University of Virginia Library

POLICY REVISION, ATHLETIC SIGNS

The following resolution was adopted:

• WHEREAS, the original Policy on Signage in Athletic Facilities was approved by the Board of Visitors on January 26, 1990; and
• WHEREAS, the Ad Hoc Committee on Policy Reform has examined the existing Policy on Signage in Athletic Facilities for accuracy and applicability and has determined that it requires substantive changes; and
• WHEREAS, on April 12, 1997, the Ad Hoc Committee on Policy Reform referred the policy to the Buildings and Grounds Committee for review and revision; and
• WHEREAS, current practice differs from the Board's policy;
• RESOLVED that the Policy on Signage in Athletic Facilities dated January 26, 1990 be updated and superseded as follows:

Policy on Commercial Signs in Athletic Facilities

This policy governs the placement and content of commercial signs whether located on the exterior or interior of Athletic and Intramural facilities including but not limited to field houses, gymnasiums, stadiums, courts, tracks, and fields.

Permanent Signs

Permanent signs include message boards that display changing commercial messages.

1. Content Standards

     a.The message on a commercial sign may include a firm's name and other identifying marks or slogans including but not limited to licensed registered trademarks, but shall not make or imply comparisons with competing products or services.

     b. In no circumstances will a commercial sign be associated with tobacco or alcohol related products.

     c. The content of commercial messages shall be recommended by the Athletic Director to the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer for approval.

2. Design and Location Standards for Exterior Signs

a. The design and location of permanent exterior signs that contain commercial message(s) shall be approved by the Architect for the University. This review and approval shall be for conformance to the University's design standards.

b.Illumination may be used only while the athletic or intramural facility is in use for an event.

3. Design and Location Standards for Interior Signs

a. Permanent commercial signs displaying a firm's identifying mark or slogan as well as standard commercial advertising signs may be located in conjunction with concession areas, scoreboard(s), message centers and scorers' tables.

b. Illumination may be used only while the athletic or intramural facility is in use for an event.

c. Revolving commercial signs on message boards may be displayed only during events.

d. Detailed design and location requirements for permanent commercial signs shall be governed by standards promulgated by the Director of Athletic Programs.

Temporary Signs

1. Content Standards

a. The content of temporary commercial signs may include the following information:

1. Radio/television networks broadcasting the athletic event

2. Events related to the hosting of ACC or NCAA tournaments where the display of corporate signs is a stipulation associated with hosting the events

3. A title sponsor for a particular contest.

b. The message on a temporary commercial sign may include a firm's name and other identifying marks or slogans including but not limited to licensed registered trademarks, but shall not make or imply comparisons with competing products or services.

c. In no circumstances will a temporary commercial sign be associated with tobacco or alcohol related products.

d. The content of temporary commercial signs shall be governed by standards promulgated by the Director of Athletic Programs.

2. Location Standards

a. Temporary commercial signs may be located at court/field promotion displays, sign up tables for the registering of potential participants, concession areas, or as entrance/welcome signs for the period of the event only.

b. Temporary commercial signs may not be placed on walls, railings, or game goals.

c. Detailed location requirements for temporary commercial signs shall be governed by standards promulgated by the Director of Athletic Programs.