Sports Officiating Uniform Requirements, Guidelines, & Recommendations

Content outlined here is from the MHSAA Officials Guidebook, NASO, and input from veterans. It has been condensed to the five (5) sports (football, basketball, baseball, softball, & girls lacrosse) the GCCOA supports. If you have questions regarding uniforms and equipment, please consult with a GCCOA Director, trainer(s), and/or colleagues.

Table of Contents

  1. Sports Officiating Uniform Requirements
  2. Officials’ Uniform Specifications
  3. Football – Sport Specific Uniforms & Accessories Instructions
  4. Basketball – Sport Specific Uniforms & Accessories Instructions
  5. Baseball – Sport Specific Uniforms & Accessories Instructions
  6. Softball – Sport Specific Uniforms & Accessories Instructions
  7. Girls Lacrosse –  Sport Specific Uniforms & Accessories Instructions
MHSAA Emblems & Logos

The MHSAA emblem or logo on a uniform indicates to school officials, players, and spectators that, as an official in the performance of your duties, you are affiliated with and have the support of the Michigan High School Athletic Association. MHSAA officials shall only wear approved uniforms containing the proper MHSAA emblem or logo (depending on sport-specific guidelines) while officiating contests including MHSAA member schools.

Officials' Uniform Patches

Optional patches are limited to Local Approved Association and American Flags (neither to exceed 2”x3”). All other patches and numbers shall be removed from uniforms while officiating MHSAA contests. Memorial patches may be worn by officials of a Local Approved Association if previous approval is received from the MHSAA, and must meet the following criteria:

  • Dimensions shall not exceed more than 3” in any direction
  • Shall be located on the right sleeve on the center of the shoulder or below any patch already located in that position
  • May be worn for the current and/or next season of the same sport after the death occurred

Association Trainers are permitted to wear an MHSAA-provided “T” patch on the left sleeve of the uniform shirt or jacket, located on the center of the shoulder or below any patch already located in that position.

Officials' Uniform Specifications

Officials are expected to wear the proper attire for the sport to be officiated. Uniform shirts should be replaced before they become worn or discolored due to age, perspiration, and repeated washings. A proper uniform means quality attire properly fitted and cleaned. Pants and shorts should keep their color. Properly maintained uniforms and equipment influence the perceived image of the official and help to build confidence and credibility with players, coaches, and spectators because the official looks the part.

Officials who work on crews of two or more individuals shall wear matching or coordinated uniforms. In most cases, this means that all officials on the crew shall wear identical uniform shirts, pants or shorts, caps, and accessories. However, there are instances where one or more officials wear one article of clothing that is not the same as the other(s). For instance, it is permissible for the plate umpire in baseball to wear a shirt when the base umpire wears a jacket. It is not a professional look, though, for the umpires in the above example to both wear uniform shirts, but each of a different color. The key is that regardless of the uniform selection, it must be mandated or approved by the MHSAA, it must contain the appropriate MHSAA emblem or logo and it must coordinate with the other member(s) of the crew.

Officials, from time to time, may choose to wear accessories that support a cause (e.g., a football crew all wearing pink whistles during a contest to commemorate breast cancer awareness). This is permissible if it is subtle and in good taste, every member of the crew matches and is an infrequent occurrence. This exception does not apply to mandated uniform shirts, caps, etc. If there is a question as to whether the article of clothing or accessory is permissible, officials should contact the MHSAA office for confirmation beforehand.

FOOTBALL - Sport Specific Uniform & Accessories Instructions
  • Officials shall wear a black and white striped shirt with 2” width stripes (long or short sleeves)
  • The uniform shirt shall have an MHSAA official emblem worn on the left chest pocket
  • Black football officiating pants with a contrasting white side stripe shall be worn
  • Predominantly black athletic shoes, and black socks
  • The referee shall wear a solid white cap, while all other officials wear a black cap with white piping
  • OPTIONAL: Crews may wear black officiating shorts for scrimmages or subvarsity contests only (per MHSAA, please consult with your assigner if officiating shorts are permitted for scrimmages and/or subvarsity contests)
  • Officiating tools:
    • Lanyards and whistles should be black
    • Penalty flags shall be yellow
    • Bean bags used by a crew must match and may be black, blue, or white
    • Gloves (if worn) shall be black
    • Down indicator, information cards, pencil, chain clip, signal card, ball pressure tester
    • Sports watch with timer or play clock timer

Recommendations & Tips

  • Purchase your shirts from Correct Call to get the MHSAA logo – looks better!
  • If you are working multiple contests during the week (youth, middle & high school), purchase two pairs of shirts and pants as they can get dirty quickly particularly with inclement weather
  • In southeast Michigan, the first half to two-thirds of the season is generally warm whereas near the back end of the regular season into post-season, the weather can change dramatically from warm to cold and wet – you will want to purchase short and long sleeves when this occurs
  • Officiating football in warm weather is an inexpensive endeavor, when officiating in cold and wet weather, it can get quite expensive but well worth the expenses as it can reduce your miserability factor thus allow you to focus on the game rather than how miserable you are feeling
  • Purchase turf shoes as opposed to cleats – more and more high schools have or will have turf football fields, cleats are good for grass fields
  • When getting started, purchasing a white cap is not necessary, however, as you gain experience regardless if you have no intention of being a “white hat”, you will find yourself officiating at the Referee position from time-to-time
  • Finger whistles versus whistles with lanyards is a topic of debate amongst veterans – there are pros & cons to each, if you are unsure which is best for you, consult with veterans regarding the pros & cons to see which is a right fit for you
  • Get two (2) penalty flags when starting, and get the heavy ball type flags (not the light weighted ones)
  • You will want a gym bag or luggage to carry your football uniforms and gear to your contests, even if you are coming dressed or getting dressed by your car
BASKETBALL - Sport Specific Uniform & Accessories Instructions
  • Officials shall wear a black and white (1”) striped V-neck shirt
  • The uniform shirt shall have an MHSAA official emblem worn on the left chest pocket area
  • Black pants
  • Predominantly black athletic shoes and black socks
  • Officials shall wear a black warmup jacket prior to the start of the game
  • NOTE: Officials may not wear uniforms designed for the college or professional levels, including gray uniform shirts or uniform shirts with solid black shoulder panels
  • Officiating tools:
    • Lanyards and whistles should be black

Recommendations & Tips

  • Purchase your shirts from Correct Call to get the MHSAA logo – looks better!
  • Purchase at least two pairs of shirts and pants – when you least expected, something will happen to your uniform prior to or during the game that may require a change
  • Spend the money to get a good pair of shoes  as well as inserts – your feet, knees, hips, and back will appreciate it over the course of a season
  • Wear black undershirts – undershirts will keep your uniform from getting sweat stains
  • If you have a nervous tick such as bitting down or chewing on your whistle, opt to get the cushion tip included with your whistle
  • Only purchase Fox-40 classic whistles and have at least two (2) with you
  • Recommend break away lanyards to avoid intentional or unintentional grabbing of lanyard
  • To keep your shirt neatly tucked during the contests, opt to wear compression pants (or shorts) underneath your pants, or purchase a rubber belt, or suspenders
  • Purchase inflating needles and keep in your pocket – balls on occassion tend to be over inflated
  • You will want a predominately black gym bag or luggage to carry your basketball uniforms and gear to your contests
BASEBALL - Sport Specific Uniform & Accessories Instructions
  • Umpires shall wear a navy blue polo-style shirt with red and white sleeve and collar stripes
  •  The uniform shirt shall have a horizontal MHSAA logo above the left pocket area
  • Umpires shall wear gray slacks
  • All other articles of clothing, e.g., turtleneck, undershirt, jacket, or plate coat shall be navy blue
  • Ball bag(s) may be either gray or navy blue
  • Predominantly black shoes, black socks, and black belt
  • The plate umpire may wear a different uniform top than the base umpire(s); but if multiple base umpires are assigned, they shall all wear the same uniform shirt or jacket in style and color
  • A navy blue umpire cap is required and may be embroidered with the MHSAA logo on the front
  • NOTE: Hats with the MHSAA logo is required for any postseason assignments above the District level of the tournament
  • OPTIONAL: Umpires may also wear a powder blue polo-style shirt with navy and white (or red) sleeves and collar stripes if all members wearing a shirt wear the same color
  • Umpiring tools:
    • Chest protector
    • Shin guards
    • Masks with throat protector – any color
    • Indicators and pencils – any color
    • Brushes – any color
    • Gloves (if worn) shall be black or navy blue
    • A cup (for men)
    • Protective plate shoes

Recommendations & Tips

  • Purchase your shirts, hats, and jacket(s) from Correct Call to get the MHSAA logo – looks better!
  • If you are working multiple contests during the week (youth, middle & high school), purchase two pairs of shirts and pants as they can get dirty quickly particularly with inclement weather
  • In southeast Michigan, the weather in March, April, May, and June tend to fluctuate wildly between hot, cold, and wet – you will want to purchase uniforms and under garments suited for the inclement weather changes
  • Umpiring baseball is an expensive endeavor to begin with, preparing to umpire in cold and wet weather, can get more expensive but well worth the expenses as it can reduce your miserability factor thus allow you to focus on the game rather than how miserable you are feeling
  • You will want a gym bag or luggage to carry your umpire uniforms and gear to your contests, even if you are coming dressed or getting dressed by your car
SOFTBALL - Sport Specific Uniform & Accessories Instructions
  • Umpires shall wear a navy blue polo-style shirt with red and white sleeve and collar stripes
  •  The uniform shirt shall have a horizontal MHSAA logo above the left pocket area
  • Umpires shall wear gray slacks
  • All other articles of clothing, e.g., turtleneck, undershirt, jacket, or plate coat shall be navy blue
  • Ball bag(s) may be either gray or navy blue
  • Predominantly black shoes, black socks, and black belt
  • The plate umpire may wear a different uniform top than the base umpire(s); but if multiple base umpires are assigned, they shall all wear the same uniform shirt or jacket in style and color
  • A navy blue umpire cap is required and may be embroidered with the MHSAA logo on the front
  • NOTE: Hats with the MHSAA logo is required for any postseason assignments above the District level of the tournament
  • OPTIONAL: Umpires may also wear a powder blue polo-style shirt with navy and white (or red) sleeves and collar stripes if all members wearing a shirt wear the same color
  • Umpiring tools:
    • Chest protector
    • Shin guards
    • Masks with throat protector – any color
    • Indicators and pencils – any color
    • Brushes – any color
    • Gloves (if worn) shall be black or navy blue
    • A cup (for men)
    • Protective plate shoes

Recommendations & Tips

  • Purchase your shirts, hats, and jacket(s) from Correct Call to get the MHSAA logo – looks better!
  • If you are working multiple contests during the week (youth, middle & high school), purchase two pairs of shirts and pants as they can get dirty quickly particularly with inclement weather
  • In southeast Michigan, the weather in March, April, May, and June tend to fluctuate wildly between hot, cold, and wet – you will want to purchase uniforms and under garments suited for the inclement weather changes
  • Umpiring baseball is an expensive endeavor to begin with, preparing to umpire in cold and wet weather, can get more expensive but well worth the expenses as it can reduce your miserability factor thus allow you to focus on the game rather than how miserable you are feeling
  • You will want a gym bag or luggage to carry your umpire uniforms and gear to your contests, even if you are coming dressed or getting dressed by your car
LACROSSE - Sport Specific Uniform & Accessories Instructions
  • Officials shall wear a black and white striped shirt with 1” width stripes (long or short sleeve)
  • The uniform shirt shall have an MHSAA official emblem worn on the left chest pocket
  • Black shorts (minimum 6” inseam), kilt or full-length black nylon wind pants shall be worn if all members of the crew match (i.e., kilts to shorts, pants to pants)
  • Predominantly black athletic shoes
  • The socks shall be black over the ankle
  • Officials shall wear a solid black cap or visor
  • OPTIONAL: Officials may also wear a black and white striped or solid black long sleeve jacket if all officials wear the same
  • Officiating tools:
    • Whistles shall be black with black lanyard or fingertip
    • The penalty marker shall be a weighted yellow flag (15 inches x 15 inches)
    • Gloves (if worn) shall be black
    • Get a watch with timer
    • Penalty Cards (1 each) : Yellow, Red, and Green
    • Penalty card & pencil (basic writing material)
    • Tape measure (Meters)
    • Golf ball
    • Coin
    • Water bottle

Recommendations & Tips

  • Purchase your short and long sleeve shirts from Correct Call to get the MHSAA logo – looks better!
  • If you are working multiple contests during the week (youth, middle & high school), purchase two pairs of shirts and pants as they can get dirty quickly particularly with inclement weather
  • Purchase Black rain gear and warm under garments for the early part of the season, cost will increase but well worth the expenses as it can reduce your miserability factor thus allow you to focus on the game rather than how miserable you are feeling
    • Optional: Solid black outer jacket
    • Optional: Solid black rain gear
    • Optional: Solid Black gloves & knit hats (Consider water proof gear)
  • Purchase turf shoes as opposed to cleats – more and more high schools have or will have turf fields, cleats are good for grass fields
  • Finger whistles verse lanyard whistle this is a preference for individual officials. Should consult with veteran official on the pros & cons to each option
  • Get two (2) penalty flags when starting
  • This is an outdoor sport: Schools overlook and officials should be prepared for:
    • No locker rooms available (dressing in vehicle)
    • No water provide individually to the official other than what the host school provides to the visiting teams
    • Game day conditions can be:
      • Rain, snow, wind, below freezing conditions
      • Lighting & Thunder policy via MHSAA will be in effect if required
    • Sun glasses and sun screen is recommended
  • You will want a gym bag or luggage to carry your lacrosse uniforms and gear to your contests, even if you are coming dressed or getting dressed by your car
  • Officials shall avoid wearing 2” strip football shirts, black cap with white pin stripes, or black football pants with white stripes
Scroll to Top