Richmond County school board members have given initial approval today to a policy banning so-called “saggy pants” from after school events such as football games.

The vote came at this afternoon’s school board committee meetings. The policy, which now must receive the full board’s approval at its Nov. 17 meeting, would be enforced by school officials, administrators, teachers and other school employees on duty at such events. It states that all pants, including jeans, must be fitted at the waist and not be baggy or oversized or exposing underwear.

“Provocative clothing and baggy pants that do not fit properly are prohibited,” the policy states.

Public notices would be posted at events, and anyone not complying would not be allowed into an event. Already, a system-wide policy prohibits saggy pants that show a student's underwear during classes. It's up to principals to decide whether students must also tuck in their shirts. The proposed policy for school events outside classes doesn't address shirts.

The proposal to restrict saggy pants at extracurricular school events was first made in an Oct. 13 board committee meeting by board Vice President Alex Howard, who said he had noticed students wearing pants low enough to show their underwear at some football games.

Reach Preston Sparks at (706) 828-0851 or preston.sparks@augustachronicle.com