SDSU ATHLETIC
COMPLIANCE
Institutional note cards tipsheet
General Rule – 3 Requirements:
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Card may not exceed 8.5” x 11” when opened in full
Outside of card may only contain the institution’s name and either a single institutional
logo or a single athletics logo
No printed information may appear on the inside of the card
Outside of Note Card:
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Permissible:
o Include “San Diego State University” and either an institutional logo or an
athletics logo
 The athletics logo may be a sport-specific logo only if it is an official logo
for that particular sport (e.g., the logo is used on other materials and/or
merchandise). The sport-specific logo may include the sport name (e.g.,
“SDSU Swimming”) but may not include any other language (e.g., “2007
Mountain West Champions”).
o Include a border around the outside edge, but may not include pictures of any
items (e.g., golf balls, basketballs).
o There are no restrictions on the color or texture on the front of the card, so color
ink, foil ink, or embossing is permitted. However, it is not permissible to make
the outside of the note card look like a replica item. For example, it is ok to use
the orange texture of a basketball on the outside of the note card, but it is not
permissible to include the seams/lines of the basketball.
Not Permissible:
o Sport name (unless it is part of the official approved logo), picture of stadium, list
of program accomplishments, names of head and assistant coaches, using
multiple logos, including the return address on the front or back of the note card.
Inside of Note Card:
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Permissible:
o Include handwritten information (e.g., words, illustrations) only
Not Permissible:
o Printed information
o Sport’s name (e.g., SDSU Tennis) at the bottom of the card such that, when the
card is folded, the sport’s name shows on the outside of the card.
o Using handwriting software to allow coach to print a note in the coach’s own
handwriting
Size, Shape, Texture, Color
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It is ok to have note cards that are not rectangular in shape (e.g., shape of a shoe), as
long as when opened in full, it fits within the area of a rectangle measuring 8.5” x 11”
Note cards that are not folded, or not folded in half:
o Even if an institutional note card is not folded, one side must be considered the
outside and the other must be considered the inside. If a card is not folded in
half (e.g., tri-fold), when the card is opened in full, one complete side must be
considered the outside and the other must be considered the inside.
There is no requirement that the note card’s background color be white. It is permissible
to use colored paper (e.g., paper is red, logo is white).
The legislation does not impose restrictions on the type of card stock that may be used,
so the note card can be made from premium card stock (e.g., glossy, textured).
It is not permissible to modify the note cards (e.g., cut slits into the note card or create a
folder flap on the inside of the note card) to hold any other materials such as business
cards or camp brochures).
Miscellaneous
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It is ok to produce and send note cards that don’t satisfy the new rule for other purposes
– they just cannot be used to communicate with prospects, their parents, their coaches,
etc.
Envelopes used to send note cards must follow the same guidelines as the note cards
themselves. Thus, there can be no pictures/graphics on the envelope except for one
institutional or athletics logo. It is ok to include the return address. A clear envelope
may be used.
It is not permissible to include a sticker on the note card (e.g., sticker of Qualcomm
Stadium).
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, CONTACT THE COMPLIANCE STAFF.