This is true; my first year in IAABO, I was patched but working a game without a patch (my true rookie partner had his patch on). One of the fans, right before half time, "go back to school and get your patch!" I really wished I had a patched shirt in my suitcase to switch, just for effect.

Just An Idea ...
 

... to go commando, and eventaully you earn the right to go pantless.

This concept of a patch equals credibility is about as dumb as it gets. NCAA officials don't wear patches during the regular season. I'm *thrilled* we wear no patches here in WI for HS games.

Yeah, it was odd to me, coming here from Iowa where state patches were authorized but not worn.

As I mentioned it was just a passing thought as I was reading some other thread that was discussing the concern of a new person on the court. After reading the first few comments, I realized how naive I was in thinking that audiences would be that forgiving... Hence I did/do not have much more to say http://forum.officiating.com/images/smilies/frown.gif

I take issue with just about anything that draws even one more iota of attention to an official. Sorry to say, that includes pink whistles. Even though my mom is a 30 year cancer survivor, I don't like the officials using them. The players, otoh, is fine by me. The game is all about the players, imo.

But chicks dig the stripes.

Sorry, but we're part of the game, too. I've never bought this line of thinking -- not for a minute. I'm not out there to be noticed or to showboat, but I'm not out there to hide in the shadows, either.

Apologies To Nathaniel Hawthorne ...
 

+1

Players, coaches, and officials always affect the outcome of a game, albeit in varying degrees. The belief of "never should affect" is naïve and myopic.

Quite the Opposite!!!
 

If any "identifier" is needed on the shirt, it should be for the veteran official who . . .
- detests working a lower level game since he thinks he deserves only varsity assignments
- refuses to arrive early enough to do a good lockerroom pregame with partner(s)
- hasn't cracked a rulebook or casebook since the three point arc was inaugurated
- has no clue what a primary area of responsibility is
- makes his mechanics a means whereby to call attention to himself (cf. "Mechanics Pet Peeves")
- took that assignment knowing full well he's got a conflict of interest with one of the teams
- doesn't care about helping to make his partner(s) better
- (add more here yourself . . . . . . )

THAT'S the guy that needs an "identifier"! :rolleyes:

I don't agree with the players having whistles.

Yeah, I don't care what color whistle they have; it's a bad idea.

So wrong you are...So wrong you are

I can see it now, much like a "rookie stripe" on NASCAR, a yellow bar on the back of the shirt. Yeah, that will help!