Registered Student Organizations that are also approved as "club sports" by the Vice President of Student Success (or designee) must remain in good standing.  In addition, club sports:

  • Must be 100% students.
  • Must adhere to academic standards and the student code of conduct.
  • Must adhere to the conditions and requirements in the Club Sports Handbook

Registered Student Organizations who are participating in competition and would like to use the MSU or Bobcat name and logo may request permission  from Club Sports.

Below are the guidelines for all Club sports and for Club Sports who have been approved for use of logo rights.

Use of University Name

Club sports may use the Montana State University name to identify they are a Club Sport RSO at the MSU Bozeman campus.

Creation of Merchandise

Registered Student Organization Club Sports may create merchandise and memorabilia for the club.

There are two categories of merchandise that may be created:

Internal use merchandise

Internal use merchandise is any item created bearing the club name, used solely by the members of the group.

The following rules apply:

    • Designs must be reviewed and approved by the Office of Student Engagement.
    • All products must be produced by an approved licensed vendor
    • Here is a list of approved licensed vendors.

External use merchandise

External use merchandise is any item created bearing the club name that will be sold or given away to members outside the club. External merchandise is subject to the trademarks and licensing policy.

The following rules apply:

Use of name on Organization's Website or Social Media Accounts

Registered Student Organizations may use the name of the University in connection with an organization's official website and/or social media accounts subject to the following restrictions:

  • Use of the University name must be consistent with applicable Trademark and Licensing policies and the limitations contained herein.
  • The Web page and content generated by the social media account may not include language or images that are offensive or otherwise reflect inappropriately on MSU's name. The MSU Licensing Director will be responsible for determining whether the use of the name is consistent with the university standards for use of the university name.
  • The name, logos or marks may not be used in conjunction with commercial advertising.  

Please contact [email protected] with questions.

Club Sports with Bobcat logo rights

Registered Student Organizations that are also approved as "club sports" by the Vice President of Student Success (or designee) must remain in good standing to be eligible to use the logos. In addition, approved club sports:

  • Must be 100% students.
  • Must adhere to academic standards and the student code of conduct.
  • Must adhere to the conditions and requirements in the Club Sports Handbook

Use of University Name

Club sports may use the Montana State University and Bobcat names to identify they are RSO at the MSU Bozeman campus. RSO’s who are also designated club sports with rights to the Bobcat logo, must follow the guidelines below:

Club sport name

On websites, social media pages and printed materials

RSOs must clearly communicate they are a club sport. The club can place MSU, Montana State University or Bobcats before or after their sport or competitive activity so long as the word club is included. For example:

Montana State University Rugby Club

Rugby Club at Montana State University

MSU Rugby Club

Rugby Club at MSU

Bobcat Rugby Club

Rugby Club Bobcats

 

On competition jerseys and equipment
Registered Student Organizations that are also approved as "club sports with logo rights" by the Vice President for Student Success (or designee) and participate in sanctioned competition (on or off-campus), must use the marks as follows. 

Competition jerseys and equipment may omit the word “Club” so long as their activity is not also an NCAA sport of Montana State University. For illustrative purposes, all of the following examples would be permissible on an RSO’s competition jersey or equipment:

  • MSU Motorsports
  • Bobcat Motorsports
  • Bobcat Rugby
  • MSU Rugby
  • Montana State University Rugby

 

Club Sports that are also MSU Bobcat NCAA sports:
A club activity that is also an NCAA sport of Montana State University must include the word club prominently on their competition jerseys and equipment to avoid confusion. For example: Bobcat Volleyball Club or Montana State University Volleyball Club.

Creation of Merchandise

Registered Student Organization Club Sports may create merchandise and memorabilia for the club. Any sale or giveaway of merchandise items with the university name, Bobcats name and/or logos must comply with the Trademark and Licensing Policy.

All RSO's that are also approved as "club sports with logo rights" are subject to the guidelines below for the creation of merchandise. Club sports are required to use a licensed vendor to produce any merchandise or apparel with the MSU name and/or trademarks. This includes merchandise used for team uniforms, team equipment, merchandise given as gifts, or sold.

There are two categories of merchandise that can be created: 

Internal use merchandise

Internal use merchandise is any item created bearing the club name, used solely by the members of the group. Examples of internal use merchandise include uniforms, travel gear, practice apparel and equipment.

External use merchandise

External use merchandise is any item created bearing the club name that will be sold or given away to members outside the club. External merchandise is subject to the trademarks and licensing policy.

Guidelines for logo and name on merchandise

  • Allow plenty of lead time
  • Create a design
  • Have your design reviewed and approved by Licensing Manager
  • Place an order through a licensed vendor

Use of name on Organization's Website or Social Media Accounts

Registered Student Organizations may use the name of the University in connection with an organization's official website and/or social media accounts subject to the following restrictions:

  • Use of the University name must be consistent with applicable Trademark and Licensing policies and the limitations contained herein.
  • The Web page and content generated by the social media account may not include language or images that are offensive or otherwise reflect inappropriately on MSU's name. The MSU Licensing Director will be responsible for determining whether the use of the name is consistent with the university standards for use of the university name.
  • The name, logos or marks may not be used in conjunction with commercial advertising.
  • RSOs that are also approved as “club sports” may use the bobcat logo on social media and websites only if they have been approved to use logos per section 400.00 above and the club sport follows the guidelines in section 100.20.
  • On its website, social media pages and printed materials, the RSO must identify itself as club and make it clear to potential members that the RSO is a club team, as opposed to an NCAA team.
  • On websites, social media pages and printed materials, RSOs can place MSU, Montana State University or Bobcats before or after their sport or competitive activity so long as the word club is included. For illustrative purposes, all of the following examples would be permissible on an RSO’s website:  Montana State University Rugby Club, Rugby Club at Montana State University, MSU Rugby Club, Rugby Club at MSU, Bobcat Rugby Club, or Rugby Club Bobcats.

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