Officials' appearance.

[mikesears]

Originally posted by Rich Fronheiser
I must be the only one who doesn't think that white-on-shoes is a huge deal. Actually I know I'm not cause I've had this discussion with some officiating friends.

I work baseball, basketball, and football. My base shoes for baseball have white stripes on them and I wouldn't dream of "dye-ing" them. They are leather and a good clear polish keeps them looking good. My football and basketball shoes have no white on them, but that is a coincidence. After having ankle surgery and having to wear orthotics in my shoes, comfort is number 1 with me. If those comfortable shoes had some white on them, I'd wear them.

I watched some NFL football today -- all the officials I saw looked sharp as can be and I happened to see some flags sticking out and some white on shoes, too. Of course I would rather judge an official by how he carries himself on the field than by some meaningless criteria.

Rich

Rich,
You aren't the only one. I agree that, "When in Rome . . . ."

In this area, we just want to see the shoes shined. Nobody complains if the shoes are primarily black. I don't buy the logic that we sell ourselves as more consistent by not having white on our shoes. If we want every official looking exactly the same, then every official should wear the exact same brand/model of shoe.

Personally, I think having the flag showing looks tacky (especially when the flag is haning out of the front pocket). Again, when in Rome....