Mandatory Cleats in College?

[GIMNEPIWO]

DD called today and told me they ( College D3 team ) all had to get new cleats that matched ? ... Now, I've heard of everyone wears black, or everyone wears white ... but everyone has to wear Ringors, Nike, Addisas, Mizuno or whatever ( not sure on the brand yet ) ... DD wasn't upset, it was just conversation and I made no noise ... but I know how funny she is with her feet and expect the fit to hit the shan ... Is this a common practice in College ?

[jofus]

I don't know if it's common in college or not, but I do know that a buddy and I were watching a high school basketball game the other night, and no 2 players had the same shoes on. Back when we played, everyone wore the same shoe, and imho, it looked a lot better. Heck, at least make them all wear the same color.

Of course, "back when I played", there were a lot fewer choices than there are now, too

BTW, G, I think I remember some post where you stated you are in VA, and I noticed the Hokie Pokie signature, are you a VT fan? My bro and I have season football tickets (I didn't go there, but he did).

[MTR]

DD called today and told me they ( College D3 team ) all had to get new cleats that matched ? ... Now, I've heard of everyone wears black, or everyone wears white ... but everyone has to wear Ringors, Nike, Addisas, Mizuno or whatever ( not sure on the brand yet ) ... DD wasn't upset, it was just conversation and I made no noise ... but I know how funny she is with her feet and expect the fit to hit the shan ... Is this a common practice in College ?

Depends on whether they have signed a contract with an equipment company. You don't think these company logos end up on a prominent place of college basketball and football uniforms by accident, do you?

[Tucson]

But, if the college has a shoe contract, the player would be receiving free cleats. I thought she was calling home to say, i will need to buy these cleats.

[GIMNEPIWO]

But, if the college has a shoe contract, the player would be receiving free cleats. I thought she was calling home to say, i will need to buy these cleats.

Well .. I wasn't considering the "shoe contract" thing because as Tucson says the convo was about having to buy cleats ... actually she was wondering out loud if the Coaches would let her use some of the fund raising money she is raising slated for 2010 for cleats this year since she is considering transfering ... also, they are D3 ( so no television or broadcast contract either, I don't think ) and the cleats aren't free ( I suppose their pictures does make the local papers )... this College is HEAVY into their school/team colors and uniformity ... but I've never seen cleats in their colors before unless they have a special deal ... I agree with Jofus that it does look better to have everyone wearing the same color ...
Jofus, Lunchbag is halfway between Tech and UVA ( the hokie pokie thing is unrelated, in this case ) ... I form no allegiance to either and go to whichever games someone has an extra ticket to ... We have probably walked past each other at the Moyer Complex in Salem ... I know I've seen West VA teams there ... But we're up in the 18's now and going to do some 23u this year ... I believe you are in 12's aren't you ?

[MTR]

Original post simply stated the team needed to get new cleats that matched, nothing about asking for any money.

I simply offered a possibility, not the definite cause. And don't shortchange Div III schools. AFAWK, it could be a school/conference deal the offers a serious discount for all sports, doesn't necessarily indicate "free" equipment. That would be particularly attractive if the school is all about uniformity which I would support at all levels. If you patronize the games in Salem, you have undoubtedly seen some very good, and well-equipped DIII softball teams during their championships.

Then again, it could just be an anal coach who demands everyone be the same.

[GIMNEPIWO]

Yeah ... the more I think about it the more sense I'm making of it ... but, like I said, it was no real issue for me or DD ... although in the past she has had problems finding a cleat that works with her Flintstone Feet ...

[watcher]

One DD's (D-2) cleats will be supplied, Same color,But they have a choise of which brand they want. Gloves, Bats, Batting gloves are sponsored (by parents)

Other DD's (D-1) will be supplied, Same brand, same color, same style.

Funny thing about D-1 College is, The team wears UA uniforms, Worth gloves, DeMarini bats.

I wonder if I can get the worth patch sewn on the Nokona mitt ?? lol

[Tucson]

Uof A had a contract with Worth. Some of the girls didn't care for the bats or the gloves. One girl, couldn't make the change in gloves, so she was allowed to cover up the insignia in her own glove. I thought that was fair. But, is everyone did that, there would be a problem.

U of A became fully sponsored by Nike, last year.