All staff, including coaches, medics, announcers, volunteers, etc, on the skating floor must have close-toed shoes. This is part of risk management guidelines and has an impact on insurance.
Whistles: For positions that require a whistle, Fox40 Classic whistles are required. I suggest the Fox40 Classic CMG (Cushioned Mouth Grip). Inside Pack Refs and Jammer Refs often use two whistles, one on a lanyard and a finger whistle. Finger whistles are great for when you drop your whistle to give a verbal cue or hand signal, but need quick access to a whistle without fumbling for one a lanyard.
The following information is for more formal scrimmages, games, and bouts. At league practices and informal scrimmages, more casual guidelines are often followed depending on the league. For example, at the weekly juniors scrimmages for my league, my only requirement is proper skating equipment and whistles. Wear what you're comfortable in, we're happy to have you.
Non Skating Officials wear plain black shirts and tops. If desired, the word "official" can be printed across the back.
Non Skating Officials should always be mindful of clothing, accessories, and makeup that may appear to show bias. When volunteering for a bout or scrimmage, don't wear team colors or logos. Fun accessories and costumes for themed bouts are fine, but if one team's mascot is a tiger, don't show up in tiger face paint when volunteering.
Skating officials wear a black and white striped top or dress. Tops must cover the entire torso, appear in good repair, and look professional. Name plates cannot be attached with safety pins. Refs should always be wearing full equipment while on skates, and equipment should be well-fitting and in good repair. Required safety equipment includes: helmet, knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards. Our primary responsibility is safety and should set an example. Officials do not need to wear mouthguards.
Skating officials can use any type of skates they are comfortable in. Inlines, park skates, dance skates, are all fine as long as they're in good working condition and fit the official's needs. Toe stops are not required equipment.
For sanctioned games, bottoms must be black, and a black or white helmet is encouraged. Alternate refs, and refs not officiating for a game in progress should cover their stripes while the game is in progress.
For non-sanctioned games and themed bouts, there is more flexibility in what an official wears. Themed bottoms, makeup, accessories, etc are welcome depending on the house rules of the league you are officiating for. Officials should always be mindful of clothing, accessories, and makeup that may appear to show bias. When volunteering for a bout or scrimmage, don't wear team colors or logos. Fun accessories and costumes for themed bouts are fine, but if one team's mascot is a tiger, don't show up in tiger face paint when volunteering.
Please refer to the WFTDA Officiating Uniform Policy for more information.