Just a Word of Caution...

[InsideTheStripe]

Originally Posted by just another ref

And getting dressed at the site was one of the keys to all this positive feedback?

I would expect it went into the overall impression.

People don't start their judgments of us when we walk on the field, court or mat and end when we walk off the playing surface. Their judgments begin with first contact and continue through the lifetime of the "relationship". I attempt to make the best impression at each point of contact. It is my belief that it is more professional to arrive and leave the contest site as inconspicuously as possible. It is impossible to not attract attention when you get out of or into your car wearing an officiating uniform.

I've always been instructed to dress for the job I want and emulate people in positions to which I aspire. I believe that to be sound advice that I use in my personal and professional life. I don't treat officiating as an avocation; it's as much a part of my professional life as my day job. I can't help but wonder when the last time a DI official in any sport showed up to a contest in uniform.

Since I seem to be out on a limb with Jeff, maybe it's a local thing... but I doubt it.