Team Palisades Tahoe Uniform Policy

At Team Palisades Tahoe, we believe that what our athletes wear reflects who we are: unified, committed, and proud. Our Uniform Policy supports consistency, safety, and team spirit across all activities.

A Note to Families

We know gear can be a meaningful investment. This policy is designed to strengthen our community, not add burden. If you have questions or need support accessing uniform items, please contact the Team office. We’re here to help every athlete feel confident and included.

When the Uniform Is Required

During all Team-sanctioned activities, athletes must wear the official Team Uniform. This includes:
  • Training sessions and training days
  • Competitions and race days
  • Team-sponsored events and public appearances, such as award ceremonies


Uniform Program Details

Cost

  • Annual fee per athlete: $104 plus tax, collected as a mandatory Uniform Fee during registration. Shipping directly from Akova is included.
  • Who pays: All Team participants except Masters.


Uniform Fee Refund Policy

A uniform fee is required as part of team registration and is non-refundable. This applies whether an athlete voluntarily withdraws before the season starts, departs during the season, or is involuntarily removed from the team.

How Ordering Works

  1. Payment: Pay the annual uniform fee per athlete during registration.
  2. Eligibility confirmation: Team Palisades Tahoe will confirm whether the athlete is eligible for a new jacket based on their program and season count. See the Distribution Overview below.
  3. Zero-dollar ordering link: Approximately two weeks after payment, once the fee payment and eligibility have been verified, a zero-dollar code will be sent so the eligible athlete can order their jacket directly from Akova.
  4. Delivery: Akova ships the jacket directly to your home. Shipping is included in the program fee.


Distribution Overview

Purpose

The uniform distribution policy ensures athletes have the current Team look when they enter a program and at designated intervals in longer-tenure programs.

General Intent

Jackets are distributed to all new athletes and to athletes in their third season within designated programs that span four or more years, including Freeride, Snowboard Sport, and Development.

Understanding Distribution Eligibility

“Upon entry and every other year” applies to the combined program listed in each row. For example, Shooting Stars and Mighty Mites count together when determining an athlete’s distribution eligibility.

Distribution Eligibility and Cadence by Program

Upon Entry and 3rd Consecutive Year of Participation Upon Entry (1st Year of Participation) Only
Shooting Stars, Mighty Mites, and Mighty Riders U12 Competitive “Far West”
Mountain Rangers and Alpine Rangers U14 Competitive
U10 Jr Development U16 Competitive Full-Time and U16/U18 Divisional
Development U12/U14 FIS U18, FIS U21/PG
Freeride Sport/Snowboard Sport Freeride Comp/Snowboard Comp U19/U21
Freeride Comp/Snowboard Comp U12/U15 —
Cross and Park Comp - Ski and SB —


Note: Each row in the first column represents a single combined program for distribution purposes. For example, an athlete joining Shooting Stars receives a new uniform upon entry and becomes eligible again in their third year of participation across Shooting Stars and Mighty Mites.

Grace Period (2025–26 Season Only)

Mighty Mites and Alpine Rangers

No grace period applies. Uniforms remain unchanged.

All Other Programs

Athletes who are not in a distribution year may use their 2024–25 jacket for one additional season.

Freeride and Snowboard

A one-season grace period applies to athletes who did not have a mandatory uniform in the previous season and are not in a distribution year.

Optional Purchase

Athletes may purchase the new jacket at retail pricing during a grace year. Visit the Akova Team Store for pricing and shipping details.

Future Seasons and Green Initiative

Team Palisades Tahoe intends to launch a Green Initiative with community partners beginning in the 2027–28 season, if not sooner. The goal is to provide every athlete with the required uniform while reducing waste.

Until then, uniform opt-outs and refunds are not available. Pricing for the first and second years is expected to remain similar, if not the same. Team Palisades Tahoe administers the uniform program at zero profit, passing savings along through program pricing and providing the uniform piece at cost to the athlete.

Why Uniforms Matter

Wearing the official Team gear is about more than appearance. It helps build a culture of excellence, safety, and belonging.

  • Team Identity and Pride: Uniforms foster a sense of belonging and pride in representing Team Palisades Tahoe.
  • Visibility and Recognition: Athletes are easier to identify on the mountain and at events, helping coaches and teammates stay connected and safe.
  • Safety: Consistent apparel helps staff identify athletes more quickly, especially in busy areas.
  • Professionalism and Respect: Uniforms reflect discipline and respect for the sport, coaches, and fellow athletes.
  • Equity and Inclusion: A unified look reduces social pressure around gear, keeping the focus on performance and teamwork.


Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find more information about the jacket?

Detailed information is available on Akova’s website.

Does the program include pants or other uniform pieces?

No. The program includes only the Akova Elevated Jacket. Approved Akova uniform pieces may also be purchased through the Team Palisades Tahoe Akova Team Store.

Is navy the same as black?

No. The official Team color is Midnight Blue (Navy), not black.

What if my athlete changes programs mid-season?

Uniform color should follow the athlete’s new program. Distribution timing continues to follow the eligibility matrix and applicable grace-period rules.

How do I determine the correct jacket size?

Use Akova’s Team Store to review available sizing information before ordering. If you are still unsure about the correct size, contact Akova support before placing your order.

What if a jacket is lost or damaged?

Replacement jackets may be purchased directly through Akova, subject to availability and applicable fees.

Can I buy an extra jacket?

Extra jackets are permitted only after all eligible athletes have received theirs and if inventory allows.

Is there a gear exchange?

Looking to pass along or find previously owned Team gear? Visit the Facebook Gear Exchange page to explore available items. The platform is new to Team Palisades Tahoe, and participation is expected to grow as the season approaches.

What if my athlete is sponsored?

The Team Palisades Tahoe uniform is required during all Team activities, including training, events, and competitions. If an athlete has a sponsorship or endorsement requiring an alternative uniform jacket, the athlete or their family must formally request an exception in writing and disclose the contractual obligation.

An exception is not guaranteed. Alternatives, such as heat transfers or other post-production methods, may be approved. All alternative displays, including sponsor logos, must be approved by Team Palisades Tahoe before being placed on a Team uniform. Review the Team Agreement provided during registration for parameters and guidance.

Do discounts apply to the uniform program fee?

No. Discounts, scholarships, and program credits do not apply to the uniform program fee. Akova distributes the uniform, and the program fee reflects the direct cost of the jacket.

When will I receive my uniform?

Orders placed with Akova by November 1 are typically shipped directly to you within two to three business days. Supplemental items, such as pants and mid-layers, and orders placed after November 1 will be shipped according to the timeline communicated by Akova during checkout.


Quick Facts

  • Brand partner: Akova
  • Included piece: Akova Elevated Jacket only
  • Uniform program fee: $104 plus tax, including direct shipping from Akova
  • Who pays: All Team participants except Masters


Akova Team Store

Team passcode: 25P@lisades26

Not a distribution year for your athlete? Visit the Akova Team Store to purchase a jacket at retail pricing.

AKOVA STORE

Uniform Fee Policy

The uniform fee is non-refundable, regardless of whether an athlete voluntarily withdraws from the team before the season starts, departs during the season, or is involuntarily removed from the team.

Contact Us

For questions about the uniform policy or help accessing uniform items, contact the Team office.