wow there they are for all to see

[HossHumard]

I think the new look for the NFL zebras is kinda cool, especially the tops which look quite modern (love the fonts for the #'s). As for the long pants, they look a bit odd at first (and much like the hockey pant experiment of the 70's as someone mentioned previously), but fine after a while. Bottom line is, that if the officials are warmer and more comfortable in the new gear, I think it stands to reason they'll be able to concentrate fully on the task at hand. Perhaps not a whole bunch more, as one would assume at that level those guys can block out just about any negative influence, but even if its another percent or two...why not?

Reminds me of a tradition in our market of working the HS Senior city finals (held in mid November) in short sleeves, regardless of the temperatures, which are usually in the mid teens on the old F scale (we're on the 53rd parallel folks).

Needless to say, the macho look can be almost fatal some years, but when I got to WH one of the two games this year, I told the crew to dress warmly and be as comfortable as possible to allow them to concentrate fully on giving the kids the best game possible. The traditionalists grumbled but my crew called a great game in the wind, snow and -11C (+10F) temps and they thanked me afterwards!

Some traditions just need to die....

[radwaste50]

During our officials clinic this summer Mike Pereira emphasized several point about the new uniforms. The use of performance fabrics, a copyrighted look and the use of the pants in cold weather. I don’t think the pants will catch on for other than cold weather, but at some point we have to admit that men in knickers is a strange look too.

[Bob M.]

Originally Posted by radwaste50

...I don’t think the pants will catch on for other than cold weather, but at some point we have to admit that men in knickers is a strange look too.

REPLY: Right now, the "rules" regarding using the black pants make it a crew decision at game time, but only if the temperature is below 38F. Warmer than that, they have to wear their knickers.