Should Refs Only Wear Black Shorts?

50LouRFC


Referees in America
Joined
Mar 27, 2021
Messages
1
Post Likes
0
Current Referee grade:
Select Grade
Not a laws question, but I got a random grab pack of 3 shorts at an online rugby shop a while back on sale, and no surprise received 3 pairs of white shorts since no smart rugby player would buy $50 pairs of white shorts unless they loved laundry. ?
I've always been told referees should only wear black shorts, and all my socks/boots are black.
Is it okay to wear different colors than black or would it come across as someone who doesn't know what they're doing? My blacks are getting worn out, and I've got 3 nice pairs of white. Wondering what people generally go with.
 

Marc Wakeham


Referees in Wales
Joined
Jan 5, 2018
Messages
2,778
Post Likes
842
Current Referee grade:
Level 2
Sorry, but is this question serious?

Our, union provided kit has not had black shorts for years. It think there are more important issues that show a ref who comes across as someone who doesn't know what they're doing than the colour of their shorts socks or anything else
 

Zebra1922


Referees in Scotland
Joined
Dec 20, 2017
Messages
716
Post Likes
233
Current Referee grade:
Select Grade
We’re issued with kit and have been given non black shorts in the past (navy blue). However, I don’t see any problem with wearing white shorts, there are lots of videos of referees wearing white shorts around.
 

Phil E


Referees in England
Staff member
Joined
Jan 22, 2008
Messages
16,073
Post Likes
2,345
Current Referee grade:
Level 8
It all depends on what your Society issues you with.
If they only issue a shirt, then as a volunteer you can wear whatever shorts and socks you want.
If they give you Society socks and shorts you should wear those.

Having said that I wouldn't recommend wearing multicoloured (oddballs style) shorts as then you might be seen as a bit of a clown.

However plain coloured shorts of any description would be ok with me if you're not provided with them.

Boots are entirely up to you, I certainly wouldn't spend extra money (out of my own pocket) to get black ones, if coloured ones were cheaper.

PS: I think it's more important to turn up smartly dressed. This is where people will get their first sight, and first impression of you.
First impressions are often not logical and very difficult to change, so make a good first impression by being smart and knowing what you want.
 

Jz558


Referees in England
Joined
Nov 8, 2018
Messages
386
Post Likes
132
Current Referee grade:
Select Grade
I do remember running into a sock pervert in a pub in Jersey once on a run ashore. He was very interested in the colour of our sports socks and other hosiery issues. Am just wondering if he may have reappeared.
 

Ciaran Trainor


Referees in England
Joined
Jun 23, 2005
Messages
2,844
Post Likes
361
Location
Walney Island
Current Referee grade:
Level 7
Our society shorts tend to be Black, but I have blue and white of my own. I try not to clash with teams wherever possible but avoid wearing thw white ones on mud bath days! Here's all 3 with my pink shirts.
As Phil E says first impressions are important, 95% of my games I wear shirt tie and blazer.
 

Attachments

  • 44929251_2513179898692017_4842441657620103168_n.jpg
    44929251_2513179898692017_4842441657620103168_n.jpg
    436.8 KB · Views: 10
  • 71692404_3323715014305164_7431050165252784128_n.jpg
    71692404_3323715014305164_7431050165252784128_n.jpg
    417.9 KB · Views: 10
  • 89565250_3845593725450621_7605245856865845248_n.jpg
    89565250_3845593725450621_7605245856865845248_n.jpg
    404 KB · Views: 10

Dickie E


Referees in Australia
Joined
Jan 19, 2007
Messages
14,106
Post Likes
2,131
Current Referee grade:
Level 2
no problem with white

Capture1.JPG
 

SimonSmith


Referees in Australia
Staff member
Joined
Jan 27, 2004
Messages
9,335
Post Likes
1,440
No. Just....no. Unless your Society suplies kit, just wear something that differentiates you from the players and look smart. There are some Societies in the USa who have a stick up their ass about black shorts.
 

Volun-selected


Referees in America
Joined
Jun 11, 2018
Messages
548
Post Likes
301
Location
United States
Current Referee grade:
Level 8
There are some Societies in the USa who have a stick up their ass about black shorts.
Not my society - can wear any color you want (but does advise you may “want to avoid white on muddy days” given some of the glorified cow pastures we sometimes end up on…)
 

Dickie E


Referees in Australia
Joined
Jan 19, 2007
Messages
14,106
Post Likes
2,131
Current Referee grade:
Level 2
I've been involved in tournaments in SE Asia where shirts are supplied. We are usually asked to bring our own black shorts and socks so that we all look like a team
 

crossref


Referees in England
Joined
Sep 14, 2009
Messages
21,804
Post Likes
3,145
our society shorts are navy blue.
(but my most comfortable shorts are my own, and black and I normally wear those, unless I am being watched, cos you never know what an assessor will feel is important !)
 

ianh5979


Referees in England
Joined
Jul 5, 2008
Messages
468
Post Likes
59
our society shorts are navy blue.
(but my most comfortable shorts are my own, and black and I normally wear those, unless I am being watched, cos you never know what an assessor will feel is important !)
If all they have to complain about is the colour of your shorts that's a good assessment?
 

smeagol


Referees in America
Joined
Apr 20, 2012
Messages
710
Post Likes
95
Location
Springfield, IL
Current Referee grade:
Level 8
My society has a storefront with Steamroller, where you can opt for white (never again for me) or a navy blue. Unfortunately, the only shirt option is short-sleeve white with navy blue accents.
 

Marc Wakeham


Referees in Wales
Joined
Jan 5, 2018
Messages
2,778
Post Likes
842
Current Referee grade:
Level 2
our society shorts are navy blue.
(but my most comfortable shorts are my own, and black and I normally wear those, unless I am being watched, cos you never know what an assessor will feel is important !)
If an assessor marked me down for the colour of my kit. I'd be walking out and filing a complaint about him.
 

Dickie E


Referees in Australia
Joined
Jan 19, 2007
Messages
14,106
Post Likes
2,131
Current Referee grade:
Level 2
we have a light-hearted fines system ... wear wrong kit, socks down, exposed skins, etc gives you the opportunity to contribute to the end of season piss up
 

SimonSmith


Referees in Australia
Staff member
Joined
Jan 27, 2004
Messages
9,335
Post Likes
1,440
If an assessor marked me down for the colour of my kit. I'd be walking out and filing a complaint about him.
I remember starting to referee in the days when shorts were drill cotton, pressed, with a crease down the front. Laces were meant to be white, and blancoed before each match.
 

Marc Wakeham


Referees in Wales
Joined
Jan 5, 2018
Messages
2,778
Post Likes
842
Current Referee grade:
Level 2
Thankfully we have moved on.
 
Last edited:
Top