But that was in the 1860s
 

Yeah but look at what time "Honest Abe" was alive. Things have changed since then. But maybe they are changing back. I see all kinds of people with facial hair.

Peace

WELCOME BACK, JUULIE!!!!!!!! :D

And Glasses, Too
 

At an association meeting a couple of years ago, one of my assigners mentioned that it would be a good idea to be clean-shaven and without glasses, if possible. He said you'll never see that in writing, but just mentioned it as a "word to the wise."

<i> At an association meeting a couple of years ago, one of my assigners mentioned that it would be a good idea to be
clean-shaven and without glasses, if possible. He said you'll never see that in writing, but just mentioned it as a "word to the wise."</i>

This sounds like one of those things that an assignor (who doesn't have anything better to worry about) says at a camp and then it spreads like wildfire without anyone challenging it. I think that "all things in moderation" would probably be a more accurate statement. For what it's worth, I just looked at the list of the top 5 refs in our assoc and here's the tally:

1) Mustache
2) Glasses
3) Clean shaven
4) Goatee
5) Mustache

We do have a guy that has a beard that looks like he just climbed out of the hills. He's an excellent ref but rated around 22 in our association. My personal belief is that his appearance is deemed "unprofessional" by some and it hurts him on his ratings.

Z

Rambling non basketball discussion follows...

There seems to have been a great shift in this country regarding facial hair sometime in the early part of this century. There were several leaders and statesmen who had very full beards in the 19th and early 20th century. They were respected and viewed as honest, hardworking, etc. I don't know for sure what triggered the change, but the respect of facial hair largely fallen out of favor and has never returned.

There have been no bearded (or even mustached) Presidents in about 100 years while there were several before that (perhaps a majority). Was this related to the advent of TV or reasonable quality photos in print media? Before 1900 or so, people usually only read or heard about politicians and such. After it, they have been able to see the person.

Or was it the invention of a good quality razor that allowed clean shaves without having to be extremely careful?

The psychology that I have heard is that people like to see the expressions on people's faces. Facial hair can obscure some of the finer elements of facial expressions. Seeing these expressions is believed to influence (rightly or wrongly) the perception of honesty.

There are few areas, however, that seem to remain with the older values that would seem to contradict the current common views. It seems that judges often are bearded, while lawyers are not.

This seems to apply to basketball/officiating in a way that is similar to the views of society in general. Personally, I feel it is unneccessary and unjustified, but it is they way it is.

[Edited by Camron Rust on Jul 29th, 2002 at 01:09 PM]

Re: And Glasses, Too
 

Hey, if our Assignment Sec. wants to pay for the laser surgery I'll have it done. Until that time, I'll happily work the lower level games because I only need my glasses to see.

I was told that when I hadn't reached the college level yet, that it would be a good idea to get contact lenses if you can, and also get clean shaven. I guess it is some unwritten rule, but it has worked for me so far.

<i>I was told that when I hadn't reached the college level yet, that it would be a good idea to get contact lenses if you can, and also get clean shaven. I guess it is some unwritten rule, but it has worked for me so far.</I>

Where are you going to go shopping when you are told that women's underwear are a must too? :-)

Z

Actually,some associations specify black thongs as part of their dress code.

<i> Actually,some associations specify black thongs as part of their dress code.</i>

Where do I apply? I think I could be quite an <i>asss</i>et.

Z

You're hired.Most assuredly,we'd need an assistant to assemble the assets.

Btw,do you have a picture of yourself in your black officials thong?
If not,do you wanna buy one? :eek:

Actually, wouldn't we wear striped thongs? :p

Geeze,Mark,you always wear black in case your pants split.
On second thought,if you were wearing a black thong when your pants split,it'd probably look like stripes anyway.:D

Hey, some of us are in shape so that we don't have to worry about pants splitting.

I am not part of that group. :D

The drop 25, i agree with. that is a major poe w/ assignors. as to the mustache, i think the main thing is that you get the dam* call right, and they will be fine!!