Happy reading... http://www.womenssportsnet.com/EditModule.aspx?tabid=99&mid=708&def=News Article View&ItemId=14598 And... just in time for Christmas: Referees will begin to see the new logo on ... official OSI apparel beginning in the Fall of 2007. http://www.tc.umn.edu/~aslazaro/RefereeLogo.JPG
Heard this three weeks ago. Was waiting for someone to post it because I didn't have a copy of the image and didn't want to start a rumor. Say "hello" to new shorts, new socks, new jerseys (sleeve logo), new warmups and new badges. This is far, far, far worse than a uniform re-design. Just like with the switch of the logo on the jersey a few years ago (from a transparent background to a black background), a memo will be issued saying that referees need not buy new equipment (in fact, the linked article says the old logo will be valid "indefinitely"). However, you can bet your life the new stuff is what we'll see in MLS and that, starting with USL on down, it will be "expected" very shortly. The nightmare scenario will be this logo change starting next year, followed by a uniform redesign in 2010 or soon thereafter (when OSI's contract is up). Personally, I think the new logo should just come with a uniform re-design, but, of course, that doesn't maximize profits. Also, from what I've heard, it hasn't been decided where the "State Referee," "National Referee," and "Referee" tags will be denoted on the badge (you'll note there's no natural place to put them, since there's no wreath around the other writing). I imagine it's possible that those words will replace "Referee Program" on the badges only, but that hasn't been made clear or, from what I understand, decided.
I'm with you on that. Why use a logo that has already been used for players to distinguish referees... When I see the new one, I don't think referee, the picture distracts from it, doesn't look as formal as our current logo.
i personally like it. i think it's a nice change, but it's not too dramatic. have you ever seen canadian badges? they are a huge maple leaf, so this is pretty tame. heck, and maybe. just maybe, we will get a uniform redesign this fall? i can dream, can't i?
What about the year? If there's no year, there's no impetus for referees to spend the money to recertify, and then we'll have uncertified referees running around gummin' up the works.
I have liked having the grade I earned listed on my badge. It's not a necessity, but I would like to see it retained. You're right though, this is generally a nightmare! more $$$ circling the drain.
Actually, each province has it's own design, and nationals have a different one yet. We also get to wear whatever uniform we like.. which mean not only do I have to carry 8 OSI style shirts, but the Adidas ones too, and maybe some Umbros ones.
Now that is truly a nightmare. Why would they allow you to wear whatever you want uniform wise. Talk about taking a financial beating.
I really like the (Nike-owned?) US Soccer logo by itself, but I think this new badge looks cobbled together. It just doesn't seem to blend as well together as the old badge did. Personally, I never bothered to update my jerseys based on the changes in federation logo color -- was it white to black, or vice versa? Unless you are doing TV games, I don't think it is necessary -- and even then, it may not be noticeable to 99% of the people anyway.
Last weekend was our State Cup Finals weekend and the referees participated at the events were all given a t-shirts with this new logo on it. I didn't think much of it at first, but now I understand. Re: the comments made about MLS referees on TV having this logo immediately, of coures they are, they probably either get them free or with severe discounts. Personally, I don't think is a huge deal.
The CSA is less proscriptive than the USSF. About all that is said is the official colour is black, unless there's a conflict. The national program is using the new Adidas uniforms.
I didn't know we were getting a new logo.....? Anyways, I'd prefer the old version (the one we're used to). With the new version, there is no distinction between the grades or year of certification. I agree with fellow posters who prefer the older version.
To be clear, the above logo is what's replacing the standard shield (in other words, the crest that appears on our dress blue blazers). It's not the new badge. It hasn't be decided (or publicly announced) if or how the grade and date will be incorporated on the badge
Man damn!!! Every time I come back from a "sabbatical" Just dropped about three bills on new stuff...at least they're not obsoleting my shoes yet!
We don't know for sure that OSI is going to incorporate the new logo on their existing jerseys. See a related thread about the supposedly oncoming green jersey (which is looking more and more likely), which may herald the next great migration of referee colors as did the current set from fuchsia. Cynicism about OSI aside, IF a major change is about to be rolled in regarding USSF uniforms (beyond green), perhaps OSI and the USSF will be nice and phase in the new logo with the new jerseys. You may now begin the flaming.
i just saw the logo on an assessor's shirt yesterday. it actually looked nice. not jumbled at all, and i was impressed.
I see mr Gulati got what he wanted and that means we all have the same type of logo. And yes of course OSI will make a lot of money off of this as well as I wonder if and when the new color will come out.
Was already told by our regional nat and state assignors that we will be expected to have "complete, updated kits" as soon as they are available from OSI if we want to do any games at that level. Hmmmmm, emeritus status never looked so good.
My assignors must THINK they know something then b/c they are already mandated us to change as soon as it is available. I certainly hope they do not change the badges on the OSI kits.
I called OSI today inquiring about this very topic. Lady on phone said OSI would be phasing in the new logo on their products over the next year or so, but she did not know the timetable for when the ref jerseys would bear the new logo.