He's got legs, he knows how to use them ...

[BillyMac]

(Apologies to ZZ Top)

In the past my local IAABO board only assigned AAU games when the games were in conjunction with our local camp. Now our board is assigning AAU games for several tournaments over the next few months. I plan on working games in these tournaments for several reasons: get in some running, stay on top of my game, see some of my buddies that I don't normally see in the off season, and make a few bucks.

Problem. Since, other than camps, I have never worked spring, or summer, ball, I don't own a nice pair of black shorts for officiating. I always wore long pants for the camps. Does anyone have a suggestion, or a link, to where I can purchase a few pairs of black officiating shorts? They can be belted, or beltless. I take pride in my appearance, and always like to look professional, so I don't just want to run down to our local sporting goods store and buy a pair of black running shorts.

Another silly question. With black officiating shorts, do I wear black socks, or white socks?

[grunewar]

I had the same issue last yr........

I bought my mid-leg, length running shorts from Runners World. They're not short. I did find that you can get them in most any sporting goods store though.

We wear white socks.

I do however bring a complete, regular uniform just in case.......as happened at a tourney a few weekends ago when my partner wore the wrong uni.

[Nevadaref]

Where I am ALL summer games, including camps, are officiated in shorts. Most people just go down the sporting goods store and pick up a pair of Adidas, Nike, Reebox, etc. As long as they are black, no one is going to say a word.
People wear either white or black socks. There is no standard on that in this locale.

[JRutledge]

Do everyone a favor and wear shorts that are long. Do not buy those ugly coaching shorts (I do not know what you mean by officiating shorts BTW anyway).

Also wear white socks, it looks better and you do not look corny.

Peace

[Mark Padgett]

You might try these. They look pretty good, especially with the black socks.

[26 Year Gap]

Some AAU, like the tournaments that Disney runs, require us to be in full uniform. Many others allow shorts. I have some black Nike shorts that have pockets. Some want us with white socks. Some want black socks. But they are the short socks, not the 'normal' length socks. I would ask the assignors what the proper dress is for each tournament.

And leave the fishnets at home. Unless you have a night game.

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

I do not know what you mean by officiating shorts BTW anyway.

I don't either. This is new territory for me.

[mbyron]

Originally Posted by BillyMac

I don't either. This is new territory for me.

Never heard of officiating shorts? Tosh.

[GoodwillRef]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

Do everyone a favor and wear shorts that are long. Do not buy those ugly coaching shorts (I do not know what you mean by officiating shorts BTW anyway).

Also wear white socks, it looks better and you do not look corny.

Peace

Thanks for the white socks comment...so many guys where I live think black socks with shorts look good...no they don't!!!!

[Adam]

Originally Posted by GoodwillRef

Thanks for the white socks comment...so many guys where I live think black socks with shorts look good...no they don't!!!!

I don't think it's about what looks "good." It's about looking less bad. Personally, I tend to wear black socks but it's just because I'm used to it during the season. I think they both look tacky and wouldn't do either outside of officiating.

I have a pair of U/A gym shorts that work perfectly. I can't for the life of me imagine worrying about a tourney sponsor; if Adidas wants me to wear Adidas shorts, they can provide them.

[dsqrddgd909]

Any nice golf shorts will do. I wear a belt..(oh, the horror). I wear short black socks.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by dsqrddgd909

Any nice golf shorts will do. I wear a belt..(oh, the horror). I wear short black socks.

That just looks ugly. But that is after all a personal choice.

Peace

[DLH17]

I've done AAU ball a few times the last couple of summers....standard gear is an athletic looking pair of black Nike shorts that go to or just above the knee, black low top Nike's (a lot of guys wear their Shox) and black socks (preferably no show or ankle). White socks with all black shoes makes a guy look at least a decade older than he is. In my case, the late 40's/early 50's. Not the image I want to project since I'm already balding on the crown of my coconut.

I'm with Rutledge...avoid the trap of wearing the shorty shorts with accompanying belt/loops.

[mutantducky]

you can usually find cheap ones at Eastbay.com. maybe get some sandals for the summer as well

[BillyMac]

This is what I ordered from Hit! Run! Score! Sporting Goods:



(Teamwork 4120 Officials Shorts, $ 24.99)

Here's the link: Teamwork 4120 Referee Shorts, Discount Basketball Football Referees Officials Shorts

Still undecided about socks. I'm leaning toward white. Any additional comments about black or white socks would be appreciated.