The Yellow Board

Hot & Cold

Posted by Dennis Syring on 7/17/2022, 10:06 am

The issue with whether to wear uniforms in the stands in Hot September or let the the kids wear t- shirts is a big point between traditionalist and us softies. I am also a director that doesn't wear a suit to football games (only contests). What are your feelings?

Re: Hot & Cold

Posted by Exercise on 7/19/2022, 2:03 pm, in reply to "Hot & Cold"

When I thought, T-shirts/Polo and shorts the first 3 or 4 games. Then normal uniforms after that. Not worth risking a student's safety.

I also never wore a suit or a tie at contest given how much I was on the move.

Re: Hot & Cold

Posted by Safety on 7/18/2022, 1:15 pm, in reply to "Hot & Cold"

Safety of the students should be top priority. How a band looks should not supercede that.

If you are getting pushback, look at what other bands do. I know a lot (if not all) of the SMBC medalists don't wear their full uniform for the first few games. If they don't think the uniform is that important, there is probably something to that.

Re: Hot & Cold

Posted by NLABD on 7/18/2022, 12:55 pm, in reply to "Hot & Cold"

This has not been not a normal summer.

I would use the temperatures as a guide when making decisions in September.

I like Tim's idea.

Re: Hot & Cold

Posted by Houston on 7/18/2022, 8:28 am, in reply to "Hot & Cold"

Shorts for August and up to week 2 of September. By week 3 of September need to be in uniform, (can go jacket off in the stands) but contest season starts up the end of September and they should be conditioned by that point. I had many years where I was in uniform by week 2 without issues.

Re: Hot & Cold

Posted by Questions... on 7/18/2022, 7:23 am, in reply to "Hot & Cold"

Do you require Polos/T-Shirts to be worn tucked in?

Are there certain parameters with jeans (no rips, tears, or holes)?

Are the students required to purchase shorts from the same source, to achieve some type of uniformity?

Are the same shoes required?

Re: Hot & Cold

Posted by Me on 7/18/2022, 8:38 am, in reply to "Re: Hot & Cold"

1. Yes. I also recommend a belt if possible.

2. No jeans. Khaki shorts. If I were to wear jeans, they must be in line with district and campus dress codes, which also state no holes or tears.

3. No. So long as they're tan khaki they're fine. There's no such thing as "uniformity" in color after the first time they get washed anyway.

4. Wear your marching shoes and socks. Problem solved.

Re: Hot & Cold

Posted by Tim- TYB Host on 7/17/2022, 8:54 pm, in reply to "Hot & Cold"
Board Administrator

I would highly encourage you to use band polo/shirt and khaki shorts (or jeans) for any day that the temp at game time will be over 85.

As a parent, I would be very upset if the health of my child was affected by a school requiring full uniform be worn.

Heck, I sweated in my KU Jayhawk uniform in 30 degree weather!

Do what it is in the best interest of kids.

My .02

Tim

Re: Hot & Cold

Posted by Careful on 7/17/2022, 3:39 pm, in reply to "Hot & Cold"

Just left a job whose principal expected the band AND drill team in full uniform from Game 1 on. No amount of explaining why it was a bad idea to put kids in long jackets and pants in 100+ degree heat would dissuade them - "the band needs to look nice out there."

Re: Hot & Cold

Posted by 2A guy on 7/17/2022, 2:23 pm, in reply to "Hot & Cold"

I can’t put the kids in the full uniform at the beginning of the year. I’ve told the admin that I’m not willing to wear a jacket during September and I can’t justify doing it to the kids. We have old football jerseys that we wear with the TShirt and jeans. The fans think we are incredible with school spirit and love it. It’s really just a way not to wear the uniform.

Re: Hot & Cold

Posted by DesertJazz on 7/17/2022, 1:27 pm, in reply to "Hot & Cold"

If it’s over 100 degrees with the heat index we won’t be in uniforms. Shorts/show shirts in that case!

(If anyone complains they’re welcome to wear a coat to the game…)

I try and get at least a couple games in the season before switching. Depends on opponents.

Re: Hot & Cold

Posted by Midlife on 7/17/2022, 12:00 pm, in reply to "Hot & Cold"

Polo and shorts!

No uniform until October or the game before your first contest

Re: Hot & Cold

Posted by Cheapskate on 7/17/2022, 10:58 am, in reply to "Hot & Cold"

We have made our uniforms last for 12 years because we spend much of the early season in t-shirts. And I spent all of my HS years in full uniform full-wool hating every moment of it. My administration would never consider new uniforms until they were falling apart.

Re: Hot & Cold

Posted by Mr. 4A on 7/19/2022, 3:06 pm, in reply to "Re: Hot & Cold"

No full uniforms until mid-September ladies and gentlemen. It’s hot out there.

Let them wear shorts and your band shirts. Remember: We are here to take care of kids, not to take care of administrators.

If your principal doesn’t understand, then tell them to call this number for an explanation why…

1-800-you’re an idiot

Y’all stay cool out there😉

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