Uniform Question
 

This is my first post as I am a new member. If you all have discussed this before just show me the thread.

Last night I was calling a Boys Varsity Game. In the Girls JV game that was played before a fellow official made a ruling that has me confused as I can't find anything about it in the nfhs books. A girl on the visiting team (blue Jerseys) has on one short sock and one knee length Blue sock. About midway through the second quarter the official sees this and stops play and makes the player leave the game to change the sock. My partner and I spoke about it briefly stating that we were not sure what to do. We came to the conclusion that since the sock has nothing to do with the play of the game, or any player's safety during the game then we do nothing. Espically since it was midway through the second quarter of play and the girl was a starter. I feel that if this is to be caught then it must be caught in pregame warmups. I looked in the books and haven't been able to find anything dealing with players socks. Personally I think that it looks stupid but has no effect on the game so if the player wants to look like an idiot the so be it, he's not hurting anyone by wearing one sock long and one short. The official who made the call told the coach that he was making the player remove the sock because it was "decorative". What do you guys and gals think?

Welcome to the forum!

You know the reason you couldn't find anything in the rules? Because there is nothing in the rules covering socks. Now, given the other uniform issues we have to deal with, I suppose it's only a matter of time before they are addressed, but in the meantime, this was simply a case of an OOO. (Overly-officious official.)

I didn't think there was anything but wasn't for sure. When I have to look through 3 or 4 different books to find some things I tend to overlook stuff. Primarily when it comes to uniforms. I hate being the Uniform Police. Seriously what does it have to do with the way the game is played or the safety of the players if they have on a different colored undershirt or one with the sleeves cut off? Even a manufactures logo? That has absolutely nothing to do with the game of basketball or the safety of those involved. I understand the purpose of several of the uniform rules but some just get to me. I get just can't understand the logic behind these.

I think sometimes officials call stuff or make decisions like the one made last night to show someone how smart they are. What did you call it a OOO?

Under 3.5.1, I guess he could have considered the mismatched socks "confusing to other players". I know it would make me dizzy just looking at them.

As to manufacturers logos, there is a specific reason for not allowing them. I think it has to do with keeping sponsorship payments out of HS sports, or something like that.

I Prefer General Electric Socks ...
 

Do restrictions on manufacturing logos apply to socks?

3.6.1 "Shoes and socks are not considered part of the uniform for purposes of visible logo size."

Manufacturing logos restrictions do not apply to socks or shoes.

Hey, it's my first actual contribution to the forum! It's been all questions from me up to this point. :)

I'm not 100$% sure, but dind't there used to be NFHS rules on socks, but they were eventually repealed? :confused:

Either way, socks are not considered part of the uniform in NFHS. :)

And a good one to boot :)

From a little over a week ago: http://forum.officiating.com/basketb...934-socks.html

;)

No more dizzying than vertical black and white stripes....:p

What's Black And White And Red All Over ???
 

We're supposed to stand out so no one thinks we're a teammate, and passes the ball to us by mistake. Also, we all dress the same, as a team.

Here's the deal. Anyone that's worried about socks is worried TOO much and is "majoring in the minors." There is nothing in the rules on socks and you look like a dufus when you make it an issue. Trust me, I've seen it happen. Forget socks and worry about fouls, travels, charges, and blocks. That's my less than humble opinion on the matter.:cool:

______________________

Please, Lord..... let him be wrong!:)

Believe me, I'm sayin' the same prayer!

Hey M&M,
Don't you think that we also pray that Tanner gets some more officiating equipment, especially whistles for Christmas this year?;)

Yea, Tanner needs more equipment like Congress needs more companies in line for bailout requests. :D

I think that's a good prayer. I haven't got anything in like two weeks. I think that should count! :) Also, I think I'm holding out on anymore whistles. I'm pretty sure I'm covered (and others are too).

I've heard they are working on a package to bail me out of all the shipping costs I've had.

In return, I am pushing for them to approve the panel shirts in Illinois. :D

While I agree with this, I can also see the possibility of a newer official, who knows that uniforms are a constant POE, might not realize that socks aren't part of the uniform. The rules committee has focused so much on fashion issues in the last 5 or 6 years that it's not unreasonable for someone who isn't really sure to think that socks ought to match.

Obviously, the official needs to learn the actual rule, but with all the fashion POEs recently, would it really surprise anybody if this became a rule?

Not me. In fact, I'll bet it's on this year's NFHS survey.

Apparently, they do in the WCC (W) as of two weeks ago. A matter of time for NFHS? Good lord I hope not.:rolleyes: