Let me be sure I understand this...

ASA is trying to deal with people who already do not follow the ASA rule on uniforms by passing another rule???

Sounds to me like it will be just as effective as gun control laws. Those who were already law (rule) abiding will follow the law (rule), and those who were already violating the law (rule) will continue to do so.

Brilliant.

Sounds to me like it will be just as effective as gun control laws.

The problem is often ignorance of the law. For example, the Omaha shopping mall where several people were recently shot and killed was a "gun-free zone," but no signs to that effect had been posted anywhere. The possible alleged suspected perpetrator is now dead, but imagine his chagrin if he had been captured only to find out that he had shot up a gun-free zone!

So ballfields need posted signs informing umpires of proper dress.

Washington, DC, is much smarter. In the train station, you will see the following sign above the ticket counter:

"Attention! You are in a crime watch zone. When approached by an officer, drop your weapon and raise your hands over your head."

You don't. :D

No.

The sole purpose of this "procedural" change was to maintain a sense of order, consistency and uniformity. The issue was the multi-shades of grey.

It was determined through discussion that the only way to insure it would not be an issue in the future was to dictate the vendor. Obviously, they designated ASA Merchandise. However, that is not bad since they sell Fechheimers which, in my experience, hold up well.

There will ALWAYS be those who read the uniform information and think THEY KNOW BETTER and that he couldn't have meant this or that THAT'S NICE, but it doesn't apply to me type of folks.

I even included the statement in my letter that the uniform requirements were not suggestions, but mandatory. I still had a couple of folks who just didn't get it. I had one guy who had US flags sewn on all his shirts and couldn't understand why I had a problem with that. Luckily, he was local and borrowed his sons shirts. Nice guy, decent umpire, but just didn't understand that you cannot do whatever you want when you need to be uniform with the group.