When I entered engineering school in Fall 1969, it was a right of passage to buy one's first slide rule, just like a Wizard in Training buying his first Wand before enrolling in Hogwarts. I have owned a full-size Post Vesalog for 42 years (when I entered engineering school), and I also own a half-size Post Versalog and a full-size Post Trig slide rule.

MTD, Sr.

If you have a slide rule, then you certainly know when to come out of the rain.

Pickett's Charge ...
 

I've got an aluminum Pickett Model N 1010-ES Trig, in the original leather case, a plastic Pickett Microcline 120, also in it's original leather case, and a brand new (yes, one company still makes them) ThinkGeek Nanoline 1337. The Picketts are from high school, and undergraduate college.

I bought a new pair of pants at the beginning of the season. Lost a few pounds right then. Wish those new pants had belt loops. Fortunately I can wear my old pants again. A few more pounds and I can wear my really old pants with a belt. The collared shirt is acceptable, per State guidelines, as long as all partners are wearing the same thing. I actually prefer them only because I can hide the lanyard under the collar and it's not rubbing my neck. If an official does his/her job well, are the latest fashions all that important, especially for a seasoned veteran?

Other than first impressions, no, they're not important. But how important are first impressions?

Also, have you tried a smitty instead of a noose?

I don't think I'm outstanding, but I am over 60 and a new official. I don't wear a belt, but I've considered it. I do use one of those rubber Flex belts that helps hold up my pants and keeps my shirt tucked in.

I also have a Pickett 600T slide rule - a la Buzz Aldrin. Unfotunately, it has been too long since I used one and doubt I could accomplish much with it now. ;)

Been a while since I have seen the Flying Nun.:D

Jordan,
If CMH=Columbus, I am pretty CERTAIN that I know the official you are discussing. He is a nice guy. I have reffed some Catholic League games with him. He is frequently kidded about the collar. Of course his response is, "it isn't worn out, yet." :D

"To Infinity, And Beyond!" ...
 

Maybe it is as difficult as rocket science? Aluminum Pickett slide rules were carried on five Apollo space missions, including missions to the moon. Watch the movie "Apollo 13" and you'll see Tom Hanks, as Commander Jim Lovell, use one. My favorite scene in the movie. It makes me all misty eyed.

Didn't Think It Was Possible ???
 

Wow. Someone cheaper than me. I still wear one of my very first warm up jacket to Catholic school middle school games. It's an unlined, black, windbreaker. The insignia was silk screened and the whistle fell off, leaving just the lettering. It's got to be at least twenty-five years old.

I've still got one of the original IAABO black and gray jackets with the old IAABO crest still on it from when they first came out with them. It's at least 35-40 years old.

Wow, At Least Two People Cheaper Than Me ...
 

Wow. Mine was blue (back in the blue pant days) and gray, and actually fell apart. Gray piping on the sleeves, and neck, just wore through. I did salvage the the IAABO emblem off the jacket, and still have it.

The original IAABO jacket was black with gray trim. It's successor was the deep blue with gray trim that you had. I've got one of those too. Part pack-rat, I guess.

Who's getting that first impression? If the referee has been around a long time, first impressions have long been replaced by respect.

Old habits die hard. The Smitty is too short. Can't take the whistle out of my mouth and talk to the players without braking the loop on the shirt. Plus my lanyard is so old, frayed and rusted, giving it up would be like losing an old friend.

..and after having lost a couple whistles because of the thing, I cut the loops off my shirts to discourage myself from using those Smitty lanyards.