Officials Appreciation Week: Thank You for Every Call
Before the first pitch, opening tip, or kickoff, an official is already getting ready. They’re checking equipment, reviewing rules, talking with their crew, and preparing to make decisions that happen in a split second.
During Officials Appreciation Week, we want to recognize the people who take on that responsibility. To every referee and umpire who gives their time, puts in the work, and keeps coming back for the next game—thank you.
What It Means to Be a Referee or Umpire
Being an official means showing up prepared and giving both teams your best effort. It means knowing the rules and understanding how to apply them fairly, even when the game gets tense.
It also means learning how to handle people. A calm explanation can settle a frustrated coach. A clear signal can prevent confusion. A few encouraging words can help a young player understand the game.
Some nights, the job is rewarding. Other nights, you drive home thinking about a call you wish you had handled differently. Good officials learn from those moments. They ask questions, listen to their partners, attend camps, and keep working to improve.
Much of that effort happens outside the spotlight. Fans see the call, but they rarely see the preparation behind it—or the workday an official finished before heading to the field.
A Brief History of Officials Depot LLC
Officials Depot LLC is a Houston, Texas–based business owned and operated by longtime official Michael Dorantes. Michael began umpiring at age 13, giving him a personal connection to the work and the people Officials Depot serves.
For more than nine years, Officials Depot has supplied apparel, equipment, and accessories for referees and umpires across baseball, softball, football, basketball, and soccer. Along the way, the business has fulfilled more than 10,000 orders and developed its own Officials Depot product line alongside the other brands it carries.
From helping a new official choose their first uniform to getting a veteran ready for another season, serving the officiating community remains at the heart of the business.
Our Thank-You: Take 10% Off
To celebrate Officials Appreciation Week, we’re offering 10% off your order at Officials Depot on Officials Depot made products.
Use code THANKYOU10 at checkout.
Whether you need a fresh shirt, replacement accessories, or gear for your next assignment, we appreciate the opportunity to help you get ready.
Shop at OfficialsDepot.com.
Help Us Recognize the Officials in Your Community
A simple “thank you” after a game can mean a lot. Coaches can set the tone by treating officials with respect. Parents can recognize the example they set from the stands. Experienced officials can reach out to a newcomer and help them feel welcome on the crew.
Supporting new officials matters. Their first few games can be challenging, and a patient partner or encouraging mentor can make a lasting difference.
To the veterans sharing their knowledge, the rookies working through their first season, and everyone balancing officiating with work and family: we appreciate you.
Happy Officials Appreciation Week from Officials Depot LLC. We’ll see you on the field and on the court.