What about hair grooming?

[JRutledge]

Originally posted by BktBallRef

That doesn't mean that they'll have them when the season starts. As has already been pointed out, some officials grow them in the off season and then shave prior to their first game. There maybe a few who don't shave them but not many.

Well Tony, considering many official including Tom Rucker who retired last year, had a long career with a mustache. If you look at officials this year, you will see many African-American Officials with mustaches. Just an observation on my part. Ed Hightower has no facial hair. Lamar Simpson has no facial hair. But there was a guy who did the Big Ten Men's Tournament in Indianapolis did have facial hair (he also did the Conference USA Tournament Championship Game). But if I have get that chance or come close, I might have to get rid of the the goatee. But that is several years off from even getting that chance (Yeah, right!! )

Originally posted by BktBallRef

Also, Rut can correct me if I'm wrong, and I'm sure he will, but don't many black men avoid shaving because of the skin irritation. Or is the linesman on our football crew feeding us bunk?

No, many might avoid certain type of razors or certain types of shaving cream. I have personally never had a huge problems with bumps after shaving. But there are many that do. I have a mustache and beard trimmer that I use, I have no problems at all with bumps. But I do know that many do not shave that often because of that problem.

I will make this clear, I saw not a single white guy with facial hair. Not one. And I do not know any D1 Football Officials that have facial hair that are white. Interesting twist on this discussion.

Peace