What is your opinion of the pants after wearing them?

[Texas Aggie]

For those that have gone to the black pants -- especially those that were leery of whether they'd be hotter -- what is your opinion now after wearing them (if you have)?

I have the lighter weight Smittys. Without a doubt, they are MUCH more comfortable than the knickers. They are NOT hotter -- in fact, the opposite. They breathe a little better since they are 1) lighter and 2) away from the skin unlike most fitted knickers. Last night, I had to wear knickers and after 2 games last week with the pants, I HATED it. Keep in mind, its been hotter in Texas than usual, and hotter here than most other places.

[Rich]

Originally Posted by Texas Aggie

For those that have gone to the black pants -- especially those that were leery of whether they'd be hotter -- what is your opinion now after wearing them (if you have)?

I have the lighter weight Smittys. Without a doubt, they are MUCH more comfortable than the knickers. They are NOT hotter -- in fact, the opposite. They breathe a little better since they are 1) lighter and 2) away from the skin unlike most fitted knickers. Last night, I had to wear knickers and after 2 games last week with the pants, I HATED it. Keep in mind, its been hotter in Texas than usual, and hotter here than most other places.

I'll never wear knickers again.

[Reffing Rev.]

In Nebraska we're only allowed to wear black pants with long sleeves. So yes, that would be hotter in September.

Thats what the NSAA says, and reminds us in emails weekly, but both NSAA games I've seen on TV in Omaha have seen officials with black pants and short sleeves. Go figure. We're due for an observation/evaluation this season, and the guys are saying as soon as we get observed, they want to go to the black pants for the rest of the year, with or without long sleeves.

[jstewart]

They are both very comfortable. The lightweight version is certainly cooler.

[PA-28-181]

In Iowa we can ware them, our crew will not go back to the white knickers. My wife likes them WAY better also.

[Tom.OH]

I like the black pants. My crew decided to wear them this year (will be manditory in Ohio next year). We have worn them the last 2 weeks. Last night I was a little worried as I do not have the light weight pants and the temp at kickoff was 95 degrees. They were not any hotter then the old knickers. I will order a light weight pair but can live with the heavier version.

[IAUMP]

Originally Posted by PA-28-181

In Iowa we can ware them, our crew will not go back to the white knickers. My wife likes them WAY better also.

This is not a fully accurate statement. I spoke to Todd Tharp, Head of Officials in Iowa, before the season and he stated that the black pants are authorized for inclement weather and bad fields. This was also made very clear in the online rules meeting. Therefore, we are only authorized to where the knickers unless the weather/fields are bad.