Fashion Police

[Smitty]

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

Not legal in NCAAW.

Out of curiosity, has anyone who works college ever had to deal with illegal uniforms? Not undershirts, headbands, or any of that - but something that made the actual uniforms illegal? How does a college team deal with that if it happens? Dig into the closet and find old legal uniforms until they order new ones? I would think college programs would be on top of the uniform rules when they order new uniforms.

[crosscountry55]

The uniform rules are really directed more at athletics program management and manufacturers. Though the officials are supposed to know the rules, if it gets down to the point where they need to assess uniform pants/jersey infractions, then someone in the AD's office deserves to be fired.

Case in point: Wasn't it just last year that Baylor proposed a men's uniform design for the NCAA tournament that the NCAA ultimately rejected? The system worked; it never got to the point where the officials had to get involved on the floor.

In high school, we might have to play a more active role and/or assess penalties, and it would be nice if this happened early in the season rather than in the state championship game. Case in point: a few years ago in a state title game, an Illinois team's coach was assessed a direct T for illegal uniforms. The opposing team made both free throws at the beginning of the game. Guess who lost the game by one point? Oh yeah, and they'd been wearing those uniforms all year and were never penalized.

[Smitty]

Originally Posted by crosscountry55

Case in point: a few years ago in a state title game, an Illinois team's coach was assessed a direct T for illegal uniforms.

What was illegal about their uniforms?

[crosscountry55]

I can't remember. I just remember being astounded when I read the article in the paper. Anyone from Illinois remember this?

[Nevadaref]

Originally Posted by Smitty

What was illegal about their uniforms?

There was a small stripe that came from the side and wrapped around into the front torso area of the jersey.

[johnny d]

Originally Posted by crosscountry55

Case in point: a few years ago in a state title game, an Illinois team's coach was assessed a direct T for illegal uniforms. The opposing team made both free throws at the beginning of the game. Guess who lost the game by one point? Oh yeah, and they'd been wearing those uniforms all year and were never penalized.

Not exactly true. They did wear those uniforms multiple times during the season without punishment, but they did not wear them all year. The team in question had at least 2 different home uniforms. They did not wear the illegal ones every time they wore their home uniforms, and their road uniforms were legal. Also, they were told the night before the championship game that their uniforms were illegal, they would be penalized if they wore them, and were given the opportunity to wear their other uniforms. They were even told they could wear white tee shirts with numbers written on them. The coach thought they were going to win the game easily so he chose to wear the illegal uniforms even though he was told in advance his team would be penalized. Them losing by one point was a fitting end for his arrogance.

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by Smitty

Out of curiosity, has anyone who works college ever had to deal with illegal uniforms? Not undershirts, headbands, or any of that - but something that made the actual uniforms illegal? How does a college team deal with that if it happens? Dig into the closet and find old legal uniforms until they order new ones? I would think college programs would be on top of the uniform rules when they order new uniforms.

Yes. School logo was place right between the two digits of the number on the front.

Note that "many" NCAAM and NCAAW teams have illegal shorts this year because of excess logos. They have all been granted a waiver.

[JRutledge]

It must be noted that we have totally different jersey rules than the NF as a result of this situation in the State Finals and the debacle that took place for a few years after that situation. The IHSA dug in their heals about uniforms and have since backed off. Basically uniforms jerseys are legal if they have a centered number and the logos, lettering and panels do not come within an inch of the number.

Peace