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Committee tables proposed change to fundraising rules for uniforms after Title IX and legal concerns
Summary
The subcommittee delayed a change to Regulation 1324 that would permit coaches or booster clubs to fundraise for uniform replacements when the athletics budget lacks funds, citing Title IX equity concerns and the need for attorney review; the committee voted to table the item to the next meeting for legal vetting.
The Bristol School District policy subcommittee voted to table a proposed revision to Regulation 1324 that would allow coaches or booster clubs to raise funds for new uniforms when the annual athletics budget does not include replacement money.
Sierra, the director of athletics, presented the draft language and said it was narrowly targeted to uniforms when the districtbudget does not pay for replacements. Her proposed regulation would permit a coach or booster club to fundraise for uniforms if (1) the team is due for replacements per the director of athletics' schedule; (2) the director of athletics preapproves quoted uniforms; (3) fundraised uniforms remain district property and cannot be retained by individual players; and (4) the coach completes the fundraiser-approval form and receives superintendent approval. "The team is not permitted to keep or buy back the uniforms they fundraise for. The fundraised uniforms will remain with the school and as property of the Bristol Public Schools athletic department," Sierra said when reading the proposed regulation.
Committee members raised several concerns: whether jackets and athletic equipment should be included or excluded; how to define large equipment items and emergency replacements; the potential for Title IX compliance issues if some teams have stronger fundraising capacity than others; and whether the proposed language had been reviewed by legal counsel. One member noted the need to protect against uneven fundraising that could favor teams with stronger booster clubs. Another member suggested adding discretion for the director of athletics to replace items outside the five-year redesign cycle when safety or sizing demands it.
Given those concerns, a committee member moved to continue the discussion and send the regulation back for legal review and refinement. The motion to table and return the item to the next meeting passed by voice vote.
Why it matters: The proposal is intended to avoid a backlog of uniform replacements when budgets are tight, but members emphasized the district must avoid Title IX inequities and the possibility that differential fundraising could advantage some teams over others.
Next steps: The regulation was tabled for attorney review; staff will return a revised draft and legal guidance at the next committee meeting.
