Appearance is a solid attribute to good umpiring. The well-groomed umpire creates an atmosphere of respect and dignity. The more professional you look and act, the more professional you will be treated.Below is the uniform that all District 51 Certified Umpires are expected to wear and it is strongly suggested that non certified umpires use these guidelines as well.No matter what colors a crew chooses they should always match. The approved uniform is:

• Powder blue, Navy blue, Black or Tan umpire shirt.
• Powder Blue shirt is worn with a WHITE or Navy blue t-shirt underneath. Numbers will match the color of trim on the collar of the shirt.
• Navy blue shirt is worn with a red or white t-shirt underneath. Numbers will be red over white.
• Black shirt is worn with a white t-shirt underneath. Numbers will be white . The white number will have a black boarder
• Tan shirt is worn with a white t-shirt underneath. Numbers are black over white.
• The Little League Umpire patch will be sewn 2-3” from the bottom of the LEFT sleeve. 
• If certified, the District Patch will be sewn on over the left chest pocket.
• If numbers are assigned, they will be 4” numbers sewn 2-3” from the bottom of the RIGHT sleeve.
• A small 2”x3” American Flag patch may be sewn in the back of the shirt below the collar mid shoulders.
• A patch from another baseball or softball organization is not appropriate in a Little League game unless absolutely necessary.
• Pants will be heather gray in color
• Navy blue plate cap with short bill (black if wearing black shirt) base cap with longer bill,
• YOUR HAT IS NEVER WORN WITH THE BILL POINTING BACKWARDS
• Black belt
• Black shoes (always shined) with black socks.
• Standard equipment should include special shoes for plate umpire with in-step protector and box toe, commonly known as “Plate Shoes” no metal cleats.
• Ball and strike indicator, HELD IN LEFT HAND ONLY!
• Plate brush for cleaning home plate,
• Chest protector, always worn UNDER a shirt
• Protective cup FOR MALE UMIRES,
• Shin guards, always worn under your pants leg.
• Face mask with dangling throat guard
• The ball bag must also be navy blue, black or gray. Match the color of outer shirt.
• IF WORKING SOFTBALL, THE BALL BAGS MAY BE GREY
• A pen/pencil and lineup card holder will make it easier to track changes.
• It is suggested that umpires NOT wear a wrist watch while working. It gives the impression you are a "clock watcher" and are in a hurry to get the game over with. 
• If you have a stop watch with a countdown timer, set the time and put it in your pocket. When working a game with a time limit try and keep the time on the field. Don't rely on someone from the stands to keep time. That only invites problems.

District 51 Recommended Umpire UniformComments…

• It is understood that not everyone will be able to have a complete uniform available but you should make every attempt to dress as close to the recommended uniform as possible whenever you work a game.
• It should also be understood by all umpires in training (UIT) that dressing properly is extremely important when it comes to evaluations and becoming certified.
• You will be marked down on your evaluation if not in complete uniform.
• You can’t expect your UIC to assign you to high level, post season games if you don’t have a complete uniform.
• Many times during the post season we are asked to travel outside our district to work games. No matter how good of an umpire you may be, your appearance will be the first thing coaches and fans notice about you as you enter the field.

YOU NEVER GET A SECOND CHANCE TO MAKE A FIRST IMPRESSION.