Made by Sports Officials: The Products, The People and The Problems They Solve
Sep 19th, 2023Did you know that many of the products officials wear, use and/or carry were designed and/or made by a sports official?
We highlight all the sports officials who have products here, along with their most significant solution and contribution to the officiating community and sporting goods industry.
thighpro
Collegiate & High School Umpire Tim O'Day
Protective Compression Short Dissipates High Impact Energy While Maintaining Comfort and Performance
THE CLASP
Texas Football Official Carlton Brown
Mounts on Your Belt to Securely and Cleanly Tuck Your Penalty Flag into Place
DIAMOND SPORTS
California Umpire & Diamond Co-Owner Jay Hicks
Double-Compartment Bag for Umpires to Keep Gear & Clothing Separate
FORCE3
Former MLB Umpire Jim Evans & Former MiLB Umpire Jason Klein
Shock-Suspension Defender Mask Absorbs More Force
Waterproof Drylo Ball Bag Keeps Sweat Out
Former Minor League Umpire Mark Lollo
FLIP 58 POSSESION SWITCHES
Basketball Official Gary Edlund
Keep Alternating Possession Arrow More Reliably Attached to Your Whistle
FOX 40
Former NCAA D1 Referee & Canadian Ron Foxcroft
Reliable Pealess-Style Whistles
Good Call Officiating
West Virginia Official Matthew Ridgeway
Down & Ball Spot Indicator
Speak Easy Headset
Reusable CFO & NFHS Gamebooks
KOOL BLUES CHEST PROTECTOR COOLING SYSTEM
Chest Protector Cooling System Decreases Body Temperature in Hot Temps
Indiana Umpire Brad Finken
NEAT TUCKS
Basketball Referee Mike Horrey
Shirt Stays Designed to Stay in Place While Running
OFFICIALS FLAGS N' BAGS
Master Seamstress Linda Kuiken and Football Official Bob Williams
Patented Long Toss Penalty Flag for Increased Accuracy
PLATE-Pro
Ohio Umpire Paul Allmon
Shirt Stays that Keep Both Shirt and Stays in Place by Clipping to Shin Guards
REFSMART INFO CARDS
Group of Ohio Football Officials
Color-Coded Football Cards for More Efficient In-Game Recording 
SMITTY OFFICIALS APPAREL
Former NBA Referee Joe DeRosa
4-Way Stretch Pants for Added Mobility and Comfort that Maintain Professionalism
Smitty Court Maxx 1
Former NBA Referee Joe DeRosa & Current NBA Referee JB DeRosa 
Right-Sized Shirt-Clipping Lanyard
Basketball Official Brent Smith & Original Owner of the Smitty Lanyard Company
UMPLIFE
Canadian Umpire Ray Brownlie
Magnetic Wallet Keeps Lineup & Game Cards in Place
Weather-Tek Pro Ball Bag
WILSON WEST VESTS
MLB Umpire Joe West
Advanced Protection Inspired by Football Shoulder Pads
WILLIAMS PENALTY CARD
Arkansas Football Official Scott Williams
Quick Reference to Penalty Signals Plus Yardage
ZEBRAWEAR
Pro Lacrosse Official Greg Simon
Wearable 20/100 Second Lacrosse Timer
the protector whistle
NCAA D1 Basketball Referee Jerry Heater
The only hygienic pealess whistle in the world!
We are thankful to these officials who have dedicated to the design and development of these products, made specifically for sports officials.
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About the Author
President Jim Kirk
Jim is a leading expert, educator and author on umpire gear, safety & appearance. After playing baseball at Centre College, he worked as a high school umpire. He became involved in E-Commerce while working on an MBA in the early 2000s and bought Ump-Attire.com in 2006, He eventually led it to the leading umpire gear & attire retailer worldwide, a “Best Places to Work in Louisville” honor in 2020, 2021, 2024, and a National Association of Sports Officials (NASO) Preferred Vendor. He maintained a long-standing relationship with Minor League Baseball Umpire Development & Training Academy for 10 years. He serves as an adviser to UMPS CARE Charities, the charity of MLB umpires, served as a 2-term board of director from 2012-2018, and was named their 2015 Ambassador Award recipient. A supporter since the inception of the Wounded Warrior Umpire Academy, he was named to their Board of Directors in 2020.
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