State finals illegal uniform redux

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by falsecut

Second, I'd like to know which refs didn't know that there were rules for uniforms.

Are you saying that you could quote all the rules on uniforms without looking them up in the rulebook and you would be able to identify the exact inches of a seam or the size of a number? If you can, you are a much better person that I am and most here. And as someone that works multiple sports and deals with uniform regulations in all those sports, some thing would not be easily identified by me or anyone unless brought to our attention. And then we would have to look it up to make sure we were following the rule properly. Most things officials would know are the color requirements, but not how long or deep the seam is on the uniform.

Originally Posted by falsecut

Seems all we've done is talk about this for more than two years. You'd have to be in a coma to not know about the uniform rules, at least as a varsity official. And these are supposed to be our most knowledgeable guys.

I have been around this place for longer than two years, I cannot think of a single discussion on uniforms that ever was discussed about the size of a seam. Maybe you brought that up, but I have not once other than a rules meeting I attended that even talked in any detail about the seam. Usually the manufacture knows those things because it is apart of their business and they would not sell a uniform that is known to not follow NF standards. It would be counter-productive to sell something that is going to constantly.

Also last year the IHSA did not want officials dealing with uniform issues (so not two years for everyone) or giving Ts for uniform violations. We were told to only report illegal uniforms directly to the IHSA and that the IHSA would handle it. And I cannot speak of a single situation I was involved in that there was a uniform violation either by me observing them, or being brought to my attention by a coach or school or even fan (which they like to bring a lot of things to your attention).

Maybe you are perfect, but most of us are not concerned about things that have little or nothing to do with playing the game. If you can see the numbers, that is all most officials are going to care about.

Peace