Author Topic: Facial Hair  (Read 9695 times)

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Offline EastTXRef2019

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Facial Hair
« on: July 23, 2019, 09:22:31 AM »
Good Morning Everyone,

This is going to be my first year as an official. I'm really looking forward to it, but am not sure about the stance on facial hair. I keep a very well maintained beard. Is this going to hurt me in any way? I'd only want to shave it if it was absolutely necessary. It would kind of make the wife upset. What are your thoughts?

Offline JDM

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Re: Facial Hair
« Reply #1 on: July 23, 2019, 12:12:08 PM »
Welcome!

It doesn't make a difference at the subvarsity level, which is what you'll be working starting out. At the varsity level there are different schools of thought. In the Houston area, we work as crews and the Coaches select those crews through a "draft" to work their games. I personally feel officials working at the higher levels should be clean shaven, therefore I don't allow facial hair on any of my crew members. Other Referees/crew chiefs couldn't care less.

Take a look at the Division 1 college crews working on Saturdays and make note of their appearance.

Offline clearwall

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Re: Facial Hair
« Reply #2 on: July 24, 2019, 10:39:55 AM »
Echo what JDM said completely and I'll add that depending on your organization there may be policies you need to follow. My college conference mandates we be clean shaven and no facial hair. I saw something in Referee magazine a few months back that addressed this topic and it was really interesting if you can find it.

Actually, here is the article:
https://www.referee.com/does-appearance-still-matter/

Offline hefnerjm

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Re: Facial Hair
« Reply #3 on: July 24, 2019, 12:19:56 PM »
First off, congrats and welcome to the officiating ranks.  Around here, you will find many who love this job deeply and should be excited to welcome a young new official into any local association you might become a part of.

My recommendation is that as a new official, I would tell you dont worry about it...at all.

Across the country, there is a massive shortage of officials, so no one is going to tell you that you cant work on a HS field with a beard. 
The nationwide statistics tell us that less than 2 out of 10 new officials will complete their 3rd year (for a variety of reasons). 

If you fall in love with officiating, like many here have, then unfortunately you will need to conform to what a supervisor wants whenever you begin to explore your options of advancing to collegiate ranks.  Like players, only about 1% of HS officials will work the college game...so, before you go upsetting your wife or your own personal brand/style, I would encourage you to spend a few seasons to decide if this is something you want to turn into a life-long pursuit.

Coach: "I've been doing this 30 years!  I know the rules!"
Ref: "Are you married coach?"
Coach (suddenly offguard): "umm...yeah, why?"
Ref: "I've been married 30 years and my wife says there is still room for improvement"
Coach: "<silence>"

Offline JBall

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Re: Facial Hair
« Reply #4 on: July 24, 2019, 03:14:11 PM »

Across the country, there is a massive shortage of officials, so no one is going to tell you that you cant work on a HS field with a beard. 
The nationwide statistics tell us that less than 2 out of 10 new officials will complete their 3rd year (for a variety of reasons). 


Wow I didn't think numbers were that bad.  I knew we had a shortage and I  know my chapter the average age is up there but I  didn't know that many don't make 3 yrs.


Offline slo8140

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Re: Facial Hair
« Reply #5 on: July 25, 2019, 01:16:44 PM »
Good Morning Everyone,

This is going to be my first year as an official. I'm really looking forward to it, but am not sure about the stance on facial hair. I keep a very well maintained beard. Is this going to hurt me in any way? I'd only want to shave it if it was absolutely necessary. It would kind of make the wife upset. What are your thoughts?

What East Texas Chapter are planning to join?

Offline EastTXRef2019

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Re: Facial Hair
« Reply #6 on: July 25, 2019, 02:49:54 PM »
What East Texas Chapter are planning to join?

I'm in the Tyler chapter.

Offline slo8140

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Re: Facial Hair
« Reply #7 on: July 25, 2019, 02:56:28 PM »
I'm in the Tyler chapter.

Great choice. I am in Tyler as well. If you ever need any help just let me know. I am the guy that takes attendance at all the meetings.

Great chapter with lots of great officials.

In our chapter, don't worry about the facial until you get on a crew and your white hat says something about it. Just keep it clean and professional looking and you will not have a problem. In the past there were a couple of white hats that made everyone be clean shaven. Most have retired. If you ever need a crew to go watch on a Friday night you are more than welcome to tag along with my crew.
 

Offline JDM

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Re: Facial Hair
« Reply #8 on: July 29, 2019, 12:09:42 PM »
Great choice. I am in Tyler as well. If you ever need any help just let me know. I am the guy that takes attendance at all the meetings.

Great chapter with lots of great officials.

In our chapter, don't worry about the facial until you get on a crew and your white hat says something about it. Just keep it clean and professional looking and you will not have a problem. In the past there were a couple of white hats that made everyone be clean shaven. Most have retired. If you ever need a crew to go watch on a Friday night you are more than welcome to tag along with my crew.

Find Bobby Bain at the next chapter meeting and introduce yourself. He's one of the best in the business. Tell him Duffy sent you.

Online Etref

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Re: Facial Hair
« Reply #9 on: July 29, 2019, 02:12:11 PM »
 :thumbup
" I don't make the rules coach!"