Should Refs Only Wear Black Shorts?

[50LouRFC]

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.

 

[didds]

dye them black ?

 

[didds]

meanwhile random image from duck duck go


https://i.inews.co.uk/content/uploads/2019/09/GettyImages-1172949482.jpg

 

[Marc Wakeham]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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.

 

[Dickie E]

no problem with white

 

[SimonSmith]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

Thankfully we have moved on.

 

[crossref]

If all they have to complain about is the colour of your shorts that's a good assessment?

it would be .. alas there's always something else as well !