Football Referee Articles

Which Flag Patch Do I Wear On My Official's Uniform?

Jun 14th, 2023

Today is Flag Day. Learn the proper selection & location for a US Flag to be applied to your sports official's uniform.

Progressive Insurance Ads Feature Challenge Flag from Officials Flags N Bags

Jan 3rd, 2023

The challenge flag made for the NFL by Officials Flags N Bags is featured in Progressive Insurance's Instant Replay ad campaign.

Eastern Kentucky Officials Back on the Field After Flooding with Ump Attire’s Help

Aug 28th, 2022

Ump Attire helps 6 KHSAA sports officials who lost homes in 2022 Eastern Kentucky flooding with uniforms and more.

Kay Yow Cancer Fund Selected As Our "Pink" Charity

Aug 15th, 2022

A portion of purchases from pink umpire shirts and masks and referee whistles and accessories will go to this cancer-fighting charity began by HOF Coach Kay Yow.

Pro Grade Magnetic Umpire Card Holder Featured in Referee Magazine

May 27th, 2022

Referee Magazine features our exclusive Pro Grade Magnetic Lineup Card Holder by UMPLIFE. "Book" style wallets, 5" or 6" tall.

All-Weather Pen Featured in Referee Magazine

Mar 29th, 2022

Referee Magazine wants you to defy Mother Nature with the All-Weather Pen by Rite in the Rain.

Pocket Pump With Gauge Featured in Referee Magazine

Feb 25th, 2022

Ensure best play from game balls with this tool featured in Referee Magazine (March 2022).

Good Call Officiating Down & Ball Spot Indicator Featured in Referee Magazine

Feb 1st, 2022

Referee Magazine highlighted a game changing tool from Good Call Officiating.

Smitty Comfortech Cushion Technology Shoe Insoles Featured In Referee Magazine

Dec 7th, 2021

Smitty Comfortech Cushion Technology Shoe Insoles. Featured in Referee Magazine (December 2021).

Smitty Fold-Em Travel System Featured In Referee Magazine

Jun 22nd, 2021

Smitty Fold-Em Travel System includes Instructional Folding Board for Shirts & Pants. Featured in Referee Magazine (July 2021).

HeatShields Shoe Inserts Featured in Referee Magazine

Oct 21st, 2020

HeatShields Shoe Inserts are the latest innovation for umpires and referees to keep their feet cool on turf surfaces.

VIDEO: We Went "Beyond the Basics" at the NASO Summit @Home with 5 Officials Sporting Goods Trends

Sep 3rd, 2020

Trends for all-sports of officiating include COVID-19 Wear & Essentials, Product Storage & Care and Shoes; for umpires, supplemental protection and cup systems.

Inventors of HeatShields Serve All Walks of Life Through Cooler Feet

Jul 21st, 2020

A Tennessee family invents shoe inserts with aerospace technology that solves the sports officials’ hot feet problem from high temps on turf.

Smitty Making Cloth Masks - Buy One, Donate One Program

Jun 29th, 2020

Smitty is manufacturing reusable cloth masks to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Choose 11 colors including black & white stripes made of referee shirt material. 10,000 donated to hospitals and non-profits through our Buy One, Donate One Program.

SUMMARIZED: NASO's 13-Point Plan to "Getting Back to Officiating Sensibly"

May 27th, 2020

We summarize Barry Mano's 13 points on returning to sports and categorize them by official, assigner and organization. Addresses personal hygiene, social distancing, wearing a cloth mask, and for referees, using an electronic whistle.

Ty Unthank Shows How-To Clean & Polish Your Umpire & Referee Shoes

Feb 19th, 2020

Protect your umpire shoe investment and look your best on the field with these tips that include using Pedag Premium Shoe Polish.

TOOLS IN ACTION: Umpire & Referee Gloves

Dec 17th, 2019

View these short clips detailing umpire and referee gloves.

Brandon Lawson Field Tests UMPLIFE Sports Officials Facemask

Nov 1st, 2019

See Brandon's authentic review of UMPLIFE's Cold Weather Hood for Umpires & Referees.

Smitty Kicks Off NCAA Football Season As New Official Referee Uniform Supplier

Aug 27th, 2019

Congratulations to Smitty for becoming the Official Uniform Supplier for NCAA Football Officials!