CHARLOTTESVILLE-- University of Virginia Athletics Director Craig Littlepage announced Thursday that he is repealing the policy prohibiting signs, banners and flags in all UVa athletics venues.

“The policy prohibiting signs, banners and flags in all UVa athletics venues has become a distraction and has taken the focus away from supporting our student-athletes,” Littlepage said. “Our football team needs our support right now and that should be our collective focus. With that in mind, I am repealing immediately the policy prohibiting signs, banners and flags in all athletics venues. I encourage all of our fans to be in attendance at Saturday night’s football game with Maryland. My hope is our fans will wear orange and be prepared to support the Cavaliers.”

The policy now states:

Banners, signs and flags are allowed in athletics venues provided they do not impede another guest's view of the competition, cover any venue signage, and/or are not attached to the facility. Banners, signs, and flags on poles or sticks are prohibited. Athletics Event Management reserves the right to remove any banner, sign, or flag that is in violation of the policy.