have a lot of sucking up to do, so I have a system. Baseball, hoops, or jai alai —  they all get the same treatment in this series. They all get "evaluated" on the following criteria:

- Uniform/appearance
- Rules/rule book
- Mechanics
- Tough calls
- Other (usually involving a Simpson's or OC tie in)

Uniform/appearance

Knickers suck.

Like almost any officiating getup, when worn well, the football uniform can look very good. That does not take anything away from the unmitigated bravery that is required to intentionally don knickers in full public view. For that I salute you.

The rest of the uniform is pretty good. In all officiating uniforms I relish choice. Football folk do not get much, but at least sleeve length is a game-time decision. Some choice is better than no choice.

Continued...