The Montesano School Board heard comments from students and parents on a recent decision by the district to prohibit student athletes (regardless of gender) from going shirtless off campus at their regular meeting on Oct. 26. Most of those who spoke expressed criticism of the unwritten district policy.

One cross country athlete commented that taking off shirts makes for better running on hot days. The mother of an athlete said she thought that if students are prevented from trying to cool down by taking their shirts off, it might pose health risks.

Superintendent Dan Winter explained some of the reasoning that had gone into the decision.

“There are materials you can wear for running that are much better than what they were twenty years ago,” he said, “dry fit type things. The other thing is that if it’s unhealthy to run in that temperature with your shirt on, then maybe we should find another time to run, because we’ve got girls who are out running with their shirts on.”

Winter added that it is an equity issue if female athletes are prevented from doing the same as the boys.

Cross country coach James Edwards asked school officials how he’s supposed to enforce the policy when runners are outside his field of vision and whether or not he’s supposed to expel any non-compliant students from the team. Winter answered that any disciplinary actions would be up to the individual coaches.

Winter clarified that the policy applies to all sports and that athletes may still go shirtless at on-campus practices when appropriate.

“Not wearing your shirt off campus is the issue,” said Winter. “Our campus is our home. Downtown we’re visitors or guests.”

Following the discussion the board moved onto other issues and no action was taken on the shirtless policy.