Rule Change
 

2-11-12: The official scorer is required to wear a black and white vertically striped garment.

The schools are not gonna like this one.

Not sure about the schools, but I can think of a few crusty old scorers who may not comply.

I think it is going to be universally ignored here. We'll see.

"You don't have to put it on, but you're not keeping score until you do." ...
 

Penalty?

They can't hate a rule that I'd guess, more likely than not, won't be enforced.

I'm guessing it will be similar to the rule change several years back which required that the coach's box be clearly marked. In that instance, many schools held off on it until a scheduled floor refinishing took place. Then, when many dragged their feet, we were asked simply to quickly mark the lines with athletic tape prior to the game and get on with things. Speed the clock ahead to now, and all schools have their court markings in compliance.

I like the new rule, though we are aware there might be a time lag between issuance and compliance. We're waiting to hear what our state suggests on this. I and our crews will do what they say.

Early speculation by some has yielded the following guesses:
If the scorer isn't wearing a striped shirt . . .
1) Don't worry about it...
2) Mention the rule to the AD and/or your assigner and/or the state and get on with things...
3) Carry an extra shirt in your bag and give it to them to wear...

Like many things, that which is new takes a while to catch on.

Irony
 

I bought my shirt not to long after the rule changed... only to later register as an official. At least now I'm more than prepared for the rule change.

As for the question about what to do if the home team has no shirt... what if the visiting scorer has one and offers to be official scorer? :D

Where Eagles Dare to Fly
 

That is only likely to happen in the state of Washington ;)

What Do You Mean He Gets To Stand ???
 

We still have a few school with unmarked coaching boxes. Here's how we handle it:

Coaching Box must be marked. If home coach and/or home management refuse to designate coaching box
with tape, the home team will not use a coaching box for that game. However, the visiting team will be
allowed a coaching box.

Patience, Patience, Patience ...
 

I'm willing to bet that this is how we will be instructed to handle it in my little corner of Connecticut.

Nice!

4. Replace the scorer with an individual who will wear the required shirt.

We'll probably be instructed to deal with it the same way as the "X" on the floor: don't deal with it then; let the interpreter deal with it.

We (in Georgia) are just required to report the incident to the GHSA. You can't stop the game or make a mockery out of the situation. They will deal with the school.

Would a scorer be considered in compliance if they wear the stripes over a school issued polo shirt? That's what I would do if I was working this year.

I hope you do not honestly think we are checking what you have under the shirt? Well unless you are kind of a hot teacher maybe. ;)

Peace

I'm picturing something like the chain gang wears at football games.http://www.rogersathletic.com/conten...ges/410500.jpg

Chances are for my home MS girls game that start up in just over a week, I will wear my black and white striped shirt over the team shirt I wear otherwise.

If I was told I couldn't wear that under a striped shirt as the official scorer, I'd have no problem wearing a plain white/black shirt underneath (as I will have to as a floor official), but also question the rule support for such a request.

As an official, I could care less what the official score wore under his or her stripes;* Said person's conduct falling within the rules would be more important to me.

(* in the absence of specific rules to the contrary)

Mark T. DeNucci, Sr. Is The Second Guy From The Left ...
 

Which makes me picture something like this:

http://ts4.mm.bing.net/images/thumbn...a068073bf106e6

I've seen a couple of guys in college games over the years take an old ref shirt to the seamstress and have her sew in a zipper down the front. They wear it like a button down.

Do not bother with what they are wearing in addition to the shirt. If they have a b/w vertically striped shirt on, they are in compliance. If not, report it if your association says to. You might mention it early in the season as the scorer may not be aware of the rule. After that, just work the game.

Why Didn't Ump-Attire Think of This?
 

Hey, this picture gives me a great idea. See, we've got about 8 square yards of black/white striped referee cloth left over from the previously mentioned fair booth--used it to cover the walls. What I could do is take your orders for what size shirts you all wear, then take it all to a local seamstress who could tailor some finely crafted referee shirts, but with HORIZONTAL STRIPES. I think then, when we run down the court this season, the side-to-side pattern of our new shirts will make us each look faster than we really are! Won't that impress our assignors!!!
Respond with shirt size, credit card and PIN to get in on the idea now!



Or would it make us look fatter?

:D

So, How You Been Feelin' ???
 

Is that you Mark Padgett? Why are you posting under Freddy's username?

I know most of you snicker at this rule change, but if you've ever had the opportunity to work at a venue with a big long table with lots of personel and media and what not (like state tourney or a college game) it does help with things. I think this rule can only help make our jobs easier, with no downsides.

Having said that, I don't think its something to make an issue over. If your state or association has a policy, (report to game management or state) then that is what should be done. If not then no big deal.

Yes this does make it helpful to see the person as you stated. And it seems to be rather common place in those bigger arenas and games I have worked. Even some smaller schools do this as well. And I think this will be something that we will report with a Special Report to our state if this is not done. But I doubt seriously it is going to be much of an issue or something that we would even care about most of the time.

Peace

When I've worked in a venue with a large table crew, it seems the scorer already wore such a shirt. They followed (or the state suggested they follow) the recommendation of wearing a referee shirt.

AKA my next door neighbor. We were discussing this last night. He is not happy abut it. Oh well we will see how it works out here.

Oh me. Oh my.
 

My fear is less that they won't wear stripes, but that they will and will thereby consider themselves important or, worse, start thinking that they have authority.

But then, I kinda miss the guy with the two sets of paddles showing team and personal fouls

Preseason email came this week soliciting donations of old shirts for the cause.

I'm pretty sure we won't have shirts big enough for some schools.

Rule Change
 

Will certainly make them easier to see and keep off their dam#ed cell phones!

Quick, It's Commissioner Gordon!
 

Are you baiting someone from the Pacific Northwest to respond? ;)

Some May Say, "Don't Poke The Bear" ...
 

I say, "Don't poke the Eagle".