Umpire Equipment

Always Look Like a Pro!

Wear a freshly laundered shirt and slacks
Always hang your shirt and slacks or fold neatly after laundering and during transporting to game to prevent wrinkles.
If your schedule is tight, have several pairs of shirts and slacks clean and ready for duty in your equipment bag or car.

Reduce prolonged exposure to direct sunlight by storing uniforms in a garment bag when hanging in the back of your car or truck.
If you don't use a garment bag, try covering them with a piece of cloth, at least across the shoulders.
Never use chlorine bleach on uniforms.

"Crease" your hat to give a sharp appearance
After a game, brush cap with stiff bristle brush to remove dirt and dust.
Spot clean cap with mild soap and water, rinse thoroughly.
Use a hat liner to hold its shape between games.
Allow cap to completely dry of perspiration before storing.
It is not recommended to store in plastic bags since moisture in caps can cause mildew. Use a hat keeper or a cardboard box instead

When having alterations done on slacks, have on leg guards and plate shoes you would usually wear to insure the correct length is achieved.
Hem length should be set at the top edge of the sole so that the pants don't "ride up" too high when you are in your plate stance.

After a game, brush equipment with stiff bristle brush to remove dirt and dust.
Wipe off moisture and allow to completely dry of perspiration before storing in cloth bags or your gear bag, especially during hot weather.
It is not recommended to store in plastic bags since moisture can cause mildew.
If they are particularly dirty, surface clean with mild soap and water, rinsing thoroughly.
It is always wise to inspect equipment after each use for signs of wear or damage.

They don't have to be "spit-shined", but they DO need to be shined and clean
Protect shoes using leather conditioners (such as Collonil Shoe Polish or Collonil Waterstop or Parade-grade shoe polish) to ensure long wearability.
After game, brush soles of shoes with stiff bristle brush to remove dirt.
Wipe shoe uppers with a soft cloth to remove dust, dirt and moisture.
Follow leather conditioner directions to maintain polished appearance.
Store in a cloth shoe bag to keep clean. It is not recommended to store in plastic bags since moisture can cause mildew.
Keep a spray bottle of water and a couple of old towels/rags in your gear bag. Spray water on the shoes to remove dust or dirt.
If your shoes get muddy, wipe/scrape off excess mud and then use the spray bottle (or take them inside when you get home) to remove the remaining dirt. You can let it dry first, it will work just as well when you are ready to clean them. Just remember to use the water sparingly.

Keep up-to-date with association regulations and rules by attending annual clinics or checking this website's Rules Section.
It helps to brush up on techniques and rules or how to deal with difficult situations by reviewing educational videos and books before and throughout the season. Read your casebooks and understand how they got the ruling.
If you have a question, ask someone or use this website's "Ask A Rules" Question form.

Keep language clean and follow good sportsmanship.
Hold yourself to a higher standard with exemplary behavior and attitude.
Though players may disagree with your call, if you conduct yourself in an appropriate, professional manner, they will respect your decision and your position on the field.
Remember, you set the example on how the game should be played.