Lazy Partner Advice

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by Jurassic Referee

The original post mentioned players wearing illegal undershirts or jewelry. I agree with using discretion with illegal numbers or uniform problems at the lower levels. But that is NO excuse for ignoring jewelry violations. Those are a safety problem. And there's also no excuse for allowing illegal undershirts under a uni imo. I don't have a problem with anyone ignoring infractions listed under rule 3-4 UNIFORMS at the lower levels, but there is no excuse imo for ignoring infractions under rule 3-5 TEAM MEMBER'S EQUIPMENT, APPAREL at any level. Those are the exact instructions that we give out to members of our association btw.

He said "illegal number" as well. Which means that a kid might have a 28 instead of a 25. In my career I have seen players put a piece of tape over the 8 which I would consider illegal and not penalize. I have also seen teams with no number on the front, but numbers on the back. Often freshman ball will have warm-up jerseys and not real jerseys, which have all kinds of illegal issues under the actual rule. And if we enforce that rule to the letter, we would have to start every game with a T or in some cases like tournaments not allow an undershirt to be worn when they have to flip the jersey just to play another game in the same day.

Peace

[Adam]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

He said "illegal number" as well. Which means that a kid might have a 28 instead of a 25. In my career I have seen players put a piece of tape over the 8 which I would consider illegal and not penalize. I have also seen teams with no number on the front, but numbers on the back. Often freshman ball will have warm-up jerseys and not real jerseys, which have all kinds of illegal issues under the actual rule. And if we enforce that rule to the letter, we would have to start every game with a T or in some cases like tournaments not allow an undershirt to be worn when they have to flip the jersey just to play another game in the same day.

Peace

but if his association has determined these rules should be enforced even below the varsity level (which I would question for the reasons we've discussed ad nauseum), then the veteran should be leading by example here.

I agree with your assessment on how the new guy should respond. Defer to the veteran in situations like this. Of course, with jewelry items, I'd do as Bob suggested and just bring it up myself.

[deecee]

the only rules at the lower level regarding uniforms i would have a wide flexibility of is color, number etc. (things that might be out of the schools or players control) however regarding jewelry and undershirts, no way.

As for the association saying carte blanche it is to be enforced could just be that lower level officials might not have the capacity to make that decision and it is easier to just say that, but in reality they might understand if an official erred on the side of common sense. I am just speculating of course but that's just an hypothesis.

[grunewar]

Originally Posted by deecee

the only rules at the lower level regarding uniforms i would have a wide flexibility of is color, number etc. (things that might be out of the schools or players control) however regarding jewelry and undershirts, no way.

I/we enforce it at F, JV and V levels. Consistency is key. I'm not having "the other officials let it go" discussion. Nip it!

In HS they know better and the home white uniform rule, numbers, T-shirt color, earrings rules have had plenty of time to take hold here.

Some of the kids still come out with those darn sleeves on.....and then answer that one, fairly simple, yes/no question wrong though!

[deecee]

Originally Posted by grunewar

I/we enforce it at F, JV and V levels. Consistency is key. I'm not having "the other officials let it go" discussion. Nip it!

In HS they know better and the home white uniform rule, numbers, T-shirt color, earrings rules have had plenty of time to take hold here.

Some of the kids still come out with those darn sleeves on.....and then answer that one, fairly simple, yes/no question wrong though!

In this case I disagree with consistency across Frosh-Varsity. Here is where i will allow wider latitude and common sense to dictate my decision. And I am yet to meet a varsity coach that would argue for illegal uniforms just because it was allowed at a lower level. They will argue if they saw it allowed at the varsity level but in all honest varsity coaches understand there is a level of disparity between their level and the rest.

Im not advocating that someone follow my advice here. I always say follow the rule book. I don't think my personal philosophies on the game should be mimicked, nor even considered. Know the rules first and then make your own decision regarding such manners. Unfortunately most officials at that level or when they are just starting out either don't know the rules or dont have the capacity to make an informed judgement.

I really believe that the lower the level the more an official needs to have common sense and the ability to work in the gray zone and make decisions that would constitute bending the rules at times. This is one such scenario. The good thing about the varsity level and higher is that you don't have the luxury to bend the rules. Which I think makes it easier and how i prefer it.

[Adam]

I'll be honest; I don't even look for illegal uniforms or numbers at the jv level and below. Jewelry, t-shirts, wrist bands, and head bands are fair game at any level I work.