Please keep in mind the following rules of referee etiquette before you go out and represent our association:
1) No hats!
I know some of our members have fair skin like myself and need it to protect their head from the damages that the sun can do to the face and scalp. If you are going to wear a hat, at least wear a black one with no writing on it. I realize that a hat is not part of our uniform but your health is more important than a soccer game to me. Don't wear a hat if you don't need it. I have very fair skin yet I don't wear one. It only draws attraction to yourself.
2) Replace
Replace worn out socks, shorts and shirts! Do not wear faded out uniforms as it looks like you really don't care about the way you. This translates that you don't care about the game to others around you. You can not gain respect from others when you don't look professional.
3) No jewelry!
Do not wear any jewelry except your watches and wedding ring if married (remember, you should wear two watches). You can't gain respect from the players by telling them to take off their jewelry when you are wearing yours. You are paid to officiate the game and not put on a fashion show.
4) No sun glasses!
I am not talking about the prescription kind. I realize that some of us have prescription glasses that change to dark when exposed to the sun. These are okay, just don't wear the over the counter sun glasses. In other words, if a doctor didn't tell you that you need them, don't wear them.
5) Black shoes!
They don't have to be all black but mostly black. It is best to get shoes designed for referees and not soccer cleats. Soccer cleats are extremely bad on your back when doing multiple games. My friend also sells several types of soccer official shoes that very reasonably priced. Clean them often as this too is a reflection as to your professionalism.
6) Comb your hair!
I know, now I am starting to sound like a mom. I have seen officials that look like they just woke up. I have heard the comments by the spectators and coaches on the sidelines. It all goes back to being an eye sore or a sight for sore eyes.
7) Have alternate uniforms!
It is not acceptable for any reason to have a "rainbow" team of referees. That is just plain embarrassing. I carry both long and short in all colors just in case my referee team has to change and one of the referees doesn't have a certain color. Please make sure I don't receive a phone call from him regarding this matter.
Unfortunately, many of our referees don't go to the meetings so I have no choice but to post this. I do have other items that I could discuss but I hope you all get the point. These are items that are taught in the entry level referee course but apparently, some of us were asleep during that part or simply don't care. I know that the majority of us do our best to look our best. It is the few that make our entire association look bad to others around us. If you see a referee that isn't following these guidelines, let them know. If not, at least report them to your association. By looking uniform as a team or as individuals, you won't have everyone focusing on you. When something is out of place, you tend to stand out more. As an assessor, I have seen this first hand. By following the above guidelines, you will have a much easier time officiating. Please make a copy of this and carry with you. You may need it to show to a fellow official.
