Category: Uniform-Ref

Uniform-Ref

Law 18 - Common Sense

REFEREE SOCKS

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Question:
With the introduction of the third official sock design, what are the requirements for referees wearing matching socks.

I have been told conflicting things by assessors as to the socks matching. I understand at all high-level games the referees should match 100% (even style of jersey (new or old)), but for youth games, there are many times when the referees do not all have pairs that can match.

What is the official stance on socks?

USSF answer (March 18, 2010):
At the moment there is no official policy on this, but the rationale you have provided in your question is correct.…

"Inventive" Refs

THE REFEREE UNIFORM

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Question:
Evidently the Adidas referee jerseys are making it to the states and being sold at TJ Maxx for #25 each. See the discussion at [an internet referee board]. Referees are purchasing these jerseys with the intent of wearing them in USSF games. They will have enough extra jerseys for referees who don’t have the Adidas jerseys. Is there any reason that referees cannot wear the Adidas jerseys? I can see a lot of confusion if allowed, with referees being pressured to buy the Adidas jerseys or having to wear borrowed jerseys.

USSF answer (March 4, 2010):
The uniform sold by Official Sports International (OSI) is the official uniform for referees affiliated with the U. S. Soccer Federation. The standards for that uniform were established by the USSF Board of Directors and may not be changed by anyone else. The design sold by OSI must be worn to all games and tournaments affiliated with the Federation. If referees find another uniform that meets the same design standard, they may wear that uniform for their lower-level games. Unless the Adidas uniform meets those standards, it may not be worn for any affiliated games.

See the USSF Referee Administrative Handbook for a description and pictures of the only approved uniforms:

Standards of Dress and Appearance Official U.S. Soccer Federation Referee Uniform
Official Sports International (OSI) is the official supplier of referee uniforms to U.S. Soccer.
GOLD SHIRT: with black pinstripes (long or short sleeve)
ONE BADGE ONLY: U.S. SOCCER FEDERATION – WITH CURRENT YEAR (Securely fastened to shirt over left chest. The badge should be for the highest grade for which the referee is currently qualified)
BLACK COLLAR
BLACK CUFF: (on long sleeve shirt only) (no cuffs on short sleeves)
BLACK SHORTS: Bottom edge of shorts not less than 3 nor more than 7 inches above the top of the knee- cap.
BLACK SOCKS: with Federation referee crest
BLACK SHOES: (may have white manufacturers design) with black laces
Alternate Referee Uniforms
The following four shirts have been approved by the Federation as alternates that can be worn in case of color conflict. There is no order of preference among the alternate jerseys. The other parts of the referee uniform (shorts, socks, shoes) do not change if the referee wears an alternate shirt.
BLACK SHIRT with, BLACK COLLAR, and BLACK CUFFS (on long sleeve shirts only). RED SHIRT with, BLACK COLLAR, and BLACK CUFFS (on long sleeve shirts only). BLUE SHIRT with, BLACK COLLAR, and BLACK CUFFS (on long sleeve shirts only). GREEN SHIRT with, BLACK COLLAR, and BLACK CUFFS (on long sleeve shirts only).
Logos, Emblems and Badges: Only manufacturer’s logos and U.S. Soccer approved badges and/or emblems may be visible on the referee uniform.

Note: Older versions of the OSI uniform may be worn until they need to be replaced.…

"Inventive" Refs

RUMOR OF NEW UNIFORMS FALSE!

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Question:
I am aware that as of 2008 the referee uniform rumor had been addressed as merely a rumor. However, it has been two years since that time and I’m writing tin inquire as the status of those claims that OSI contract is expiring and a new brand will be taking over. If you could please clarify this for me it would be greatly appreciated.

USSF answer (February 28, 2010):
It was and remains a rumor with no facts whatsoever connected with it.…

Uniform-Ref

REFEREE UNIFORMS (YET AGAIN)

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Question:
I have a question regarding uniforms. I am a newer ref, but have been advancing and now am starting to ref some “bigger” tournaments and matches. Due to finances early on I bought several jerseys from places other than OSI (ie: Sator). They all have the approved design, but from a different manufacture. Is this acceptable, or do I need to replace the other manufacturer jerseys with the OSI ones? It hasn’t seemed to be a problem with the local tournaments and matches, but I just want to be sure I’m properly equipped as I continue to advance and ref at higher levels.

USSF answer (May 30, 2009):
Of course the Federation would prefer that referees bought our sponsor’s products, but as long as your uniforms meet the same design requirements as those sold by OSI, then you may wear them. See this FAQ on the new uniforms: …

Uniform-Ref

GOLD REFEREE JERSEYS (AGAIN)

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Question:
Is there a requirement to wear the Gold jersey at all times EXCEPTING only when there is a color conflict with one of the teams?

Can the ref crew wear any of the socks from the OSI website. 3 stripes and the two versions of the “logo “ socks?? (Provide we all match)

Finally, MLS referees wear Adidas jerseys, can youth/amature referee’s purchase these and wear them? (providing the crew matches)
I know that addidas gives away these jersey at some of their sponsored tournaments and we get them for free and are allowed to wear them at Regionals.

Your thoughts???

USSF answer (May 19, 2009):
1. No.
2. Yes.
3. No.…

"Inventive" Refs

NEWISH UNIFORMS

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Question:
Is this FAQ on the newer OSI still in effect? http://ussoccer.com/articles/viewArticle.jsp_4849668.html

Posts on BigSoccer.com indicate one of the youth regionals is requiring new-style shirts.

Also, is there any update on the mix-n-match policy of old and new? Many say it makes the crew look less professional if they’re not all wearing the same style. Others say only the refs themselves, and any assessor that might be there, are the only ones that notice.

USSF answer (May 13, 2009):
The Federation responds: “The FAQ as posted on the website that he refers to is still in place, no change and referees can still wear the old and new.”…

"Only in America!"

AMERICAN FLAG PATCH

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Question:
I noticed that in this season all the American teams in the MLS are wearing the USA flag patch on their sleeves (Toronto wearing the Canadian flag), why aren’t the officials wearing a flag patch on their uniforms? USSF is a patriotic organization, is it not?

USSF answer (April 12, 2009):
The Federation would seem to be damned if it does and damned if it doesn’t. The wearing of the U. S. flag on the uniform is (and always has been) a matter of personal choice. The USSF is a patriotic organization, but does the wearing of the flag actually make one patriotic? Patriotism is a state of mind and being, not a fashion show for the masses.

We can tell you how this plays out in one Eastern state. Shortly after 9-11, US flag patches for the upper arm were distributed and “requested” to be worn. We don’t believe the same thing was done thereafter but, of course, those who had the patch on already continued to wear it. Accordingly, those who are wearing it now most likely haven’t bought a new uniform jersey since 2001 and those who aren’t probably either became a referee or bought a new jersey since then. Those referees who have multiple jerseys probably don’t have the flag patch for all of them, only the primary jersey.…

Uniform-Ref

REFEREE HEADSETS

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Question:
What is USSF policy on the use of headsets in non-MLS matches? Is their use permitted by officiating crews? If so, what information should be transmitted over them, and should transmissions be encrypted?

USSF answer (April 7, 2009):
The headsets are considered to be part of the referee uniform and their use requires the permission of the Referee Committee. If headsets are used, the only information that should be exchanged among the officiating crew would be game-related. And unless the refereeing crew wished to share the information with the world, encryption would be appropriate.…

Law 5 - Referee

ANOTHER REFEREE UNIFORM QUESTION

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Question:
Thanks again, for the forum this has been. Since my discovery of it a couple weeks ago, I have submitted questions on 3 separate occasions. I hope there’s no limit on these.

Here’s my question, brought about partially by a previous response regarding a referee covering tattoos. The Administrative handbook states that the referee crew must wear the same length of sleeves, but does not make mention of long sleeved undershirts. Is a referee allowed to wear a long sleeved undershirt (I would assume black would be the default) with a short sleeved jersey? Or are long sleeved undershirts only permitted under long sleeved jerseys? Also, if a referee chooses to wear a long sleeved black shirt (dri-fit style I would assume) under his short sleeved jersey, and the rest of the crew also wears short sleeves, is this acceptable? Thanks.

USSF answer (December 1, 2008):
Referees should strive for the most professional look possible. Wearing long-sleeved undershirts under a short-sleeved jersey does not meet the criteria for a professional appearance.

However, you might check to see if your local referee association has a rule on this (many do). For example, one local assignor we know of requires that all referees she assigns wear only black undershirts and under no circumstances combine a long-sleeved undershirt with a short-sleeved jersey.…

"Inventive" Refs

NO ADIDAS UNIFORMS

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Question:
Rumor has it Adidas is going to be taking over from Official Sports soon. Is this true. People say that we will have the new jersey style MLS shirts with clima cool and dry fit technology. Can you provide any answers to this rumor
.
USSF answer (September 22, 2008):
We are unaware of any plan for adidas to become the Federation’s supplier. The arrangement between adidas and the MLS is strictly between them and does not involve the Federation.…