SEEKONK - The school committee has approved a new policy requiring all booster clubs to submit to certain restrictions regarding how and where money can be spent for sports groups.

Seekonk High School Athletic Director Ray Grant said the change in policy was necessary so that the booster clubs would not be in violation of federal Title 9 regulations.

The policy mandates that booster clubs submit to guidelines for making contributions to the school district, then approach the school principal and make a formal gift request of the school committee.

"They have to be recognized first," Grant said, noting the booster clubs were "great assets for us."

The town currently has four booster clubs that support sports, such as football, track, and basketball. Seekonk High School Principal Marcia McGovern praised the policy, stating "it allows us to plan better."

Grant said that in the past booster clubs were not following the law because they did not know they were supposed to comply with them.

The school committee can now determine if the boosters clubs are in compliance with Title 9, Grant said.

Groups appreciated

The necessity of soliciting contributions for school sports program was underlined by the statements of committee members at a school committee meeting Wednesday.

"We totally appreciate the boosters' groups," school committee Chairwoman Marjorie Bradley said. "We'd be in big trouble without them."

Joseph S. Siegel covers Seekonk for The Sun Chronicle. He can be reached at joesiegel@cox.net.