Quick question.

I'm anxiously awaiting March 25th to do my very 1st collegiate spring scrimmage. I've been thinking about something. What is the general consensus on facial hair for officials? I've been doing high school ball for 7 years. And all 7 years I've had a very neatly trimmed moustache, never a beard. Its never been an issue in high school. I have absolutely no problem with shaving it right off. But do you guys think its a big deal?

Thanks for your input.


DrMooreReferee

it all depends
 

It all depends on who you are working for. I know the Mountain West doesn't want any facial hair. It is the ole thing when in Rome...LOL good luck and have a great time, it is certainly something you won't soon forget...

Yeah, I would ask one of the guys in the conference that you will be working the scrimmage for. Some say a moustache is ok, some don't. I know my HS R says none at all.

As an article in Referee Mag said, look to the top. Do we see any facial hair in the upper levels?

Good luck! Let us know how it turns out.

We are all judged by our appearance. I wish I could be younger, taller and have a flatter stomach (I'm working on it!). We can change facial hair, our hair cut, having clean well fitting uniforms, polished shoes, etc.

If you have facial hair, you will never know if it is keeping you back. It's not and asset in officiating and it could be a liability so you might as well get rid of it.

I agree with Jim. There's no reason to think it will help and it will likely hurt you at some point. Once you've established yourself at whatever level you want and you want to test the waters then, I think that would be one thing. An unequivacle NO before then.

Chances are you can grow a 'stache in a week or so. Wear it during the off season and shave for camps.

Although I HATE facial hair (on me), the one time I did grow a beard, I found a lot of women I knew liked it. So, if you are working in front of a woman supervisor, then things might be different.

Thanks guys!!!

Thats pretty much what I was thinking anyway. I do like my moustache, but not as much as I like football. And afterall, it will grow back. So, its no big deal. But thanks to you guys for reaffirming what I was thinking.


DrMooreReferee

Personally, I think facial hair looks bad. And yes, I can grow it. I just make sure I am clean shaven before any game that I officiate. It also shows your age.