Your appearance as a referee sends a message to players, coaches, spectators and your fellow referees. That first impression is vital. If you expect to command respect you must look and act professional!
Referee Uniform: At the 2011 State Cup, the State Referee Committee introduced a new referee uniform style, manufactured by Inaria (www.inaria.ca). The Inaria referee uniform provides a sleek look that is similar to uniforms worn by referees overseas.
In order to promote a professional appearance by all referees statewide, all new referees will have the opportunity to purchase, at the time of registration, a complete Inaria uniform set, which includes two jerseys (black and gold), shorts, and socks.
Note: Referee shorts and socks are specifically manufactured to provide an appropriate professional appearance. Other types of shorts or socks are NEVER permissible while officiating.
Note that both the Inaria uniform as well as the current USSF “pin stripe” style are permitted for wear in Rhode Island youth and amateur matches – referees are not required to purchase the new Inaria uniform, and referee crews may wear a mix of uniform styles so long as the same color is worn. Uniform requirements for out of state matches may differ. The SRC will have Inaria uniforms for sale at official events, including re-certification clinics with the following pricing:
Black or Gold Jersey: $20
Black Referee Shorts: $15
Black Referee Socks: $5
In addition, the SRC will offer the Inaria “kit”, which includes both a black and gold jersey, shorts, and one pair of socks for $55, a $5 savings.
For more information about standards for referee appearance and equipment, see the Uniform & Equipment Guideline
I’m sorry to report that the Inaria uniform is *not* recognized by US Soccer as an approved uniform. I don’t understand how you can even make this statement and try to enforce it. Please clarify this for me.
The Inaria uniform is permitted for use, by permission of US Soccer, in lower-level (i.e., non-professional) Rhode Island affiliated matches. The use and purchase of the Inaria uniform is optional, and is introduced in order to reduce costs for the vast majority of referees that officiate only within the state. A referee may choose instead to purchase the OSI uniform, and referee crews may wear a mix of OSI and Inaria styled uniforms, so long as the jerseys are of the same primary color. Inaria uniforms are available for sale at all SRC sponsored events.