Acceptable for PU

[mac266]

I met with a few Division 2 NCAA umpires the other day as they were getting some spring training in.  Having seen this thread, I was about to ask the question when their trainer emerged from the locker room to work the plate at a scrimmage.  He was wearing a jacket, tucked in.  I mentioned this thread and they all looked at me like I was crazy.  This is Colorado.  You cannot go outside without a jacket. 

[Marcus6]

2 hours ago, mac266 said:

I met with a few Division 2 NCAA umpires the other day as they were getting some spring training in.  Having seen this thread, I was about to ask the question when their trainer emerged from the locker room to work the plate at a scrimmage.  He was wearing a jacket, tucked in.  I mentioned this thread and they all looked at me like I was crazy.  This is Colorado.  You cannot go outside without a jacket. 

The premise of this has been so beaten to death.  Wear what’s comfortable and acceptable in your area.  I will say a long sleeve shirt behind the plate with UA cold gear has always been perfectly fine for me in the worst weather conditions I’ve worked.  If anything’s going to be cold it’s going to be my hands, ears, and neck/face

If someone wants to wear a jacket behind the plate, it’s not a problem for me.  I’m at the point where I’m not sure I have a jacket that would fit over my CP comfortably and I have a plate coat so jackets aren’t really needed in my closet.

[lawump]

There was that time when I said, "screw it" when I had a Division 1 game with a game time temperature of 29-degress and a wind chill much lower (one of the coldest days in SC history).  On the bases, I wore my long sleeve shirt (on top of some thermals).  On top of the shirt I wore my insulated zip up base coat.  On top of that I wore my plate coat.

So there you go: I wore a long sleeve shirt and plate coat on the bases, at the same...and at the same time I was wearing a base coat between them.  

I dare anyone to criticize my fashion choices!!!  (For the record, four years later and I still haven't thawed out.)

[ATXBlue]

2 hours ago, lawump said:

There was that time when I said, "screw it" when I had a Division 1 game with a game time temperature of 29-degress and a wind chill much lower (one of the coldest days in SC history).  On the bases, I wore my long sleeve shirt (on top of some thermals).  On top of the shirt I wore my insulated zip up base coat.  On top of that I wore my plate coat.

So there you go: I wore a long sleeve shirt and plate coat on the bases, at the same...and at the same time I was wearing a base coat between them.  

I dare anyone to criticize my fashion choices!!!  (For the record, four years later and I still haven't thawed out.)

[SeeingEyeDog]

My sample size indicates a lot of this (not all of it!)  is generational and occupational. I work in an association with a lot military and law enforcement personnel. Those in that line of work have a much finer degree of detail to their umpiring uniforms and on-field appearance.

Generationally, (military/law enforcement or not...) older guys are more particular about uniforms and younger guys are less particular.

The following techniques have served me best...First, acquire as many different shirt colors, sleeve lengths, undershirts, ball bags, caps, shoes and jackets as your budget allows. Keep them all cleaned, ready to wear and in your vehicle at all times. That way, if you show up and your partner gives you grief you can casually say, "Oh...we're going with the paisley shirts, purple shoes and orange caps? Cool, I have those...let's review our rotations."

Second, and this goes double if you are working with someone you have never worked with before...discuss uniforms (to include jackets!) as part of your 48 hour in-advance check in about arrival time and parking confirmation messaging, etc. Be casual and be flexible. If you are working the plate and the weather looks like you might want to wear a jacket, tell your partner that in advance. "Hey pard...it looks like 48 at game time and 41 by the time it's over...I'm going with X jacket. Does that work for you?" In the end, crew chief of course has the final word.

Obviously, your association is also going to dictate much of this from the top so, pay attention, especially season to season as requirements frequently change. And for those of you in a position in your associations making decisions about uniform requirements? Don't assume anything about your membership! My association takes photos of properly attired umpires and emails those around before the start of every season.

In closing, if you are someone who is particular about your appearance...don't apologize for that. Own that by being a good communicator with your partner in advance, "Hey pard, it's important to me that we maintain uniformity during the game, even as conditions change. What jackets and long sleeve shirts do you have?"

~Dawg

[MadMax]

On 2/27/2021 at 1:30 PM, SeeingEyeDog said:

Generationally, (military/law enforcement or not...) older guys are more particular about uniforms and younger guys are less particular.

Whoaaaa there. If by "particular" you mean stubborn, and unwilling to buy and/or use current styles or colors... or by "particular" you mean peculiarly fond of using the same shirt, same pants, same hat regardless of the tournament / league / event they are officiating and draw the disdain of TDs (usually of rival tournament series), assigners, and partners... then I'd say that you're right. 

The majority of time, a younger umpire who doesn't "measure up" in the uniform protocol falls short because of naivety and financial limitations. However, plenty of older umpires don't follow uniform protocols, and this can only be attributed to ignorance and stubbornness. 

Which is worse? 

[SeeingEyeDog]

@MadMax, your experiences GREATLY differ on this subject than mine.

~Dawg