Patent Leather Belt

[NCASAUmp]

I'm a guy, and I have no idea what patent leather looks like (except for maybe those lovely knee-high boots ladies wear). So basically, I don't know if they look good as a belt or not. Maybe they do, maybe they don't.

However, Blu_IN does point out that it does take a while for ASA to change the style. Think of how long we had those button-down shirts that looked like something from the 70s.

The answer, in my opinion, is that one proper uniform (minus any chest protectors, masks, etc.) costs around $150 (slacks, shirt, hat, belt and shoes). Many umpires, like myself, have more than one complete uniform (I've got 5 uniforms with two extra shirts that I took out of the rotation). Would we really want to have to keep changing the uniform once every couple of years? I know I certainly wouldn't, and that's why I take such good care of the ones I already have.

[Blu_IN]

And I am not saying that you should either put on the patent or go away. Far from it, some people are not going to want to wear it due to their personal opinions. However, its really annoying that when it comes to conference tournament time, I have to hang up my patent leather plate shoes and belt simply because the old guard refuses to accept the style.

At least come up with something other than it stands out, or looks flashy. It doesn't. The NCAA uniform is so unbelievably bland. What in the world is wrong with wanting to show some style. What is wrong with wanting to look as good as possible? If I feel that patent leather plate shoes and belt make for a better look, what's wrong with that?

[AtlUmpSteve]

Originally Posted by Blu_IN

And I am not saying that you should either put on the patent or go away. Far from it, some people are not going to want to wear it due to their personal opinions. However, its really annoying that when it comes to conference tournament time, I have to hang up my patent leather plate shoes and belt simply because the old guard refuses to accept the style.

At least come up with something other than it stands out, or looks flashy. It doesn't. The NCAA uniform is so unbelievably bland. What in the world is wrong with wanting to show some style. What is wrong with wanting to look as good as possible? If I feel that patent leather plate shoes and belt make for a better look, what's wrong with that?

Probably because "showing some style" and having "a better look" isn't UNIFORM with the other umpires. If it isn't the same, it is different; and that, my friend, means it stands out.

Further, patent leather isn't some new idea that the "old guard" refuses it accept. It is an old idea, developed in 1818, that has been rejected as inappropriate from the beginning of softball uniforms, and continues to be unacceptable. Not newly rejected; never accepted. Showing some style is the baseball non-uniform uniform. Just watch the LLWS for inspiration.

[Steve M]

I've managed to stay out of this one, but so much for that.

I wear the patent leather shoes in games where players do not wear metal spikes - they are easier to clean and my personal opinion is that they look better. I do not wear a patent leather belt - they are too thick.

As for the number of uniforms - that's irrelevant. I choose to work in a number of different sanctioning bodies. Each has their own uniform(s), and I have just about all of them. I pay my registration to each and buy the uniforms of each. Since I changed to a smaller vehicle a couple of months ago, I don't carry all the uniforms all the time now.

As for the music wars, we "fixed" that. We've got 2 separate services and seldom do they mix. Great fix, huh? But that does keep us from having to build a bigger sanctuary.

[Mountaineer]

Originally Posted by Steve M

I've managed to stay out of this one, but so much for that.

I wear the patent leather shoes in games where players do not wear metal spikes - they are easier to clean and my personal opinion is that they look better. I do not wear a patent leather belt - they are too thick.

As for the number of uniforms - that's irrelevant. I choose to work in a number of different sanctioning bodies. Each has their own uniform(s), and I have just about all of them. I pay my registration to each and buy the uniforms of each. Since I changed to a smaller vehicle a couple of months ago, I don't carry all the uniforms all the time now.

As for the music wars, we "fixed" that. We've got 2 separate services and seldom do they mix. Great fix, huh? But that does keep us from having to build a bigger sanctuary.

I have both patent leather and regular. I wear the patent leather on dry days when the dust is dominant and the regular ones during rainy/muddy days. I agree that the patent leather is easier to clean - simply wipe off and they are shiny as new. Our college supervisor and HS interpreter allows patent leather so we wear them. I also wear a belt that matches the shoes. I know that if I were to go to an NCAA regional that I'd need to wear the non-patent leather plate shoes.

[Blu_IN]

How do we lose uniformity by the plate umpire wearing patent leather? They are black, they are shined, they are as exactly as they should be. Patent leather belts. . . again black.

How exactly does that make us look out of uniform?

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by Blu_IN

How do we lose uniformity by the plate umpire wearing patent leather? They are black, they are shined, they are as exactly as they should be. Patent leather belts. . . again black.

How exactly does that make us look out of uniform?

Because to ASA, "uniform" is not only a noun, it's an adjective.

It's a preference issue, really. ASA doesn't want it, so I don't wear it. Could it spruce up an otherwise ugly uniform? Sure, but until ASA says it's okay...

We're at where we're at.

[AtlUmpSteve]

Originally Posted by NCASAUmp

Because to ASA, "uniform" is not only a noun, it's an adjective.

It's a preference issue, really. ASA doesn't want it, so I don't wear it. Could it spruce up an otherwise ugly uniform? Sure, but until ASA says it's okay...

We're at where we're at.

I didn't say just ASA; I said at higher levels of softball.

Originally Posted by NCAA Umpire Manual

The first step to being an umpire is looking like an umpire. Understanding the effect appearance has is vital. Appearance is probably more important in umpiring than in other things because in umpiring, at least most of the time, no one ever gets to know you as a person. They have little other criteria from which to make a judgment.

There is a saying in umpiring that you can never make a second, first impression.

If the first impression you give people is sloppy, disheveled or overly casual they will assume these character traits for you. That will then determine the degree of respect they afford you later on if they need to approach you.

On the other hand, if you look neat, clean and sharp, they will assume that this is how you will approach your umpiring and their approach to you will be more respectful.

It is important that you not only have the correct uniform but also that you wear it properly. Your uniform is the only thing in umpiring that you can always get 100 percent right. But you cannot get more than 100 percent. Uniform means alike, the same.

If you do something differently with your uniform–wear a patent leather belt or shoes, press your shirt differently–then you are no longer uniform, and instead of the 110 percent you hoped to achieve, you are now down to about 75 percent. The only reason most umpires to do something differently with their uniform is to draw attention to themselves–something umpires should never do.

Get your uniform to 100 percent. Clean and polished shoes, clean and unwrinkled shirt, clean and pressed pants, clean and blocked hat, and clean, uncracked and polished belt are the requisites of a uniform at 100 percent. Maintain it there. Then devote your energies to getting your umpiring as close to 100 percent as you can. A fine first impression means little if there is nothing of substance to back it up. Make a first impression last.

Okay, you think it looks better. You think it is easier to clean. We get that.

But, it isn't uniform, it isn't the same, it isn't what a top level softball umpire is supposed to wear. Not in ASA, not in NCAA, not in ISF. Don't know for a fact, but I am willing to bet it isn't approved for NPF, either. So far as I know, that pretty covers "top level" softball.

[MD Longhorn]

Originally Posted by Blu_IN

How do we lose uniformity by the plate umpire wearing patent leather? They are black, they are shined, they are as exactly as they should be. Patent leather belts. . . again black.

How exactly does that make us look out of uniform?

Let me ask you ... why do you wear it? (You mentioned earlier that you thought it showed style)... so ... by your own admission, it looks different (in your opinion better) than non-patent-leather.

Different = non-uniform. You could make the equally wrong argument in favor of Light Blue hats. You might think they look better - but they are different, and thus non-uniform. Truly, I'm surprised this is even a topic.

[BHBlue]

Originally Posted by Mountaineer

I have both patent leather and regular. I wear the patent leather on dry days when the dust is dominant and the regular ones during rainy/muddy days. I agree that the patent leather is easier to clean - simply wipe off and they are shiny as new. Our college supervisor and HS interpreter allows patent leather so we wear them. I also wear a belt that matches the shoes. I know that if I were to go to an NCAA regional that I'd need to wear the non-patent leather plate shoes.

Good luck with THAT once someone from the Staff comes to evaluate you and your patent leather.

[Mountaineer]

Originally Posted by BHBlue

Good luck with THAT once someone from the Staff comes to evaluate you and your patent leather.

Well one of our umpires got a regional 2 years ago and he wears patent leather - he was told not to bring them to the regionals! He said that the first day, they made everyone put all their equipment on the table and they went through it and tossed what he couldn't use. He got to keep his cup and chest protector! I'm not really worried about it - like I said, my supervisor allows it. To be honest, this past season I only wore them in a couple college games because we had so much rain and I wore my mudders.

[BHBlue]

Originally Posted by Mountaineer

Well one of our umpires got a regional 2 years ago and he wears patent leather - he was told not to bring them to the regionals! He said that the first day, they made everyone put all their equipment on the table and they went through it and tossed what he couldn't use. He got to keep his cup and chest protector! I'm not really worried about it - like I said, my supervisor allows it. To be honest, this past season I only wore them in a couple college games because we had so much rain and I wore my mudders.

Fair enough. However, if you have both, why not wear what is approved by the staff? You never know who is in the stands watching you work. Especially if you're on their "watch list".

Don't get me wrong, I wear non-western cut and pleated pants, work in the Gerry Davis, etc. when working youth and men's ball, but I do not in college. Why? Because the people who set the standards say not to. It is that simple to me.

[AtlUmpSteve]

Originally Posted by BHBlue

Fair enough. However, if you have both, why not wear what is approved by the staff? You never know who is in the stands watching you work. Especially if you're on their "watch list".

Don't get me wrong, I wear non-western cut and pleated pants, work in the Gerry Davis, etc. when working youth and men's ball, but I do not in college. Why? Because the people who set the standards say not to. It is that simple to me.

Take that a step further. We all buy new uniform items regularly. I will only buy that which is universally accepted. Yes, I have non-western pants; but I will not buy any more. And, they are the mudders; or worn when I work rec ball. They are the backups. I don't want to be seen by those I work with being anything but the example of what is correct.

[Skahtboi]

Originally Posted by Mountaineer

I'm not really worried about it - like I said, my supervisor allows it.

Well then, it sounds as if your NCAA coordinator refuses to comply with the national standard as well as with the NCAA Umpire Improvement Program, and therefore is doing you, and all the NCAA umpires in your area, as well as the NCAA itself a grave disservice.

[Mountaineer]

Originally Posted by Skahtboi

Well then, it sounds as if your NCAA coordinator refuses to comply with the national standard as well as with the NCAA Umpire Improvement Program, and therefore is doing you, and all the NCAA umpires in your area, as well as the NCAA itself a grave disservice.

OK, so because I wear patent leather shoes I do a disservice to the NCAA? Nice try! To be fair to my supervisor, I've never heard her say it's OK, she's seen me work and never mentioned anything. I know other guys in the same conferences that wear patent leather and one guy even wears a blue mask.

I go out on the field looking freshly pressed and neat every single game. I know guys that go out and never iron a pant or even put a brush to their shoes - but thank God they aren't patent leather. At least they are following protocol!