements, your license might be in jeopardy if it is reported. And I can think of only a handful of times where someone working an IHSA game has not had a patch on. And I have worked in a pretty wide area. And even the “college officials” adhere to the requirement. Maybe I do not always see the need to follow some other things from time to time (like wearing a CCA jacket to a game for example), but the patch is usually a very common thing you see.

Peace

Attending a meeting and going to a camp every three years does not prove that you are a good official. Many good officials go to several in one year and not just the basic requirements.

And this proves why having one means little or nothing in the bigger picture. It still takes years for an official to be competent. It still takes extensive training and understanding of the game. It still takes being able to keep up with the players by being in shape. All those things are not things you get by putting a patch on your shirt.

Peace

Wearing a CCA jacket to a high school game will always be interpreted (by me and my usual partners) as trying to "big-time." And it's a big no-no in Wisconsin, as is the side-panel shirt.

I have seen lower level officials wear a CCA Jacket. And I have seen officials that do not work any college ball wear CCA Jackets. I do not see it quite that way, but that is because these jackets are available to anyone that wants them no matter what you have done.

Peace

When I first got my patch, after calling locally for 15 years or so without one, I pointed it out to a coach. "You know what this means, don't you?" "No, what does it mean?" "It means that anybody can get one of these.":D

A "Must Wear" Patch ...
 

I put on this patch before every game, whether I need it, or not:

http://www.gf-lifestyles.com/images/maxid_box.jpg

I don't know. I don't wanna know.

This must be how BillyMac "gets up" for the BIG games! ;)

Pennsylvania requires a keystone-shaped "PIAA Official" patch on the left sleeve. The american flag patch on the right sleeve is optional, but they tell us that everyone on the crew should look alike. Just about everyone wears the flag, but we all bring two shirts ... one with a flag, one without.

The blue area of the flag is on the left.

Then Pennsylvania is wearing it incorrectly. The blue should always be toward the front of the uniform when worn on a sleeve.

Yep. As if the flag were trailing behind you when you run. Of course, if you're as old and slow as I am, you wear a flag that just hangs there. ;)

Just make sure the stars are on top. :)

Here's the American Flag patch that should be on your right sleeve, if your state association requires that the flag be worn there.

http://www.militaryclothing.com/id-6...49_1187128.JPG

Yes wearing a patch does not an official make, but it does, in the world of HS sports at least provide a minimal (and I do mean for extremely small values of minimal) amount of accountability to the state that the officials on said list has done at least *something* towards being an official in the chosen sport, namely having passed an open book test and sending in $45. Cause otherwise you know that there would be some school somewhere that would offer just anybody a game. Again, to us having a patch doesn't make you not "just someone". But in the eyes of the state and schools involved it does.

Typically in the college world, there is at least some person(s) accountable for every official that walks onto the court. Until the HS world moves fully into an assignor based system (which will never happen), then having an xxSHSAA patched official on a game shows both schools that he/she has at least a minimal (and again I do mean for extremely small values of minimal) amount of accountability towards working said game. That and he paid $45.

I thought the proper way to display the American Flag was with the canton in the top left if the flag is displayed horizontal, and the canton in the top right if the flag is displayed vertical.

Displayed, perhaps. Worn on a sleeve, however, it's different.
From usmilitary.about.com

Yes, if it is displayed against a wall. It is more complicated in other cases.

• (h) When the flag of the United States is displayed from a staff projecting horizontally or at an angle from the window sill, balcony, or front of a building, the union of the flag should be placed at the peak of the staff unless the flag is at half staff. When the flag is suspended over a sidewalk from a rope extending from a house to a pole at the edge of the sidewalk, the flag should be hoisted out, union first, from the building.
• (i) When displayed either horizontally or vertically against a wall, the union should be uppermost and to the flag's own right, that is, to the observer's left. When displayed in a window, the flag should be displayed in the same way, with the union or blue field to the left of the observer in the street.
• (j) When the flag is displayed over the middle of the street, it should be suspended vertically with the union to the north in an east and west street or to the east in a north and south street.