Officials Uniform Problems

[IowaMike]

Originally Posted by fullor30

I'm going to disagree with you Rich, as it shows you're properly licensed, otherwise any chooch can go to Dick's, buy a shirt and start 'reffing' which some do on maverick park district stuff. It's very noticable here if you don't have a patch. Another patch of pride is a state final patch which the lucky ones wear and it's also worn with pride. The IHSA in Illinois is a very large and strong association which requires a few things to become licensed. It may sound corny, but I'm proud to wear that patch.

I never wear the state patch on my shirt and a lot of guys don't. The only games in Iowa that you have to be certified with the state high school association to work are sanctioned high school games. Middle school games only require one state certified official. It is the responsibility of the school hiring the official (or a conference assigner) to make sure that they are properly certified. If they are doing their job, what you describe above won't happen. You don't have to be certified to work rec league ball here.

I worked varsity ball in Illinois for several years too and never wore a patch there either. It never was a problem. If you aren't certified you should be weeded out by the schools/assigners.