ATHENS, Ga. (AP) — More than 1,000 students at the University of Georgia have signed a petition against a decision to schedule its homecoming football game on Yom Kippur.

The daylong period of fasting and prayer in Judaism precludes some Jewish students from enjoying the festivities.

UGA senior Tyler Andrews told The Athens Banner-Herald (http://bit.ly/Z1DnOZ ) that students don't want to miss a home football game, but the religious observance is more important.

UGA spokesman Tom Jackson said the homecoming game is traditionally held in October against an SEC opponent. The only such game this year fell on Saturday, which is also Yom Kippur. University officials have asked the staff to note important holidays going forward so they can try to avoid such conflicts.