Uniforms
SMSUA Uniform Requirements
All clothing shall be washed and cleaned on a regular basis and be wrinkle-free at the beginning of each day’s assignments. Shoes shall be brushed and polished before each day’s assignments and cleaned between assignments on the same day.
When multiple umpires are working a game they must all dress in the same color scheme. Everyone must be in same color shirt and pants. There can be different length uniform sleeves on the same field as long as the shirts are the same color. All umpires do not have to be in jackets.
In all games the powder blue shirt and gray pants are the default uniform. Variations are up to the umpiring crew – match your partner!
Dress Code
For all USA Softball sanctioned games, the umpire shall wear approved USA Softball uniforms as mandated in the most current USA Softball Umpire Manual.
For all NFHS school games, the umpire shall wear the WOA powder blue shirt and heather gray, charcoal gray, or navy pants. USA Softball (or other) logos are not acceptable on any piece of your school uniform.
Specific details are outlined below.
Purchasing
You can order your USA Softball uniform parts through USA Softball’s official merchant, Honig’s.
WOA softball umpire shirts can be ordered through the WOA official store, Cliff Keen or Gerry Davis.
Other gear and non-USA uniform parts can be ordered online through sports official websites like Ump-Attire.com, Gerry Davis, or Honig’s.
New umpires – equipment and uniforms are a front-loaded investment. If you need help procuring either, reach out to your training staff. We may be able to help defray or delay spends on your gear through gifted or discounted used gear.
SMSUA UMPIRE UNIFORM
| ITEM | USA UNIFORM DESCRIPTION | NFHS UNIFORM DESCRIPTION |
| HAT | USA Softball logo, navy blue, fitted, 4/6/8 stitch | Plain, navy blue, fitted, 4/6/8 stitch |
| SHIRT | USA Softball logo, powder blue, navy blue, or white shirt. Short or long sleeves. Match your partner’s color! | WOA logo, powder blue shirt. |
| UNDERSHIRT | Optional. White or navy T-shirt with powder blue or white uniform shirt. Navy T-shirt with navy blue uniform shirt. Do not visibly wear a long-sleeved shirt under a short-sleeved uniform shirt. | Optional. White or navy T-shirt with powder blue uniform shirt. Do not visibly wear a long-sleeved shirt under a short-sleeved uniform shirt. |
| PANTS | Heather gray or charcoal gray long umpire pants with belt loops for fastpitch games. Starting in 2027, USA Softball will be requiring charcoal gray pants. Flat front pants are recommended over pleats. Slowpitch games can use navy shorts. Always match your partner! | Heather gray, charcoal gray or navy umpire pants with belt loops for fastpitch & slowpitch games. Starting in 2027, WOA will be requiring charcoal gray pants. Always match your partner! |
| BELT | All black with plain silver buckle | |
| SOCKS | Black, above ankle length | |
| SHOES | Primarily black athletic shoes. Shoes with a manufacturer’s contrasting color logo, such as white or gray, are acceptable to wear. Soles and uppers must be black. | |
| INDICATOR | Balls, Strikes, and Outs minimum, Innings optional | |
| BRUSH | Black bristle | |
| JACKET | USA Softball navy blue jacket pullover or zip up All umpires do not have to be in jackets. | Navy blue jacket pullover or zip up (no logo) All umpires do not have to be in jackets. |
| SUNGLASSES | Black frame with non-reflective lenses. Straps holding glasses (if used) must fit tight to head. | |
| GLOVES | Black or navy blue if needed | |
| TIME PIECE | Watch or stopwatch carried in your pocket | |
ADDITIONAL FASTPITCH PLATE UMPIRE UNIFORM
| ITEM | DESCRIPTION |
| HAT | USA: USA Softball logo, navy blue, fitted, 4 or 6 stitch NFHS: Plain – no logo |
| PANTS | Preferably plate cut. Match your partner! |
| SHOES | Primarily black plate shoes. Shoes with a manufacturer’s contrasting color logo, such as white or gray, are acceptable to wear. Soles and uppers must be black. |
| MASK | Black or silver frame, with black or tan pads. For NFHS, a dangling throat protector must be attached (per 10.4.1). If a hockey-style mask is worn, an approved navy cap must be worn between innings and during extended delays, coach discussions, and injuries. |
| BALL BAG | USA: USA Softball logo navy blue ball bag(s) to be worn with navy or charcoal gray pants. USA Softball logo heather gray ball bag(s) may be worn with heather gray pants. NFHS: Plain (no logo). |
| FLIPPING COIN | For determining home team, when necessary |
| LINEUP HOLDER/PENCIL | For professional-looking management of team lineup cards |
| SHIN GUARDS | Worn under pants |
| CHEST PROTECTOR | Worn under shirt |
| ATHLETIC CUP | Highly recommended |