As the NBA wants to institute an off-the-court dress code for their players and as I read the reaction (that some might consider childish) of the players, I was thinking about this issue that is also very delicate in kids sports. I can understand a professional team owner that pays his players millions of dollars wanting them to give a proper image of his team. But what are the reason behind dress code for kids in sport?

When I am talking about dress code here, I am not talking about wearing a long sleeve leotard in gymnastics, a polo shirt in golf, or team uniforms. I am talking here about a dress code when kids are going for a game for example, or traveling together. Some are asking players to wear suit and tie. For others it is dark pants and a white shirt, polo, or turtleneck. Whatever the dress code is, it is always a delicate issues because it involves more expenses for the parents. And for the organisation; what sanction can you apply if a kid doesn't meet the dress code or if parents don't approve, for whatever reason, the dress code. You ban the kid out of the team? What's the point? What would you gain?

I don't have a strict opinion on this matter. While I do not judge a 'book by its cover', on the other hand, you do not dress for work like you dress for a beach party. I believe that having kids wearing the same outfit gives a cool look to the team or club. It says: "I belong to this team and I am serious about it". But I do not think that it should be instituted. I don't think a kid should be penalized by not following the dress code. Then again, if one kid doesn't have the outfit while the rest of the team does, then he will certainly feel rejected. Kind of a catch 22 here.

Dress code should be discussed at the beginning of the year with parents. If all of them want the dress code, fine. If all of them do not want the dress code, fine again. And when you have a split decision, then it is time to let your imagination go. You can propose a less expensive outfit, you can raise funds or find a sponsor to lower the outfit cost.

Overall, do not put to much emphasis on this. Emphasis should be put first on skills development, not on 'what to wear'. After all, the members of the most corrupted government in the history of Canada, the Liberal Party, are all wearing ties and suits. And what do the managers of Enron and Worldcom were wearing before ending up in jail? Think about that ;-)

Mario Campeau

Mario Campeau has over 23 years of experience in sports organizations for children, 14 years of coaching, and is a father of 3 girls who are highly involved in competition sports.