Below are answers to common questions that were asked throughout the process. Additional questions are welcome by contacting any member of the
CSC Executive Board or National Staff.
Why did CoSIDA make this change to become College Sports Communicators?
Beginning in 2019, the Executive Board of Directors began the process of establishing priorities to take measurable steps to become a more inclusive organization that supports all communicators across college sports.
College sports is evolving rapidly and perhaps no profession has experienced more change than athletics communications over the past two decades. It is important that not only we keep pace with changing times but that we play a major role in leading that change.
Everything that has taken place leading up to the launch of the new branding has been
well documented. Some major examples of how our organization is evolving to lead into the future are through the modernization of our governance structure; the implementation of the All-In membership model; and the launch of our new name and brand.
Our transformation is much more than a name change or a new logo. We are a modern and forward-looking communications association that provides leadership, advocacy and community for college sports at all levels throughout the U.S. and Canada. Our new logo is a visual representation of who we are — College Sports Communicators.
What is the organization trying to achieve with this logo?
The visual branding assignment was to develop a new name and visual identity that reflects an organization that supports and develops sports information directors, content creators, brand storytellers and contemporary communications leaders. The objectives were to:
+ Communicate a positive and forward-leaning attitude
+ Evoke a sense of pride for current members
+ Appeal to prospective members with diverse skill sets and expanded communications responsibilities
+ Communicate a sense of strength and professionalism to be the clients and stakeholders the organization serves
+ Be robust and functional across all linear and digital applications, including social media and websites
How was the logo chosen?
Following the organization’s name change, Joe Bosack & Co. developed a number of concepts in multiple color schemes. The core branding leadership group narrowed those down to three finalists. The Executive Board of Directors unanimously endorsed the final selection, which was presented to the Advisory Council (made up of leaders from each division) and the strategic branding working group. The logo was also previewed by all divisional leadership groups within the organization as well as committee chairs who provided valuable feedback.
What is the story behind the “S”; why isn’t the S connected?
The story of why we love this logo starts with the shapes that make the stylized S. In short, the quarter-circle shapes that make up the S represent the versatility and value of our members, as well as the similarities and differences between our different types of members.
College sports in general and our profession have long been evolving and changing. Our new name, College Sports Communicators, speaks to our commitment of inclusion for all types of strategic and creative communicators. Our roles and what we are asked to do is constantly changing.
When you think of our members — both strategic and creative communicators — you think of a person who can do it all. We pivot and adjust depending on the vastly different things we’re asked to do on a daily basis.
The versatility and value of our members is represented by the quarter-circle shape that makes up the top half of the S. Just like the versatility and collaborative ability of our members to do many things, that shape flips, rotates and combines to create the whole of CSC. When you flip and rotate that quarter circle shape, you get two pieces that complete the S. Each of the Cs are made up of two of those quarter circle shapes. It’s about this idea of this one shape doing a lot of different things, which really defines our members and our organization.
Not only are SIDs engaged in multiple duties beyond traditional roles, creative and digital members also have various roles and responsibilities supporting the whole of athletics communications. When you take all those pieces and put them together you get the whole of our organization — College Sports Communicators, or CSC. Without all the pieces, we are not whole.
Likewise, there are six primary divisions that make up CSC — NCAA Division I, Division II, Division III, NAIA, Canadian institutions and Two-Year institutions — and there are six quarter circles.
Beyond the meaning behind the quarter circle shape reflecting the versatility and collaboration of our members, we were also looking for something unique that would be stylized in a way that would become recognizable over time — and not just another CSC. The new color palette is also an important part of the new brand.
How were the colors chosen?
When deciding on a color palette, we were looking for something bold and bright. We were looking for something fresh and new that would stand out and signal a new day. Orange is a color associated with optimism, energy and social communication. Blue is associated with trust, dependability and intellect.
In addition to the primary colors, the organization will also use an extensive secondary palette. Navy blue will continue to be used prominently.
Can I customize this logo?
We ask that our members and partners use the logo in one of the approved color variations.
Who made this decision?
The new branding is endorsed by the 2022-23 Executive Board of Directors.
Why didn’t the membership get to vote on the logo?
Changing or updating the CSC logo is not a constitutional change and therefore does not require a vote.
Can I buy items with the new logo?
It is in our long-term plan to provide opportunities to purchase CSC branded items. In the meantime, members can keep your eye on your mailbox for some initial gifts from the organization.
Will the website be updated?
Plans are underway for a complete website redesign with our partners at SIDEARM Sports for this spring.
Are there any more major changes coming?
Nothing as major as this. Throughout our history, CSC has been fortunate to have leaders willing to step up and make decisions to keep the association relevant and pushing us forward to be better, and that should never change.