It's always Sunny.....

They are now. USSF came out with new guidance on that last year, and OSI issued some nice new very breathable hats to celebrate.

In addition to good sunblock, I (and my dermatologist) recommend Heliocare pills.

 

Yes, as Bubba says hats are now allowed.

https://www.ussoccer.com/referees/resource-center/refereeing

 

I wear a black Brooks running cap. The USSF OSI caps have teeny holes in them and may not provide 100% UV coverage.

I did tons of games this weekend and despite ample sunblock, and hat (I'm also bald on over 40) I still got some burning, but mild.

DON"T forget to sunblock the back of your knees, that little space between sock and shorts can get right burned up like bacon

Find a running cap if you're not into the OSI one, they tend to breathe really well. I blacked out the Brooks logo on mine. And they're easy to find without logos and designs. Ask your assignor first though, everyone has different requirements. Our cares not one bit.

I work with one older guy who only ever wears long sleeve shirts to avoid the sun, he says the heat doesn't bother him though. maybe something to try?

 

I'm over 50 and balding enough that I just keep it cut tight/shaved down. I wear a hat any time I'm out during the day and always have generous sunscreen on. If I'm doing multiple games I will often wean long sleeves even in summer.

 

I'll second that! Worst, most painful sunburn I've ever had was after two games as an AR on the same side, with the sun blazing behind me.
Never again.

 

I did a tournament in Atlanta a couple of years ago. The assignor game me four games, 2 ARs and 2 Centers, starting at 10:00 am in July. I was sure I had my hat in my bag, but guess what. I paid dearly for that. I used plenty of sunscreen, but at those temperatures, it only stays on for a few minutes.

 

If you have the new uniforms wear the long sleeves, it's what I do in sunny weather and doing multiple games. You'll notice very little temperature difference.

 

A nice black beret makes a good statement.

Then you can mime your responses to any complaints from the coaches.

 

At least he's wearing the two stripe socks. That has to count for something...

 

I wear long sleeve until the temperature is well in the 90's. When I do one or two games in a day, I typically don't wear a hat, but I do use sunscreen. If I work 3 or more games I wear a hat plus sunscreen on the lines and I take the hat off on my middles. Additionally I always tell my AR's to be comfortable out there.

 

I forgot to re-apply to my legs on Saturday. The difference is much more pronounced on my legs now. After my shower my wife said, "You have to come with me to the pool this summer." She also has made reference to me rolling up my trunks so I can wear shorts shorter than my ref shorts.

 

I'm confused on what's going on there. Are those rolled-up pants? Shorts at different lengths? Does he have a special pocket on the right leg? The mind reels.

At least the hat is strapped down - very little chance of it becoming an outside agent on the field.

 

THIS, all day every day, THIS. I never say boo about what someone wears. My philosophy has always been that you perform better if you're comfortable.

 

I wear the ref-tan with pride. If nothing else I can hope it distracts folks from my not so slender belly.

 

Couple of weeks ago, CR "Crap, I don't have a hat, I can't see anything with the sun on that side"
ME: "I have an extra cap, it's drifit running cap, but it's got a Mariner's logo on the front."
CR "That's awesome, thanks!"
AR1 " Don't even think of wearing that on my line when I'm in the middle"
CR "Cool, don't even think of getting upset when I blow every offside and OOB call facing that direction."

Good times

There's an older guy here who wears a visor with a Nerf logo on the front every day, every match, regardless of weather.

 

I believe it was a PL game a couple of years ago in which an AR had sun in his eyes. (I'm guessing it was an odd sun angle that they didn't usually have to deal with.) In order to see, the AR borrowed a hat from a team -- so he was wearing a hat with the logo of one of the teams that was playing.

Those of us who do games where sun can be expected to be a problem (unlike typical stadia a the top levels), should be prepared with an appropriate hat in case it is needed. But as your CR pointed out, being able to see is more important than the kind of hat being worn -- and when it really is about seeing, it's pretty obvious to anyone watching why the hat is necessary.

 

G JV, dual system a few years ago. Among many, many other issues my partner had with his uniform (and positioning, and rules knowledge, and frankly, hygiene), he wore a NASCAR hat the entire game. There was no sun, no rain.

Second half, I am bench side, the home coach sidles up beside me. "So, ref, I thought you guys were supposed to match with each other?" Me: "Uh, yeah, well....." Him: "So you left your NASCAR hat at home?"

That was also the first time I ever worked with a partner who stuck around for the start of the varsity game because "Usually if you go to the concession stand in uniform and ask nicely, they'll give you some free french fries."

 

I'm going to give that OSI hat a look. On a cloudless day I can actually see better with my prescription sunglasses than my clear lenses. But assignors are frowning on me wearing them. And the all black hat I have holds in the sweat really well. I take the hat off and it's almost a waterfall!

 

It's why I always carry my hat and an extra. Just in case.

The worst is when you're AR on a sunny day on a football field with a white border. Squinty squintington time

 

Yup...they'd rather us squint through the sun half-blind than wear a pair a sunglasses.
Something I've never understood.