Umpire uniform violation

[AtlUmpSteve]

Originally Posted by Tru_in_Blu

OK, the hijacking to let everyone know what their organization wears or what their particular preferences are is closed.

Back to our normal programming:

What sanctions might apply in your organization if someone deliberately ignored the umpire dress code and went rogue?

From my perspective, you haven't given enough information. So far as I know, every state that uses NFHS rulebook also states standards for umpire uniforms; powder and/or navy shirt, navy and/or gray pants (I know TN allows charcoal, not just heather), white and/or navy undershirts, and so on. Before I could state how it would be viewed here, I would need to know if it violated JUST your association's requirements, or also the state agency's requirements.

If navy ball bag or red T-shirt (something I think should NEVER be allowed) are acceptable in your state, then those are minor violations. If not acceptable in your state anytime, anywhere, it jumps in level of concern. Did they diss the state at the same time as dissing you association? And those two items are different, in my mind, than the creme shirts.

Those two items were individual decisions. But the creme shirts were obviously a premeditated and joint decision that say "screw you"; but again, to your association, or to the state, too, makes a difference.

The final question is, how badly do you need those two umpires? Can you afford to lose them in setting an example to the rest of your association that you are serious about the uniform requirements?

All of these are factors that should be considered; it isn't a $5 vs $50 question, in my opinion. If they violated state rules on the shirts, I might say "thanks, you donated the game fee" when not wearing state mandated uniform, while if just a local issue, and I need them going forward, a lesser penalty that sends a message might be more appropriate.