14.1 LOGO, COLORS USAGE AND LICENSING MSU graphic symbols are trademarks and most are registered with the U.S. Office of Patents and Trademarks and the Michigan Secretary of State. These symbols are the exclusive property of the MSU Board of Trustees. University Licensing Programs (355-3434) must authorize all commercial use of these symbols, including in commercial World Wide Web sites. On October 24, 1997, the MSU Board of Trustees endorsed two official institution-wide graphic symbols to promote university recognition and directed the administration to implement a graphic standards system regarding their use. The two official symbols are the University logotype and the block "S." At the same time, the Board of Trustees also endorsed Pantone Matching System (PMS) #341 as the official Spartan Green. A Graphic Standards Guidelines manual, available from Publications and Design (355-3290), governs the use of the logotype and the block S. Specifically, these symbols, - may not be altered in any way except to be enlarged or reduced proportionally, and - may not be commingled with other graphic symbols (including text) or adorned in any other way with devices such as rules, bars, boxes, or shadows. The logotype must appear on all publications representing any part of Michigan State University. Use of the block S in publications is optional. All letterhead and business cards must conform to MSU graphic standards with the exception of some sport specific items. The Department has been allowed an exemption for sports that wish to design their own stationary and business cards. Individual sports must pay for unique-designed stationary and business cards from their own accounts. Electronic versions of these logos and several others (including the Spartan Helmet, Gruff Spartan, and an official cartoon Sparty) are available through the Office of Marketing and Promotions or Publication and Design (355-3290). Within the Intercollegiate Athletics Department, the Associate Athletic Director in charge of Logo and Colors usage is the Logo Cop assigned the duty of ensuring the proper use of MSU colors and logos. Any deviation from the standards listed above, including deviations from the standard green and white color scheme that identifies MSU, needs the written prior approval of the Associate Athletic Director with responsibilities in this area. QUICK REFERENCE (in a box elsewhere on the page) A Graphic Standards Guidelines Manual is available from Publications and Design (355-3290). The Senior Associate Athletic Director is the arbitrator within the department in all cases involving MSU s colors and logo usage. 14.2 CORPORATE SPONSORS Corporate sponsorships and partnerships are an important part of funding throughout the University mission, including in Intercollegiate Athletics. It is important that the
Department of Intercollegiate Athletics consider each corporate sponsorship in a timely and deliberative manner. 14.2.1 Solicitation of Sponsorships - Prior approval from the Associate Director of Athletics with responsibilities for Marketing and Promotions is necessary before the solicitation of a corporate sponsor can begin. Each potential sponsor will be reviewed based on a set of criteria that includes, but is not limited to, consideration of: - the appropriateness of the sponsor in a University/Student-Athlete environment, - the potential for conflicts of interest, - existing levels of support, - department and university-wide development potential, - potential effect on other sponsors (department or university-wide as well as both current and pending agreements). All corporate sponsorship agreements must have the prior approval of the Associate Director of Athletics with responsibility for Marketing and Promotions before proceeding to the Office of the Director of Athletics for a signature. Marketing and Promotions should be consulted in developing the language in these agreements. Coaches do not have signature authority in corporate sponsorship agreements. This prohibition includes clothing/equipment agreements (see section 11.7 Outside Income and 11.7.1 Coaches and Contracts ). QUICK REFERENCE (in a box elsewhere on the page) Prior approval from the Associate Director of Athletics with responsibilities for Marketing and Promotions is necessary before the solicitation of a corporate sponsor can begin. 14.2.2 Sponsor Recognition/Visibility at Events All forms of corporate visibility or presence (large or small) at athletic events must have the prior approval of the Associate Director of Athletics with responsibility for Marketing and Promotions. The sections that follow this policy outline a number of different approaches to advertising at events. The above policy of prior approval is not limited to the approaches covered in these examples. The University has a responsibility as a public entity to consider the potential impact of positioning MSU s credibility and reputation alongside any product or service. At the very least, MSU s marketability can be seriously damaged by poor decision-making in this area. 14.2.2.1 Banners Corporate Banners Banners (defined as both temporary and permanent signage ) cannot be hung at any MSU intercollegiate athletic event without the prior written approval of the Associate Director of Athletics with responsibility for Marketing and Promotions.
The size of individual banners that sponsors are permitted should reflect the level of commitment that the corporate sponsor has made to the athletic program and/or MSU. Team Banners Other team-related banners hung in intercollegiate athletic venues are limited to: 1. Conference Championships or Conference Tournament Championships 2. National or NCAA Championships 3. Significant Tournament Championships (Invitational Tournaments) prior approval by the Director of Athletics is required 4. NCAA Final Four participation 5. Bowl Championships 6. Regional Championships 7. Retired jerseys of former players All other trophies and awards (All-American banners, etc.) should be displayed in the individual sports offices, lobby display cases, or locations that are accessible to fans, recruits, and customers. If you have material for lobby displays, please contact the Office of Marketing and Promotions. 14.2.2.2 Public Address Announcements Public Address Announcements read at any MSU intercollegiate athletic event must have the written prior approval of the Office of Marketing and Promotions. The length, placement, and/or frequency of the public address announcement should reflect the level of commitment that the corporate sponsor has made to the athletic program and MSU. 14.2.2.3 Product Displays/Sales/Flyers All product marketing by corporate sponsors at any intercollegiate athletic event must have the written prior approval of the Office of Marketing and Promotions. Product marketing includes, but is not limited to: product/corporate displays, the selling or free distribution of products or services of any kind, as well as the distribution of promotional literature of any kind. 14.2.2.4 Tents Any firm interested in a corporate tent for a home football contest should contact the Marketing and Promotions office. 14.3 POSTERS AND SCHEDULE CARDS Posters Posters are produced by Marketing and Promotions for 5 sports (Football, Men s and Women s Basketball, Volleyball, and Ice Hockey) in order to stimulate season and group ticket sales. Additional sports may be added based on the availability of funding/sponsors and special circumstances. Marketing and Promotions must approve all posters before they go to press.
Schedule Cards The Office of Marketing and Promotions will produce schedule cards. Marketing and Promotions needs 30 days of lead time before going to press, thus; schedules must be turned over to the Office of Marketing and Promotions on time (see sections under 11.3 Schedule Development for information regarding this deadline). The procedure for the production of schedule cards is as follows: 1. Schedules are received in the Office of Marketing and Promotions. 2. Marketing and Promotions designs card and adds schedule. 3. Head coaches are given final OK of finished schedule card. 4. Any changes go through the Sport Supervisors and or Head Coach for approval, at which time the schedule cards are sent to the printer for reproduction. 14.3.1 Requests for Posters/Schedule Cards Posters A percentage of the available posters will be distributed to coaches, sponsors, the Office of Marketing and Promotions, and other select organizations, groups, and locations. Additional requests should be directed to the individual sport or to the Office of Marketing and Promotions. Schedule Cards A percentage of the available schedule cards will be distributed to coaches, sponsors, the Office of Marketing and Promotions, and other select locations (including the lobby of Jenison Field House), organizations, and groups. All requests for schedule cards coming from groups, organizations, or corporations should be directed to the Office of Marketing and Promotions. Individuals interested in a single sport s schedule should be directed to the department s website: http://www.msuspartans.com. The Spartan Web Site contains full schedules in all sports as soon as the schedules have been finalized. 14.4 RADIO/TELEVISION Radio Live Broadcasts - Football, Men s and Women s Basketball, and Volleyball rights are the property of the Big Ten Conference and TBC Sports. Ice Hockey rights are the property of the CCHA and TBC Sports. Coaches Shows/Other Programs MSU has no current obligations to produce any coaches shows on radio. Staff members must receive the prior approval of the Director of Intercollegiate Athletics before production can begin on any independently produced radio program (also see sections 11.7 Outside Income and 11.7.1 Coaches and Contracts ). Independently produced radio programs cannot be broadcast at the same time as any existing athletic department sponsored broadcast.
Television Live Broadcasts - Football, Men s and Women s Basketball, and Volleyball rights are the property of the Big Ten Conference. Ice Hockey rights are the property of the CCHA. Coaches Shows/Other Shows MSU has current obligations to produce a televised coach s show for Football, Men s Basketball, and Ice Hockey. Staff members must receive the prior approval of the Director of Intercollegiate Athletics before production can begin on any independently produced television program (also see sections 11.7 Outside Income and 11.7.1 Coaches and Contracts ). Independently produced television programs cannot be televised at the same time as any existing athletic department sponsored broadcast. 14.4.1 Endorsements/Advertisements No official University publication, statement, activity carried out in the name of the University, or activity carried out by any individual officially acting on behalf of the University, shall constitute or be construed as a University endorsement of any commercial product or service. The University extends special allowances to the Intercollegiate Athletic Department in its sponsorship agreements, but it should be noted that these agreements are thoroughly reviewed to ensure that they fit the University s endorsement policy, as outlined above. Individual coaches or staff members who are asked to participate in advertising or endorsements of any kind must have the prior approval of the Director of Intercollegiate Athletics (also see section 11.7.1 Outside Income ). The Director of Intercollegiate Athletics will take the University s policy regarding endorsements, (which is available in full in the Faculty Handbook ) into consideration in all cases. 14.5 REQUESTS FOR GIFTS/DONATIONS/TICKETS All requests for gifts/donations must be directed to the Office of Marketing and Promotions. The Director of Intercollegiate Athletics shall have responsibility for approving the donation of tickets to outside organizations. The number of requests for donations of all kinds have been increasing in recent years. This is due, in part, to the expanding market in sports memorabilia. Caution must be shown in considering donation requests because of the risk of NCAA violation in this area!! To work to ensure that requests for charitable donations are valid, all requests must be made in writing and on corporate/organizational letterhead. These individual requests will be considered on a case by case basis by the Office of Marketing and Promotions. 14.6 BANQUETS Five Annual Banquets The Athletic Department coordinates five banquets for individual sports annually. These banquets are held for Football, Men s and Women s Basketball, Volleyball, and Ice Hockey. Each year, before dates for these banquets are set, the following individuals must be notified and given the opportunity to clear the potential date on their calendars:
1. Director of Athletics 2. University President 3. University Vice President for Finance 4. Secretary of the Board of Trustees 5. University Provost The Ralph Young Fund staff, with the assistance of the Booster Clubs, coordinates and operates the banquets for Football, Men s Basketball, Ice Hockey, Women s Basketball and Volleyball. All banquets must have the prior approval of the sport supervisor. Every effort must be made to ensure that banquets do not conflict with other department events. Other Banquets Athletic teams (other than those named above) may arrange one recognition banquet at the conclusion of their seasons. All Banquets need the prior approval of the Sport Supervisor. NCAA rules require that the University conduct all such events. Any expenditure for these events must come out of the individual sports own fund-raised monies. Booster clubs may do organizational and/or promotional work for the event. Booster clubs may finance awards or student-athlete and staff meals provided that all funds are channeled through the University and awards are within NCAA Guidelines. All University policies regarding food and beverage apply. Again, every effort must be made to ensure that banquets do not conflict with other department events. In light of the above regulations, there are three options available for teams who organize their own banquets: 1. Student-Athletes and Staff Only: A team banquet at the Kellogg Center or a local restaurant is permissible and may be charged directly to the University. A list of names and affiliations of those who attend must be included with the bill. A team picnic is permissible on-campus. It is also permissible at a staff member's home, but such home entertainment requires PRIOR APPROVAL from the Vice President for Finance and must be requested in advance. Itemized receipts may be submitted on a reimbursement voucher. Only food and disposable supplies (i.e. paper plates, plastic silverware etc.) may be submitted. A list of names and affiliations must be included. 2. Banquets Including Families/Friends (at cost): Guests must pay for all costs associated with the banquet including the meal, service charge, 6% Michigan sales tax, and any favors or other additional costs. Make sure that all costs are taken into account when setting the price. All checks should be made payable to Michigan State University and must be submitted to the Athletics Business Office for deposit. When the bill is submitted for payment, a list of names and
affiliations of all non-paying people must be included. The bill must be reconciled to this list plus the number of paid guests. Your booster club can receive Ralph Young Fund credit for donating money to help pay for your team meals and awards. 3. Banquets Including Families/Friends AND Individual Donations: If the price of your banquet is set up to cover all costs plus a donation that should be tax receipted by the University, the banquet should be coordinated with the Ralph Young Fund staff. Please contact the Athletic Business Office or the Ralph Young Fund for further information. 14.7 CHEERLEADERS, MSU DANCE TEAM, BAND, AND SPARTY - Cheerleaders, MSU Dance Team and the MSU Marching Band fall under the jurisdiction of the Intercollegiate Athletic Department. The official mascot Sparty is the responsibility of the Student Alumni Foundation. 14.7.1 Attendance (also see 11.4.12.2.2 NCAA Post-Season Competition Team Travel Party Policy ) 1.) Cheerleading Cheerleaders will attend all home and away Football games, home Men s and Women s Basketball games, home Volleyball matches, and selected post-season tournaments. 2.) Bands - The Spartan Marching Band attends all regular season home and selected away football games. 3.) The Spartan Brass Band performs at all home Men's and Women's Basketball games, all home Ice Hockey games, and selected post-season tournaments. 4.) MSU Dance Team MSU Dance Team will attend all home football and men s basketball games and select Women s Basketball games. Attendance at post-season tournaments will be determined by the Office of Marketing and Promotions. 14.7.2 Handling Requests 1.) Cheerleading, MSU Dance Team, and Bands Requests for the attendance of MSU Cheerleaders, MSU Dance Team, or Bands at any type of event are to be referred to the Associate Athletic Director responsible for Marketing and Promotions. 2.) Sparty Requests for the attendance of Sparty at any type of event are to be referred to the Student Alumni Foundation. 14.7.3 Tryouts and Auditions - 1.) Cheerleading - Dates and times of spring tryouts are available through the Cheerleading Head Coach as well as
the Office of Marketing and Promotions. Michigan State University does not award scholarships to its cheerleaders. 2.) Band - Auditions must be arranged through the MSU Band Office, 116 Music Building. All new members must complete this audition prior to July 1 of the academic year that begins in August. This audition may be accomplished during summer orientation programs offered to incoming freshmen. Students residing at great distances from MSU should contact the Band Office to make alternative arrangements. Telephone numbers are: 355-7654, 355-7650, or 353-6493. 3.) Sparty - Parties interested in tryouts for "Sparty" should contact the Student Alumni Foundation. 4.) MSU Dance Team Dates and times of spring tryouts are available through the Office of Marketing and Promotions and msuspartans.com. QUICK REFERENCE (in a box elsewhere on the same page) Specific policies and procedures for both cheerleaders and band members are available through the publications entitled Spartan Marching Band Handbook and MSU Cheerleading Rules and Policies. These publications are updated regularly and are available through the Band Office and the office of the Head Cheerleading Coach, respectively. Questions regarding Sparty should be directed to the Student Alumni Foundation. Questions regarding MSU Dance Team should be directed to the Office of Marketing and Promotions. 14.98 NAMING AWARDS, TOURNAMENTS, AND EVENTS All named awards, tournaments or other events must receive prior approval from the Director of Intercollegiate Athletics before they can become official. All requests must be submitted in writing in sufficient time to approve or deny the request.