uniform violation in Fed

[Steve M]

I had a high school game this afternoon. As it turns out, the winning pitcher threw a no hitter - missed a perfect game by walking the first batter of the game.
But, our season is now more than halfway through. And I had a uniform violation the visible sliding shorts did not match on all players. I do not know how other state associations, but I issued the warning & did the paperwork on the lineup card and we played the game with mismatched sliding shorts on the one team - I am not telling any high school player that she's got to remove her sliding shorts.
Even though this was only about the 5th game of the year without cold weather gear being used, I'm somewhat annoyed that this team had a uniform problem. I am also annoyed that apparently some other umps are not noticing these details.

[SRW]

Originally Posted by Steve M

I had a high school game this afternoon. As it turns out, the winning pitcher threw a no hitter - missed a perfect game by walking the first batter of the game.
But, our season is now more than halfway through. And I had a uniform violation the visible sliding shorts did not match on all players. I do not know how other state associations, but I issued the warning & did the paperwork on the lineup card and we played the game with mismatched sliding shorts on the one team - I am not telling any high school player that she's got to remove her sliding shorts.
Even though this was only about the 5th game of the year without cold weather gear being used, I'm somewhat annoyed that this team had a uniform problem. I am also annoyed that apparently some other umps are not noticing these details.

Oh.
My.
God.

Tell me you did not pick this nit?

[Mountaineer]

What's next? Making them tuck in their shirts?

[blueump]

Let me just start by saying I used to be a stickler for what others called "nick picking" rules. More recently, however, time has given me a more "tempered" view.
1. With the financial situation of most of our schools here in Michigan, we are lucky that each team has their own bats and helmets, let alone worrying about weather their sliding shorts all match.
2. Most coaches, athletic directors, and yes, even the state associations want an umpire that administers justice fairly: that includes letting the teams play.
3. The rule book allows this by letting the players play, yet reporting the problem to the association in writing.

In these cases I will point out the problem to the coach, tell them that I'm going to still let the players play, and report the problem later.

I can't tell you how many gray gloves I've seen this year. It probably averages 2 per game. Do I prevent the girl from playing in a high school game for this...no way! She can play, just get a new glove please! Maybe I'm just getting soft.

[Skahtboi]

Originally Posted by Steve M

I am also annoyed that apparently some other umps are not noticing these details.

This annoys you?? Heck, come work with some of the folks I have to work with. Don't check equipment, ever. Are shocked when I walk the field. Get to a site five minutes before game time. Don't even enforce the most basic of rules to avoid a path of resistance. If this is all that your folks are doing wrong, I would be thrilled!!!

[Steve M]

Originally Posted by Skahtboi

This annoys you?? Heck, come work with some of the folks I have to work with. Don't check equipment, ever. Are shocked when I walk the field. Get to a site five minutes before game time. Don't even enforce the most basic of rules to avoid a path of resistance. If this is all that your folks are doing wrong, I would be thrilled!!!

Scott,
Pennsylvania has made a big issue out of enforcing this - given my choice, I'd likely not notice. Since it's their nickel, they get to decide what nits are noticed, I mean what rules are enforced.
Now, folks like you're dealing with, I'll let someone else know & let the state deal with them. Those folks are trying to expose your backside - and I don't really like having that exposed.