Blog

"The Dish" on HeatShields Shoe Inserts

Aug 3rd, 2020

Jim Kirk & Ty Unthank discuss the origins of HeatShields and the benefits they provide to umpires and referees.

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.

New NCAA Women's Basketball Referee Jacket for the 2020-21 Season

Jul 14th, 2020

See the new NCAA Women's Basketball Referee Jackets manufactured by Smitty Officials Apparel. These are the exclusive pregame jackets for the NCAA Women's Elite Eight and Final Four.

Listen to "Both Sides of the Mask" Podcast with Guest Jim Kirk

Jul 14th, 2020

Umpires & hosts Liz Hammerschmidt and Tony Williams interview Jim in a free-wheeling conversation on their podcast. Specific products discussed were KoolBlues, Diamond ix3 Masks, Team Wendy Pads and Cloth Masks plus a potential trend away from heather grey pants and a solution to your shin guards catching on your pants.

Top 15 Trending Summer Umpire Gear & Apparel

Jul 14th, 2020

These items are among the top 15 general items that umpires are wearing in the summer of 2020. From cooling products and supplemental protection to light color clothing and sunglasses to cloth masks, shoes and more.

Female Umpires Committee to Advise on Gear & Clothing Needs

Jul 7th, 2020

Kelly Dine, Liz Hammerschmidt, Janet Thomas and Ila Valcarcel make up a committee of female baseball and softball umpires facilitated by President Jim Kirk.

Wounded Warrior Umpire Academy Names President Jim Kirk to Board of Directors

Jul 6th, 2020

The Wounded Warrior Umpire Academy (WWUA) has named Jim Kirk to its board of directors. Jim is the first non-military board member to serve with the WWUA.

Watch Jim Kirk’s Webinar on ‘Uniform & Safety’ for British Baseball Federation & European Umpires

Jul 3rd, 2020

As part of the BBF webinar series, Jim joins the staff to discuss umpire gear, apparel and safety.

ASK ILA: 10 Tips for Female Umpires to Look Taller That Benefit Short Male and Youth Umpires, Too!

Jul 1st, 2020

Guest writer Ila Valcarcel has mentored female umpires on how to professionally wear and adjust uniforms and equipment based on body type. Check out her tips for "vertically-challenged" umpires.

Umpire Gear & Apparel How-To Library

Jul 1st, 2020

Baseball and softball umpire “Crew How-To” videos to help look your best and prepare your gear & apparel for your game and season.

Injury Prevention & Recovery: The Essential Umpire Safety PSAs

Jul 1st, 2020

It is extremely important to wear your umpire gear properly to keep you safe on the field. These Public Service Announcements will help you prevent injury and recover faster.

From Little League to Ump-Attire.com President, Hometown Article Highlights Jim Kirk’s Sports Career

Jun 30th, 2020

President Jim Kirk is featured in his local Harlan, Kentucky news publication for Ump-Attire.com being named one of the best places to work in Louisville.

Two Key Strategies for Staying Cool in Hot Games

Jun 29th, 2020

What you put in and on your body matter! See what sports officials do to stay cool during the summer months.

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.

Ump-Attire.com Makes 2020 List of Best Places to Work in Louisville

Jun 24th, 2020

Best Places to Work honors superior organizations where voices are heard, cultures are thriving, and employees are engaged.

Meet Brad Finken, Inventor of KoolBlues Umpire Chest Protector Cooling System

Jun 22nd, 2020

Get to know the inventor of KoolBlues Umpire Chest Protector Cooling System, Brad Finken.

FROM THE ASHES: How Thomas Edison Inspired Our Company to Survive the 2020 Sports Shutdown

Jun 17th, 2020

Learn how we bounced back from a 95% drop in sales during COVID-19 and all we accomplished.

How-To Make Excess Shoelaces Disappear into NB Plate Shoes

Jun 10th, 2020

For those wearing the New Balance V3 Umpire Plate Shoes, check out a quick tip to make your excess shoelaces "disappear"!

Social Distancing Behind Home Plate: Could This Solution Provide the Best Compromise for Umpires, Leagues & Safety?

Jun 8th, 2020

Jason Blackburn, Coordinator of the Mid-American Umpire Clinic, D1 College umpire and assignor, provides his 2020 summer plate work solution that addresses both social distancing and professional umpiring standards.

Calling Balls/Strikes from Behind the Mound? Follow an Easy Safety Tip

Jun 6th, 2020

Jim shares Brent Rice and John Gallante’s best practices if you are calling balls and strikes from behind the mound including positioning & supplemental protection.