Okay, let me try to rephrase my point from earlier. First, let me start off with: I have never prevented a kid from playing a game due to uniform issues. Also, I only ever ask a kid to comply with base layer and shin guard strap protocol if the game is being televised. Even then, it is a quick fix and mostly they don't mind.
My next point is that a team with a uniform and several different color base layers and shin guard straps and tape looks sloppy. Period. I recognize it, parents recognize it. We cannot stop the fact that we are visual, judgmental creatures that will subconsciously let our first impressions color our perspective.
In my opinions, having a sloppy uniform is just as bad as having a sloppy warm-up. I reffed a game this past weekend and the U17 boys barely warmed up. They screwed around, mostly took shots while they cussed and goofed around, never stretched, and the coach didn't mind any of this. Immediately I thought: "Here is a team that does not take themselves seriously, they have no aspirations of getting better, and they do not care whether they win or lose this game...that much".
A sloppy uniform says the same things but to a lesser degree.
My earlier message was not to refs to stop the uniform issues. We should not and could not care less.
My earlier message was to parents who complain about the rules existence like it is the most stupid non-sensical thing in the world.
That rule is there to help you and your team look better, and if you want to express your individuality despite a uniform, then more power to you; you showed "the man" what's up.
