GCAC Sports Operating Procedures

BASEBALL OPERATING PROCEDURES Revised July 26, 2017

I. Awards Conference and National awards processes will be facilitated by the Conference Sports Information Directors in conjunction with the respective sport committee chairs and Conference SIDs. Information and instructions regarding nomination procedures for GCAC conference awards can be found in the GCAC Awards Manual. Information and instructions regarding nomination procedures for National Awards can also be found in the GCAC Awards Manual and at www. http://www.naia.org under “Membership Resources - Awards”.

II. Ratings, Reporting, Results and Statistics A. Raters GCAC Baseball Conferences Coaches Committee will select a baseball rater and a rater oversight baseball committee every year during the summer conference meeting. The rater will serve a 2 year term.

B. Timeline 1. Rater must submit his/her recommendations to the rater oversight committee by 9 am (CST) Monday morning. Oversight committee must provide input no later than 10 am (CST). 2. All GCAC baseball games results must be reported in Dakstats by Sunday 11:59pm. 3. Ratings week for all sports defined as 12:01 a.m. Monday through 11:59 p.m. Sunday and all games played during the designated week are to be included in rating. 4. Conference/independent/group ratings to NAIA office (in SIDHelp) by noon. (CST) on Monday. 5. National ratings submitted to NAIA office by (in SIDHelp) by 10 a.m. (CST) on Tuesday.

C. Reporting Results All contest results must be reported to the NAIA Scoreboard within 24 hours of completion in order to be eligible for team and/or individual weekly ratings and honors. Institutions failing to report statistics and/or results any two consecutive weeks or a total of four weeks during the reporting period will not be eligible for the national statistical reports or ratings for the remainder of the season. Scores must be reported via the DakStats Web-sync feature or through the NAIA Scoreboard. To enter through the NAIA Scoreboard, visit www.naiasports.org/admin and log in with your user name and password. (See NAIA Baseball Coaches Manual found online at www.naia.org under “Membership Resources – Coaches Corner”)

III. Playing Rules and Regulations A. Regular Season 1. All teams will play each other home and home triple headers. The games will be scheduled typically as single game Friday and a doubleheader Saturday; or a doubleheader on Saturday and single game Sunday. (days could be changed if needed, by agreement between the two teams)

2. Single games are to be nine innings and double headers are to consist of a seven inning games and nine inning games. If the first game goes over seven innings, the second game automatically becomes a seventh inning game.

B. Policy on Make –Up Games 1. If a game of a three-game series is rained out in the first half of play, the game will be made up at the site of the next regular scheduled date with that team.

2. The first game of the doubleheader on Friday should be a seven inning game with the travel team to be the home team. The second game should be a nine inning game. (days and times

3. If rain is predicted on a scheduled playing date, every effort will be made between the coaches to move the games up or back.

4. If it is rained out in the second half of play, every effort will be made to complete the game at a date no later than Monday night at the agreement of both coaches.

C. Playing Rules GCAC/NAIA Baseball will use NCAA Baseball Rules with approved NAIA modifications. (see Appendix F in NAIA Baseball Coaches Manual found online at www.naia.org under “Membership Resources – Coaches Corner” ). These rules will be applied to all contests (preseason, regular season and postseason) when both institutions are members of the NAIA. To order an NCAA Rulebook (or download a .pdf copy) go to www.ncaapublications.com. Rules defined as experimental by the official NCAA Rules and Regulations Handbook are prohibited from use in GCAC tournament play.

D. Game Umpires Umpires for conference baseball games will be furnished from the local baseball umpire association.

E. Season Records Won-lost records for all member institutions participating in baseball shall include ONLY those games played against a varsity program from an accredited, upper-level, degree-granting institution, and SHALL NOT include games against junior colleges, clubs, foreign (Canada excluded), or military teams.

F. Regular Season Champion The Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Champion shall be the team’(s) that finish with the best won-loss record’(s) in the conference games during the regular season. In the case that two or more schools finish with identical won-loss records they shall be declared Co-Champions.

G. Official Ball Members of the GCAC will use the official ball designated by the NAIA for regular season conference play and conference tournament play

IV. Postseason Competition A. Site and Format of the Tournament Refer to Gulf Coast Athletic Conference, Constitution, and Bylaws, Bylaw VII, “Conference Tournament Operating Model.”

B. Criteria for hosting a GCAC Baseball Tournament include the following. Refer to Gulf Coast Athletic Conference, Constitution, and Bylaws, Bylaw VII, “Conference Tournament Operating Model”

C. Tournament Seeding and Format Tournament seeding will include all baseball members with seeding determined by order of regular season conference finish. The conference tournament will be a double-elimination tournament with all nine inning games. (10-run mercy rule in the first round as determined by the NAIA Baseball Policy Manual). NAIA Baseball Policy Manual will govern the GCAC Baseball tournament.

3 tying for first place. 3. Records of each team vs. the second-place team, or their composite records against any teams tying for second place. 4. This process continues with records vs. the third-place team, fourth-place team, etc., if necessary, until the tie is broken and seeding is complete. 5. If a tie still exists, a coin flip shall be conducted by the Conference Office.

E. Mandatory Participation 1. All member institutions are required to stay at the tournament host hotel. Teams that do not stay are subject to a $1000 fine. 2. All member institutions are required to attend the awards banquet. Teams that do not attend are subject to a $1000 fine. 3. Any member institution that is NOT represented in the GCAC Championship after having declared participation shall be fine $5,000 and reprimanded as deemed appropriate by the GCAC Commissioner. 4. All fines must be paid to the Conference Office no later than 30 days upon notification by the Conference Office. Non-payment of fines will result in additional penalties.

F. National Qualification Plan GCAC baseball teams will qualify for national tournament by At-large-berths only.

V. Conduct in Competition A. Ejections and Suspensions An ejection is an action enforced in conjunction with competition by a game official consistent with the playing rules in that sport.

A suspension is required by NAIA bylaws (Article 6, Section B, Item 7) as an additional consequence related to ejections in conjunction with competition.

Ejections are not subject to appeal.

Suspensions may be appealed starting with the Conference/Association of Independent Institutions. An institution must submit an appeal to their conference within 72 hours of the completion of contest. The conference will submit a recommendation to the national office within 72 hours of receiving the appeal from the institution. The Conduct and Ethics Committee is responsible for all appeals related to suspensions due to ejections of a coach and/or student-athlete

B. Game Day Management Game Day Management expectations are set forth in GCAC Bylaw, Article V. Sportsmanship. The NAIA Conduct in Competition Guide will be used as standard for compliance with national best practices concerning issues related to game day management like crowd control and fan behavior, cheerleaders, bands, noisemakers, etc. Game Day Management procedures can also be found in the

Conduct In Competition Guide on the NAIA website at www. http://www.naia.org under “Membership Resources – Athletic Directors – Conduct in Competition Guide”.

VI. Sport Committee Responsibility According to GCAC Bylaws, Article VI, this committee shall work in consultation with the Commissioner to devise methods to determine schedules, champions, and all-conference teams(where appropriate), and other awards and recognition in their specific sport.

A. Committee Membership According to GCAC Bylaws, Article VI – Committees, each sport committee is composed of head coaches of that sport.

B. Committee Leadership According to GCAC Bylaws, Article VI – Committees, each sport shall elect its own chair. The conference also recommends that each sport committee elect a vice-chair and secretary just in case the chair vacates the position.

C. Term Limits Committee chairs serve for two years and may be re-elected. (GCAC, Bylaws, Article VI- Committees)

SOFTBALL OPERATING PROCEDURES Revised July 26, 2017

II. Ratings, Reporting, Results and Statistics A. Raters GCAC Softball Conferences Coaches Committee will select a softball rater and a rater oversight baseball committee every year during the summer conference meeting. The rater will serve a 2 year term.

B. Timeline 1. Rater must submit his/her recommendations to the rater oversight committee by 9 am (CST) Monday morning. Oversight committee must provide input no later than 10 am (CST). 2. All GCAC softball games results must be reported in Dakstats by Sunday 11:59pm. 3. Ratings week for all sports defined as 12:01 a.m. Monday through 11:59 p.m. Sunday and all games played during the designated week are to be included in rating. 4. Conference/independent/group ratings to NAIA office (in SIDHelp) by noon. (CST) on Monday.

C. Reporting Results All contest results must be reported to the NAIA Scoreboard within 24 hours of completion in order to be eligible for team and/or individual weekly ratings and honors. Institutions failing to report statistics and/or results any two consecutive weeks or a total of four weeks during the reporting period will not be eligible for the national statistical reports or ratings for the remainder of the season. Scores must be reported via the DakStats Web-sync feature or through the NAIA Scoreboard. To enter through the NAIA Scoreboard, visit www.naiasports.org/admin and log in with your user name and password. (See NAIA Softball Coaches Manual found online at www.naia.org under “Membership Resources – Coaches Corner”)

2. Each game must be played the full seven innings, unless the eight run after five innings rule occur.

B. Policy on Make –Up Games 1. If a game of a doubleheader is rained out in the first half of play, the game will be made up at the site of the next regular scheduled date with that team.

2. If rain is predicted on a scheduled playing date, every effort will be made between the coaches to move the games up or back.

3. If it is rained out during the game, every effort will be made to complete the game.

C. Playing Rules The official rules used to govern all GCAC/NAIA affiliated fast-pitch programs (including regular season, conference/A.I.I./unaffiliated group tournaments and World Series) are the official rules of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) with the following modifications approved by the NAIA-SCA: 1. Skinned Infields- All infields must be skinned for conference/A.I.I./unaffiliated group and world series play. 2. Outfield Fence Distance- Outfield fence distance shall be 190-225 feet with the recommendation of 200 feet down the lines and 225 in centerfield for all NAIA conference/A.I.I./unaffiliated group and world series competition. 3. There shall be no time limit or tiebreaker rule used during NAIA postseason play. It may be used during the regular season. 4. The NAIA will adhere to the NCAA approved bat list found at http://www.ncaa.org/playingrules 5. The Official Softball of the NAIA is the Worth NAIAFP which is the .47 core.

Official rule books can be downloaded or purchased through the NCAA website at www.ncaapublications.com.

D. Game Umpires Umpires for conference softball games will be furnished from the local softball umpire association.

E. Season Records Won-lost records for all member institutions participating in softball shall include ONLY those games played against a varsity program from an accredited, upper-level, degree-granting institution, and SHALL NOT include games against junior colleges, clubs, foreign (Canada excluded), or military teams.

F. Regular Season Champion The Gulf Coast Athletic Conference champion shall be the team’(s) that finish with the best won- loss record’(s) in the conference games during the regular season. In the case that two or more schools finish with identical won-loss records they shall be declared Co-Champions.

G. Official Ball Members of the GCAC will use the official ball designated by the NAIA for regular season conference play and conference tournament play

IV. Postseason Competition A. Site and Format of the Tournament 1. Refer to Gulf Coast Athletic Conference, Constitution, and Bylaws, Bylaw VII, “Conference Tournament Operating Model.”.

B. Criteria for hosting a GCAC Softball Tournament include the following. Refer to Gulf Coast Athletic Conference, Constitution, and Bylaws, Bylaw VII, “Conference Tournament Operating Model.” C. Tournament Seeding and Format Tournament seeding will include all softball members with seeding determined by order of regular season conference finish. The conference tournament will be a double-elimination tournament with all nine inning games. (10-run mercy rule in the first round as determined by the NAIA Softball Policy Manual). NAIA Softball Policy Manual will govern the GCAC Softball tournament.

D. Tiebreaker In the event of a tie in the standings, the following tiebreaker system shall be used – in order – until the tie is broken: 1. Records of each team in head-to-head competition 2. Records of each team vs. the first-place team, or their composite records against any teams tying for first place. 3. Records of each team vs. the second-place team, or their composite records against any teams tying for second place. 4. This process continues with records vs. the third-place team, fourth-place team, etc., if necessary, until the tie is broken and seeding is complete. 5. If a tie still exists, a coin flip shall be conducted by the Conference Office.

F. National Qualification Plan GCAC softball teams will qualify for national tournament by At-large-berths only.

V. Conduct in Competition A. Ejections and Suspensions An ejection is an action enforced in conjunction with competition by a game official consistent with the playing rules in that sport.

A suspension is required by NAIA bylaws (Article 6, Section B, Item 7) as an additional consequence related to ejections in conjunction with competition.

Ejections are not subject to appeal.

A. Committee Membership According to GCAC Bylaws, Article VI – Committees, each sport committee is composed of head coaches of that sport.

C. Term Limits Committee chairs serve for two years and may be re-elected. (GCAC, Bylaws, Article VI- Committees)

MEN AND WOMEN’S BASKETBALL OPERATING PROCEDURES Revised July 26, 2017

II. Ratings, Reporting, Results and Statistics A. Raters GCAC Men and Women’s Basketball Conferences Coaches Committee will select a rater and a three person rater oversight committee for their respective groups every year during the summer conference meeting. The rater will serve a 2 year term.

C. Reporting Results All contest results must be reported to the NAIA Scoreboard within 24 hours of completion in order to be eligible for team and/or individual weekly ratings and honors. Institutions failing to report statistics and/or results any two consecutive weeks or a total of four weeks during the reporting period will not be eligible for the national statistical reports or ratings for the remainder of the season. Scores must be reported via the DakStats Web-sync feature or through the NAIA Scoreboard. To enter through the NAIA Scoreboard, visit www.naiasports.org/admin and log in with your user name and password. (See NAIA Men and Women’s Basketball Coaches Manual found online at www.naia.org under “Membership Resources – Coaches Corner”)

D. Reporting Results to Coaches During the Game The home team shall be responsible for recording NAIA statistical information for both teams and compiling an official NAIA box score. The home institution must send a completed final NAIA box score via e-mail to the GCAC office on the same day that a Gulf Coast Athletic Conference game is completed. The visiting head coach should receive a copy of the official NAIA box score at halftime and after each conference game.

III. Playing Rules and Regulations A. Regular Season 1. Each school shall play seven other members of the conference twice for a 14 game conference schedule.

B. Conference Scheduling The conference office shall produce a league master schedule prior to the start of each season. Conference games shall normally be played on Thursday, Saturday and Monday. No changes shall be made to the conference master schedule without approval from the conference office. Changes are normally allowed only to accommodate institutional academic restrictions, to facilitate non-conference scheduling opportunities, or due to preexisting facility conflicts.

C. Conference Game Times Conference game start times are 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m on Saturdays and 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 pm. weekdays (Mon.-Fri.) unless a different start time is agreed upon by both the institutions athletic directors

D. Playing Rules Rules governing NAIA regular-season and postseason play are the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Men's Basketball Rules. Unless otherwise noted in the coaches manual. One exception to the NCAA rules concerns the logo restrictions for uniforms.

Rules governing NAIA regular-season and postseason play are the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Women's Basketball Rules. Unless otherwise noted in the coaches manual.

E. Game Officials GCAC Men and Women’s Basketball supervisors of officials will assign game officials for all conference and non-conference games.

1. Scorer and Clock Operator: The home team is responsible for furnishing a qualified, trained scorer and a qualified, trained clock operator. Duties and uniforms of these officials are as set forth in the NCAA rules 2. Public Address Announcer: The public address announcer is chosen by the home management. While he or she can certainly seek to inspire enthusiasm among the fans for the game the basic purpose of the announcer is to provide information to the crowd. During the contest comments should be brief, pertinent and impartial and there must be no attempt to incite fans by commentary on or criticism of officials and their decision or of visiting personnel. It is recognized that incitement can take place by inflection of voice as well as choice of words. If potentially dangerous situation such as crowd control problems, throwing debris on the court, etc. arise, the announcer must make clear that penalties against the team as well as the individuals responsible can result.

F. Season Records Won-lost records for all member institutions participating in basketball shall include ONLY those games played against a varsity program from an accredited, upper-level, degree-granting institution, and SHALL NOT include games against junior colleges, clubs, foreign (Canada excluded), or military teams.

G. Regular Season Champion The Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Champion shall be the team’(s) that finish with the best won-loss record’(s) in the conference games during the regular season. In the case that two or more schools finish with identical won-loss records they shall be declared Co-Champions.

H. Official Ball Members of the GCAC will use the official ball designated by the NAIA for regular season conference play and conference tournament play

I. Film Exchange Each GCAC institution shall exchange conference game films via the conference’s internet video exchange program. All conference and non-conference regular season games will be available on an open exchange basis. When games are filmed, the entire game should be filmed, including dead ball situation. All videos will have audio and should run continuously through dead ball situations. Videos can be stopped during a timeout but must be restarted after the first horn sounds. The scoreboard should be shown at all timeouts and prior to all first free throw attempts. Conference games videos cannot be shared with a non-conference team.

J. Film Exchange Uploading Deadline and Penalties For conference games, games files must be uploaded by the home team by 11:00a.m. (Local time) of the following day. For non-conference games played on the road, game films must be uploaded within 24 hours after returning to campus. Non- Conference home games must be uploaded by 10:00 a.m. (local time) of the following day. . Failure to follow the said guide lines will result in your institution being automatically locked out of the system. Additional penalties may include the following failure to upload the first time will result in a 100.00 fine to be paid to the conference office. Failure to upload the second time will result in a 250.00 fine to be paid to the conference office, the third offense a 500.00 fine will be paid to the conference office.

IV. Postseason Competition A. Site and Format of the Tournament Refer to Gulf Coast Athletic Conference, Constitution, and Bylaws, Bylaw VII, “Conference Tournament Operating Model.” B. Criteria for hosting a GCAC Basketball Tournament Refer to Gulf Coast Athletic Conference, Constitution, and Bylaws, Bylaw VII, “Conference Tournament Operating Model.” C. Tournament Seeding and Format Tournament seeding for the single elimination tournament is determined by league rank in the regular season. League rank shall be determined by each team’s won-loss record in all conference games during the regular season. Ties for seeding purposes shall be broken using the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference tie breaker system. All teams participate in the tournament.

E. Mandatory Participation 4. All member institutions are required to stay at the tournament host hotel. Teams that do not stay are subject to a $1000 fine. 5. All member institutions are required to attend the awards banquet. Teams that do not attend are subject to a $1000 fine. 6. Any member institution that is NOT represented in the GCAC Championship after having declared participation shall be fine $5,000 and reprimanded as deemed appropriate by the

12 GCAC Commissioner.

F. National Qualification Plan The winner of the GCAC Tournament will receive the automatic berth to the national tournament.

V. Conduct in Competition A. Ejections and Suspensions An ejection is an action enforced in conjunction with competition by a game official consistent with the playing rules in that sport.

A suspension is required by NAIA bylaws (Article 6, Section B, Item 7) as an additional consequence related to ejections in conjunction with competition.

Ejections are not subject to appeal.

A. Committee Membership According to GCAC Bylaws, Article VI – Committees, each sport committee is composed of head coaches of that sport.

C. Term Limits Committee chairs serve for two years and may be re-elected. (GCAC, Bylaws, Article VI- Committees)

VOLLEYBALL OPERATING PROCEDURES Revised August 6, 2014 I. Awards Conference and National awards processes will be facilitated by the Conference Sports Information Directors in conjunction with the respective sport committee chairs and conference SIDs. Information and instructions regarding nomination procedures for GCAC conference awards can be found in the GCAC Awards Manual. Information and instructions regarding nomination procedures for National Awards can also be found in the GCAC Awards Manual and at www. http://www.naia.org under “Membership Resources - Awards”.

II. Ratings, Reporting, Results and Statistics A. Raters GCAC Volleyball Coaches Committee will select a rater and a three person rater oversight committee every year during the summer conference meeting. Raters are responsible for submitting their conference rating from which national raters use to compile a Top 30 ballot to produce a top 25 national rating. Conference raters must send their weekly conference rating to their commissioner and conference oversight committee for review before submitting it to the NAIA national office (via SID help). Raters can rate any team that merit top-30 national rating consideration from their respective group in their conference rating. During the rater process, it is essential to keep an unbiased opinion. The rater will serve a 2 year term.

C. Reporting Results All contest results must be reported to the NAIA Scoreboard within 24 hours of completion in order to be eligible for team and/or individual weekly ratings and honors. Institutions failing to report statistics and/or results any two consecutive weeks or a total of four weeks during the reporting period will not be eligible for the national statistical reports or ratings for the remainder of the season. Scores must be reported via the DakStats Web-sync feature or through the NAIA Scoreboard. To enter through the NAIA Scoreboard, visit www.naiasports.org/admin and log in with your user name and password. (See NAIA Volleyball Coaches Manual found online at www.naia.org under “Membership Resources – Coaches Corner”)

III. Playing Rules and Regulations A. Regular Season 1. Each school shall play seven other members of the conference twice for a 14 match conference schedule.

C. Conference Match Times Conference match start times are at 1 p.m on Saturdays and 7 pm on weekdays unless a different start time is agreed upon by both institutions athletic directors.

D. Playing Rules Rules governing NAIA regular season and postseason play are the NCAA Rules, as modified. At publication there are the following exceptions: 1. Matches between NAIA institutions will follow an unlimited substitution rule. 2. Unlimited substitution applies whether a team uses a libero or not. 3. No requirement for 2 meters depth for the service area. 4. A forty-five (45) minute break must be given between back-to-back matches during all tournaments during the season. If both coaches agree it can be decreased to thirty (30) minutes.

E. Game Officials Match officials for conference volleyball matches will be furnished from the local volleyball officials association. Officials must be PAVO certified.

1. Scorer and Clock Operator: The home team is responsible for furnishing a qualified, trained scorer and a qualified, trained clock operator. Duties and uniforms of these officials are as set forth in the NCAA rules 2. Line Judges: The home team is responsible for furnishing trained line judges. Line judges should be uniformed and distinguishable from players and/or fans. 3. Public Address Announcer: The public address announcer is chosen by the home management. While he or she can certainly seek to inspire enthusiasm among the fans for the game the basic purpose of the announcer is to provide information to the crowd. During the contest comments should be brief, pertinent and impartial and there must be no attempt to incite fans by commentary on or criticism of officials and their decision or of visiting personnel. It is recognized that incitement can take place by inflection of voice as well as choice of words. If potentially dangerous situation such as crowd control problems, throwing debris on the court, etc. arise, the announcer must make clear that penalties against the team as well as the individuals responsible can result.

F. Season Records Won-lost records for all member institutions participating in volleyball shall include ONLY those matches played against a varsity program from an accredited, upper-level, degree-granting institution, and SHALL NOT include games against junior colleges, clubs, foreign (Canada excluded), or military teams.

G. Season Champion The Gulf Coast Athletic Conference champion shall be the team’(s) that finish with the best won- loss record’(s) in the conference matches during the regular season. In the case that two or more schools finish with identical won-loss records they shall be declared Co-Champions.

H. Official Ball Members of the GCAC will use the official ball designated by the NAIA for regular season conference play and conference tournament play

15 time) of the following day. (Check for inconsistent). Failure to follow the said guide lines will result in your institution being automatically locked out of the system. Additional penaltiesthe following penalties may include the following; failure to upload the first time will result in a 100.00 fine to be paid to the conference office. Failure to upload the second time will result in a 250.00 fine to be paid to the conference office, the third offense a 500.00 fine will be paid to the conference office. IV. Postseason Competition A. Site and Format of the Tournament Refer to Gulf Coast Athletic Conference, Constitution, and Bylaws, Bylaw VII, “Conference Tournament Operating Model.”

B. Criteria for hosting a GCAC Volleyball Tournament Refer to Gulf Coast Athletic Conference, Constitution, and Bylaws, Bylaw VII, “Conference Tournament Operating Model.” C. Tournament Seeding and Format Tournament seeding for the single elimination tournament is determined by league rank in the regular season. League rank shall be determined by each team’s won-loss record in all conference games during the regular season. Ties for seeding purposes shall be broken using the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference tie breaker system. All teams participate in the tournament.

F. National Qualification Plan The winner of the GCAC Tournament will receive the automatic berth to the national tournament.

V. Conduct in Competition A. Ejections and Suspensions An ejection is an action enforced in conjunction with competition by a game official consistent with the playing rules in that sport.

A suspension is required by NAIA bylaws (Article 6, Section B, Item 7) as an additional consequence related to ejections in conjunction with competition.

Ejections are not subject to appeal.

A. Committee Membership According to GCAC Bylaws, Article VI – Committees, each sport committee is composed of head coaches of that sport.

C. Term Limits Committee chairs serve for two years and may be re-elected. (GCAC, Bylaws, Article VI- Committees)

MEN AND WOMEN’S CROSS COUNTRY OPERATING PROCEDURES Revised August 6, 2014

I. Awards Conference and National awards processes will be facilitated by the Conference Sports Information Directors in conjunction with the respective sport committee chairs and conference SIDs. Information and instructions regarding nomination procedures for GCAC conference awards can be found in the GCAC Awards Manual. Information and instructions regarding nomination procedures for National Awards can also be found in the GCAC Awards Manual and at www. http://www.naia.org under “Membership Resources - Awards”.

II. Ratings, Reporting, Results and Statistics A. Raters GCAC Men and Women Cross Country Conferences Coaches Committee will select a rater and a three person rater oversight cross country committee every year during the summer conference meeting. The rater will serve a 2 year term.

B. Timeline 1. Rater must submit his/her recommendations to the rater oversight committee by 9 am (CST) Monday morning. Oversight committee must provide input no later than 10 am (CST). 2. Ratings week for all sports defined as 12:01 a.m. Monday through 11:59 p.m. Sunday. All contests during the designated week are to be included in that week’s rating. 3. Weekly conference/independent/unaffiliated rating reports are due to NAIA office on Mondays by noon CST. 4. National Rating Ballot due to NAIA office no later than noon CST on Tuesday. 5. Oversight reviews National Ratings Grid from noon to 5 p.m. CST on Tuesday. 6. Raters are available between 8 a.m. and noon CST on Wednesday for rationale requests. 7. National Ratings released no later than 5 p.m. CST on Wednesday. . C. Reporting Results All contest results must be reported to the NAIA Scoreboard within 24 hours of completion in order to be eligible for team and/or individual weekly ratings and honors. Institutions failing to report statistics and/or results any two consecutive weeks or a total of four weeks during the reporting period will not be eligible for the national statistical reports or ratings for the remainder of the season. Scores must be reported via the DakStats Web-sync feature or through the NAIA Scoreboard. To enter through the NAIA Scoreboard, visit www.naiasports.org/admin and log in with your user name and password. (See NAIA Baseball Coaches Manual found online at www.naia.org under “Membership Resources – Coaches Corner”)

III. Playing Rules and Regulations A. Regular Season GCAC will have no requirements for the scheduling of regular season cross country races. However, the NAIA limits the number of regular season meets to 10- not including foreign competitions.

B. Playing Rules Cross country rules as specified in the NCAA Men's and Women's Track and Field/Cross Country Rule Book shall be followed. The rulebook can be downloaded from http://www.ncaapublications.com. A. Definition of a Cross Country Meet To be considered a cross country meet by NAIA standards, a competition must meet all of the following criteria: 1. a minimum of 2 collegiate teams participating and scoring; 2. scored in the same manner as the NAIA Cross Country National Championships; 3. distance between 2 miles and 6k for women, and between 2.5 miles and 10k for men. Contests not meeting the definition of a meet still count against contest limitations.

C. Meet Officials 1. Meet Director The meet director is responsible for organizing and conducting the meet; provides and prepares course information, provides early information to all competing schools, and appoints and informs officials of conference rules and regulations

2. Referee A. Have the authority to disqualify any competitor for inappropriate conduct or apparels and decide on any protests rendered (Commissioner, Certified Official, or Conference Official Representative). B. All competitors must wear the same uniform (top and bottom) when competing in the GCAC Cross Country Championship. Disqualification, based on the judgment of the Referee, will be rendered.

D. Conference Champion

The Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Champion shall be the team’(s) that finishes with the most points at the GCAC Conference Meet. In the case that two or more schools finish with the same number of points they shall be declared Co-Champions.

IV. Postseason Competition A. Site and Format of the Tournament B. Refer to Gulf Coast Athletic Conference, Constitution, and Bylaws, Bylaw VII, “Conference Tournament Operating Model.” Criteria for hosting a GCAC Cross Country Tournament Refer to Gulf Coast Athletic Conference, Constitution, and Bylaws, Bylaw VII, “Conference Tournament Operating Model.” C. Mandatory Participation

1. All member institutions are required to stay at the tournament host hotel. Teams that do not stay are subject to a $1000 fine. 2. All member institutions are required to attend the awards banquet. Teams that do not attend are subject to a $1000 fine. 3. Any member institution that is NOT represented in the GCAC Championship after having declared participation shall be fine $5,000 and reprimanded as deemed appropriate by the GCAC Commissioner.

D. National Qualification Plan The winner of the GCAC Conference Meet will receive the automatic berth to the national tournament.

19 V. Conduct in Competition A. Ejections and Suspensions An ejection is an action enforced in conjunction with competition by a game official consistent with the playing rules in that sport.

A suspension is required by NAIA bylaws (Article 6, Section B, Item 7) as an additional consequence related to ejections in conjunction with competition.

Ejections are not subject to appeal.

A. Committee Membership According to GCAC Bylaws, Article VI – Committees, each sport committee is composed of head coaches of that sport.

C. Term Limits Committee chairs serve for two years and may be re-elected. (GCAC, Bylaws, Article VI- Committees)

MEN AND WOMEN’S TRACK AND FIELD OPERATING PROCEDURES Revised August 6, 2014

The conference shall award trophies to the first and second place men and women’s teams as conference champions. The top three individuals placing in each event are awarded All-GCAC. All Conference recipients receive medals for first, second and third place in all contested events.

A Most Valuable Performer of the meet will be given to the individual in each gender that scores the most points during the conference meet. There shall be an award for both Track and Field. The conference shall provide a plaque.

Coaches will vote for a GCAC Coach of the Year at the conclusion of the conference championship. They may not vote for themselves. All voting will be shared with the Athletic Directors.

II. Ratings, Reporting, Results and Statistics

A. Reporting Results The NAIA compiles and releases top performances throughout the indoor and outdoor track and field season. Effective in 2010-11 and beyond, the list is compiled using results reported electronically to the Track and Field Results Reporting System (TFRRS) of the U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) through the online provider, DirectAthletics. The rater will serve a 2 year term.

1. Team Roster Forms All track and field programs are required to register and maintain their official team roster with TFRRS prior to the team’s first competition. The team roster can be amended to include additional student-athletes after it has been submitted, but it is imperative that any new student-athletes are added on the TFRRS Team Roster Form before they are entered in their first competition. To set up and maintain your roster, go to www.TFRRS.org and use your DirectAthletics user name and password to log in. Any marks attained by a student-athlete prior to being registered on the TFRRS Team Roster Form WILL NOT be included on the TFRRS performance list and will not be used for qualification for the national championships. Each student-athlete is assigned a unique TFRRS tracking ID that identifies the student-athlete throughout his or her collegiate career. This ID will not change from season to season; however, institutions are required to register their rosters each season. Access to and instructions for roster submission can be found at www.TFRRS.org

21 B. Playing Rules Track and field rules as specified in the NCAA Men's and Women's Track and Field/Cross Country Rule Book shall be followed.

1. Exception By vote of the TFCA and CAA approval, effective fall 2007 NAIA track and field adopted the following honest participation rule in lieu of the Failure to Participate Rule which was adopted by the NCAA in 2006-07 (Rule 4-2-2):

a. Athletes must participate honestly in all trials and finals of all track or field events in which they legally are declared or they shall be barred from all remaining events in the current meet. Athletes must compete with maximum effort and/or qualify from trials into the finals. b. Athletes must participate honestly in the finals of all events in which they are legally declared and qualified, and in which such participation is criteria for entry in a subsequent meet. Note 1: It is understood that passing on trials in field events is a strategy available in those events and is not considered a question of honest effort, provided at least one trial has been made. Note 2: Failure to complete a combined event competition shall not affect subsequent participation in an open event.

NAIA modifications to NCAA rules may be implemented by the appropriate Games Committee with input from NAIA-TFCA.

D. Conference Champion

The Gulf Coast Athletic Conference champion shall be the team’(s) that finishes with the most points at the GCAC Conference Meet In the case that two or more schools finish with the same number of points they shall be declared Co-Champions.

IV. Postseason Competition A. Site and Format of the Tournament Refer to Gulf Coast Athletic Conference, Constitution, and Bylaws, Bylaw VII, “Conference Tournament Operating Model.”.

B. Criteria for hosting a GCAC Track & Field Tournament

C. Refer to Gulf Coast Athletic Conference, Constitution, and Bylaws, Bylaw VII, “Conference Tournament Operating Model.”Mandatory Participation 1. All member institutions are required to stay at the tournament host hotel. Teams that do not stay are subject to a $1000 fine. 2. All member institutions are required to attend the awards banquet. Teams that do not attend are subject to a $1000 fine. 3. Any member institution that is NOT represented in the GCAC Championship after having declared participation shall be fine $5,000 and reprimanded as deemed appropriate by the GCAC Commissioner.

D. GCAC Conference Championship Meet Standards 1. No unattached or ineligible athlete will compete in the championship. 2. There will be a one day conference meet. The Jury of Appeals shall be composed Sport Liaison, Commissioner or Commissioner designee, Head Official, event officials, and Head Starter. 3. The Conference Championship will not have event qualifying standards to participate in the conference. The meet shall be governed by the current year NCAA Track & Field Rules unless specific exceptions to the rules are instituted by the GCAC. 4. All current marks must be listed on TFFRS performance list for the purpose of seeding. Qualifying marks must be from the current season of competition. Entries without a mark will be listed as NM. 5. The Conference Championship Games Committee will be comprised of one coach from each participating institution. The Athletic Director of the host school will be the Meet Director of the championship with assistance of the host school's head coach. 6. The Games Committee is empowered to act in accordance with the rules and take actions as allowed on the NCAA Rule Book in consultation with the Meet Director. 7. The following event will NOT be included in the 2014-2015 championship: 10,000 meter run. 8. Adding or deleting championship events shall go approved by the coaches one year in advance. 9. The number of entries per team for an event will be 4.

E. Scoring: 1. If there are six (6) or fewer teams competing in the conference meet, the number of scoring places will be 6. 2. If there are seven (7) or more teams competing in the conference meet, the number of scoring places will be 8. 3. Points are determined per NCAA Track & Field Rule Book. 4. Minimum standards must be met to get points (e.g. Walking or attempts with no success will result in no points scored)

F. National Qualification Plan The winner of the GCAC Conference Meet will receive the automatic berth to the national tournament.

V. Conduct in Competition A. Ejections and Suspensions An ejection is an action enforced in conjunction with competition by a game official consistent with the playing rules in that sport.

A suspension is required by NAIA bylaws (Article 6, Section B, Item 7) as an additional consequence related to ejections in conjunction with competition.

Ejections are not subject to appeal.

A. Committee Membership According to GCAC Bylaws, Article VI – Committees, each sport committee is composed of head coaches of that sport.

C. Term Limits Committee chairs serve for two years and may be re-elected. (GCAC, Bylaws, Article VI- Committees) 24

VOLLEYBALL

Pre-season: Selections will take place prior to the beginning of the regular season.

Preseason Volleyball Awards: 7 players will be selected to the Pre-season team 1 Pre-season player of the year

A coach/institution may nominate a maximum of seven candidates for pre-season consideration.

Nominees must be submitted to the GCAC Sports Information department using the electronic nomination form on the designated day set in the summer coaches meeting. Each institution should submit statistics for each nominee to receive full consideration. Nominee awards and statistical ranking may also be submitted.

The GCAC Sports Information department will send out the compiled list of nominees by 10 am the day before the scheduled conference call for the discussion and eventual online voting.

For the pre-season team, each coach will vote for the top seven players in rank order. The top person will get 7 points, 2nd will get 6 and so on. The top point earner will be pre-season player of the year.

The final voting documents will be shared with the athletic directors and will include how every coach/institution voted; as well as released to the media and the public.

Post season: Selections will take place after the completion of the regular season but before the GCAC Championship begins.

Volleyball Awards: 7 players to first team All-GCAC GCAC Newcomer of the Year 7 players to second team All-GCAC GCAC Setter of the Year 4 players to receive honorable mention status GCAC Attacker of the Year GCAC Player of the Year GCAC Defender of the Year GCAC Freshman of the Year GCAC Coach of the Year

A coach/institution may nominate a maximum number of candidates for All-GCAC consideration based on the following chart:

Conference Tournament Seed # of Potential Nominations 1-3rd 7 4-6th 4 7-8th 2

All-conference nominees must have participated in a minimum of 60% of the matches played by their team to be eligible for consideration.

Nominees must be submitted using the electronic nomination form on or before 10pm central on the final conference competition day of the regular season. Each institution should submit statistics for conference and non-conference play for a nominee to receive full consideration. Nominee awards and statistical ranking may also be submitted.

The GCAC Sports Information department will send out the compiled list of nominees by 10am Central- time the next day.

The voting will take place online as part of a conference call on the date set at the summer meeting after discussing the nominees. The discussion and voting will be led by the Volleyball Chair in conjunction with the Chair of the Sports Information Directors and the Conference SID.

For the all-conference teams, each coach will vote for the top 15 players in rank order. The top person will get 15 points, 2nd will get 14 and so on. The top point earner will be player of the year. There will be seven players on each team based on the point totals. Honorable mention honors will be awarded to the next four point total recipients.

When ranking players, coaches need to be mindful that the conference selection(s) will be submitted for consideration for national awards.

Freshman of the Year This selection will be limited to players who are in their first season of competition and who have not previously represented the nominee’s school or any other school in competition. The winner of this award will be the freshman receiving the highest point total based on All-GCAC voting. If there is a two- way tie, there will be co-winners. If there is a tie of three or more, the coaches will have a discussion of each candidate and vote for the selection. If there are no freshman receiving votes for All-GCAC selection, each coach may nominate a player for the award, have a discussion, and vote. Coaches may not vote for their institution’s nominee.

Newcomer of the Year This selection will be limited to players who have transferred into the nominating school and have not represented any other GCAC school in competition. The winner of this award will be the newcomer receiving the highest point total based on All-GCAC voting. If there is a two-way tie, there will be co- winners. If there is a tie of three or more, the coaches will have a discussion of each candidate and vote for the selection. If there are no newcomers receiving votes for All-GCAC selection, each coach may nominate a player for the award, have a discussion, and vote. Coaches may not vote for their institution’s nominee.

GCAC Setter of the Year Each coach may nominate a maximum of one player from their roster for the award. There will be discussion of each nominee prior to the voting process. Coaches may not vote for their institution’s nominee.

GCAC Attacker of the Year Each coach may nominate a maximum of one player from their roster for the award. There will be discussion of each nominee prior to the voting process. Coaches may not vote for their institution’s nominee.

GCAC Defender of the Year Each coach may nominate a maximum of one player from their roster for the award. There will be discussion of each nominee prior to the voting process. Coaches may not vote for their institution’s nominee.

GCAC Coach of the Year The regular season champion (including co-champions) is automatically nominated for this award. At the pre-tournament meeting after all other selections have been made, coaches may nominate additional coaches they feel are worthy of discussion based on the body of work in that season. There will be discussion of each nominee prior to the voting process. Coaches may not vote for themselves. 27

All individual award recipients will receive plaques.

NOTE: As part of the coach’s pre-tournament meeting, the voting results will be shared with the coaches to review and discuss the winners. This will also be the time to make any necessary adjustments.

The final voting documents will be shared with the athletic directors and will include how every coach/institution voted.

Tournament Awards

A trophy will be provided to the winner of the GCAC Championship tournament and they will be designated as the conference automatic qualifier for the NAIA national championship event. The runner- up will also receive a trophy.

An All-Tournament Team will be selected and announced at the conclusion of the GCAC Championship Final match. The head coach of the respective team will select their representative. The all-tournament team will consist of seven members based on the following chart:

1st place team – two members plus the tournament MVP (three total members) 2nd place team – two members Semi-finalist teams– one member each

There will be plaques presented to the All-Tournament team after the championship competition.

BASKETBALL

Pre-season: Selections will take place prior to the beginning of the regular season.

Preseason Basketball Awards: 5 players will be selected to the Pre-season team 1 Pre-season player of the year

A coach/institution may nominate a maximum of five candidates for pre-season consideration.

The GCAC Sports Information department will send out the compiled list of nominees by 10 am the day before the scheduled conference call for the discussion and eventual online voting.

For the pre-season team, each coach will vote for the top five players in rank order. The top person will get 5 points, 2nd will get 4 and so on. The top point earner will be pre-season player of the year.

The final voting documents will be shared with the athletic directors and will include how every coach/institution voted.

Post-season: Selections will take place after the completion of the regular season but before the GCAC Championship begins.

Basketball Awards: 5 players to first team All-GCAC 5 players to second team All-GCAC 5 players to All-Defensive team GCAC Player of the Year GCAC Defensive Player of the Year GCAC Freshman of the Year GCAC Newcomer of the Year GCAC Coach of the Year

A coach/institution may nominate a maximum number of candidates for All-GCAC and All-defensive team consideration based on the following chart:

Conference Tournament Seed # of Potential Nominations in each category 1-3rd 5 4-6th 3 7-8th 2

GCAC Coach of the Year The regular season champion (including co-champion) is automatically nominated for this award. At the pre-tournament meeting after all other selections have been made, coaches may nominate additional coaches they feel are worthy of discussion based on the body of work in that season. There will be discussion of each nominee prior to the voting process. Coaches may not vote for themselves.

All individual award recipients will receive plaques. All-conference nominees must have participated in a minimum of 60% of the games played by their team to be eligible for consideration.

The GCAC Sports Information department will send out the compiled list of nominees by 10am Central-time the next day.

The voting will take place online as part of a conference call on the date set at the summer meeting after discussing the nominees. The discussion and voting will be led by the Basketball Chair in conjunction with the Chair of the Sports Information Directors and the Conference SID.

Freshman of the Year This selection will be limited to players who are in their first season of competition and who have not previously represented the nominee school or any other school in competition. The winner of this award will be the freshman receiving the highest point total based on All-GCAC voting. If there is a two-way tie, there will be co-winners. If there is a tie of three or more, the coaches will have a discussion of each candidate and vote for the selection. If there are no freshman receiving votes for All-GCAC selection, each coach may nominate a player for the award, have discussion, and vote. Coaches may not vote for their institution’s nominee.

Newcomer of the Year This selection will be limited to players who have transferred into the nominating school and have not represented any other GCAC school in competition. The winner of this award will be the newcomer receiving the highest point total based on All- GCAC voting. If there is a two-way tie, there will be co-winners. If there is a tie of three or more, the coaches will have a discussion of each candidate and vote for the selection. If there are no newcomers receiving votes for All-GCAC selection, each coach may nominate a player for the award, have discussion, and vote. Coaches may not vote for their institution’s nominee.

GCAC All Defensive team and Defensive Player of the Year For the all-defensive teams, each coach will vote for the top 5 players in rank order. The top person will get 5 points, 2nd will get 4 and so on. The top point earner will be defensive player of the year. There will be five players on the team based on the point totals.

All-GCAC and Player of the Year For the all-conference teams, each coach will vote for the top 10 players in rank order. The top person will get 10 points, 2nd will get 9 and so on. The top point earner will be named player of the year. There will be five players on each team based on the point totals. All other awards, each coach may nominate one player in each category. The coaches will then rank all of the nominees similar to the all-conference selection.

When ranking players, please be mindful that the conference selection will be submitted for consideration for the national award.

Tournament Awards

An All-Tournament Team will be selected and announced at the conclusion of the GCAC Championship Final game. The head coach of the respective team will select their representative. The all-tournament team will consist of five members based on the following chart:

1st place team – One member plus the tournament MVP. Two total. Runner-up and semifinalist teams– one member each

There will be plaques presented to the All-Tournament team after the championship competition.

Completed selections will be submitted to the NAIA as the GCAC nominees for National Player of the Year, Coach of the Year and All-America consideration.

OUTDOOR TRACK & FIELD The conference shall award trophies to the first and second place men and women’s teams as conference champions. The top three individuals placing in each event are awarded All-GCAC. All Conference recipients receive medals for first, second and third place in all contested events.

Coaches will vote for a GCAC Coach of the Year at the conclusion of the conference championship. They may not vote for themselves. All voting will be shared with the Athletic Directors.

CROSS COUNTRY The conference shall award trophies to the first and second place men and women’s teams as conference champions. Members of the championship team shall receive a plaque (8 total).

The conference shall also provide individual plaques to the top finishers in each of the championship races.

The first ten runners to cross the finish line shall be awarded all- GCAC honors. The Conference office shall provide certificates to the all-GCAC team.

Coaches will vote for a GCAC Coach of the Year at the conclusion of the conference championship. They may not vote for themselves.

All voting will be shared with the Athletic Directors.

Other Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Awards

Academic Honor Roll The GCAC Honor Roll awards are available to any athlete who has a cumulative G.P.A. of 3.0 or above and who actually competed (no minimum number of contests specified). The G.P.A. would be the one existing after the conclusion of the semester in which competition was completed.

These must be certified to the commissioner/ eligibility chair by the faculty athletic representative and the athletic director by June 30 for the sports just concluded in that school year.

The award is a signed individualized certificate (no plaque). The names of the recipients of all awards are included in the following year’s directory.

Athletics Director of the Year Recognizes an outstanding athletics administrator in the areas of athletics administration and service to the NAIA.

Athletic Trainer of the Year Nominee may be any member of the Athletic Training Staff at any member institution. Nominee has performed in a manner considered as going “Above and Beyond” what is routinely expected.

Nominee has positively affected student-athletes, coaches and staff at their institution and the conference.

Nominee is exemplary in the execution of their duties. Nominations may be made by any Conference member. All Conference ATCs are eligible to vote.

Nominations are due to the Conference SID no later than April 30 each year. Voting is to be completed no later than May 15 each year.

Award recipient will also serve as the Conference nominee for NAIA Athletic Trainer of the Year.

Sports Information Director of the Year The Sports Information Committee will present the Sports Information Director of the Year Award each year:

The criteria for nomination includes dependability; efforts to provide/attract coverage for their programs, student-athletes and coaches; articles published; overall commendable work; and meritorious service to their institution and conference.

All member SIDs are eligible, but need to be nominated by their Athletic Director by the date set at the summer meetings.

The award recipient determined by vote of member SIDs.

Thomas Howell Cup The Thomas Howell Cup is awarded annually to the member institution that accumulates the greatest number of points in competition that year in all sports (men’s and women’s) sponsored by the NAIA. Sports where an institution competes in another NAIA conference other than the GCAC will be excluded with the exception of the Association of Independent Institutions.

The number of points awarded depends on the number of schools competing. [Ex.: If 8 schools compete, first place is worth 8 points, second place 7 points, etc. If three schools compete, first place is worth 3 points. If only one school competes, that school is awarded 1 point.] If regular season standings are kept, points shall be awarded on the basis of regular season results. Otherwise, points are awarded on the basis of the results of the conference meet or tournament.

The Cup is transferred from the previous winner to the current winner soon after the results are announced.

National Awards

Coach of Character To be eligible a coach must have been employed at the institution a minimum of five years and be outstanding in embracing the five core values of the NAIA Champions of Character initiative and methods to deliberately define, model, shape and reinforce character to his/ her student- athletes within the coaching environment including any Live 5 program implementation.

Charles Morris Administrator of the Year The award goes to active administrators (ex. FARS, Eligibility Chars, Commissioners, Sports Chairs, etc.) who exemplify loyalty to and enthusiasm for the mission of the NAIA.

Clarence “Ike” Pearson (Sports Information Directors of America) Award is given to a member of the NAIA Sports Information Directors Association for outstanding contributions to the profession. Nominees must be members of the NAIA- SAIDA during the academic year nominated and a member of NAIA- SIDA for five full years. The nominee must have demonstrated outstanding service to the profession as well as to the NAIA at the conference, independent and national levels.

Sports Information Director of the Year Based on listed achievements in Sports Information including contributions to the conference/ association and community involvement.

Wally Schwartz Faculty Athletics Representative of the Year Award The award recognizes a conference/ A.I.I. and national Faculty Athletics Representative who have a minimum of five years of service as a FAR and exemplify loyalty, enthusiasm and honesty.

NAIA-National Sportsmanship Foundation All That’s Right in Sport Award The award recognizes an NAIA institution, team or individual for actions in NAIA competition that are clear demonstrations of extraordinary sportsmanship. The act/ event/ situation must be within NAIA competition or practice and should demonstrate going above and beyond normal expectations of sportsmanship.

Athletic Trainer of the Year Awarded to NATA certified athletic trainer who has distinguished themselves as a model of the profession of athletic training in personal conduct and professional allied health service to athletes. Must be a member in good standing in the NAIA Athletic Trainers Association and the National Athletic Trainers Association as a certified athletic trainer. Must be employed currently by an NAIA institution as an athletic trainer and cannot have received the award in the past three years.

2013-2014 CONDUCT inCOMPETITION

GUIDE

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Conduct in Competition Guide

During 2008-2009, the Committee on Conduct in Competition worked to establish standards for behavior during all NAIA competition. The goal was to provide both proactive best practices to avoid situations which may lead to misconduct and reactive standards to take action when necessary.

A comprehensive survey of presidents, athletics directors and coaches focused on the current state of behavior of fans, coaches and student-athletes during NAIA competition and hospitality of campuses to officials and visiting teams in preparation for and during contests. The information gathered was used to develop the second survey which tested specific standards with the membership while also generating ideas for best practices. Event Management

Effective August 2009, NAIA members adopted specific standards to demonstrate a commitment to conduct in competition consistent with the core values:

1. After every contest, teams and coaches will stay on the playing surface and shake hands with opponents.

2. Profanity is unacceptable in NAIA competition. a. PA announcement must be made before the invocation/national anthem or player introductions. b. PA announcement must be made to give a warning for profanity/vulgarity when deemed appropriate by the event manager.

3. Support groups (bands, cheerleaders, etc.) must be placed as far away from the opponent’s bench as possible.

4. The coach must not secure, assign or pay officials.

5. Making personal attacks regarding physical characteristics of a player, coach or official is unacceptable and must be addressed by the crowd control manager.

6. Every institution must assign a person who is solely responsible for crowd control at each contest in basketball, football, soccer and other sports as deemed necessary.

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Champions of Character

The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Champions of Character program is designed to instill an understanding of character values in sport and provide practical tools for student-athletes, coaches, and athletic administrators to use in modeling exemplary character traits. The NAIA developed the Champions of Character program in response to the growing problem of deteriorating standards of integrity in sports and society. At a time when all of sport has experienced increasingly inappropriate behavior by athletes, coaches, and fans, NAIA Champions of Character raises the standards for positive student-athlete development in athletics and academics. The NAIA Champions of Character program has established five core values that stretch well beyond the playing field. The NAIA identifies those core values as: integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship and servant leadership. These character values help young people - and those associated with their development - make good choices in all aspects of their life and reflect the true spirit of competition.

Mindful of the need to model exemplary character traits during competition, the NAIA recommends the following procedures for conduct and hospitality during all NAIA competition. The main goal is the prevention of crowd disturbances at NAIA sporting events; efficient crowd control maintenance, and discipline among officials, administrators, coaches, players and spectators.

The NAIA urges every institution to become strongly involved within its own program and the programs of its conference, in fostering procedures that provide a positive atmosphere, an attitude of sportsmanship and a safe experience for all students, athletes, officials and spectators at its athletic events.

Go to Champions of Character at NAIA.org for NAIA Resources

Crowd Control Procedures for Athletic Events Efficient management of intercollegiate athletic contests, both at home and away, is an increasingly important aspect of administering an institution’s athletic program.

The hostility of the crowd is the reflection of hostility between the schools or coaches' actions. A crowd faced with disorganized, confused events is more prone to become hostile. The following recommendations strive to prevent hostility between the schools, and promote efficient conduct of the events themselves.

1. Pre-season and pre-game responsibilities are shared by both institutions competing in any athletic contest.

2. Responsibilities during the game are shared by both institutions, with the home institution assuming the key role. A dual responsibility exists at a neutral site.

3. Post-game responsibilities are shared by administrators of institutions, local security and the citizens of the community.

4. Advance preparation is important for efficient administration.

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Opportunities for Both Institutions Work with your own student body to set the stage for expectations during competition.

If possible, provide opportunities for cultural exchange between student bodies through gatherings. Use assemblies/gatherings to orient students to the importance of good conduct. Plan assemblies to inform students about game rules, or issue a book of rules and regulations so that everyone knows how to watch a game intelligently and knows what is expected of him/her.

Home institution PRE-SEASON AND PRE-GAME RESPONSIBILITIES

Contact the visiting institution as early as possible to arrange for a meeting or telephone conversation to discuss the game, including prior and existing school/community conduct problems. Time and location of pre- game security meeting should be confirmed.

Discuss any situations peculiar to your venue and send a map of the venue and parking areas to the visiting institution.

Formulate plans, which provide directions and instructions for all visiting personnel regarding safest routes, parking, seating and dismissal from bleachers, and loading and unloading buses and automobiles. Be alert to the impact of new construction projects. Predetermine departure times and routes of visiting spectators.

Evaluate the type of/use of pre-game music.

Evaluate the conditions and factors of on-site construction projects and the possible impact on entrance and departure procedures.

Evaluate the use of separate spectator entrance/departure gates/doors.

Have parking areas well lighted. Arrange for on-site parking of visitors’ autos and buses.

Have stadium or gym secure and all gates locked prior to the scheduled opening time.

Arrange for supervision to continue until after all visitors have left the area, including the team bus.

Prepare a supervision chart and inform assigned personnel of their duties before the game. (Persons on duty from both schools should have some type of identification-armbands, badges, etc.)

Provide for adequate security supervision before, during and after the game.

o Be sure there is both inside and outside security supervision at games including off-site parking areas and streets.

o Make arrangements with local police departments at the highest level possible in order that adequate police protection will be available to control the spectators at the conclusion of the contest. Develop a plan of action in cooperation with the police for measures to be taken in the event of trouble. Review prior and existing institution community-control problems.

o Develop, in consultation with police, emergency evacuation plans relating to activated fire alarms, bomb threats, and other inappropriate acts.

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o Arrange for diverting traffic away from the athletic field or gym so that spectators leaving the game can do so quickly.

o Work with local police to provide "no parking" signs around the stadium or gym, blocking off streets if needed, arranging for one-way traffic where necessary.

o Give specific instructions to auxiliary police, ushers and faculty members hired by the institution, concerning their responsibilities; designate someone to provide further instructions and direction to security, ushers and faculty members at the contest.

o Develop a supervision chart for police coverage before, during and after the contest. Police supervision of the on-site and off-site parking areas during the contest should not be forgotten.

o Stagger security scheduling, so that all security will not arrive and leave at the same time.

o Suggest a suitable location to detain anyone arrested by the police until they can be taken away with the least amount of confusion.

o All security personnel should be readily identifiable by the public. Prevention, not apprehension after trouble begins, should be emphasized.

Be alert to prior and existing community or cross-community control problems.

Advise ticket sellers to screen for alcohol abuse, troublemakers and group agitators. Representatives from the visiting institution should screen for known troublemakers from their school/community. Such individuals should be turned away prior to admission.

Instruct the operator of the video taping equipment to record all incidents of inappropriate behavior.

Have all special seating areas roped off prior to opening the gates. Use school service club members (booster, student council, etc.) as ushers and monitors of student sections and make sure that these students are rehearsed in their duties.

Provide reserved seats for bands. The amount of time they will have for half-time activities should be known to them and should be strictly observed.

Seat students from opposing institutions in separate sections. Seating for home and visiting spectators should be adequate. Seats and tickets should be numbered. Spectators should remain on their side of the field or gymnasium throughout the contest. Do not oversell the facility. Preferential seating may be given to season ticket holders.

Assign a student manager or administrator to meet the visiting team upon arrival and direct the team to its dressing quarters. A good-sized room, dry erase board and markers, training table, benches, chairs, and drinking water should be provided. It may be necessary to ask opponents to come dressed for the game if the visiting team's quarters do not include changing facilities.

Provide security measures to protect visitors' clothing and valuables while the visitors are on the field or court. The playing field or court and the area immediately adjacent to it shall be restricted to team members, coaches, managers, officials, and other parties necessary to the conduct of the contest. Student or faculty associates shall wear something distinctive so that they may easily be identified. Sufficient personnel shall be provided by the host institution to enforce this regulation. The visiting institution shall see that this rule is enforced in the visitors’ area. Institutions bear a dual responsibility when playing at a neutral site.

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Provide reserved parking for game officials.

Emphasize to game officials the importance of keeping the game under control.

Checks must be given to officials before the game.

Take care in the preparation, printing, and sale of athletic programs. Correct names and numbers, major rule changes and interpretations, plus statements concerning spectator behavior, will be effective.

Arrange for adequate concessions. If possible, a concession stand should be available on both sides of the stadium at football games.

Custodians should check rest rooms for sanitation and supplies before game time. Separate rest rooms should be provided for visitors.

Check game facilities: Condition of the venue should be checked before the game for hazardous conditions, cleanliness, and proper markings. An athletic trainer must be present at every contest and a physician if possible. An ambulance should stand by in an area where it will not be observed by the public. It should be brought on the field only on request of the physician. The home team physician may be made available to the visiting team if the visiting team does not bring its own physician to the contest.

Have properly trained adult scorers and timers for officials at games. If possible, the same assistants should be used the entire season.

Assign a competent person to take charge of the scoreboard and have adults on the chain crew.

DURING THE GAME

Meet administrators from the visiting school and acquaint them with their areas.

Any type of mascot shall be kept on the side of a school's rooting section.

Only spirit posters, the school banner and Champions of Character banners should be displayed and placed on the participant’s side of the venue.

Monitor and stop inappropriate chants and cheers.

Have adequate security, faculty, and patrons distributed among the students and other spectators. Assign someone to help control spectator behavior in the vicinity of the players' bench.

Keep lines of communication open to administrators from the visiting institution and the site manager.

Assign a responsible adult, other than the coach, to help attend to injured players, and, if necessary, to accompany them to the hospital.

Provide for supervision during halftime. Whether or not there is halftime entertainment, supervision is necessary to help direct the crowd, keep spectators off the playing area and keep the under-the-stands area cleared.

Maximum available lighting shall be utilized during any contest and shall not be restricted to the area of competition.

POST GAME

Use public address system to give directions to students and spectators regarding exit from the stands.

Provide police and faculty supervision until all students and spectators are well dispersed. Permit no loitering. NAIA Champions of Character • 1200 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64106 • 816.595.8000 • www.NAIA.org Conduct in Competition Guide / 8/13 / page 6

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Provide an escort with a key to the locker room for officials.

Arrange an area for press interviews if needed.

Check supervision of all areas; provide continuous security for locker room area.

Assign someone to assist police in dispersing hangers-on who wait for the team after the game.

Buses loaded with rooters, band, and team should depart, with police escort, immediately after the game.

Administrators of both schools should confer before leaving to be sure that all details have been attended to.

When deemed necessary, have police escort officials to their cars, and buses to the city/town limit.

Letters of appreciation should be sent to the opposing school, coaches, officials and newspapers, if appropriate.

KEY MESSAGES: TICKET STUBS, PROGRAM, PA ANNOUNCEMENTS

TICKET STUBS — Print the following message on the back of tickets:

“The NAIA requires that all fans behave in a positive manner with the highest degree of sportsmanship. Student-athletes are friendly rivals as members of opposing teams. The visiting team tonight, and in every NAIA contest is a guest of the home team. You are to treat them as a guest. NAIA officials are individuals who have been assigned to administer the rules of the game. Their experience and their integrity qualify them for their part in this contest.”

PROGRAM — Use these ready-to-print Champions of Character messages in your event program or as an insert; full and half-page and quarter-page formats are provided at: NAIA Institution Resources Page

ANNOUNCERS — The announcer is a key person in NAIA competition and carries a great deal of responsibility. What is said and how it is said may have serious effects on crowd behavior.

o The game should be reported without showing favoritism to teams or players.

o Proper language should be used at all times.

o Announcers can show enthusiasm without losing control.

o Plays, first downs, time outs, or touchdowns should not be anticipated.

o Only those in charge of the event should be permitted to use the microphone.

o Under no circumstances should officials' decisions be criticized directly or indirectly.

NAIA Champions of Character • 1200 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64106 • 816.595.8000 • www.NAIA.org Conduct in Competition Guide / 8/13 / page 7

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INTEGRITY • RESPECT • RESPONSIBILITY • SPORTSMANSHIP • SERVANT LEADERSHIP

Examples of PA announcements (Download a copy.) NAIA Keep playing. Keep learning. Keep growing. Game on. Learn more about opportunities to play in the NAIA at NAIA.org. The phrase “student-athlete” has a great ring to it. Join 60,000 others who feel the same way. You’ll never run out of room to grow. On the court (field, track, etc.), in the classroom and as a person. Learn more at NAIA.org. The phrase “student-athlete” has a great ring to it. Join 60,000 others who feel the same way. You’ll never run out of room to grow. On the court (field, track, etc.), in the classroom and as a person. There are lasting friendships waiting to be made. With students, coaches and the entire campus community. Learn more at NAIA.org. Champions of Character The NAIA is committed to intentionally developing character. It’s at the heart of who we are. Learn more about the NAIA Champions of Character program at ChampionsofCharacter.org. The NAIA Champions of Character program helps students understand and embody what character truly means. It also provides student-athletes, coaches and parents the training to know, do and value the right thing – both inside and outside of sports. Learn more at ChampionsofCharacter.org. In the NAIA student-athletes stand for something when they compete. Integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship and servant leadership. Learn more about the NAIA and Champions of Character at ChampionsofCharacter.org. In the NAIA we believe character shouldn’t just be confined to the campus. It’s a very grassroots process and, as a result, one that speaks with authenticity and authority. Get your community involved in Champions of Character. Learn more at ChampionsofCharacter.org. (School), (Conference) and the NAIA would like to welcome you to (today’s/ tonight’s) contest and ask that you join us in supporting character-driven intercollegiate athletics. Help us create a positive competitive environment by showing respect for (today’s/tonight’s) student-athletes, officials and spectators. (School) is committed to the NAIA Champions of Character initiative and asks for your help to create a positive competitive environment. Please enjoy the game. Good (morning, afternoon, evening) ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to (today’s/tonight’s) match-up between (Host) and (Opponent). (Host) and the NAIA are committed to maintaining the true spirit of competition. Please do your part by showing respect to every spectator, student-athlete, coach and official in today’s contest. Thank you. Welcome to today’s contest. (Host), (Conference) and the NAIA have formed a partnership to promote character-driven intercollegiate athletics. The NAIA Champions of Character program empowers student- athletes, coaches, officials and fans to have high standards and embody what character truly means in a competitive arena. Thank you for your support and enjoy the game. The NAIA Eligibility Center Student-athletes come first in the NAIA. Their needs, desires and ambitions guide our every decision. They are the inspiration that drives us to make character a core component and benefit of all intercollegiate sports. Register to get in the game at PlayNAIA.org. 60,000 student-athletes, close to 300 college campuses, 23 national championship events and $450 million in athletic aid. Get in the game today at PlayNAIA.org. The NAIA provides exclusive opportunities for over 60,000 student-athletes to achieve academically while competing for the love of the game. Register to get in the game at PlayNAIA.org. Your college sports experience starts here. Register to get in the game at PlayNAIA.org.

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Visiting Institutions PRE-SEASON AND PRE-GAME RESPONSIBILITIES

Contact home institution or neutral site manager to discuss game preparations and obtain information on:

o safest route to and from venue o location of visitors' parking area o visitors' entering and exit gates o visitors’ seating area o prior and existing school/community control problems Consider transporting students by bus if there is inadequate parking at the venue.

Student buses must have staff supervision. Have adequate faculty and administrative supervision going to the game, at the game and after the game. Provide identification for school personnel.

Consider asking interested parents and patrons to help with supervision.

Provide information to students regarding travel, parking, entrance seating and exit.

Check on amount of time allotted for band or other half-time activities and adhere strictly to the time limit.

DURING THE GAME

Visiting institutions athletics director or their representative should contact the site manager or athletic director immediately upon arrival to discuss final details and to indicate seat locations so that parties are available to each other.

Any type of mascot shall be kept on the side of a school's rooting section. Only spirit posters, the school banner and Champions of Character banners should be displayed and placed on the participant’s side of the venue.

Be alert to prior and existing community or cross-community control problems. Monitor and stop inappropriate chants and cheers. Keep lines of communication open to administrators from the visiting institution and the site manager.

POST GAME

Administrators of both schools should confer before leaving to be sure that all details have been attended to.

Buses loaded with fans, band, and team should depart, with police escort, immediately after the game.

Letters of appreciation should be sent to the opposing school, coaches, officials and newspapers, if appropriate.

NAIA Champions of Character • 1200 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64106 • 816.595.8000 • www.NAIA.org Conduct in Competition Guide / 8/13 / page 9

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Individual Responsibilities SECURITY

Security should arrive in sufficient time before the starting time of the contest and report to administration or representative to request instructions, such as best locations for observation, nearest phone, etc.

During the game, security should be requested to assist in controlling the following:

o Non-students seated in student sections who may cause disturbances.

o Any person appearing to be under the influence of alcohol must be denied admission to the event.

o Any suspicious gathering of individuals in rest rooms, behind the stadium, in the parking areas, or elsewhere.

Loiterers should be asked to leave and crowds dispersed outside gym once game is sold out.

COACHES — Coaches influence not only the conduct of players under their supervision, but also the behavior of many spectators.

In dealing with the officials, the coach’s approach must be business-like at all times. The coach must exercise self-control and realize that the official sees through impartial and unbiased eyes. Coaches must familiarize themselves with the proper procedure for requesting a conference with an official.

Coaches must stay on playing surface and shake hands with opponents.

Coaches must be sensitive to situations, such as athletes losing control of themselves, and get potential troublemakers out of the game before difficulty begins.

Head coaches are responsible for the conduct of their entire staff.

PLAYERS — The less notice the player takes of the spectators and the more he/she concentrates on his/her art in the game, the more absorbed the crowd will be and the less likely to misbehave.

Players should refrain from showing surprise or irritation at a call of an official. The official’s ruling-just or unjust-should be accepted with politeness.

“Playing to the crowd” can cause trouble-particularly in basketball where the player’s facial expressions are clearly visible to the bench and stands.

Making personal attacks regarding physical characteristics of a player, coach or official is unacceptable and must be addressed by the crowd control manager.

Substitutes on the bench should not heckle the opposing team.

Coaches must stay on playing surface and shake hands with opponents.

The relationship of players to each other before, during and after the game affects and helps establish crowd rapport.

SCHOOL REPORTERS — Reporters have many opportunities to speak out for good sportsmanship.

Stories should be presented fairly and accurately.

Losses do not need to be explained.

Wins should not be over stressed.

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Reporters should refrain from criticizing athletes in a school newspaper.

SPECTATORS — Students and adult spectators who have a general knowledge of game rules and of officials' techniques and signals seldom cause disturbances at athletic contests.

Spectator sportsmanship may be encouraged in the following ways:

Student councils can develop codes of sportsmanship.

Cheerleaders and bands can help promote good sportsmanship.

Sportsmanship rating forms can be developed.

Sportsmanship trophies can be given to encourage good conduct.

Pep boosters can promote better sportsmanship.

The pre-game atmosphere is improved if spectator participation is encouraged. Standing and singing “The Star Spangled Banner” is one opportunity for such participation.

Handbooks on regulations dealing with crowd conduct.

Disorderly persons should be removed promptly.

Posters can be used to stress courtesy and sportsmanship.

Noisemakers and drunkenness should not be permitted.

Students should sit as a group.

CHEERLEADERS — Student bodies and teams will react as they are instructed, inspired and led by neat and well-poised cheerleaders.

Instead of exchanging cheers, the host institution cheerleaders should go to the visiting side and greet the visiting cheerleaders. Cheerleading advisors, coaching staffs and other game management advisors should meet to discuss the importance of spectator and player sportsmanship.

Cheerleaders' functions are to make a positive contribution to good spectator reaction at an athletic contest and to create better relations between opposing supporters.

Cheers should be positive, not aimed at antagonizing an opponent. Care should be taken in making certain that words used in a cheer are not suggestive and do not have a connotation which would inflame an audience.

Cheerleaders are expected to lead the cheer group in a round of applause for an injured player leaving the game. Cheering is appropriate.

When "booing" occurs, the cheerleaders should attempt to stop it with a "waving off" motion of the hands. It is important that any booing is waved off immediately. If the booing becomes louder, the cheerleaders should help to divert the crowd's attention by starting a popular yell routine. Immediate action is the key to the control of booing.

Cheerleaders, properly trained, can be as important to the spectator behavior as the coach is to his team.

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INTEGRITY • RESPECT • RESPONSIBILITY • SPORTSMANSHIP • SERVANT LEADERSHIP NAIA Champions of Character • 1200 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64106 • 816.595.8000 • www.NAIA.org Conduct in Competition Guide / 8/13 / page 11

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SCORE TABLE PERSONNEL — The host team’s athletic director or other authorized game management representative’s responsibility is to ensure all necessary personnel are in place for effective game management (e.g. game clock operator, timer, official scorer, PA announcer, spotter, etc.).

Scorer’s table personnel shall make themselves available a minimum of 30 minutes prior to each competition.

Personnel responsible for board operations (scoreboard, play-clock, possession arrow, etc) shall meet with the officiating crew before each game to review sport specific protocol.

Scorer’s table personnel shall refrain from all public criticism of game officials.

Scorer’s table personnel shall exhibit respect toward all participating coaches and student-athletes.

Scorer’s table personnel shall dress appropriately/professionally.

Scorer’s table personnel shall be of appropriate age and skill level to perform the duties asked.

All scorer’s table personnel shall be competently trained in operations.

Official scorers and clock operators shall be well versed in the specific duties outlined in the rulebook for the sport in which s/he is working.

Score table personnel are strongly discouraged from wearing team apparel while working an assigned contest.

Public address announcers must be objective in their presentation.

Public address announcers will permit no one to use the microphone unless authorized by game management personnel.

Public address announcers must be familiar with the facility so that accurate instructions can be given in case of emergency.

Public address announcers shall make every effort to learn the correct pronunciation of players and coaches from both teams.

Use of cell phones or any other electronic devices shall cease once the contest begins. Use of these devices is permitted during halftime/intermission periods and/or once the contest concludes.

The use of tobacco related products by scorer’s table personnel is strictly prohibited by NAIA Policy.

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