The Right Gear for Women Referees

The Right Gear for Women Referees

The Right Gear for Women Referees

Imagine working out or playing basketball in bloomers? Imagine officiating or refereeing a game wearing a blouse with a sailor collar and a bow made out of heavy weight cotton? Looking back on what female athletes wore over the years it’s impressive that women choose to continue to play or officiate the sports they so dearly loved.

Choosing the appropriate referee gear for women referees can prove challenging. As many women know, unisex really isn’t for women. The term unisex as applied to clothing was created in the late 1960’s to denote clothing suitable or designed for both men and women. Before this, clothing stood for the demarcation of the sexes through affirming gender identity. Men wore pants-women did not. The sizing of unisex had to fit the larger of who were to wear the apparel. The sizing and patterns were made from men’s sizing rather than women. There may have been minor modifications made to the pattern but by and large the patterns and apparel fit men and women had to make due. Many women referees have mentioned the concern that they are at greater risk for injury when their jerseys and skirts are too loose or poorly fitting.

In 1920 an article in Ladies Home Journal describes indoor exercises for women in great detail. In addition to the exercises there were appropriate recommendations made for what a woman should wear while “working out”. Most “work out” wear was simply a woman’s pajama set. A “work out” was described as housework or for women of means a gymnasium. Working out at home included washing the floor on hands and knees for abdominal strength, window washing for arm toning and carrying laundry baskets for a lower body workout. Clearly the importance of properly fitting athletic gear for women and especially referee gear for women was not a high priority.

The selection of the appropriate gear for women referees is critical. Not only does the appropriate gear support the job the women referees must do by making split second decisions under stressful, fast-paced competitive games but it also is important for the safety and well being of the women who referee. Poorly fitting apparel could impact your safety as well as your overall comfort.

Women referees no longer need to worry about uniforms that don’t fit and gear not designed for them. We at Officia believe that women referees place a great importance on performing well on the field and now female referees can continue to feel and look their best while performing at the highest level while on the field or on the court.