USA SB umpire uniform
 

Reading the 2026 Umpire Manual, it would appear that wearing shorts is not mentioned in the section of Umpire Uniform.

I know we've allowed shorts for umpires working slow pitch games locally. You can still buy "umpire shorts" online as well as socks.

Is there any definitive allowance for wearing shorts at slow pitch events? Nationals? What about socks? Ankle or over the calf? Color?

Thanx.

There is no mention of shorts or any Slow Pitch variation in the manuals, going back to 2023.
The only wording about lower body garments is
" The approved navy blue ball bag with USA Softball letters to be worn with
either navy or heather gray slacks. The approved gray ball bag(s) with USA
Softball letters may be worn with heather gray slacks."

Cecil, you've confirmed what I think I already knew.

On the local level, are shorts allowed in Maryland for slow pitch leagues, tournaments, etc.?

Smitty charcoal shorts $14.99https://smittyoutletstore.com/cdn/sh...g?v=1715882611
https://smittyoutletstore.com/produc...-charcoal-grey

Another question on uniforms.

Is it permissible to wear Navy Blue polo shirt over Navy Blue pants?

The USASB Umpire Manual seems more concerned about partners matching their t-shirt colors. But I could not find a restriction on the Navy-over-Navy color combo.

Although it's now been a few years, the Nationals that I've had the good fortune to participate in never used that combination. And I'm glad because I don't think it would look good.

I thought Nationals always used powder blue (or white).

Correct, no mention of which slacks, except which ball bag with either.
The notice said no more heather grey, but not which combo with shirt.

My first National was in 2012 in Oregon.

We were told to bring both jerseys and both pants. Our combos ranged from Powder Blue w/ either grey or Navy Blue pants. If we wore Navy Blue jersey, it was only with the grey pants. NEVER Navy-on-Navy.

Obviously this was way before white jerseys. If was the period that we had to buy new hats/jerseys because ASA changed the fonts on them. And you needed to buy 3 sizes of the fitted caps because the sizing was always messed up. I needed a 7 1/8 for one type of hat and 7 1/4 for a different one.