Uniform in SNF
 

Does anyone know why the officials in the Eagles/Bears game tonight have black pants with white stripes on? I think I heard that it's raining there, is that why? And if so is this a new thing that goes along with the stripe on the "regular" knickers? :confused:

I believe it is a CC decision, though he likely accepts the opinion of the crew.

We can only surmise why they're wearing the pants - reasons that I know of are all weather related - such as cold or rain.

The pants came about last year, or the year before - I don't recall. They had the white stripe then. Why the knickers have the black stripe - I think it's because of the CFL influence, but JRut will tell you otherwise. (CFL brass told me that their talks with the NFL and the NFL supported the CFL new uniforms.)

No, it's not new. This is the third year they've worn them.

It's clear and 64 degrees, so I have no idea why they're wearing them. Their choice.

They were initially only allowed for cold weather games but the NFL gave them the option to use them for any game last year. I still don't like the look of them but I hear they are much more comfortable. I'm sure we'll get used to them and think the old knickers look silly in hindsight.

They don't look any worse than white knickers with black stripes. :(

I'll tell you why all of the changes to their uniforms...
 

Straight from the mouth of a NFL official...

It is for the purpose of preventing outsiders using the actual uniform in commercials and such. Only the NFL can buy the Knickers with the stripe. Now commercials can't copy the uniform.

Are they going to stop selling black electrical tape, then?

No
 

but they won't be able to buy the exact uniforms.

Not a lawyer here, but I believe the new uniforms are trademarked or something.

And yes, it's so they can't be used in unauthorized commercials.

That seems petty and thin-skinned.

Just sayin'.

It goes back to the beer ads from a few years back I believe.

And honestly, is it really a big deal what uniform they wear? If they want to wear sleeves and pants, is it a big deal? Love them or hate them, I imagine that many of us wouldn't want to get the opportunity to wear them, period.

Thank you...
 

this is exactly what i was trying to say...

Or we would want to get that opportunity. :)

As a fan, I just think they're fugly and unnecessary. We have a timeless look (I'm not advocating going back to bow ties and those old-school hats, mind you) and they jacked with it for specious (to me) reasons.

As an official, sure, we'll wear whateverthehell you want. Especially if it's in the NFL.

I can't be the only person who loved those commercials. Given, I wasn't an official at the time, but I still look them up online occasionally for the laugh.

"Change the channel. Drama. Change the channel. Drama. America loves drama."

The beer commercials were great. The NFL obviously is all about money and being copied.

Our state has allowed the black pants for Fed ball. I think they look like we're doing flag football. They look cheap and unprofessional but most of the guys are jumping on the bandwagon. It's a crew decision. I was doing a JV game today and the guys had them on when I got there. It was 55 degrees and sunny. They changed back to the professional look when they realized I didn't have a pair.

I think the rush to look different in FB uniforms is silly. As mentioned above, there is a traditional look and I think it commands respect. As for warmth, I have never failed to stay warm with UA cold gear and long johns. I've worked in 9 degrees and windy. The only thing I haven't been able to do is keep my fingers warm enough to write on my card.

I think money being made by uniform companies has a lot to do with what's going on now.