officiating uniform patch

[wanja]

Does anyone know the NFHS restrictions on placing a commemorative patch on an official's uniform. My chapter is considering wearing a patch to honor an esteemed official who recently died.

The NFHS Manual section 1.5, uniform and equipment, is silent on the issue. So any reference would be helpful. I'll also get in touch with the state association in PA to see if there are any additional state restrictions.

I know a couple of years ago in Indiana my association did the same thing and it was the State association that gave the ok for that kind of a patch.

[wanja]

I heard from the PIAA and they only allow the state patch and an American flag on the shirt. Pennsylvania does allow patches on the pre-game jacket.

[JRutledge]

The NF has no say over what officials can or cannot put on the official's uniforms. That policy falls on the states to make that determination of what is allowed or not allowed.

Peace

[Adam]

Originally Posted by wanja

I heard from the PIAA and they only allow the state patch and an American flag on the shirt. Pennsylvania does allow patches on the pre-game jacket.

Last season we wore a black stripe (electrical tape) across our IAABO patches in honor of an official who had recently died. We did that for a week, but I'm not sure whether it was approved by the state. It didn't matter, as my local association is the only opinion that matters to me on those issues.

[JBleach85]

Originally Posted by wanja

I heard from the PIAA and they only allow the state patch and an American flag on the shirt. Pennsylvania does allow patches on the pre-game jacket.

I totally agree. Last year in my association in PA we were not allowed to wear anything on the shirts. We were allowed to wear patches on our pre-game jackets.

[dacodee]

Originally Posted by wanja

I heard from the PIAA and they only allow the state patch and an American flag on the shirt. Pennsylvania does allow patches on the pre-game jacket.

That's sort of hypocritical, don't you think? PIAA will allow "pink whistles" during Coaches for Cancer week, but not a commemorative patch. Go figure...

I would go ahead and have the chapter officials wear the patch. They just won't wear them in any state games.

[zm1283]

State association patches are required on the left sleeve in Missouri for basketball officials. They don't care what is on your jacket, so we have the local association logo on those.

[Adam]

Originally Posted by dacodee

That's sort of hypocritical, don't you think? PIAA will allow "pink whistles" during Coaches for Cancer week, but not a commemorative patch. Go figure...

I would go ahead and have the chapter officials wear the patch. They just won't wear them in any state games.

Unless the state has any real direct say in your assignments, and would be willing to enforce that during the post season, it really falls on your local leadership to make this decision.