Where to Buy Referee Equipment
Referees must purchase special clothing and equipment to identify themselves and use in the process of officiating sporting events. Where can you buy such referee equipment? Good question. Referees must wear jerseys to stand out from the players and have professional shorts or pants, socks and shoes. In many sports, referees need to have whistles to blow to stop play and flags and other supplies to signal what call is being made. The best place to shop for referee equipment depends on what sport you are playing, but there are several major options.
Ump-Attire.com
Ump-Attire.com has the most variety of any online store, stocking referee equipment for baseball, softball, lacrosse, soccer, basketball, wrestling, football and volleyball. The website sells starter kits with the main items you need to referee each sport, plus a bag to keep it all together, packaged together at a discount. This allows you to easily get everything you might need when you start working as a referee for the sport.
OfficialSports.com
OfficialSports.com is the best place to purchase referee equipment if you are a soccer referee. The website is the only official source of soccer referee uniforms and equipment for the collegiate and professional level. Even if you are beginning at a lower level, it is best to get the official uniform package so you don't have to purchase a whole new set if you move up to college or professional referee jobs later. The introductory package has a jersey, shorts, socks, a whistle and lanyard, velcro for your badge, yellow and red cards and some optional extras, like score sheets and a bag.
Local Sporting Goods Stores
A local sporting goods store with a wide selection is best if you need to get your equipment in a hurry. Plus, local stores often stock the equipment that local sports leagues require their referees to have. Before purchasing your equipment, check with the league to find out what they require you have. Bring the list with you to the local store in order to be sure that you have everything you'll need.
