The Government of the Student Body Senate voted to fund 24 new safety jerseys for the Iowa State Women’s Rugby Club on Feb. 6.

Two club representatives were present to explain that their current jerseys are not only outdated, but extremely unsafe.

The jerseys have caused harm not only to the Iowa State team, but also to their opponents.

The finance committee discussed the bill before voting, and unanimously decided it was unfavorable due to a lack of precedence.

“It’s against everything we have done in the past,” said GSB Senator David Bartholomew.

Other senators were in favor of the idea. “This is something putting them in harm’s way and at a disadvantage,” said Senator Jeremy Clark. “I can’t see it the same as another sport. The jerseys are not about the glitz and the glamour.”

In the past, the only other organizations to receive funding for uniforms were the ISU Ski and Snowboard Club and the Triathlon Club. They were granted funding for new uniforms because they were deemed safety equipment.

A senator pointed out the different forms of protection other teams have, and for these women, it is only the jersey.

“Rugby is even more violent than football. We have a duty to ensure the safety of not only our girls, but also help ensure the safety of the other team as well,” said Senator Barry Snell. 

“We are allowed to make exceptions when people are getting hurt; this represents one of those times.”

The Senate passed the bill with a vote of 17-10-1, and the Women’s Rugby Club received $1,500 for 24 jerseys, and $45 for other equipment.

Two other bills were voted on, and then unanimously approved by the Senate. The first transfers the remaining $12,036.26 from the Special Allocations Account into the Capital Funds Project.

The other approved funding for Writer’s Bloc to go toward the publishing of “Sketch.” Writer’s Bloc will receive funds for printing the publication and associated flyers.

The Senate also voted on a bill concerning the format of the current agenda. This bill included three major changes to the agenda, including moving open forum to before groups or programs speak. It did not pass, with a vote of 6-16-5.