Preseason Gear and Apparel Checklist

I was just reading a very good article in Referee Magazine's September 2011 issue titled:

72 Ways to Officiate Smarter

In the article, Referee editors have gathered ideas and tips from their experiences to provide secrets to better officiating in all sports on various subjects such a pregame, risk management and post management (and more) plus 6 tips on the subject of inventory/equipment.

I won't steal their thunder (you'll have to read  the 6 page article yourself) but I'm inspired to elaborate on  tip number 7 which is entitled Inventory Your Look.

By inventorying your look, they recommend trying on your uniforms before each season and checking to see if your gear is in good condition and that your uniform fits properly.

More specifically, here's my checklist of preseason dos and don'ts:

1. Good stewardship of your gear happens after every game, not just during the off-season. Take time to  wipe off dirt, dust and moisture after each game. Your gear and accessories will last much longer. Don't forget to wipe off excess dust and dirt off of washable items, too. Specifically, dust off  your pants before placing in the washing machine.
   
   Umpire shin guards are the biggest culprit for dust and dirt and the inside of all umpire gear is susceptible to moisture from perspiration. Storing a dry towel in your gear bag is the perfect solution. You don't want to risk rust over time from any steel chest protector rivets or leg guard clips. Note that some umpire gear items now have removable inner padding that can be washed in a washing machine. This feature is a much welcomed solution to cleaning gear.
   
   
2. Don't store your gear and apparel in a hot car or a humid place such as a garage. Doing so accelerates deterioration of the padding and fabric.  
   
   
3. Don't leave your gear or clothes in the sun where UV rays can fade fabrics or change them to an undesired color. Pink umpire shirts are in style, but pink pants?  Not-so-much.
   
   
4. Try your pants on. Can't bring the clasps together because you ate too much over the holidays? Pants on the ground because you were motivated by the latest weight-loss craze? No fear, just Google "local tailor" or pony up and buy something new.
   
   
5. Check your shirts for perspiration stains. Black and white on your referee shirt good. Black and yellow bad. Actually check anything white - knickers, referee throw down bags and the like - if they're dingy or discolored, then consider replacing.
   
   
6. Take a good look at your shoes and consider a professional shoe shine or DIY and replace shoelaces if needed. You don't want to tighten a shoelace only for it to snap just before your first game. Great  advice from veteran officials is to carry a spare pair of shoelaces in your bag just in case.
   
   
7. Check your shin guard replacement straps and replace with a fairly inexpensive new one ($1.20) if needed.
   
   
8. Has it been two years or more since you replaced your mask or helmet padding? Protective properties can wane over time so buy a new set if it's been so long you can't remember when you bought your mask.
   
   
9. If you find that something gear-wise needs a good cleaning, mild soap and water does the trick for most things. Washing your cap in the dishwasher or washing machine with a cap cage will also work.
   
   
10. Check your clothing for loose buttons and threads and seek out a repair if necessary.

Hope that helps. What preseason or other tips do you have for your gear and clothing?

Back to the Referee Magazine article that inspired this off-the-top-of-my head checklist, it's a great read on page 24 for subscribers or if not subscribed, something worth considering. Smarter is always good.