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Slippery Rock University Student-Athlete Handbook

Effective August 1, 2017 (Subject to change without notice)

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Contents A Message from the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee President ........................................................ 5

Athletics Department Mission Statement ..................................................................................................... 6

Athletics Department Philosophy ................................................................................................................. 6

Diversity and Inclusion ................................................................................................................................. 6

NCAA Inclusion Statement…………………………………………………………………………………………6

Presidential Pledge………………………………………………………………………………………………….7

About the Pledge ................................................................................................................................... 7

Goals, Statements and Commitments ........................................................................................................... 8

Athletics Department Goals ......................................................... 8

Compliance Statement.................................................................. 8

Institutional Control ..................................................................... 9

Sportsmanship Statement ............................................................. 9

University and Athletics Department Policies .............................................................................................. 9

Gambling/Sports Wagering .......................................................... 9

NCAA’s Position on Gambling ............................................................................................................ 9

Possible NCAA Enforcement ............................................................................................................. 10

University Code of Conduct ....................................................... 10

Sexual Harassment Policy .......................................................... 10

Student Retention ....................................................................... 12

Hazing Policy ............................................................................. 12

Athletic Department Code of Conduct ....................................... 13

Introduction ......................................................................................................................................... 13

Guidelines ........................................................................................................................................... 13

Local, State, and Federal Laws ........................................................................................................... 13

Good Sportsmanship ........................................................................................................................... 14

Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) ................. 14

Student-Athlete Parenting and Pregnancy Policy ....................... 15

Social Media............................................................................... 18

Drug Testing............................................................................... 19

NCAA Drug Testing ........................................................................................................................... 19

Use of Tobacco ................................................................................................................................... 19

Slippery Rock Alcohol, Tobacco and Drug Testing Policy ................................................................ 20

Student-Athlete Procedures ........................................................................................................................ 20

NCAA Transfer and Student-Athlete Appeal ............................. 20

Policies and Procedures ...................................................................................................................... 20

Other Grievance Procedures ....................................................... 22

Title IX ................................................................................................................................................ 22

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Academic Issues .................................................................................................................................. 23

Athletic and Program Environment .................................................................................................... 23

NCAA and Conference Rules ............................................................................................................. 23

Student-Athlete Compliance ....................................................................................................................... 23

NCAA Paperwork ............................. …………………………..23

Student-Athlete Statement .................................................................................................................. 24

Drug-Testing Consent Form ............................................................................................................... 24

Promotions Waiver ............................................................................................................................. 24

FERPA Waiver ................................................................................................................................... 25

Academic Eligibility Requirements ........................................... 25

Progress Towards Degree – Path to Graduation ................................................................................. 25

Additional Application of Eligibility Requirements ........................................................................... 26

Ethical Conduct .......................................................................... 27

Amateurism ................................................................................ 28

Fundraising ......................................................................................................................................... 28

Seasons of Competition .............................................................. 29

Other Regulations Concerning Eligibility .................................. 30

All Sports Other Than Basketball ....................................................................................................... 30

Basketball Only ................................................................................................................................... 30

Fulltime Enrollment ................................................................... 30

Nontraditional Courses ....................................................................................................................... 30

Final Semester ..................................................................................................................................... 31

Awards and Benefits .................................................................. 31

Complimentary Admissions ................................................................................................................ 31

Occasional Meals ................................................................................................................................ 32

Logos and Apparel ..................................................................... 32

Adidas Sponsored School ................................................................................................................... 33

Student-Athlete Employment ..................................................... 33

Off-Campus Employment ................................................................................................................... 33

On-Campus Employment .................................................................................................................... 33

Camps and Clinics Employment ......................................................................................................... 33

Financial Aid .............................................................................. 34

Financial Aid – Hearing Opportunity ................................................................................................. 34

Countable Athletically Related Activity (CARA) ...................... 35

Playing Season .................................................................................................................................... 35

Out-of-Season ..................................................................................................................................... 35

Nonchampionship Segment ................................................................................................................ 36

Hosting a Recruit ........................................................................ 36

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Student-Athlete Advisory Committee ......................................................................................................... 37

Division II SAAC ....................................................................... 37

The Rock SAAC ........................................................................ 38

Mission ....................................................................................... 38

Guiding Principles ...................................................................... 38

SAAC Strategic Plan .................................................................. 38

Community Service and Community Engagement .................... 38

Community Service ............................................................................................................................ 39

Community Engagement..................................................................................................................... 39

Make-A-Wish ..................................................................................................................................... 39

The President’s Cup .................................................................................................................................... 39

Categories ................................................................................... 39

SAAC Roster .............................................................................................................................................. 40

Contact information .................................................................................................................................... 40

Athletics ..................................................................................... 40

Other Important Numbers .......................................................... 41

Addendum…………………………………………………………………………………………………41 Endnotes…………………………………………………………………………………………………...417

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A Message from the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee President

Welcome back Slippery Rock University Student Athletes. As your Student Athlete Advisory

Committee President (SAAC), I would like to extend a warm welcome back home. Hopefully

you took some time to reflect on this past year and are ready to move forward!

This year we are looking to expand our horizons on and off the field to become the best all

around athletes, students, and people that we can be. I would like to encourage all of you to

become active members of the athletics department and campus community. The influence and

impact student athletes have resonate well beyond the playing field, court, and classroom. All of

your participation is necessary while carrying out the mission of our department and the

committee. As SAAC President, I encourage you all to become invested so that SAAC, the

department and university can reach its highest potential. This also includes providing a forum

for your teams to be able to openly discuss your issues, questions and concerns which can all be

facilitated by your teams SAAC reps. Your engagement directly relates to the success that we

have as a campus community and within the PSAC.

I look forward to seeing you all on and off the playing field, in the classroom and at SAAC

sponsored events. I hope we can all support each other and create an inclusive environment for

everyone to grow, be successful, and receive an amazing student-athlete experience at Slippery

Rock University. Remember SAAC is here for you. Good luck this year. Go Rock!

Your devoted President

Abigail Way ‘20

Women’s Track and Field Student-Athlete

SAAC President

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Athletics Department Mission Statement

The Slippery Rock University Athletic Department complements and supports the overall mission of the institution, the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference, and the NCAA while providing growth opportunities through academic achievement, excelling in high-level athletic competition and developing positive societal attitudes. Rock Athletics’ coaches, student-athletes, and staff will strive for life in the balance through learning, resourcefulness, sportsmanship, passion and service.

Athletics Department Philosophy

The Rock’s Intercollegiate Athletics Program is an integral part of the institution’s total educational mission. 17 men’s and women’s sports are offered, providing diverse opportunities to accommodate students’ needs and varying interests. The University is a National College Athletics Association (NCAA) Division II institution, as well as a member of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC). The Philosophy of Rock Athletics embraces the NCAA Division II “Life in the balance” and the concept of the “student-athlete” being a “student” first, as well as the principles of ethnic diversity, gender equity and requirements of Title IX, and nondiscrimination based on sexual orientation. The physical and mental welfare of the student-athlete is of the highest importance. Fair play and sportsmanship are emphasized along with the strict compliance with the rules and regulations of the NCAA and PSAC.

Diversity and Inclusion

NCAA Inclusion Statement

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As a core value, the NCAA believes in and is committed to diversity, inclusion and gender equity among its student-athletes, coaches and administrators. We seek to establish and maintain an inclusive culture that fosters equitable participation for student-athletes and career opportunities for coaches and administrators from diverse backgrounds. Diversity and inclusion improve the learning environment for all student-athletes and enhance excellence within the Association. The Office of Inclusion will provide or enable programming and education, which sustains foundations of a diverse and inclusive culture across dimensions of diversity including but not limited to age, race, sex, class, national origin, creed, educational background, religion, gender identity, disability, gender expression, geographical location, income, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation and work experiences. Adopted by the NCAA Executive Committee, April 2010 Amended by the NCAA Board of Governors, April 2017

Presidential Pledge The Pledge and Commitment to Promoting Diversity and Gender Equity in Intercollegiate Athletics Consistent with our mission and values, Slippery Rock University, a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association, pledges to specifically commit to establishing initiatives for achieving ethnic and racial diversity, gender equity and inclusion, with a focus and emphasis on hiring practices in intercollegiate athletics, to reflect the diversity of our membership and our nation. We recognize and value the experiences individuals from diverse backgrounds bring to intercollegiate athletics. To that end, we will strive to identify, recruit and interview individuals from diverse backgrounds in an effort to increase their representation and retention as commissioners, athletics directors, coaches and other leaders in athletics. As part of this commitment, we will also engage in a regular diversity, inclusion and equity review to inform campus policy and diversity initiatives. We understand this to be a collective responsibility we owe to student-athletes, staff, our athletics programs and the entire campus community.

About the Pledge Presidents and chancellors at NCAA member colleges and universities have been encouraged to sign a pledge that commits their schools to achieving ethnic and racial diversity and gender equity in college sports hiring practices. The pledge was developed out of a membership concern for the low representation of racial and ethnic minorities and women in coaching and athletics administration at all levels. It has received widespread support among the top governing bodies in each division as well as the NCAA Board of Governors, whose 16 presidents and chancellors are among the first signatories. The National Association of Collegiate Women Athletics Administrators (NACWAA) has also endorsed the pledge.

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The schools and conferences whose leaders have pledged their commitment to promoting diversity and gender equity are listed on the pages below. These lists will be updated as names are submitted. In the coming months, the participating schools and conferences will receive a toolkit containing best practices and other resources to assist in their diversity and inclusion efforts.

Goals, Statements and Commitments

Athletics Department Goals

1. To operate an efficient broad-based intercollegiate athletics program that provides equitable competitive opportunities for both male and female students.

2. To have each intercollegiate team compete at a level consistent with resources relative to other PSAC schools.

3. To operate the athletics program consistent with the education mission of the institution.

4. To encourage the student-athletes not only to be active members of The Rock community, but also the entire regional community, through community service and community engagement projects.

5. To positively promote SRU Athletics to increase opportunities for student-athlete success.

Compliance Statement

As a member of the NCAA, Slippery Rock University is committed to complying with all rules and regulations of the NCAA in the conduct of its intercollegiate athletics department. The institution is responsible for monitoring all aspects of its athletics programs to ensure compliance and to identify and report to the NCAA any areas in which we may have failed to maintain compliance with the NCAA rules and regulations. In such cases, Slippery Rock University must fully cooperate with the NCAA and take the appropriate corrective measures, if necessary. This responsibility is a collective endeavor that is shared by the athletics department staff, student-athletes, other appropriate institutional personnel, and individuals and groups representing the athletics interests of the institution. It is each individual’s responsibility to ask questions, make no assumptions, and follow through on all compliance procedures and guidelines. Compliance with University, Conference, and NCAA rules can only be obtained when every individual presents a positive, practical, and ethical attitude towards compliance. By acknowledging our role in the institutional compliance, accepting responsibility for the integrity of our program, and making ourselves aware of the legislation, compliance with the University, Conference, and NCAA rules is assured. The main responsibility of the Compliance Director is to ensure that members of Slippery Rock and the Athletics Department understand and follow all College, Conference, and NCAA rules and regulations in an effort to prevent rules violations. This is established through education, interpretation, and through monitoring of procedures. Violations will occur, that is the nature of

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being an NCAA institution, but self-reporting violation is essential, encouraged and will aid the institution in maintaining integrity.

Institutional Control

It is the responsibility of each member institution to control its intercollegiate athletics program in complete compliance with rules and regulations of the NCAA. This includes monitoring its programs to ensure compliance, identifying and reporting any instances in which compliance has not been achieved, and taking appropriate corrective actions. SRU’s responsibility for the conduct of its intercollegiate athletics program includes responsibility for the actions of its student-athletes, staff members, and for the actions of any other individual or organization engaged in activities promoting the athletics interests of the University. Ask before you act!

Sportsmanship Statement

As a member of the PSAC we are dedicated to the PSAC policy on sportsmanship. The PSAC is committed to developing sportsmanship and creating healthy environments for competition. We believe that part of the role of education through sports is to educate all participants in athletic contests to conduct themselves with civility, dignity and respect for opponents. The NCAA and Slippery Rock University promote positive sports behavior by student-athletes, coaches, and spectators at all athletic events. We request cooperation by supporting the participants and officials at all contests in a positive manner. Profanity, racial, sexist, or other abusive comments or actions directed at officials, student-athletes, coaches, or team representatives will not be tolerated and will be grounds for removal from the athletics site.

University and Athletics Department Policies

Gambling/Sports Wagering

NCAA’s Position on Gambling

The NCAA opposes all forms of legal and illegal sports wagering. Sports wagering has the potential to undermine the integrity of sports contests, and jeopardizes the welfare of student-athletes and the intercollegiate athletics community. Sports wagering demeans the competition and competitors alike by a message that is contrary to the purposes and meaning of “sport.” Sports competition should be appreciated for the inherent benefits related to participation of student-athletes, coaches and institutions in fair contests, not the amount of money wagered on the outcome of the competition.

For these reasons, the NCAA membership adopted NCAA Bylaw 10.02 prohibiting athletic department staff members and student-athletes from engaging in gambling activities as they relate to intercollegiate or professional sporting events. NCAA Bylaw 10.02 stipulates that staff members of the athletics department of a member institution and student-athletes shall not knowingly:

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a. Provide information to individuals involved in organized gambling activities concerning intercollegiate athletics competition;

b. Solicit a bet on any intercollegiate team;

c. Accept a bet on any team representing the institution; or

d. Participate in any gambling activity that involves intercollegiate athletics or professional athletics, through a bookmaker, a parlay card or any other method employed by organized gambling.

e. This position includes internet gambling.

Internet sports wagering; auctions in which bids are placed on teams, individuals or contests; and pools or fantasy leagues in which an entry fee is required and there is an opportunity to win a prize.

Possible NCAA Enforcement

Prospective or enrolled student-athletes found in violation of the provisions of this regulation shall be ineligible for further intercollegiate competition, subject to appeal to the NCAA Academics/Eligibility/Compliance Cabinet for restoration of eligibility. Institutional staff members found in violation of the provisions of this regulation shall be subject to disciplinary or corrective of

the NCAA enforcement procedures, whether such violations occurred at SRU or during the

individual’s previous employment at another NCAA member institution.

University Code of Conduct

Members of the Slippery Rock University community have developed a set of expectations for student behavior. These expectations are contained in the Student Code of Conduct. The Student Code of Conduct outlines the rights and responsibilities of all students, and it provides a fair process to evaluate and respond to allegations of misconduct. All students should read and be familiar with the expectations set forth in the Student Code of Conduct. Additional information can be found on the Slippery Rock University Student Code of Conduct webpage: http://www.sru.edu/offices/student-conduct.

Sexual Harassment Policy

Slippery Rock University seeks to provide an environment that is free from sexual harassment and sexual assault. All employees, students and vendors are to comply with federal and state laws and regulations that relate to sexual harassment and sexual assault as well as the provisions of this policy. The coverage

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of this policy extends to persons visiting the campus. It should be clearly understood that the university will take action to prevent sexual harassment and sexual assault, including, if necessary, disciplining those individuals whose behavior violates university policy. For employees, discipline may include, but is not limited to, oral or written warning, transfer, suspension or dismissal. The procedures for processing a sexual harassment and sexual assault complaint against a student (student to student or allegations where the alleged offender is a student) are described in and governed by the SRU Student Handbook, Student Conduct section. To report a sexual harassment and/or sexual assault complaint against a student and discuss options, contact the Office of Student Conduct, 008 Old Main, 724-738-2134. Sexual harassment includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, sexual violence (including dating violence, domestic violence and stalking) and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature constitute sexual harassment when: 1. Submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual's education or employment; or 2. Submission to, or rejection of, such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for academic or employment decisions affecting the individual's welfare; or 3. Such conduct is so severe or pervasive that it has the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with an individual's welfare, academic or work performance, or creates an intimidating, hostile, offensive or demeaning education or work environment. Furthermore, as provided by the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights, sexual harassment also consists of verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature, imposed on the basis of gender, that denies, limits, differentiates, or conditions the provision of aid, benefits, services, or treatment protected under Title IX. Whether the victim and the person accused of harassment are of the same gender, or different genders, does not, in and of itself, determine whether any particular situation constitutes sexual harassment. Sexually harassing conduct may include but is not limited to verbal, physical, written, graphic, pictorial, and sexual violence incidents. Not every act that may be offensive to an individual or group constitutes sexual harassment. In determining whether sexual harassment or sexual assault has occurred, the totality of the circumstances surrounding the incident must be carefully reviewed and due consideration must be given to the protection of individuals’ rights, freedom of speech, academic freedom, and advocacy. Complaints of sexual harassment and sexual assault, including dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking, will be reviewed from a standard of a “reasonable person” of the same gender as the complainant. For purposes of this policy, even if the behavior is not sufficiently severe or pervasive to constitute a basis for an award of damages or other relief to a victim under state or federal law, Slippery Rock

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University may still issue disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employees, so long as the acts committed by an employee are a sufficient basis on which to issue discipline as determined by university policy and provide the employee to his/her right to due process. The university may also discipline employees if the behavior meets just cause and other applicable standards in the appropriate collective bargaining agreement. Nothing in this policy may be taken to in any way modify or contradict the substantive and/or procedural rules provided by any applicable collective bargaining agreement or policy or procedure/standard of the Board of Governors of the State System of Higher Education. For additional information regarding this policy, please visit the Diversity and Equal Opportunity Office website: http://www.sru.edu/offices/diversity-and-equal-opportunity/policies-procedures-samples-and-forms.

Student Retention

The mission of the BIT is to provide a venue for addressing students who exhibit behaviors of concern; particularly those who demonstrate the potential for violence toward self or others. Specifically, the policies address activities that are disruptive to the mission of the University, as well as any suicidal or self-injurious threats or behaviors. The BIT has been charged with upholding these policies and maintaining a healthy environment for the entire SRU community. Additional information can be found on the Slippery Rock University Health and Wellness webpage: http://www.sru.edu/life-at-sru/health-and-wellness/behavioral-intervention-team.

Hazing Policy

The Athletics Department does not and will not condone any form of hazing related to student-athletes on any intercollegiate athletic teams. Hazing is defined as “any activity expected of someone joining a group that humiliates, degrades, abuses or endangers, or is illegal; regardless of the person’s willingness to participate. This does not include activities such as rookies carrying the balls and/or team equipment, team parties with appropriate games, or going out with your teammates, unless the atmosphere of humiliation, degradation, abuse or danger arises.” It is expected that the coach/coaches of athletic teams in the department will be aware of, have knowledge of, and impose sanctions over such activities. It is further expected that no such activity will be tolerated and that teams will abide by this department policy which is consistent with the SRU Code of Conduct. Administrators, coaches, team captains, and all athletes shall be expected to accept responsibility and act with integrity and civility with regard to this issue. This includes not only refraining from engaging in hazing activities; but also enforcing the sanctions placed on them and reporting to the administration any knowledge of such activities within the department. Cases involving hazing will be referred directly to the Office of Student Conduct.

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Athletic Department Code of Conduct

Introduction

There are special responsibilities and requirements that accompany being a student-athlete and representing Slippery Rock University. The University expects its student-athletes to demonstrate academic honesty and integrity, to train and strive for their highest degree of athletic excellence, and to conduct themselves as responsible citizens. Student-athletes are expected to conduct themselves, both on and off campus, in a manner that brings respect to SRU and its athletic teams. Every student-athlete is expected to abide by the SRU Code of Conduct, including all University policies, the NCAA guidelines, and PSAC regulations, in addition to adhering with all state and federal laws. Student-athletes are also accountable to the team rules and regulations specified by their respective head coach, if those team rules are on file with the Faculty Athletic Representative (FAR). If a student-athlete’s head coach or the Athletics Director believes the student-athlete engaged in misconduct, they may, at that time, reprimand the student-athlete, suspend the student-athlete from the team, or impose conditions of probation on the student-athletes continued participation on the team.

Guidelines

1. Student-athletes are expected to attend class regularly and punctually. Each student-athlete is responsible for notifying his or her instructor of absences relating to home and away athletic contests. If a student-athlete expects to miss a class due to athletically-related competition, then he or she must show his or her professor a blue card at the beginning of the term. These letters can be obtained by a student-athlete’s coach or in the Athletic Director’s Office. If there are complications with a professor and missed class time, notify the FAR immediately.

2. Student-athletes may not sell or receive value for: a. Tickets to University athletic events; b. Athletic Department equipment/clothing/awards issued by the department or

provided by sponsors; c. Their autographs for personal appearances.

3. Student-athletes are advised the legal drinking age in the state of Pennsylvania is 21. Even students who are of legal drinking age must abide by NCAA, Student Conduct, PSAC, and athletic department rules and regulations relating to alcohol and drug use. Student-athletes are specifically cautioned against illegal or unauthorized use of alcohol, drugs, and other intoxicants and shall not:

a. Use, or be under the influence of, drugs not prescribed by a physician and approved by the NCAA;

b. Drink, be under the influence of, or be in personal possession of alcohol during any intercollegiate event, athletic practice, or on road trips associated with athletic events; or

c. Use tobacco products during any intercollegiate athletic event, athletic practice, on road trips associated with athletic events

Local, State, and Federal Laws

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Student-athletes who are alleged (including arrested or charged) to have broken local, state and/or federal laws will be subject to team and department sanctions upon a case by case review. Violations involving physical and/or sexual violence, use of illegal weapons, or driving while under the influence will be subject to immediate suspension and forwarded to the Office of Student Conduct. For the purposes of this code of conduct, suspension from the team means the student-athlete may not practice, compete, or travel with any SRU intercollegiate athletic team.

Good Sportsmanship Student-athletes are ambassadors of the University and, as a result, hold the responsibility of behaving with dignity and sportsmanship. In this pursuit, student-athletes shall exemplify honesty and good sportsmanship during games and competition. Behavior at all times should reflect positively on the reputation of SRU, the PSAC, and NCAA on and off the field of play, in pre-game comments, and when traveling and competing at other institutions. SRU expects that student-athletes will always maintain an attitude of respect toward our opponents. As models of good sportsmanship, SRU should always look for ways to encourage and appreciate quality play and effort, regardless of whether it’s exhibited by a teammate or an opponent. Additional policies regarding sportsmanship and the PSAC can be found here: http://www.psacsports.org/sports/2008/8/7/SportsmanshipPolicy.aspx.

Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

The Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act (FERPA) or Buckley Amendment is a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. Therefore, SRU, including the Athletics Department, must have written permission from the student in order to release any information from a student’s education record. The privacy act and permission requirement applies not only to parents and guardians, but also to the NCAA and PSAC. Each year, student-athletes will be informed of their privacy rights and will be provided the opportunity to give their consent to disclose their education records to authorized representatives of SRU, the PSAC, the NCAA and other outside parties. Per NCAA rules, a student-athlete may not be able to participate in intercollegiate competition unless they agree to disclose their educational records for the purpose of determining eligibility for intercollegiate athletics, eligibility for athletically related financial aid, for evaluation of school and team academic success, for awards and recognition programs highlighting student-athlete academic success, for purposes of inclusion in summary institutional information reported to the NCAA (and which may be publicly released by it), for NCAA longitudinal research studies, and for activities related to NCAA compliance reviews and athletic certification. Student-athletes will not be identified by name by the NCAA in any such published or distributed information. FERPA does allow SRU to disclose those records, without consent, to the following parties or under the following conditions:

1. School officials with legitimate educational interest 2. Other schools to with a student is transferring 3. Specified officials for audit or evaluation purposes

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4. Appropriate parties in connection with financial aid to a student 5. Organizations conducting certain studies for or on behalf of the school 6. Accrediting organizations 7. To comply with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena 8. Appropriate officials in cases of health and safety emergencies 9. State and local authorities, within a juvenile justice system, pursuant to specific state law

Student-Athlete Parenting and Pregnancy Policy

The Slippery Rock Athletic Department is committed to the personal health and development of all our members, and to the educational mission of our school. We strive to provide an environment that respects all pregnancy and parenting decisions and urges all participants to work cooperatively toward degree completion. This policy sets forth the protections that should be provided for pregnant and parenting students, including those with pregnancy related conditions. It also prohibits retaliation against any student or employee who complains about issues related to the enforcement of this Pregnancy Policy. We want to protect every student-athlete’s physical and psychological health, and their ability to complete their education. Federal Laws Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 bars discrimination on the basis of sex, which includes the guarantee of equal educational opportunity to pregnant and parenting students.i This means that our student-athletes cannot be discriminated against because of their parental or marital status, pregnancy, childbirth, false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, or recovery therefrom.ii In addition, other federal laws may protect a student’s medical information.iii Some actions that may be permissible under NCAA rules are impermissible under federal law, and our institution adheres to federal law. In order to comply with federal law:

Our athletics department will only require a pregnant or parenting student-athlete’s physician to certify physical and emotional fitness as a condition for participating in athletics when such certification is required of student-athletes who experience other temporary disabilities.

Our athletics department will allow a pregnant or parenting student-athlete to fully participate on the team, including team-related activities, unless the student-athlete’s physician or other medical caregiver certifies that participation is not medically safe.

Our athletics department will allow a pregnant student-athlete to continue to participate in a limited manner on the team, including all team-related activities, unless the student-athlete’s physician or other medical caregiver certifies that partial participation is not medically safe.

Medically necessary absences from team activities due to pregnancy shall be considered excused absences.

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No coach or other athletics department personnel shall suggest to any student-athlete that his or her continued participation on a team will be affected in any way by pregnancy or parental or marital status.

Our athletics department will not allow a hostile or intimidating environment on the basis of pregnancy or parental status to exist. Acts or statements that are hostile towards pregnancy or parenting, or that shun or shame the student-athlete because she is pregnant or parenting will not be tolerated. Such conduct prevents an individual from effectively participating in, or denies a person the benefits of, the educational opportunities provided by this institution.

Our athletics department will not terminate or reduce a student-athlete’s athletics aid because of the student-athlete’s pregnancy, marital or parental status during the term of the award.

Students may take a medical pregnancy leave, and at the end of that leave they will be reinstated to the same status they had before the leave.

Our athletics department will renew pregnant, formerly pregnant, or parenting student-athlete’s aware, so long as the student-athlete is in good standing academically, remains engaged with our athletics department and meets NCAA eligibility standards. Returning students may be evaluated in the same manner as any other team member to determine their specific position on the team, such as starter or as a forward.

Our athletics department will not permit the use of any written or verbal contract that requires a student-athlete to not get pregnant or become a parent as a condition of receiving an athletics award.

Our athletics department will provide health benefits for pregnancy, including counseling, physical examinations, medical treatment, surgical expenses, medication, rehabilitation and physical therapy expenses and dental expenses, to the same degree that student-athletes who experience other temporary disabilities are provided these benefits.

Our pregnant and formerly pregnant students who wish to continue to participate in athletics are entitled to assistance and rehabilitation on the same basis as such assistance is provided to student-athletes with other temporary disabilities.

In order to assist our student-athletes:

Our athletics department will help the pregnant or parenting student-athlete plan for his or her continued academic progress, in accord with the university’s educational mission.

Our athletics department will help the student-athlete return to sport after pregnancy and during parenting, if the student-athlete so desires.

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Our athletics department will assist the student-athlete to access the pregnancy and parenting support resources available to all college students.

Our athletics department will publish this Policy in the publicly available Student-Athlete Handbook, make this Policy available to student-athletes and their families on-line, and provide specific education on this Policy for all student-athletes and their families.

Our athletics department, in conjunction with the team physician, the Faculty Athletics Representative, the Senior Women’s Administrator, Team Certified Athletic Trainers and others designated by the President, will regularly review student-athlete pregnancy and parenting cases as they occur to monitor compliance with this Policy.

Reporting:

Our athletics department will not require any student-athlete to reveal pregnancy or parenting status. Our department will work to create an environment, which encourages the student-athlete to voluntarily reveal her pregnancy and his or her parenting status, in order for our institution to provide optimal support for physical and mental health with professional health care. The coach’s attitude toward pregnancy and parenting can be pivotal in creating such an environment.

No athletics department personnel will publicly release identifiable health information about pregnancy without written, timely authorization from the student-athlete.

When a student-athlete reveals her pregnancy or parenting status to athletics personnel, they should direct the student-athlete to this Policy. They should reiterate the department’s protection of the student-athlete’s team membership status and financial aid. Athletics personnel should refer the student-athlete to the team physician, to the student-athlete’s personal physician, or to the university-designated representative trained in providing information about pregnancy and parenting support options.

Athletics personnel who suspect that a student-athlete is pregnant may report their concerns to the team physician, or to a university designated representative trained in providing information about pregnancy and parenting support options.

Athletics personnel who suspect that a student-athlete is pregnant may report their concerns to the team physician or to a university designated representative trained in pregnancy and parenting support options.

Teammates of pregnant student-athletes may report their concerns to the team physician or to a university designated representative trained in pregnancy and parenting support options.

Enforcement and Non-Retaliation:

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Any member of the athletics department found to have violated this policy by threatening to withhold or withholding athletics participation or an athletics award, by harassing a student-athlete on the basis of pregnancy or parenting status, or by breaching medical confidentiality, will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including discharge or expulsion from the university. The athletics department will also take appropriate remedial action to correct the situation.

Any member of the athletics department who becomes aware of conduct that violates this policy should report the conduct to an appropriate office, such as the Athletics Director, the Assistant Athletics Director for Compliance, or the Faculty Athletics Representative. The athletics department and university will make every effort to prevent public disclosure of the names of all parties involved, except to the extent necessary to carry out the investigation.

Retaliation is specifically prohibited against anyone who complains about pregnancy or parental status discrimination, even if the person was in error about the lawfulness of the conduct complained about. This athletics department will take steps to prevent any retaliation against the individual who made the complaint.

Social Media

The NCAA has developed rules regarding social media sites such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, while fully recognizing the social media world is constantly changing and developing. Divisions I and II look at social networking less in terms of the technology being used and more in terms of its recruiting impact. NCAA rules do not allow comments about possible recruits on an institution’s social media page or a page belonging to someone affiliated with the institution. Coaches and student-athletes are to use extreme discretion when using social media outlets.

Student‐athletes should be aware that third parties - - including the media, faculty, future employers and NCAA officials - - could easily access your profiles and view all personal information. This includes all pictures, videos, comments and posters. Inappropriate material found by third parties affects the perception of the student-athlete, the athletic department and the University. This can

also be detrimental to a student‐athletes future employment options, whether in professional sports or in other industries.

Examples of inappropriate and offensive behaviors concerning participation in online communities may include depictions or presentations of the following:

Photos, videos, comments or posters showing the personal use of alcohol, drugs and tobacco e.g., no holding cups, cans, shot glasses etc.

Photos, videos, and comments that are of a sexual nature. This includes links to websites of a pornographic nature and other inappropriate material.

Pictures, videos, comments or posters that condone drug-related activity. This includes but is not limited to images that portray the personal use of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

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Content online that is unsportsmanlike, derogatory, demeaning or threatening toward any other individual or entity (examples: derogatory comments regarding another institution; taunting comments aimed at a student-athlete, coach or team at another institution and derogatory comments against race and/or gender). No posts should depict or encourage unacceptable, violent or illegal activities (examples: hazing, sexual harassment/assault, gambling, discrimination, fighting, vandalism, academic dishonesty, underage drinking, and illegal drug use).

Content online that would constitute a violation of PSAC or NCAA rules (examples: commenting publicly about a prospective student-athlete, providing information related to sports wagering activities; soliciting impermissible extra benefits).

Information that is sensitive or personal in nature or is proprietary to the SRU Athletic Department or the university, which is not public information (examples: tentative or future team schedules, student-athlete injuries and eligibility status, travel plans/itineraries or information).

For your own safety, please keep the following recommendations in mind as you participate in social media websites:

Set your security settings so that only your friends can view your profile.

You should not post your email, home address, local address, telephone number(s), or other personal information as it could lead to unwanted attention, stalking, identity theft, etc.

Be aware of who you add as a friend to your site – many people are looking to take

advantage of student‐athletes or to seek connection with student‐athletes.

Consider how the above behaviors can be reflected in all Facebook applications. If you are ever in doubt of the appropriateness of your online public material, consider whether it upholds and positively reflects your own values and ethics as well as The Rock Athletic Department’s and the University’s. Remember, always present a positive image and don’t do anything to embarrass yourself, the team, your family or the University.

Drug Testing

NCAA Drug Testing

Any student-athlete may be tested by the NCAA or SRU at any time during the year. NCAA Drug testing is conducted by Drug Free Sport with the assistance of the SRU head athletic trainer. If the NCAA test confirms that the student-athlete used a banned drug, the NCAA declares the student-athlete ineligible for further participation in postseason and regular-season competition for (1) calendar year following the positive test and until the student-athlete re-tests negative. Further, NCAA legislation specifies that student-athletes who test positive will lose at least one (1) season of competition or the equivalent of one (1) season during their period of ineligibility.

Use of Tobacco NCAA legislation prohibits the use of tobacco products by student-athletes, coaches and game official during practice and competition in all sports. A student-athlete using tobacco products during practice or competition is disqualified for the remainder of practice or competition.

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Slippery Rock Alcohol, Tobacco and Drug Testing Policy Please see addendum on page 41.

Student-Athlete Procedures

NCAA Transfer and Student-Athlete Appeal

Under NCAA rules, an SRU student-athlete is not permitted to have direct or indirect contact with a staff member of another NCAA institution without first obtaining written permission to do so from the SRU Compliance Department. If permission is denied, the certifying NCAA institution cannot have contact with the student-athlete (or the student-athlete's friends or relatives) or otherwise encourage the transfer. If the student-athlete elects to transfer despite the denial, the certifying institution may not provide the student-athlete with an athletics scholarship until the student-athlete has attended the institution as a full-time student for one academic year. When a student-athlete transfers to another NCAA institution, it is common for the student-athlete to request permission to utilize the "one-time transfer exception" in order to be immediately eligible for competition upon transferring. If permission is denied, the student-athlete is not permitted to compete on behalf of the certifying institution until the student-athlete has attended the certifying institution as a full-time student for one academic year (unless the student-athlete qualifies for another exception to the NCAA transfer rule). Whenever a request for permission to contact or permission to use the one-time transfer exception is denied, NCAA rules require that SRU provide the student-athlete with written notification of the denial. In addition, SRU must inform the student-athlete in writing of the student-athletes right to request a hearing to contest the denial. All such hearings must be conducted by a committee outside of the athletics department, The University Athletic Council.

Policies and Procedures

SRU and the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics are committed to the fair treatment of student-athletes who decide to transfer to other institutions or who are interested in discussing a possible transfer with other institutions. The following policies and procedures shall be followed in all cases.

(a) Requesting Permission. If a student-athlete wishes to receive permission to contact another institution or use the one-time transfer exception, the student-athlete shall make the request to the Assistant Athletic Director in writing. In cases where the student-athlete directs transfer requests to the Assistant Athletic Director, the student-athlete should understand that the request will be discussed with the Head Coach. Note: On occasion, the request will not come from the student-athlete, but the certifying institution to which the student-athlete wishes to transfer or has transferred. The policies and procedures outlined below will govern such requests as well.

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(b) Notification of Decision and Right to Hearing. After conferring with the Head Coach, the Assistant Athletic Director shall initiate the paperwork. If appropriate in particular cases, the Head Coach and/or the Assistant Athletic Director shall consult with the Director of Athletics regarding the request. The student-athlete also shall have the right to discuss the request with the Director of Athletics.

(c) If permission is granted, the Assistant Athletic Director or the Head Coach shall inform the student-athlete. The Assistant Athletic Director shall prepare and fax a letter to the institution(s) as promptly as possible, but in no case more than 14-days, indicating that the student-athlete's request for permission has been approved.

(d) If permission is denied, the Assistant Athletic Director shall inform the student-athlete, head coach, director of athletics, and the Faculty Athletics Representative (FAR) of the decision in writing (electronic mail satisfies this component). The Assistant Athletic Director shall inform the student-athlete in writing of the student-athletes right to appeal the decision in accordance with NCAA rules. If permission was requested by another NCAA institution, the Assistant Athletic Director shall ensure that the decision to deny permission is provided to the certifying institution as quickly as possible, but in more case more than 14-days.

(e) Request for Hearing. If a student-athlete wishes to request a hearing to appeal the decision

to deny permission to contact or use the one-time transfer, the student-athlete must submit a written request to the Chair of the University Athletic Council (FAR). The written request for a hearing must be submitted within 14-days from the date of the Assistant Athletic Director’s written notification that permission was denied. The student-athlete’s request for a hearing must describe the reasons the student-athlete believes that the decision to deny should be overturned or modified.

(f) Hearing Committee. All hearings under this policy shall be conducted by the University

Athletics Committee (UAC). NCAA rules require that the Committee consist exclusively of individuals who are employed outside of the athletics department. The Faculty Athletics Representative shall serve as the Chair of the Committee. It shall be the duty of the Chair to rule on procedural matters and the admissibility of evidence during such hearings.

(g) Scheduling the Hearing. After the student-athlete submits the written request for a hearing,

the Chair will contact the UAC to schedule a hearing date. The hearing date and decision shall occur no later than thirty (30) days following the student-athlete’s request. The Chair shall notify the student-athlete, head coach, and Assistant Athletic Director time and place of the hearing. At least three (3) days prior to the scheduled hearing, the Assistant Athletic Director shall provide the Committee, the student-athlete and the UAC: (i) the notification of refusal and right to hearing letter from the Assistant Athletic Director; (ii) the request for hearing letter from the student-athlete; (iii) all supporting documentation submitted by the student-athlete, the Head Coach and/or other parties.

(h) Attendance at the Hearing. The student-athlete and the head coach are required to appear

in-person at the hearing, unless this requirement is waived by the Chair based upon justifiable cause. The Chair may determine to conduct the hearing by telephone conference or based only on the submitted written documentation. The UAC may request that other individuals attend and testify at the hearing as the Committee deems relevant and necessary.

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If the student-athlete wishes to have other individuals (e.g., parents) attend the hearing, the student-athlete must provide a list of names of those individuals and a written request to the Chair at least five business days prior to the hearing. If the request is approved, the other individuals may be present at the hearing to observe but may not participate unless asked to do so by the Committee. The Assistant Athletic Director may be present only for purposes of clarification of the application of NCAA rules.

(i) Hearing Format. The Chair will open the hearing by introducing the parties and Committee

members. The Chair then will summarize the format of the hearing and any rules of procedure. Thereafter, the Chair shall invite the student-athlete to present his or her position and describe the reasons why the student-athlete believes the decision to deny permission should be modified or overturned. The Head Coach then shall have the opportunity to present the rationale for denying permission. The Committee may ask questions of any individual present at the hearing. The student-athlete and head coach each shall have the right to make a concluding remark or closing argument before the hearing is completed. The hearing should not be closed until the Chair has determined that all parties have had a fair and equal opportunity to present their positions. All parties are expected to provide truthful information to the Committee and treat the Committee and other parties with dignity and respect throughout the process.

(j) Deliberations and Notice of Decision. Immediately following the hearing, the Committee

shall meet privately to deliberate. The Committee's decision shall be based on a majority vote. The Committee shall have the option to modify, affirm or overturn the decision to deny permission to contact and/or use the one-time transfer exception. Once a decision is reached, the Chair shall notify the student-athlete and the Head Coach of the Committee's decision. The Chair shall send a formal decision letter to the student-athlete, with copies to the Head Coach, Director of Athletics and Assistant Athletic Director. If the student-athlete prevails at the hearing and decides to grant the student-athlete's request for permission, the Assistant Athletic Director shall prepare and fax a letter to the institution(s) as promptly as possible.

(k) Confidentiality and Finality. The documentation submitted to the Committee, the testimony

at the hearing and the Committee's deliberations must remain confidential. In accordance with NCAA rules, the Committee’s decision is final, and there are no further avenues of appeal.

Other Grievance Procedures

SRU Athletics strives to provide fair and equitable treatment in all areas related to student-athlete welfare. Student-athletes who have a complaint are entitled to a fair and expedient response to their complaint. Such complaints may include, but are not limited to: harassment, hazing, NCAA violations, issues with coaches, issues with athletic administration, or team/program environment. Student-athletes may also have a choice in the forum their complaint is heard.

Title IX

All cases involving Title IX and Diversity and Equal Opportunity should be sent to the Diversity and Equal Opportunity Office.

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More information can be found here: http://www.sru.edu/offices/diversity-and-equal-opportunity/policies-procedures-samples-and-forms. Contact information: 727-738-2016.

Academic Issues

For issues relating to academics (e.g., grades, missed class and/or assignments) it is recommended that the student-athlete talk to the instructor. If not resolved, the student-athlete should seek assistance from a member of the coaching staff. If the issue continues to go unresolved, the student-athlete should request assistance in writing from the Faculty Athletic Representative (FAR). The FAR will communicate on the student-athlete’s behalf and deliver any findings directly to the student-athlete and/or the coach. Information may also be relayed to the Assistant Athletic Director/SWA.

Athletic and Program Environment

For a student that wishes to have a forum outside of the Athletics Department the UAC is available. If the student-athlete experiences negative or harmful situations related to the athletic and/or team environment they should notify the FAR (chair of the UAC) in writing. The initial notification to the FAR does not have to include all complaints, but should alert the FAR that there are issues present. These issues could be related to but not limited to: suspension from competition, medical treatment, abuse (emotional or physical) by coaching staff or athletic staff member, hazing. The FAR will review the case and mediate a resolution with the UAC. The FAR will determine if all UAC members can be present, excluding those where conflicts of interest rise. If this procedure does not resolve the conflict, the FAR can take the UAC determination to the President for further review and action.

NCAA and Conference Rules

Student-athletes who have questions or concerns regarding a coach or athletic department constituent’s correct application of NCAA or Conference rules and regulations should contact the Assistant Athletic Director for Compliance. In addition, concerns can be reported to the Faculty Athletic Representative. All issues will be investigated per the direction and in accordance with the policies and procedures of the Athletics Compliance Office.

Student-Athlete Compliance

NCAA Paperwork All NCAA paperwork will be done electronically. This paperwork must be completed prior to participation in practice and competition.

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Student-Athlete Statement

Each year before participation in intercollegiate athletics the student-athlete shall sign a statement in which the student-athlete submits information related to eligibility, recruitment, financial aid, amateur status, previous positive drug tests administered by any other athletics organization and involvement in organized gambling activities related to intercollegiate or professional athletics competition. This form is sent electronically through the NCAA Compliance Forms system at nobody@ncaa.org. This form is required to be completed prior to the compliance meeting at the beginning of preseason practice for fall championship sports, and the beginning of the academic year for all other championship sports. As student-athletes are added, they must complete this form prior to beginning practice. This form is placed in the student-athlete’s individual file in the compliance office.

Drug-Testing Consent Form

Each academic year, a student-athlete shall sign a form in which the student-athlete consents to be tested for the use of drugs prohibited by NCAA Legislation. A student-athlete shall complete and sign the consent form before practice or competition or before the Monday of the fourth week of classes, whichever is earlier. This form is sent electronically through the NCAA Compliance Forms system at nobody@ncaa.org. This form is required to be completed prior to the compliance meeting at the beginning of preseason practice for fall championship sports, and the beginning of the academic year for all other championship sports. As student-athletes are added, they must complete this form prior to beginning practice. If the student-athlete is a minor, this form must be signed by a parent or guardian. Each student-athlete will be given a list of banned drug classes and notified that changes may be made during the academic year. This form is placed in the student-athlete’s individual file in the compliance office. A student-athlete who is trying out for a team is not required to complete the NCAA Drug-Testing Consent for 14-consecutive calendar days from the first date the student-athlete engages in countable athletically related activities or before the student-athlete participates in competition, whichever occurs first.

Promotions Waiver A student-athlete may promote, appear and support a member institution, member conference, or noninstitutional charitable organization provided certain criteria are met. A student-athlete must sign a promotions waiver to have their name, or picture used to promote the educational or charitable institution. The promotional activities must be approved in the compliance office.

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FERPA Waiver

A student-athlete must sign this form to have their academic information released to other institutions or organizations.

Academic Eligibility Requirements

Progress Towards Degree – Path to Graduation

Beginning August 1, 2016 all Division II student-athletes will have to be certified for eligibility based on the following regulations:

Term by Term Credit Hour Requirement

To be eligible to represent an institution in intercollegiate athletics competition, a student-athlete must earn nine-semester hours (9) of academic credit the preceding regular academic term in which the student-athlete has been enrolled full time at any collegiate institution (only the fall and spring semesters can be used to satisfy this provision).

Annual Credit Hour Requirement

To be eligible to represent an institution in intercollegiate athletics competition, a student-athlete must earn 24-semester hours of academic credit during any year in which the student-athlete is enrolled full time in at least one academic term. A student-athlete may satisfy this requirement based on the student-athlete earning: (a) 24-semester hours since the beginning of the previous fall term; or (b) 24-semester hours since the beginning of the certifying institution’s preceding regular two semesters (spring/fall); or (c) 48-semester hours during the first two years of collegiate enrollment (the certifying institution's first four semesters following the student-athlete's initial full-time enrollment in a collegiate institution).

Hours Earned During the Regular Academic Year

To be eligible to represent an institution in intercollegiate athletics competition, a student-athlete must complete 18-semester hours since the beginning of the previous fall term or since the beginning of the certifying institutions preceding regular two semesters. Credit hours earned in the period after the regular academic year at the institution (e.g., hours earned in summer school) shall not be used to satisfy the academic credit-hour requirements of this regulation. However, credit hours earned during the winter term can be used to satisfy this provision. (*Note, while the credit hours earned during the winter term can satisfy the 18-credit hour provision, they cannot be used to satisfy the term-by-term credit hour requirement).

Fulfillment of Minimum Grade-Point Average Requirements

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To be eligible to represent an institution in intercollegiate athletics competition, a student-athlete must achieve a minimum cumulative grade-point average of 2.000 prior to the beginning of each fall term. The eligibility of a student-athlete who does not satisfy the grade-point average requirement prior to the fall term may be recertified prior to the next regular academic term.

Designation of Degree

A student-athlete shall designate a program of studies leading toward a specific baccalaureate degree at the certifying institution by the beginning of the third year of enrollment (fifth semester) and thereafter shall make progress toward that specific degree. This provision shall be applicable to the eligibility not only of a continuing student, but also of a transfer student from a four-year or two-year collegiate institution who is entering his or her third year of collegiate enrollment, even if the student has not yet completed an academic year in residence or used a season of eligibility in a sport at the certifying institution.

Additional Application of Eligibility Requirements

Calculation of Credit Hours

Credit hours under the progress-towards-degree regulation shall be based on hours earned or accepted for degree credit at SRU in a student-athlete’s specific baccalaureate degree program are as follows: (a) During the first two years of enrollment, a student-athlete may use credits acceptable toward any of the institution's degree programs; (b) By the beginning of the third year of enrollment (fifth semester), a student-athlete shall be required to have designated a program of studies leading toward a specific baccalaureate degree. From that point, the credits used to meet progress-toward-degree requirements must be degree credit toward the student's designated degree program;

(c) A student-athlete who has designated a specific degree program with an identified major may not use a course to fulfill the credit-hour requirement for meeting progress toward degree even if the course fulfills an elective component of the student-athlete's degree program, if the student ultimately must repeat the course to fulfill the requirements of the student's major; and

(d) A student-athlete may use a maximum of six credit hours per semester from a designated (voluntary or required) minor to satisfy PTD requirements.

Incomplete Grades

A student-athlete who receives an incomplete grade in a course may use the course in question to satisfy the progress-toward-degree requirements provided:

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(a) The incomplete grade must have been removed and recorded in accordance with the institution's regulations applicable to all students; (b) Such a course may be counted only once after a grade has been achieved that is acceptable to the institution for determining progress-toward-degree; and (c) In the case of no institutional policy, the course with the acceptable grade shall be counted either during the term in which the student initially enrolled in the course or during the term in which the incomplete grade was removed and acceptable credit was awarded.

There may be limited situations where a student-athlete having an incomplete can keep them from competition until the incomplete is replaced with a satisfactory grade.

Repeated Courses

Credit for courses that are repeated may be used by a student-athlete to satisfy the progress-toward-degree requirements provided: (a) A course repeated due to an unsatisfactory initial grade may be used only once and only after it has been satisfactorily completed; (b) Credit for a course that may be taken several times (e.g., a physical education activities course) shall be limited by institutional regulations; and (c) Credits earned in courses that may be taken several times may not exceed the maximum institutional limit for credits of that type for any baccalaureate degree program (or for the student-athlete's specific baccalaureate degree program once a program has been designated).

Ethical Conduct

(a) You must act with honesty and sportsmanship at all times so that you represent the honor and dignity of fair play and the generally recognized high standards associated with wholesome competitive sports. [NCAA Bylaw 10.01.1]

(b) You have engaged in unethical conduct if you refuse to furnish information relevant to an investigation of a possible violation of an NCAA regulation when requested to do so by the NCAA or your institution. [Bylaw 10.1-(a)]

(c) You are not eligible to compete if you knowingly provide information to individuals involved in organized gambling activities concerning intercollegiate athletics competition; solicit a bet on any intercollegiate team; accept a bet on any team representing the institution or solicit or accept a bet on any intercollegiate competition for any item (e.g., cash, shirt, dinner) that has tangible value. [Bylaw 10.3]

(d) You are not eligible to compete if you knowingly participate in any gambling activity that involves intercollegiate or professional athletics through a bookmaker, a parlay card, or any

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other method employed by organized gambling. [Bylaw 10.3]

(e) You are not eligible to complete if you have shown dishonesty in evading or violating NCAA regulations. [Bylaws 10.1 and 14.01.3.3]

Amateurism

(a) You are not eligible for participation in a sport if after initial full-time collegiate enrollment you have ever:

1) Taken pay, or the promise of pay, for competing in that sport [Bylaws 12.1.4-(a) and 12.1.4-(b);

2) Agreed (orally or in writing) to compete in professional athletics in that sport [Bylaw 12.1.4-(e)];

3) Played on any professional athletics team as defined by the NCAA in that sport [Bylaws 12.1.4-(g) and 12.2.3.2]; or

4) Used your athletics skill for pay in any form in that sport. [Bylaw 12.1.2]

(b) You are not eligible in a sport if you ever have accepted money, transportation or other benefits from an agent, or agreed to have an agent market your athletics ability or reputation in that sport. [Bylaw 12.3]

(c) You are not eligible in any sport if, after you become a student-athlete, you accept any pay for promoting a commercial product or service, or allowed your name or picture to be used for promoting a commercial product or service. [Bylaw 12.5.2]

(d) You are not eligible in any sport if, because of your athletics ability, you were paid for work you did not perform, were paid at a rate higher than the going rate, or were paid for the value an employer placed on your reputation, fame or personal following. [Bylaw 12.4]

Fundraising

NCAA Division II institutions should note that NCAA amateurism rules govern the fundraising activities of student-athletes. It is important that funds raised by student-athletes to supplement team costs be obtained and dispersed in accordance with NCAA amateurism rules so as not to jeopardize the student-athlete's eligibility for intercollegiate competition in that sport. It is permissible for an individual to participate in fundraising activities for a team, including activities that involve the use of athletics ability (e.g., swim-a-thons, free-throw shooting, 5-k runs); however, a student-athlete may not receive a benefit based upon athletics skill or reputation. Also, a student-athlete may not have a personal sponsor other than an individual upon whom the student-athlete is naturally or legally dependent. The funds raised cannot be solicited on behalf of or earmarked for any particular individual. It is also not permissible for an individual's ability to participate in an upcoming competition or event, including practices in preparation for such competition, be contingent on the amount of money raised by the individual or whether he or she

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participates in the fundraising activity. As such, funds raised must be provided to the team or institution as a general donation, rather than as a credit toward a specific student-athlete's expenses. In addition, all donations should clearly indicate that they are made directly to the institution (e.g., a check should not be made out directly to the student-athlete). Examples of prohibited activities include crediting funds raised towards an individual's specific expenses and the use of solicitation materials requesting funds for a specific named individual.

Seasons of Competition

The following rules are applicable to all Division II student-athletes first entering a collegiate institution on or after August 1, 2010: If you did not enroll in a collegiate institution as a full-time student in the regular academic term that begins immediately after a one-year time period (the next opportunity to enroll after the one calendar-year period has elapsed) following high school graduation, you have used one season of intercollegiate competition for each consecutive 12-month period after the one-year time period and before initial full-time collegiate enrollment in which you participated in organized competition. [Bylaws 14.2.4.2 and 14.2.4.2.1.2]

(a) Activities constituting use of a season:

1) Any competition that is scheduled in advance; 2) Any competition in which official score is kept; 3) Any competition in which individual or team standings or statistics are maintained; 4) Any competition in which an official timer or game officials are used; 5) Any competition in which admission is charged; 6) Any competition in which teams are regularly formed or team rosters are

predetermined; 7) Any competition in which team uniforms are used; 8) Any competition in which an individual or team is privately or commercially

sponsored; or 9) Any competition that is either directly or indirectly sponsored, promoted or

administered by an individual, an organization or any other agency. [Bylaw 14.2.4.2.1.2]

(b) If you discontinued high school enrollment before graduation and participated in any of the activities constituting use of a season, you have used one season of intercollegiate competition for each consecutive 12-month period after a one-year time period (the next opportunity to enroll after one calendar year has elapsed) following the discontinued enrollment and before initial full-time collegiate enrollment. [Bylaw 14.2.4.2.1.1.3]

(c) If you have used a season(s) of competition according to the regulations above, you must fulfill an academic year in residence at any member institution prior to being eligible to represent your institution in that specific sport in intercollegiate competition. [Bylaw 14.2.4.2.1.3]

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Other Regulations Concerning Eligibility

(a) You are not eligible to participate in more than four seasons of intercollegiate competition in any one sport. [Bylaw 14.2]

(b) You are not eligible after the first 10 semesters or 15 quarters in which you were enrolled at a collegiate institution in at least a minimum full-time program of studies as determined by the institution, except for extensions that have been approved in accordance with NCAA legislation.

(c) You are eligible at an institution other than the institution from which you have received or satisfied the requirements for a baccalaureate degree or an equivalent degree and you have eligibility remaining as set forth in Bylaw 14.2.2.

(d) You are eligible for championships that occur within 60 days of the date you complete the requirements for your degree.

All Sports Other Than Basketball You are not eligible in your sport for the rest of your season if, after enrollment in college and during any year in which you were a member of an intercollegiate team, you competed as a member of any outside team in any non-collegiate, amateur competition in the sport during the playing season. Competing in the Olympic Games tryouts and competition, and other specified national and international competition is permitted.

Basketball Only

(a) You are not eligible if, after you become a student-athlete, you participate in any organized basketball competition except while representing the institution in intercollegiate competition. Competing in the Olympic Games tryouts and competition, and other specified national and international competition is permitted.

(b) There are no restrictions on the participation of Division II student-athletes in outside basketball competition during the summer.

Fulltime Enrollment

To be eligible for practice and competition, a student-athlete shall be enrolled in at least a minimum full-time program of studies leading to a baccalaureate or equivalent degree as defined by the institution, which for purposes of this bylaw and its subsections shall not be less than 12-semester hours, regardless of the institution’s definition of a minimum full-time program of studies.

Nontraditional Courses

Enrollment in nontraditional courses (e.g., distance learning) offered by the institution may be used to satisfy full-time enrollment requirement for competition.

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Final Semester A student-athlete with athletics eligibility remaining may compete or participate in organized practice sessions while enrolled in less than a minimum full-time program of studies, provided the student-athlete is enrolled in the final semester of the baccalaureate program and the institution certifies that the student-athlete is carrying (for credit) the courses necessary to complete the degree requirements. The letter from your academic advisory will need to state:

1. The courses you are enrolled in; 2. The courses are necessary to complete your degree requirements for graduation; 3. And that upon successful completion of the courses you will graduate in that semester.

Awards and Benefits An extra benefit is any special arrangement by a University employee, booster, alumnae/alumni or anyone

a student-athlete is not legally dependent on, that provides a student-athlete or their relatives or friends a benefit not authorized by the NCAA. Receipt by a student-athlete of any such award, benefit, or expense allowance not authorized by the NCAA legislation renders the student-athlete ineligible. Student-athletes are permitted to receive expenses from SRU that are directly related to travel and competition while representing the University, as well as any expenses included in scholarship agreements. Receipt of any other monetary or tangible benefit from anyone outside of the Athletic Department is not permitted. Student-athletes may not receive any of the following from a University employee, booster or alumnae/alumni:

1. Special “discounts” 2. Free or reduced-cost services 3. Use of credit cards 4. Giving, signing or cosigning loans 5. Use of an automobile

Complimentary Admissions

Student-athletes are permitted four complementary admissions to the home contests in which they are participants in.

(Football & Basketball)

Student-Athletes receive four (4) complimentary admissions for each home game. Recipients name must be typed beside the correct SA. SA must also sign below his/her name for confirmation. If there is no signature recipient(s) will not receive complimentary admission. Recipients must show identification, sign the complimentary list, and then receive ticket(s) to enter the game. Recipients under 12 can have his/her parent or guardian sign for them. Complimentary ticket lists are located

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at the Will Call Booth (football) at the entrance of Mihalik Thompson Stadium and the main Ticket Booth (basketball) at the entrance of Morrow Field House.

Football Only

The Tuesday before each home game a Google document will be emailed to all student-athletes, student-managers, and student-trainers. You will have until Thursday at 1:00pm to have all names entered on the document. The list will then be printed and provided to the coaching staff to collect signatures during Thursday’s practice. You will not have an opportunity to add names once the list has been printed and presented to the coach for signatures. The coaching staff will submit the list to the Assistant Athletics Director on Friday by noon for approval.

Basketball Only

The day before each home game a Google document will circulate amongst all the SAs, student-managers, and student-trainers. You will have until close of business (4:30pm) to have all names entered on the document. The list will then be printed and provided to the coach in charge to collect signatures that night before/after practice. You will not have an opportunity to add names once the list has been printed and presented to the coach for signatures. The coach in charge will submit the list to Assistant Athletic Director on game day by noon for approval. On weekend (Sat/Sun) games, two lists will circulate for each game. Please fill out both lists at the same time. There will not be an opportunity to fill a second list out once both are printed and presented for signatures. Handwritten entries will not be accepted. To complete your entry you must use a computer. The link will not work from your cell phone or tablet.

Occasional Meals

A student-athlete or the entire team in a sport may receive an occasional meal in the locale of the

university on an infrequent and special occasion from a SRU staff member. Staff members may provide reasonable transportation to the student-athletes to attend any such meals. These meals may also be provided by representatives of athletics interests, provided the meal is in the individual’s home.

Procedures for Providing Occasional Meal

1. The coach or staff member that will be providing the meal must complete and submit an Occasional Meal Form to the Compliance Director.

2. The Compliance Director and the Associate Athletics Director will review the list of student-athletes, checking on the occurrence of any prior meals.

3. The Compliance Director will notify the coach or staff member making the request if the meal was approved or denied.

Logos and Apparel

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A student-athlete may use athletics equipment or wear athletics apparel that bears the trademark or logo of an athletics equipment or apparel manufacturer in athletics competition and pre-and post-game activities provided:

1. Athletics equipment: shall bear only the manufacturer’s normal label or trademark, as it is used on all such items for sale to the general public; and

2. The SA’s institution’s uniform and all other items of apparel (e.g., socks, head bands, t-shirts, wrist bands, visors, or hats) shall bear only a single manufacturer’s or distributor’s normal label or trademark (regardless of the visibility of the label), not to exceed 2 ¼ square inches in area.

It is important to keep in mind that the student-athlete can only have one logo per article of clothing. This is for apparel that student-athletes wear when they report for competition and in competition, including accessories (headbands, wristbands, socks). Time spent on the bus or while traveling would not be included.

Adidas Sponsored School

Rock Athletics is an Adidas sponsored school. Student-athletes have the ability to purchase apparel, shoes, and hard goods. We ask that you go through your coaching staff to purchase these items.

Student-Athlete Employment

The compliance director will review all NCAA regulations governing on and off-campus employment for student-athletes in the required yearly NCAA Eligibility Meetings. All on and off-campus employment is reviewed and monitored in the Compliance Office throughout the year.

Off-Campus Employment

1. All student-athletes are required to complete and submit employment information on the student-athlete information sheet.

2. Information on the form includes the employer’s name, address, work that is going to be performed, and the wage that will be paid.

On-Campus Employment

1. All student-athletes are contacted by the financial aid office to notify them of any work study awarded. However, at any time, a student-athlete can go to the financial aid office if they have questions or are unsure if they have been awarded work study.

2. Student-athletes are responsible for securing their own jobs on campus.

3. The Compliance Director and/or athletics office will get a list form the financial aid or payroll office of all student-athletes who have work study positions.

Camps and Clinics Employment

1. Student-athletes should perform duties of a general supervisory nature in addition to any coaching or officiating duties.

2. Compensation is at the going rate for comparable experience and is not paid on the basis of athletic reputation.

3. Student-athlete who only lectures or demonstrates may not receive compensation.

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4. A student-athlete does not participate in any organized practice activities during camp hours and before/after camp hours.

Financial Aid

(a) You are not eligible if you receive financial aid other than the financial aid that your institution distributes. However, it is permissible to receive:

1) Money from anyone on whom you are naturally or legally dependent;

2) Financial aid that has been awarded to you on a basis other than athletics ability;

3) Financial aid from an entity outside your institution that meets the requirements specified in the Division II Manual; [Bylaw 15.01.3] or

4) On- or off-campus employment earnings, provided the compensation does not include remuneration for value that the student-athlete may have for the employer because of publicity, reputation, fame or personal following; the student-athlete is compensated only for work actually performed; and the student-athlete is compensated at a rate commensurate with the going rate in that locality for similar services. [Bylaw 15.2.3]

(b) You must report to your institution any financial aid that you receive from a source other than your institution. However, you do not need to report financial aid received from anyone on whom you are naturally or legally dependent.

Financial Aid – Hearing Opportunity

In the event that a student-athletes aid is reduced or canceled, The institution's regular financial aid authority shall notify the student-athlete in writing, within 14 consecutive calendar days from the date the student-athlete has been notified of the decision to reduce or cancel aid during the period of the award or the reduction or nonrenewal of aid for the following academic year, of the opportunity for a hearing when institutional financial aid based in any degree on athletics ability is reduced or canceled during the period of the award, or not renewed. The hearing shall be conducted by an institutional entity or committee outside of the athletics department (e.g., financial aid review committee, the office of student affairs, office of the dean of students or a committee composed of the faculty athletics representative, student-athletes and nonathletics faculty/staff members). The notification of the hearing opportunity shall include a copy of the institution's established policies and procedures for conducting the required hearing, including the deadline by which a student-athlete must request the hearing. The institution shall conduct the hearing within 30 consecutive calendar days of receiving a student-athlete's request for the hearing.

Notification of Hearing

Hearing opportunities are provided to those student-athletes that wish to appeal their non-renewal or reduction of athletic-grant-in aid. Student-athletes must follow the process that is provided in writing by the financial aid office. A hearing must be completed within 30-days of the written request of the student-athlete.

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When an award is canceled during the period of award for a permissible reason, the head coach must notify the Athletics Director. The Athletics Director will then notify the financial aid director about the cancellation. The financial aid office will initiate an appeal process if the student-athlete requests an appeal within two weeks date on the letter.

Reduction or Cancellation during Period of Award

AGIA may be reduced or canceled during the period of the award if a student-athlete:

Renders himself or herself ineligible for intercollegiate competition in any manner, which

may include failure to meet academic requirements, signing with an agent, or any other

that that would make a student-athlete ineligible.

Voluntarily quits the team for personal reasons.

Provides any fraudulent information on an application, letter of intent, or financial aid

agreement.

Engages in serious misconduct in violation of the law, NCAA rules, conference and/or

institutional rules.

AGIA may not be reduced or cancelled during the period of the award on the basis of:

A student-athlete’s athletics ability, performance, or contribution to a team’s success.

An injury that prevents the recipient from participating in intercollegiate athletics.

Any other athletics related reason.

Countable Athletically Related Activity (CARA) Countable athletically related activities include any required activity with an athletics purposes, involving student-athletes and at the direction of, or supervised by, any member of an institution’s coaching staff (and in some cases the strength and conditioning coach).

Playing Season The period of time between the institution’s first officially recognized practice and date of last practice or contests, whichever occurs later. There is a maximum of four hours per day and 20 hours per week of CARA. All CARA is prohibited one calendar day per week, except during participation in one conference and postseason championship. Following the final contest, no CARA is permitted for a 14-consecutive calendar day period. SAAC reps will confirm CARA hours every two weeks.

Out-of-Season Outside the playing season, during the academic year, for sports other than football only a student-athletes participation in weight training, conditioning, team activities and/or skill instruction is permitted. CARA is limited to eight hours per week, of which not more than two hours per week may be spent on team

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activities and/or skill instruction. All CARA is prohibited two calendar days per week outside the playing season. There is to be no missed class time for competition, no CARA outside the playing season during any institutional vacation period (e.g. Fall Break, Thanksgiving Break, Christmas Break, etc), and all CARA outside the playing season is prohibited one week prior to the beginning of the institutions final examination period.

Non-championship Segment Sports with a non-championship segment: baseball, cross country, field hockey, lacrosse, soccer, softball, tennis, and volleyball. Newly adopted legislation, effective August 1, 2017: For all sports with a non-championship segment other than Tennis:

Previous Legislation New Legislation (Effective Aug. 1)

45-day window 45-day window

One day off per week Two days off per week

Four hours per day Four hours per day

20 hours per week 15 hours per week

Tennis non-championship segment:

Previous Legislation New Legislation (Effective Aug. 1)

45-day window 60-day window

One day off per week Two days off per week

Four hours per day Four hours per day

20 hours per week 20 hours per week

Hosting a Recruit The student-athlete host plays an important role in the recruiting process. Throughout the academic year, coaches will invite prospective student-athletes (PSA) to visit campus and stay overnight to experience college life. Student-athletes who meet hosting requirements may serve as a student host. As a student

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host, it will be your responsibility to show the PSA the campus and entertain according to the guidelines below.

1. A maximum of $30 per day may be provided to cover the entertainment expenses of both

you and the prospect. You may be provided with an additional $15 per day for each additional prospect you entertain. No cash may be given to the visiting prospect or other student hosts.

2. You may not use vehicles provided, or arranged for, by an institutional staff member or booster. You may not transport the prospect or anyone accompanying the prospect more than 30 miles from the campus.

3. You are responsible for accompanying the recruit at all times, and to contact your coach in case of emergencies

4. You may not use entertainment funds to purchase or otherwise provide the prospect with gifts of value (i.e., souvenirs, clothing, etc…)

5. It is not permissible for a prospective student-athlete to have contact with representatives of athletics interest (i.e. boosters) off campus.

6. When entertaining a prospect on an official visit, the student host must abide by the following:

a. Entertainment, which may not be excessive, on the official visit, is only for a

prospect and the prospect’s parents, legal guardians or spouse.

b. Entertainment and contact by representatives from Slippery Rock University athletics interest (i.e. boosters) during the official visit are confined to campus.

c. Use of funds is not permitted to entertain other relatives or friends (including dates)

of a prospect at any time at any site.

d. Alcohol, drugs, gambling and gaming are prohibited.

Student-Athlete Advisory Committee

Division II SAAC

Purpose: The Division II SAAC serves as the primary governance arm representing student-athlete

interests in Division II affairs. SAAC members serve as student-athlete liaisons that monitor and discuss happenings on campuses, within conference and at the national level.

Representatives are responsible for gathering feedback and reporting on behalf of their conference, as well as relaying important events, hot topics and educational information to both the campus and conference levels. In addition to relaying information across campuses and conferences, the committee speaks on behalf of the entire Division II student-athlete body throughout the NCAA governance structure.

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Division II SAAC members serve as voting members on a number of Division II committees, including the Management Council. The SAAC also has voting authority during the Division II Business Session at the annual NCAA Convention.

The Rock SAAC

The primary purpose of The Rock SAAC is to generate a student-athlete voice within the institution, solicit student-athlete response to proposed NCAA legislation, suggest potential NCAA legislation, organize community service efforts, create a vehicle for student-athlete representation on campus-wide or conference-wide committees, and act as a liaison between student-athletes, faculty, administrators, and staff.

Mission The mission of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee is to enhance the total student-athlete experience by promoting opportunities for all student-athletes; protecting student-athlete well-being; and fostering a positive student-athlete image.

Guiding Principles

The Rock SAAC will be guided by the following principles: ethics, integrity, fairness, leadership and respect for diversity and inclusion.

SAAC Strategic Plan

Goal 1: Protect student-athlete well-being.

Strategies: 1. engage in active membership to advance policies, procedures, and legislation. 2. Improve academic resources to further academic achievement. 3. Provide leadership opportunities to prepare student-athletes for “life after college.”

Goal 2: Athletics as a community.

Strategies: 1. Promote a positive game environment. 2. Use social and multimedia to share student-athlete ideas, experiences, and education. 3. Continue growth of President’s Cup.

Goal 3: Positive student-athlete image on campus and in the community.

Strategies: 1. Develop relationships to increase campus engagement. 2. Cultivate long-term community engagement initiatives. 3. Create innovative ways to fundraise.

Community Service and Community Engagement

The Rock SAAC representatives, by virtue of their roles, are leaders on their athletics teams. However, DII athletics is also about being a leader in the community. This aspiration is encouraged throughout all of our athletics teams and student-athletes.

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Community Service

Community service activities promote team building as well as provide leadership opportunities for The Rock SAAC Representatives. Community service is intended to reach out to the community. This is generally a one-time occurrence with a specific initiative.

Community Engagement

Community engagement is designed and intended to build lasting relationships with the community. This provides opportunities to get to know the campus community and local community better. The goal and objective is to bring the community to campus to experience Division II collegiate events. Through community engagement, student-athletes can direct the energy and spirit of winning to positively changing society.

Make-A-Wish

Since 2003-04, the Division II national SAAC has led a fundraising campaign to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation. This partnership initiated by Division II SAAC, as the first of its kind, and has become a point of pride for Division II and a model for other Divisions. All SAAC groups are expected to take part in Make-A-Wish fundraising activities.

The President’s Cup

The Rock President's Cup is brought to you by The Rock Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC). The President's Cup is designed as a friendly competition within the university's intercollegiate athletics teams to enhance school spirit, develop relationships on campus, engage in the slippery rock community through unity service, and to support fellow student-athletes in competition and academics. The student-athletes and their teams will earn points throughout the academic year by excelling academically and in competition, by participating in events on campus, attending home and away athletics contests in which The Rock is competing, being actively involved in SAAC, and networking on campus. At the end of the academic year the team with the highest total points will win The Rock President's Cup. The winner will be announced at the beginning of each academic year in September.

Categories

The point system will have seven categories. The categories, activities, points and ways to gain points will be assessed each academic year. 1. Academic Excellence; 2. Competition Excellence; 3. Campus Involvement; 4. Community Service; 5. Peer Support; 6. SAAC Leadership; 7. Bonus

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SAAC Roster

Contact and SAAC Roster information will be available at www.rockathletics.com.

Contact information

Athletics

Athletic Training

Stacy Arend Certified Athletic Trainer stacy.arend@sru.edu 724.738.4308

Martin Donahue Certified Athletic Trainer martin.donahue@sru.edu 724.738.2787

Scott Morrison Certified Athletic Trainer scott.morrison@sru.edu 724.738.4677

Jacqueline Crytzer

Certified Athletic Trainer jacqueline.crytzer@sru.edu 724.738.4549

Bonnie Siple Certified Athletic Trainer bonnie.siple@sru.edu 724.738.2930

Molly Parsons Certified Athletic Trainer molly.parsons@sru.edu 724.738.4240

Athletic Communication

Jon Holtz Director of Athletic Communication

jonathan.holtz@sru.edu 724.738.4925

Tyler McIntosh Assistant Director of Athletic tyler.mcintosh@sru.edu 724.738.2777

Athletic Department Office

Paul Lueken Director of Athletics paul.lueken@sru.edu 724.738.2767

Torry Rollins Associate Athletic Director torry.rollins@sru.edu 724.738.4491

Andrea Miller Assistant Athletic Director/SWA andrea.miller@sru.edu 724.738.4279

Joanne Leight Faculty Athletic Representative/UAC Chair joanne.leight@sru.edu 724.738.2795

Erica Razzano Athletic Department Secretary/Fiscal Assistant

erica.razzano@sru.edu 724.738.4117

Travis Wunch Equipment Room Coordinator travis.wunsch@sru.edu 724.738.2792

Noah Hastings Equipment Room Assistant Coordinator noah.hastings@sru.edu 724.738.2792

Abby Way SAAC President mkh1008@sru.edu

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Other Important Numbers

SRU Athletics Department Policy on Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs (ATOD) The use, misuse and abuse of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs, (ATOD) is recognized by the Slippery Rock University Athletic Department to be a major problem in society today. The following program promotes responsible behavior and awareness by Slippery Rock University student-athletes and is meant to support current relevant federal, state, University and community guidelines. This ATOD policy was developed in cooperation with the Athletic Department Administration, Athletic Training Staff, Coaches, and SAAC. Student-athletes live in an environment that often encourages the use of substances to enhance athletic performance or to deal with problems associated with life of a college student. The Slippery Rock University Athletic Department recognizes that ATOD have a detrimental effect upon student-athletes both on and off the athletic field or court. As such, student-athletes occupy a unique status in our society as public role models; therefore, they are held to higher standard than non-student-athletes. The Athletic Department is concerned about the detrimental effects the use, misuse and abuse of ATOD have on mental and physical well-being of student-athletes. The Athletic Department will recommend assistance to student-athletes who request it. However, the unauthorized use, of any NCAA banned substance or the illegal or illicit use, misuse or abuse of alcohol, tobacco or other drug is expressly prohibited by the Slippery Rock University Athletic Department, Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference, and the National Collegiate Athletic Association. Policies The Slippery Rock University Athletic Department supports the current relevant federal, state, University and community guidelines related to ATOD use and abuse. The policies stated within this document are meant to support these guidelines and the Athletic Department shall establish the minimum standards. Team meetings will be held yearly to communicate the ATOD policies, rules and regulations. Coaches are to review with all of their student-athletes all of the Athletic Department and team policies regarding ATOD use and abuse at the beginning of each year. The Slippery Rock University Athletic Department policies are to be reviewed and revised annually. Student athletic trainers are expected to abide by the rules and regulations for the athletic teams they are working with. Consent to Participate (Appendix) As a condition of participation in intercollegiate athletics at Slippery Rock University, each student-athlete will be required to sign a SRU consent form agreeing to undergo drug and alcohol testing and authorizing release of test results in accordance with this policy (See Appendix A). Failure to sign Appendix A will result in suspension from participation or termination of eligibility to participate in intercollegiate athletics at SRU. Student-athletes will be given an opportunity to ask any questions regarding the information contained in the policy, the testing program, or other related issues prior to signing the SRU drug-testing consent form. All SRU student-athletes listed on the institutional squad list and who have signed the institutional consent form shall be subject to drug testing under the terms of this policy. This includes but is not limited to student-athletes who are “red shirting,” student-athletes who are academically ineligible, student-athletes who are injured and 5th year student-athletes who are receiving athletic-related aid and/or using other athletic-

Academic Services

Mark Campbell Academic Services mark.campbell@sru.edu 724.738.4410

Connie Edwards Director – Academic Records constance.edwards@sru.edu 724.738.2226

Leigh Ann Gilmore Dir Student Conduct leighann.gilmore@sru.edu 724.738.2134

Karla Fonner Assistant Director Retention Services karla.fonner@sru.edu 724.738.2121

Renee Bateman Health Promotion Coordinator renee.bateman@sru.edu 724.738.4206

Alyssa Dobson Director of Financial Aid alyssa.dobson@sru.edu 724.738.2220

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related services. All student-athletes shall be subject to drug testing under the terms of this policy throughout the calendar year, including summer. Prohibited Drugs/Substances The SRU drug screening process may include analysis of, but is not limited to, the NCAA list of banned-drug classes. The NCAA banned-drug classes are as follows: stimulants, anabolic agents, diuretics, street drugs, peptide hormones and their related compounds. For an ongoing updated listing of the NCAA banned-drug classes, student-athletes are urged to review the NCAA’s web site at www.ncaa.org or contact the Director of Athletic Medicine or the sport specific athletic trainer. Additional substances that SRU may screen for include alcohol, beta-blockers, opiates, MDMA (Ecstasy), amphetamine/methamphetamine, and flunitrazepam (Rohypnol). SRU explicitly reserves the right to test for substances not listed on the NCAA Banned Drug Classes List and to test at detection levels that vary from those of the NCAA. SRU’s Student-Athlete Drug Education and Drug Testing Program are separate and distinct from the NCAA’s drug testing programs, including but not limited to banned substances, sanctions imposed and levels of detection. Methods of Selection for Drug Testing Unannounced Random Testing All student-athletes who have signed the institutional drug-testing consent form and are listed on the institutional squad list are subject to unannounced random testing at any time. The Director of Athletics or his/her designee will select student-athletes from the official institutional squad lists by using a computerized random number program. Pre-season Screening All student-athletes are subject to pre-season drug testing and may be notified of such by the Director of Athletics or his/her designee at any time prior to their first competition. Team Testing All student-athletes who have signed the institutional drug-testing consent form and are listed on the institutional squad list are subject to unannounced random team testing at any time. The Director of Athletics or his/her designee will select an entire team from the list of teams sponsored by the institution using a computerized random number program. Reasonable Suspicion Screening (Appendix) A student-athlete may be subject to testing at any time when the Director of Athletics or his/her designee determines there is individualized reasonable suspicion to believe the student-athlete may be using a prohibited substance (See Appendix B - Reasonable Suspicion Reporting Form). Such reasonable suspicion may be based on objective information as determined by the Director of Athletics or by an Associate/Assistant Athletic Director, Head Coach, Assistant Coach, Athletics Health Care Administrator, Drug Testing Coordinator, Athletic Trainer, Team Physician, or Academic Counselor and deemed reliable by the Director of Athletics or his/her designee. Reasonable suspicion may be found, but not limited to 1) observed possession or use of substances appearing to be prohibited drugs, 2) arrest or conviction for a criminal offense related to the possession or transfer of prohibited drugs or substances, or 3) observed abnormal appearance, conduct or behavior reasonably interpretable as being caused by the use of prohibited drugs or substances. Among the indicators which may be used in evaluating a student-athlete’s abnormal appearance, conduct or performance are: class attendance, significant GPA changes, athletic practice attendance, increased injury rate or illness, physical appearance changes, academic/athletic motivational level, emotional condition, mood changes, and legal involvement. If reasonable suspicion is verified (see Appendix B - Reasonable Suspicion Reporting Form), the Director of Athletics or his/her designee will notify the student-athlete and the student-athlete must stay with a member of their coaching staff, the athletics administration staff, or the sports medicine staff, until an adequate specimen is produced. Note: The possession and/or use of illegal substances may be determined by means other than urinalysis (e.g., using on-site saliva testing products to determine alcohol consumption). When an individual is found to be in possession and/or using such substances, he/she may be subject to the same procedures that would be followed in the case of a positive urinalysis. Postseason/Championship Screening

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Any participant or team likely to advance to post-season championship competition may be subject to additional testing by the SRU prior to the post-season championship event. Testing may be required of all team members or individual student-athletes at any time within thirty (30) days prior to the post-season competition. If a student-athlete tests positive, he or she will not be allowed to compete at the post-season event unless he or she subsequently tests negative prior to departure for the event and receives permission from the Director of Athletics or his or her designee to compete in the post-season event. Re-entry Testing A student-athlete, who has had his or her eligibility to participate in intercollegiate sports suspended as a result of a drug and/or alcohol violation, may be required to undergo re-entry drug and/or alcohol testing prior to regaining eligibility. The Director of Athletics or his/her designee shall arrange for re-entry testing after the counselor or specialist involved in the student-athlete’s case indicates that re-entry into the intercollegiate sports program is appropriate. Follow-up Testing A student-athlete who has returned to participation in intercollegiate athletics following a positive drug test under this policy may be subject to follow-up testing throughout the remainder of their athletic eligibility. Testing will be unannounced and will be required at a frequency determined by the Athletic Director or his/her designee in consultation with the counselor or specialist involved in the student-athlete’s case. Notification and Reporting for Collections (Appendix) The student-athlete will be notified of and scheduled for testing by the institution. The Director of Athletics or his/her designee will notify the student-athlete, in person or by direct telephone communication, of the date and time to report to the collection station and will have the student-athlete read and sign the Student-Athlete Notification Form (See Appendix C). Notification of student-athletes prior to the administration of any drug tests will occur no more than 24 hours prior to the test. A student-athlete who refuses to provide an adequate urine sample during the testing process, attempts to alter or substitute his or her urine sample, or fails to show up at the designated time, shall be deemed to be in violation of this policy and will be cause for the same action(s) as a positive drug test result. Voluntary Disclosure/Safe Harbor (Appendix) A student-athlete eligible for the Safe Harbor Program may refer himself/ herself for voluntary evaluation, testing and treatment for alcohol or drug problems (See Appendix D – Safe Harbor Acknowledgement Form). A student-athlete is not eligible to enter the Safe Harbor Program: 1. More than one (1) time; 2. After he/she has been informed of an impending drug test; 3. After documentation of a positive drug test; or 4. Thirty (30) days prior to NCAA or Conference postseason competition. SRU will work with the student to prepare a Safe Harbor treatment plan, which may include confidential drug testing. The student-athlete will be tested for banned substances upon entry into the Safe Harbor Program and such a positive initial test will not result in any administrative or athletic team sanctions. The only actions taken would be if the team physician determines it to be medically necessary not to play or practice because of potential harm due to the substance indicated in a positive drug test. A student-athlete will be permitted to remain in the Safe Harbor Program for a reasonable period of time, not to exceed thirty (30) days, as determined by the treatment plan. If a student-athlete is determined to have new banned substance use and/or alcohol use after the initial Safe Harbor Program test (as determined by follow-up testing), or fails to comply with the Safe Harbor Program treatment plan, the student-athlete will be removed from the Safe Harbor Program and be subject to appropriate disciplinary actions as detailed in the SRU Department of Athletics Drug Testing Policy and Procedures. Entering the Safe Harbor Program will not result in any disciplinary action or considered a first positive test. Any positive test indicating a new banned substance use and/or alcohol use after released from the initial Safe Harbor Program test will be treated as the first positive drug test as indicated in the sanctions/penalties section of this policy.

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While in compliance with the Safe Harbor Program treatment plan, the student-athlete will not be included in the list of students eligible for random drug testing by SRU. Students in the Safe Harbor Program may be selected for drug testing by the NCAA. The Director of Athletics, Team Physician, Athletics Health Care Administrator, and the student-athlete’s Head Coach may be informed of the student-athlete’s participation in the Safe Harbor Program. The athletic trainer assigned to the student-athlete’s sport may also be notified if medically appropriate. The assistant coaching staff may also be informed at the discretion of the Head Coach. Other University employees may be informed only the extent necessary for the implementation of this policy. Reporting of Results All student-athlete information and records associated with the SRU drug education and drug-testing program will be confidential and results will be released only to those individuals with a legitimate need to know. Urine samples will be collected and sent to an independent certified laboratory for analysis. Each sample will be tested to determine if banned drugs or substances are present. Results will be made available to the Drug Testing Coordinator. The Drug Testing Coordinator will review the results and if there is a positive drug test result, the Drug Testing Coordinator will inform the Athletics Health Care Administrator. It is the responsibility of the Drug Testing Coordinator to see that the following individuals are informed of the positive test result: 1. Student-athlete 2. Director of Athletics 3. Athletics Health Care Administrator 4. Appropriate sport administrator 5. Head coach and/or assistant coach 6. Sport specific athletic trainer 7. Student-athlete’s parents and/or legal guardian may be contacted ATOD Review and Appeals Panel Student-athletes that are involved in incidents that are in violation of the ATOD Policy will meet with their respective Head Coach to discuss the situation. The Head Coach will then meet with the Athletic Director to decide how the situation will be handled. The options available are to include: assessment of a violation against the student-athlete or assessment of a violation and counseling through the Counseling Center for the student-athlete. If the violation is the second violation against the student-athlete, the student-athlete will be forced to miss 20% of their season. (In the case of a two-sport athlete, the penalty would be carried over to the next sport the student-athlete participates. For example, if a fall sport athlete also participates in a spring sport and they receive a second violation too late in the fall sport season to lose 20%, they must then miss the remaining percentage during their second sport season.) A third violation will result in loss of the student-athlete’s scholarship and removal from the team. The student-athlete will be notified in writing within five (5) days of the decision of the Athletic Director and the Head Coach. A student-athlete that believes the assessment of fault or penalties is unfair may appeal to the Senior Women’s Athletic Administrator in writing. The procedure relating to the appeal process will be provided to the student-athlete after the request has been made. The following policy will apply any time during the academic year and/or at any time the student-athlete is on campus: 1. All student-athletes are expected to comply with Slippery Rock University’s rules and regulations governing the use of alcohol and other drugs as well as the state of Pennsylvania; 2. Student-athletes are to abide by the rules of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference and NCAA rules governing ATOD use and abuse; 3. No alcohol may be consumed 48 hours before a game or scrimmage. This will result in the student-athlete having to sit out that athletic event;

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4. No alcohol may be consumed when representing Slippery Rock University as part of a sponsored event. This may include team trips, team travel, banquets, award ceremonies or at any Slippery Rock University sponsored event; 5. No alcohol may be given to recruits on overnight campus visits. Sanctions/Penalties The Slippery Rock University Athletic Department recognizes that education and prevention is the key to the ATOD program. However in cases where student-athletes fail to comply with the provision outlined in this policy discipline may be necessary. The Athletic Department will operate on a “three violations” policy. These may include but are not restricted to any action by the student-athlete which is referred to The Office of Student Conduct, any ATOD use and abuse violation that is against Athletic Department policy including self-reported use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs, any violations that reaches the newspapers or media, or results in legal action with a finding of guilty, and any other ways in which a violation of the ATOD policy is discovered. The Athletic Department reserves the right to move forward with additional corrective measures when circumstances warrant. In cases such as this, student-athletes may be required to participate in programs identified for student-athletes who have received their second or third violations. Team ATOD violation policies that are more strict than the athletic department policy, have to be approved in advance by the Athletic Director. Stricter policies must be approved by the Athletic Director. Driving under the Influence, DUI, which could pertain to use of alcohol or drugs, is an automatic minimum of 1 game suspension, immediately after the violation and will carry over the following season, if it happens after the regular season concludes. First Violation 1. Mandatory ATOD education assistance; or 2. Counseling may be recommended through the Slippery Rock University Counseling Center; or 3. A written warning to the student-athlete and copied to the Head Coach from the Athletic Director. 4. Failure to attend ATOD education will result in ineligibility to participate in practices and contests. 5. Teams can have more strict penalties. However, a first strike violation penalty cannot be more severe than a 15% suspension of your total number of scheduled games. Example: If you have a 20 game schedule and a SA has a first strike, Alcohol or drug use, the maximum number of game suspension can be 15% of 20 games or 3 games. We will round down if 2.5 or under and round up if over 2.5. Drug or Alcohol educational training will be required after the first strike. Second Violation The student-athlete will continue to participate in those sanctions outlined for the first violation, in addition the student-athlete will: 1. Attend counseling through the Slippery Rock University Counseling Center as a means of prevention; and 2. Lose 20 percent of season’s competition or number of dates of competition. The student- athlete is permitted to practice with their athletic team, but they are not permitted to participate in competition. The Director of Athletics will determine effective date of the loss of competition. Coaches have the option to increase this sanction to a maximum penalty of suspension for the remainder of the season. Second strike violation penalty cannot be more severe than suspension from the team for the remainder of the season but not dismissal from the team. If there are less than 20% of the games remaining, the suspension will carry over to the next season so a total of 20% of games suspension is served. Student-athletes can practice during suspensions, if coaches want them to continue practicing. We will round down if 2.5 or under and round up if over 2.5. Third Violation 1. Permanent loss of athletic privilege and scholarship if applicable.

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Forgiveness 1. Forgiveness is given of one violation for each year the student remains free of any ATOD violations. Right to Appeal Student-athletes who test positive for a banned substance may contest the finding within 48 hours following receipt of notice of the positive finding. Upon the student-athlete’s request for confirmation of the positive finding, the Director of Athletics or his/her designee will request the laboratory to perform confirmation testing on the student-athlete’s specimen B, if applicable. Specimen B findings will be final. If specimen B results are negative, the drug test will be considered negative. Student-athletes who test positive under the terms of the SRU Department of Intercollegiate Athletics Student-Athlete Drug Education and Drug Testing Program will be entitled to a hearing. Requests for such a hearing must be made within forty-eight (48) hours of notification of a positive B sample test result. If the forty-eight hours would end on a weekend, the request must be made by noon on the next business day. Requests must be in writing and received by the Senior Women’s Athletics Administrator. The Senior Women’s Athletics Administrator will forward the request for a hearing to the Chair of the University Athletic Committee. Four UAC members will be selected to hear the appeal, along with the UAC Chairperson (UAC Appeals and Reinstatement Committee). The SRU Drug Testing Coordinator will serve in an ex-officio advisory role, when questions regarding the drug testing process need to be answered and explained. The student-athlete may have an advocate or other representative present if the student so desires. However, the student-athlete must present his or her own case. The hearing should take place no more than 72 hours after the written request is received. Either the student-athlete or the other parties involved may request an extension of time to the UAC Chairperson, who will consider whether to grant the extension upon a showing of good cause. These proceedings shall include an opportunity for the student-athlete to present evidence, to question adverse testimony, as well as to review the results of the drug test. The proceedings shall be confidential. The decision by the UAC Appeals and Reinstatement Committee regarding the sanction to be imposed shall be final. The Director of Athletics shall inform the student-athlete of the committee’s decision in writing. A formal record, a tape recording, or a verbatim transcript of the hearing shall be kept. Recruiting/Official Visits The Slippery Rock University Athletic Department does not promote or condone illegal ATOD activities. During an official visit, the coach and student host shall discourage the use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. The following guidelines shall apply to the recruitment of potential student-athletes to Slippery Rock University: 1. All people involved in recruitment are knowledgeable in the ATOD policies and procedures of Slippery Rock University; 2. All people involved in recruitment are instructed to not violate any laws associated with ATOD use; 3. Recruitment material does not depict or imply substance use; 4. Recruitment procedures in relation to ATOD are consistent with all intercollegiate programs; 5. No Athletic Department money is spent on ATOD related activities; 6. The Athletic Department acknowledges that it is responsible for the behavior of the recruit on visits; 7. The coach selects the student host. The student host shall treat prospective student-athletes in a manner that is a positive reflection of the athletic program; 8. Each team should review the policy on Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug; 9. During a recruit’s visit, a student host is not to consume alcohol; 10. The coach and host should be knowledgeable about any medical conditions disclosed by the recruit on the Recruit Conduct Form, e.g. asthma, allergies (e.g. food, bees), etc. 11. The student host and recruit should have a card with all of the necessary telephone numbers. These numbers shall include campus police, Health Center, Head Coach’s home phone number, Athletic Trainer assigned to sport, Athletic Administrators; 12. If a recruit and student host(s) is in violation of ATOD rules and regulations, it shall be reviewed by the Athletic Director and Head Coach for penalties and sanctions.

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Education and ATOD Programs The core of the Slippery Rock University Athletic Department ATOD policy is the education program for all student-athletes, cheerleaders, equipment managers and athletic trainers. As part of the education program each team will have one or more peer education leaders and/or SAAC Representative. SAAC members are internal resources for the student-athlete and work with their peers in prevention and education efforts to provide programming on issues pertinent to their teams. Periodically, the Athletic Department may provide an educational program for all athletic teams. To assist athletic teams in their education efforts the Athletic Department shall distribute health education bulletins to coaches and team personnel on a regular basis. ATOD education shall be a part of the orientation for new student-athletes and new Athletic Department staff members. All Athletic Department personnel should be provided with a record of resources, phone numbers and campus contacts regarding ATOD use and abuse. Referral and Counseling The process of counseling is a cooperative interaction. Although counseling cannot be made mandatory, it is provided for the student-athletes benefit. Counseling may be recommended of any student-athlete involved in illegal ATOD use and abuse and will be done through the Slippery Rock University Counseling Center and the Director of Counseling. SAAC representatives and/or the Athletic Training Faculty may assist in making referrals when appropriate and may accompany an individual to counseling if requested. In cases where information regarding ATOD use comes to the attention of the coach or Athletic Department personnel by some other means, (i.e., The Office of Student Conduct, University Police, etc.): 1. Head coach meets with student-athlete and discusses the situation with him/her; 2. The head coach shall notify and meet with the Director of Athletics and maintain confidentiality; 3. The student-athlete may be asked to appear before the Director of Athletics; 4. The student-athlete may be referred to counseling.

Endnotes i 20 U.S.C. §1681-1688; 34 C.F.R. § 106.40 Marital or Parental Status; § 106.37 Financial Assistance; § 106.21, Admission and Recruiting, § 106.57, Employment. ii Throughout this Policy, the terms “pregnant” and “pregnancy” encompass pregnancy-related conditions, as listed in the sentence above. iii Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), Public Law 104-191; Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) 20 U.S.C. § 1232g (2000); Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment, (PPRA), 20 U.S.C. § 1232h (2000).