NFL Stripes

[Forksref]

I see the NFL has put a stripe on the knickers of the officials, the result of which is to bring more attention to them. If this continues they will look more like a Canadian ref or a slow-pitch softball player! Yuck!

I believe that "less is more" when it comes to looking professional.

I hope this doesn't trickle down to FED ball, although at our state rules meeting they said that we can wear a black hard-shell pant when it is cold. That is just garbage. That has the look of a flag football ref. I've reffed in 9 degrees F and never got cold when I dressed in layers with long Johns.

I see the officials losing credibility by making the uniform look cheap. As officials, I don't think we need to get jump into the latest fad.

[BktBallRef]

Don't mince words. Tell us how you really feel, N.D.

[JRutledge]

The change was not because of attention. The change was a result to have a uniform that could not be duplicated without their permission. For example the many beer commercials and other ads that essentially mocked the league's officials. It has nothing to do with professionalism for a league to choose what their officials should look like. The NFL has followed the NBA, FIBA and any other organization to not want to follow the traditional uniforms of all levels of sports officials. I might not personally like the entire look, but that is their right to change if they choose to. Just like the USFL used a different uniform (which involved shorts) the NFL can change too. If college wants to change their uniform that is their right to do so. I know if someone was going to pay me enough money to officiate those games, I would not care as long as I am on the field.

Peace

[JugglingReferee]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

The change was not because of attention. The change was a result to have a uniform that could not be duplicated without their permission. For example the many beer commercials and other ads that essentially mocked the league's officials. It has nothing to do with professionalism for a league to choose what their officials should look like. The NFL has followed the NBA, FIBA and any other organization to not want to follow the traditional uniforms of all levels of sports officials. I might not personally like the entire look, but that is their right to change if they choose to. Just like the USFL used a different uniform (which involved shorts) the NFL can change too. If college wants to change their uniform that is their right to do so. I know if someone was going to pay me enough money to officiate those games, I would not care as long as I am on the field.

Peace

Hmm... I heard that the NFL saw the new CFL knickers and showed immediate interest in following the CFL's lead.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by JugglingReferee

Hmm... I heard that the NFL saw the new CFL knickers and showed immediate interest in following the CFL's lead.

Actually, the NFL has had these pants for about 2 years now. They just did not make them required to wear. Madden Football was showing these pants on their officials since Madden 07 (which was in 2006). The NFL might have made them a requirement this season. I have seen the stripe before, but I cannot think of when they were wearing them during the regular season.

Peace

[FTVMartin]

I also noticed the stripe on Madden and thought it was a mistake. I personally like the black pants that they wear in cold weather.

[OverAndBack]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

The change was not because of attention. The change was a result to have a uniform that could not be duplicated without their permission. For example the many beer commercials and other ads that essentially mocked the league's officials.

I thought Pereira downplayed that aspect of it at the time, but I admit I can't find where he might have said that.

Regardless, they've taken a timeless, classic look and made it clownish (two years ago) and now even moreso (with the black stripe).

Speaking strictly as an NFL fan, I think it's cluttered and unnecessary and the design is uninspired and cartoonish.

Speaking as an official, when it comes right down to it, though, JRut, you're 100% correct - I'll wear whatever they want me to wear, especially if it's on a Sunday in the NFL.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by OverAndBack

I thought Pereira downplayed that aspect of it at the time, but I admit I can't find where he might have said that.

That was the explanation that I gave you, came directly from a current NFL Official when he spoke to an association I belong to (I am also a member of the association that he belongs to as well). I am sure the NFL told the staff the reasoning for why the uniform change. I have no idea if that was the only reason, just the one I heard.

Peace

[Texas Aggie]

the NFL has had these pants for about 2 years now

This is correct. I saw these pants 2 years ago at a meeting and even commented on how awful they looked then!

The change was a result to have a uniform that could not be duplicated without their permission.

First of all, its pretty difficult, if not impossible, to trademark a "look." You can easily trademark a logo or other "mark," but not a stripe running down your pants. Also, it isn't like its that difficult to copy a stripe. Finally, commercials have already copied the shirt -- at least somewhat. At a glance, its difficult to tell the difference between the actual shirt and one copied for a commercial.

I agree with the OP. Whether the intent is to draw attention to themselves, that's what they've done with the recent uniform changes. The shirts are no big deal, but the various pants and knickers changes are absurd. Go back to the white knickers and change the shirts as needed every few years.

[Texas Aggie]

For officials with large legs the black pants are far more comfortable and provide more options on cold days.

The actual pant is simply the Honigs elite knickers that are full length. There isn't anything more comfortable about it, except for the fact that you don't have to wear the traditional socks like we wear. The fit is essentially the same. About the only advantage on a cold day is being able to wear whatever black socks you want -- including wool socks if they work or are allowed. Other than that, you can layer just as easily with the knickers.

I personally, don't like the look of the pants in football, but I will concede the advantage of no striped socks (which I hate) and the pant does better with mud than the white knicks.

[Adam]

Originally Posted by Texas Aggie

First of all, its pretty difficult, if not impossible, to trademark a "look."

I don't know, Harley-Davidson trademarked the sound of their motorcycles.

[OverAndBack]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

That was the explanation that I gave you, came directly from a current NFL Official when he spoke to an association I belong to (I am also a member of the association that he belongs to as well). I am sure the NFL told the staff the reasoning for why the uniform change. I have no idea if that was the only reason, just the one I heard.

JR, you know I love ya, so don't get defensive. I have no doubt that many different people say many different things. I was just saying that I thought I remembered Pereira (which makes it "official" - moreso than a current NFL official saying it at an association meeting) downplaying that aspect of it. Maybe I'm wrong. Maybe he never did downplay it or never did address it.

But it wouldn't be surprising if that was part of the reasoning. It also wouldn't be surprising if the NFL wanted to "officially" give the impression that it was above such mundane considerations, and that the timing of the redesign, right after a major beer company's season-long campaign featuring guys in traditional stripes, was a complete coincidence.

BTW, say hey to everybody in FVFO for me. Miss 'em. It's hot here.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by OverAndBack

JR, you know I love ya, so don't get defensive. I have no doubt that many different people say many different things. I was just saying that I thought I remembered Pereira (which makes it "official" - moreso than a current NFL official saying it at an association meeting) downplaying that aspect of it. Maybe I'm wrong. Maybe he never did downplay it or never did address it.

I really do not even know what you are disagreeing with. And personally I do not see this as a major issue. I just know what was told to someone and what they repeated. It does not mean much to me why or how this uniform came about. I am sure the NFL took many different positions on this because they did get some crap about these uniforms and especially from the officiating community.

Originally Posted by OverAndBack

But it wouldn't be surprising if that was part of the reasoning. It also wouldn't be surprising if the NFL wanted to "officially" give the impression that it was above such mundane considerations, and that the timing of the redesign, right after a major beer company's season-long campaign featuring guys in traditional stripes, was a complete coincidence.

Once again, I was just repeating what was told to a room full of people. That does not mean that was the actual reason or that there was not more behind the story. I can tell you I feel the NFL does not care what we think though. And even if the officials do not like it, I do not know anyone retiring as a result.

Originally Posted by OverAndBack

BTW, say hey to everybody in FVFO for me. Miss 'em. It's hot here.

We have a meeting tonight. I will do my best to get that message out. Hope things are going well where you are at.

Peace

[Forksref]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

The change was not because of attention. The change was a result to have a uniform that could not be duplicated without their permission. For example the many beer commercials and other ads that essentially mocked the league's officials. It has nothing to do with professionalism for a league to choose what their officials should look like. The NFL has followed the NBA, FIBA and any other organization to not want to follow the traditional uniforms of all levels of sports officials. I might not personally like the entire look, but that is their right to change if they choose to. Just like the USFL used a different uniform (which involved shorts) the NFL can change too. If college wants to change their uniform that is their right to do so. I know if someone was going to pay me enough money to officiate those games, I would not care as long as I am on the field.

Peace

I stated the RESULT was more attention, not the intent. As for the trademark, etc., anyone who makes a commerical using the traditional uniform is getting their point across. They don't need the latest NFL fad uniform to make their point. To the public, a referee is a referee.

The NFL, like the NCAA and others is very paranoid and controlling in what they do.

The only thing different in the uniform since I started in '75 is stripes on our socks and getting away from the strirrup sock. Tradition reinforces credibility. Look at teams like the Yankees and Celtics, two of the winningest franchises ever. Do they change uniforms every 2 years?

[Rick KY]

When the NFL updated their officials uniforms they said it was because it had been so long since they updated them, and they wanted to use the more technically modern fabrics available. Since they have an exclusive contract with Reebok, they redesigned the official uniform also.

Like...
pullover all weather shirt
black pants, but lose the wide white stripe

Dislike...
black stripe on white knickers

Suggest...
piping on the pants leg or knickers that matches the piping on hats would not be bad.