4 Basic Components of Soccer Referee Uniforms
Soccer Referee Uniforms are a must for referees. Aside from setting a referee apart from the players, these uniforms also have features that help referees manage their tough jobs. Whatever the kind or level of game being officiated, the basic soccer referee uniform is composed of these 4 important components:
- o Soccer Referee Shirt
- o Soccer Referee Shorts
- o Soccer Referee Socks
- o Soccer Referee Shoes
Referees officiating in any kind of soccer game need to have appropriate soccer referee uniforms on in order to stand out from more than 20 players on the field. The right uniforms in the proper colors will keep soccer referees from being mistaken for a soccer player and from being tackled.
Whether officiating for recreational or competitive games at whatever level, soccer referees must wear comfortable soccer referee uniforms because they will be running up and down the field all throughout the game. The appropriate soccer referee uniform will allow a referee to be comfortable out on the field.
If you will be officiating in a soccer game and you need a new set of uniform, you need to check first with league officials if they have regulations pertaining to referee uniforms. While the traditional black and white uniforms are the basic, many soccer leagues require their referees to wear uniforms that are of specific colors.
Whatever the soccer game level may be, the basic soccer referee uniform is composed of these 4 components.
1. Soccer Referee Shirt
The soccer referee shirts worn by referees distinguish them from players. These shirts can either have short sleeves or long sleeves. Examples of this are the Pro USSF Shortsleeve Referee Shirt and the Pro USSF Longsleeve Referee Shirt. The referees can dress according to the weather game conditions.
Color
There are various color combinations of soccer referee shirts. The color appropriate for a game depends on the league regulations and the colors of the uniform of the competing soccer teams. However, the standard colors of referee shirts commonly used during soccer games are:
- The original and basic black with white collar
- Black with white pinstripes
- Gold with black pinstripes
- Blue with black pinstripes
- Red with black pinstripes
Both the Pro USSF Shortsleeve and Longsleeve referee shirts are available in these color combinations
Materials
The materials used in soccer referee shirts are similar to the ones used for the players’ jerseys. Many of these referee shirts are made of lightweight 100% polyester like the Kwik Goal Premier Referee Jersey.
There are also soccer referee shirts that are made of a microfiber wicking or microfinish breathable material that helps keep the sweat away from a referee’s body in order to regulate body temperature. This is very important because referees also sweat a lot as they also run and up the field like the soccer players.
These breathable materials ensure that a referee is comfortable all throughout a soccer game. These kinds of materials are easy to wash and maintain. These materials can also adapt to various weather conditions.
The introduction of referee shirts made of ultra-cool fabric is a welcome development. The Pro USSF referee shirt, both short sleeves and long sleeves, are made with lightweight COOLWICKTM fabric. This kind of fabric also removes perspiration away from the skin of the wearer.
Extras
Soccer referee shirts should have pockets that will hold the referee’s cards and wallet. Choosing one that has a Velcro patch on the pocket lets you conveniently place the association badge without needing to sew the badge on.
The Pro Referee Jersey features two front pockets featuring Velcro closures. These referee shirts also feature a left pocket with Velcro badge holder.
Soccer Referee Shorts
The standard soccer referee shorts are always black and they are usually made of 100% polyester. These shorts feature drawstrings and an elastic waistband to ensure that the referee shorts will stay in place.
A standard referee short has one back pocket with Velcro closure and two side pockets. It is important that one pocket has Velcro closure so that it can hold referee cards and even keys or coins.
The Kwik Goal Referee Short is made of 100% polyester and features a 4-inch inseam. It has two side pockets and a back pocket that has Velcro closure.
Soccer Referee Socks
The soccer referee socks are basically black, unless otherwise specified by a soccer association. Aside from solid black, soccer referee socks can also be black with solid white section at the top or black with white stripes at the top.
Soccer referee socks can be made of acrylic/nylon blends. There are referee socks that feature reinforced toes to give the wearer additional comfort. Code Four Athletics and High Five Sportswear’s soccer referee socks are made of 80% acrylic and 20% nylon, full-footed style, and feature a 3-stripe fold over cuff.
The Admiral Premier Soccer Referee Sock, made of 95% nylon and 5% spandex, features reinforced toe and heel and ribbed articulated elastic ankle and arch support. Meanwhile, Champion Sports’ Deluxe Campioni Referee Socks are made of 100% nylon.
Soccer Referee Shoes
Referees should choose turf shoes because these shoes are breathable and lightweight. It would also be a good idea to have waterproof shoes for rainy weather. The standard referee shoes are black with a bit of white trimming.