Question:
I am on the board of a recreational, youth soccer club in {deleted]. We would like to put sponsor’s names on our referees’ jerseys. It has been pointed out that the USSF Referee Handbook contains the following regarding uniforms.
“Logos, Emblems and Badges: Only manufacturer’s logos and U.S. Soccer approved badges and/or emblems may be visible on the referee uniform.”
Does this also forbid sponsor’s names, and does this apply to our local club or only official USSF events?
USSF answer (August 19, 2011):
The Legal Department of US Soccer replies: “We do not believe it is appropriate for referees to have any sponsor logos on their uniforms other than the manufacturer’s mark. If a referee is “sponsored”, it gives the wrong impression about their independence.”
