Tattoos

[AFD901]

What are your thoughts about umpires with visible tattoos. You see a lot of athletes with tattoos all over their bodies. Would an umpire be frowned upon or lose assignments if he had a arm full of tattoos?

[mstaylor]

I know guys with visible tattoos. At our levels I can't see it being a problem. I doubt you would get a pro job with a sleeve.

[BRUMP]

I'd be interested to hear what those who have visible tattoos say on this one.

[NCAAump2]

I don't have any tattoos, but I personally just think it doesn't look very good. Little leagues it probably isn't a big deal, but anything higher than HS varsity and there might be issues. I can't remember seeing a Division I umpire with visible tattoos....but could be wrong.

[mstaylor]

An interesting topic and look forward to hearing what some the guys think the college assigners think. I don't have tattoos or piercings, nor will I, but they are very prevalent now.

[benrosen]

I was going to ask this same question as I am considering getting half sleeves.

[yawetag]

Little leagues it probably isn't a big deal, but anything higher than HS varsity and there might be issues.

Unfortunately, I don't think it would fly too well in the younger leagues. So many people have this negative stigma toward tattoos.

[noumpere]

Anything significant that shows is going to be a detrement in NCAA D1 ball at least around here.

[bam]

My question is why have visible tattoos in the first place? I have two, but neither is visible.

[JaxRolo]

On my forearm.

Only worked HS and some Juco. No complaints.

[Pete Peterson Sr]

Pete Jr. has a lot of tattoos. Both of his arms have heavy coverage on them. In our HS association, it has never been an issue, although I personally believe that someone in the State office has a problem with them. I think it has kept him out of the state finals, but maybe it's just me.

His college association requires him to cover them. He either wears long sleeve shirts, or wears a pair of flesh-colored sleeves that he purchased, that are manufactured just for that purpose.

[Dannytheman]

The younger adults all seem to have tattoos, the negative social stigma is losing it's push! I rarely see a dad or mom at a LL game without a tattoo now a days. Many moms have an ankle ink, or many more I notice in summer with the inappropriately named tramp stamp.

I made it through 6 years of the Coast Guard, and 30 years of riding Harley's and have not one tattoo. It ain't for me, but I don't discriminate if I see it.

[Richvee]

I don't see many younger adults having a problem with an umpire with ink. As Danny has said, the negative social stigma is fading. Personally, I don't understand the whole ink craze these days. I know I sound like an old fart, but I don't think it looks good at all. I'm not talking about a navy tat like Jax. I'm talking about sleeves, "tramp stamps, neck, ankles...I just don't get it. So personally, I don't want to see an umpire with a full sleeve. Just don't think it looks right at any level. That said, it's just my opinion and I totally understand I am old and in the minority with this view so if I do see an umpire with a full sleeve running down each arm a simply shake my head and say "Man I'm getting old"

[Umpire in Chief]

I think in some more traditional circles it will not go over well at the youth, rec, HS level. But more importantly than the tattoo itself is the appropriateness of the tattoo. Any nudie girls, gang related or anything which could be offensive would be less accepted.

I think appropriate tats and a reasonable quantity would be acceptable at most levels.

Now full sleeves might not go over as well. You may need to persuade some people or negotiate wearing long sleeves all summer long or a skin toned compression sleeve over it on the field.

My sister in law, who is a trained professional dancer (no not that type Jax & Jocko), was denied a lead role in a show because of a single tattoo she has on her side of a pair of ballet slippers. It's hardly inappropriate and not terribly visible. Such a shame...

[AFD901]

Interesting. I personally have tattoos but they could be covered by normal clothing. I am considering getting Some work done in visible areas. I am 36 years old and have been a public servant for the past sixteen years. Most people who call 911 are having an emergency and probably don't care if the firefighters and police who come to their aid have a sleeved arm. I thank those members of our armed forces who fight for our freedom and I don't care if they have a sleeved arm.

Now I understand that an umpires looks and dress are important, but if he/she is calling the well, It wouldn't bother me if I saw tattoos. IDK, just my thoughts.

[semper_fi_72]

I have tats on both forearms and upper arms.

11 Tats in all on my arms and one on a calf.

They are all G Rated.

In fact I get a lot of comments from parents and kids when they notice the Patriotic Mickey, Pirate Mickey and Sorcerer Mickey on my left forearm.

My right forearm has USMC Aviation Ordnance Wings

I have never been questioned or felt uncomfortable with my tats.

[Dannytheman]

I have tats on both forearms and upper arms.

In fact I get a lot of comments from parents and kids when they notice the Patriotic Mickey, Pirate Mickey and Sorcerer Mickey on my left forearm.

First off, thanks for your service. But did you ever think that a Marine wearing Mickey Mouse ink was funny as hell??? I know I laughed and spit a little ice tea on the keyboard.

Semper Paratus.

[mstaylor]

Most people who call 911 are having an emergency and probably don't care if the firefighters and police who come to their aid have a sleeved arm.

I have a buddy with half sleeves and has had quite a bit of trouble getting hired as an officer. Some depts don't care, others require them to be covered at all times. I personally work in the entertainment business and many of my employees have many tattoos and piercings. I have many that are ex-servicemen, police and federal officers. In many cases they fall in both categories. The stigma is greatly reduced but is still very much alive.

[BRUMP]

I I call 911 I don't give a crap who comes to help me but departments supervisors who hire these people might.

[johnnyg08]

The older generation still gets police service and their perception is that people w/ tats are not trustworthy. The officer needs to always be perceived as the trustworthy one.

[UMP45]

It's all about perception!

[Replacematt]

I have very visible tattoos. Never been a problem...of course, everyone in every conference I work knows why I have them and why they are visible.

[hckyosgood30]

I've played around with the idea of tatoos for awhile now. Many of the guys I went to college with and are still friends with to this day have them and hold corporate jobs like me as long as it's covered. I asked my mentor about it. He told me absolutely not visible. The reasoning is simple. In this area there is way to much competition, and the old guard is still alive and in charge. They have a hard enough time swallowing young guys with professional experience and non coming into their conferences already. Now if your older and served and it's not terribly visible I've seen up to the D1 guys wear them and coaches don't say much b/c they know they served and they already have the reputation. But if your a young guy and you want to compete at least around me keep it covered. BTW this is HS-D1 I'm talking about.

[basejester]

I don't think tattoos are a problem in our league. Unless of course you're wearing black and your tattoo is navy blue. That looks terrible.

[mstaylor]

I asked a D1 evaluator who kicked it to three supervisors, they all say no.

One says that they require professional appearance, one said it is a question that doesn't need to even be asked. so I am thinking it is a definitive no at D1 and MiLB.