Uniform / Equipment | Hammersportsofficials

Hammer Sports Official's Uniform and Equipment Guide

Ready to get on the field for Hammer Sports? Here's the gear you'll need to look the part. We stick pretty close to the uniform rules from the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL). Sometimes, a specific league or sport will have a different requirement, so always pay attention to the details for that game. If you're not sure, ask your assignor.

Basketball

Shirt: A V-neck, short-sleeved shirt with 1-inch black and white vertical stripes or the official grey shirt with the official MSHSL patch shall be affixed to the front left side. Note ALL officials working the game must have matching jersey's. It's best to bring both jersey styles to the game.
Pants: Solid black slacks required for all 9th grade - JV games. Shorts are optional only for youth games.
Footwear: Mostly black athletic shoes with black laces and solid black socks.
Whistle: FOX 40 Classic CMG Whistle attached to a breakaway lanyard or Clipper Lanyard. A spare whistle is recommended.

Volleyball

Shirt: A collared, polo-style short-sleeved shirt. The Hammer Sports uniform shirt is solid white or powder blue. For youth games a white polo is accepted. If you are working with others on the game, please ensure all officials match uniforms.
Pants: Solid navy blue slacks. Short are acceptable for youth games.
Footwear: Solid white athletic court shoes and solid white socks.

Whistle: FOX 40 Classic CMG Whistle attached to a breakaway lanyard A spare whistle is recommended.

Required Equipment: A set of yellow and red sanction cards, a flipping coin, and a ball pressure gauge. Line judge flags may also be required.

Baseball and Softball

Standard Uniform (Plate and Base Umpire)

Shirt: A collared, short-sleeved umpire shirt. Hammer Sports standard colors are navy blue or powder blue.
Pants: Hammer Sports standard is charcoal grey umpire slacks. Heather grey is also accepted.
Cap: A fitted navy blue or black umpire cap.
Belt: A solid black leather belt with a simple buckle.
Footwear: Solid black umpire shoes. Plate shoes must include steel toe and metatarsal protection. Base shoes are a low-cut athletic style.

Plate Umpire Protective Equipment

Mask: A protective face mask with an integrated throat protector.
Chest Protector: An inside-the-shirt body armor chest protector.
Leg Guards: A pair of protective leg guards that cover from the knee to the top of the foot.
Protective Cup: An athletic supporter with a protective cup is required for male umpires.
Accessories: A ball-strike-out indicator, a plate brush, and at least one navy blue or black ball bag.

Note - If you are a new Umpire, its best to invest in a starter kit available at Daves Sporting Goods in Maple Grove

Football/Flag Football

Shirt: A short or long-sleeved shirt with 1-inch black and white vertical stripes. The official MSHSL patch shall be affixed to the left chest area and an American flag patch shall be affixed to the right sleeve.
Pants: Black referee pants featuring a white vertical stripe on the side.
Cap: The Referee shall wear a solid white fitted cap. All other officials on the crew shall wear a solid black fitted cap with white piping.
Belt: A solid black belt.
Footwear: Mostly black athletic shoes or cleats with black laces.
Required Equipment: FOX 40 Classic CMG Whistle attached to a breakaway lanyard (a spare whistle is recommended), one yellow penalty flag, at least one bean bag for marking spots and fumbles, at least one down indicator (two if working the Umpire position), and a game information card with a writing instrument. PRO TIP - choose a bright color for your writing instrument such as orange or yellow. This will make it easier to find the pen or pencil if you loose it on the field. Obviously green is not a good choice.
Optional Equipment: Chain clip, Timing device (a simple wrist watch is sufficient), and a white hat. Note, as mentioned above the white had is reserved for only the Referee position. All other positions should wear a solid black fitted cap with white piping.

Soccer

Jersey: A standard short or long-sleeved referee jersey.
Shorts: Solid black referee shorts.
Socks: Black referee socks with three white stripes at the top, pulled up to the knee.
Footwear: Solid black athletic shoes or cleats.
Timing Device: A minimum of one watch with stopwatch capability. Two watches are strongly recommended.
Whistle: FOX 40 Classic CMG Whistle attached to a breakaway lanyard (a spare whistle is recommended)
Required Equipment: A set of yellow and red cards in a data wallet, a writing instrument, a flipping coin, and a full set of assistant referee flags.

For Hammer Sports officials having properly fitted gear is essential for performance, safety, and a professional appearance. If you are new to officiating, we recommend a drive to Daves Sports Shop in Maple Grove for your uniform and equipment needs.

Their knowledgeable staff can provide expert advice and ensure you can try on items like chest protectors, masks, shirts, pants, and shoes before you buy. This is invaluable for first-time officials to guarantee a proper and comfortable fit.