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Board asks athletics staff to draft guidance on school colors after community concerns about alternate jerseys
Summary
Board members raised cost and identity concerns about alternate or non-primary athletic uniforms and asked athletics staff to draft a resolution or concept that would encourage schools to emphasize primary school colors going forward; no binding policy was adopted.
The Shenandoah County School Board discussed athletic uniform colors on Oct. 27 and asked athletics staff to prepare a concept or resolution encouraging teams to prioritize primary school colors going forward.
Chad, who compiled varsity jersey information for each school, told the board that schools regularly use non-primary colors (for example, black or gray) for special games or alternate jerseys. Board members raised two concerns: first, that increasingly varied or fashion-driven uniforms risk diluting school identity; and second, that nonstandard uniforms can carry unanticipated costs for families or boosters.
Board member Tom said he is not trying to strip teams of fundraising or tradition but asked, "Why wouldn't you be proud to wear your colors?" The athletic staff said existing uniforms need not be changed immediately; the staff suggested developing a resolution or guidance to be used when teams order new uniforms going forward.
Next steps: the board asked Chad and athletics staff to draft a concept for a nonbinding resolution or guidance (for example, language encouraging teams to use primary school colors as the majority of the uniform) and return it for board review. The board did not adopt a formal policy or a cost-sharing mechanism at the Oct. 27 work session.
