Last rites for knickers?

[Texas Aggie]

Texas has all but eliminated them -- they're optional by state rule, but all chapters I've heard about are going 100% black pants. Its interesting that just 2 years ago, black pants were the heavy version and only worn with long sleeves. Now, they're standard wear.

Anyone still wearing knickers this year?

[bisonlj]

Optional in Indiana this year as well. Doubt we'll see many knickers.

[Rich]

I didn't wear them *last* year. I threw them all out. I've read that the NFL will be eliminating them this year (if the officials ever come back).

[JRutledge]

I have not worn them in a season in a half. Optional in our state but almost no one wears them other than lower level officials.

Peace

[Welpe]

All but a few hold out crews (want to take a stab at the over/under for average age?) have gone to black pants. Next year knickers won't even be an option in Texas and I welcome that day.

It is a bit amazing how quickly the tide turned but I think once they started being worn, a lot more eyes opened up as to how much better they are.

[HLin NC]

Two years ago NC wore black pants starting in October. Last season we eliminated knickers in our association. I'm not sure if all 9 groups have totally eliminated them yet.

I think someone told me that PA still uses them.

I've got around 8 pair I need to eBay I guess.

[CT1]

Originally Posted by HLin NC

I've got around 8 pair I need to eBay I guess.

Good luck. I wouldn't even pay the shipping charges!

[D Ray]

Still optional in the land of Lincoln. We wore black twice last season (muddy conditions). Our average age is late 40's. I still like the traditional look. Most outdoor sports officials are dressed similar to the players, by that I mean, if the players are on shorts so are the officials. That said I "get" why the pants are popular. I feel they look much better with the 2" stiped shirt however.

[HLin NC]

Wanna buy some cheap knickers in Neb?

[Tom.OH]

Last year they were optional in Ohio. This year black pants are required.
If I got home in time from my game on Friday, I would watch the highlights on 5 in Cincinnati. The sports lasted 20 minutes with about 12 Ohio games, maybe 1 crew in knickers . They also had 10 Northern Kentucky games and 5 Indiana games and I think both states were all in knickers. We only had 1 real muddy game and the black pants washed up very nice. Our U got hit in the back and fell in the mud in the middle of the field, completely covered his right side and it came out. He said knickers would have been ruined. By the way, our U is 6'5 280 lbs, the tackle that hit him was much bigger.
I do not miss knickers. But I do have a brand new pair of Northwestern striped socks I have no use for now. I guess I can wear them under my boots when I shovel snow!

[BIG UMP]

I worked with an R year before last on the 2nd week of September. He stated we would be wearing the black pants, which were optional at that time. After wearing them once, I swore I'd never wear knickers again. In TN black pants are mandatory for 2012 and I have not broken my vow.

[waltjp]

Knickers were accepted as a crew option last season. I wore them once when I filled in with another crew. I decided to toss them in my bag at the last minute before I left the house. When I got to the game site I discovered that nobody else on the crew even owned black pants.

[legend]

We wore them (knickers) in Pa last year (were only allowed to wear the blacks with long sleeves, basically only foul weather) but have heard that we are going to be being given the option to go either black or knickers. Guess I'll just pack both and hope for a younger "white hat".

[Texas Aggie]

I've read that the NFL will be eliminating them this year

That is correct. Since virtually all TV games will show officials in the black pants, I don't think anyone will be wearing knickers from 2013 on.

The next project is to get 2" stripes OK'd for HS.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by waltjp

Knickers were accepted as a crew option last season. I wore them once when I filled in with another crew. I decided to toss them in my bag at the last minute before I left the house. When I got to the game site I discovered that nobody else on the crew even owned black pants.

Well in your situation I would understand you holding on to them. But we made a crew decision and we do not wear them anymore. Also I hated the socks and trying to hold them up. That alone was worth getting rid of silly looking pants.

Peace