STUDENT-ATHLETE HANDBOOK

2017-18

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Table of Contents

Introduction…………………………………………………………3 Philosophy of WLU Athletics…………………………………..3 Athletic Department Goals……………………………………..3 Sportsmanship Statement………………………………………3 Academics…………………………………………………………..3 Athletic Compliance Committee……………………………….4 Behavior and NCAA Prohibitions……………………………..5 Camps and Clinics…………………………………………………5 Drug and Alcohol Awareness Program……………………..6 Athletic Department Drug and Alcohol Policy……………..6 Hazing………………………………………………………………….6 Eligibility Requirements…………………………………………..6 Non-Competition (“Redshirting”)………………………………7 Facilities and Equipment………………………………………….7 Financial Aid………………………………………………………….7 Grievance Procedure for Student-Athletes………………….8 Playing and Practice Seasons……………………………………8 Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC)………………8 Training Room Regulations………………………………………9 Insurance Requirement……………………………………………9 Social Networking…………………………………………………..9 3

INTRODUCTION This Student-Athlete Handbook has been compiled for the purpose of providing necessary information to all student-athletes regarding the philosophy, policies, procedures, and general intent of West Liberty University with respect to its intercollegiate athletics program.

ATHLETICS MISSION STATEMENT The mission of the Athletics Department is to support the philosophy, goals, mission, core values, and vision statement of West Liberty University through conducting, regulating, and promoting high-quality intercollegiate athletics programs as an abiding member of the MEC and the NCAA, operating under the Division II Principles of Conduct for Intercollegiate Athletics identified in Constitution 2.

WLU ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT PHILOSOPHY West Liberty University’s Intercollegiate Athletic Program is an integral part of the institution's total educational mission. Eighteen men's and women's sports are offered, providing diverse opportunities to accommodate students' needs and varying interests: football, women's , men's and women's tennis, men's and women's cross country, men's and women's basketball, wrestling, women's , men's baseball, men's and women's indoor and outdoor track, men's and women’s golf, and women’s soccer.

The college belongs to the (MEC), as well as Division II of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). Athletically-related financial aid is available to a limited number of participants who qualify.

The philosophy of West Liberty University Athletics embraces the concept of the "student-athlete” being a "student" first, as well as the principles of gender equity and requirements of Title IX. The physical and mental welfare of the student-athlete is of the highest importance. Fair play and sportsmanship are emphasized along with strict compliance to the rules and regulations of the MEC and the NCAA, operating under the Division II Principles of Conduct for Intercollegiate Athletics identified in Constitution 2.

ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT GOALS 1. To efficiently operate a broad-based intercollegiate athletics program with equal considerations for competitive opportunities for both genders.

2. To operate an athletics program in concert with the strategic plan and defined goals of the institution.

3. To operate an athletics program that subscribes to and complies with the rules and regulations of our member associations.

4. To operate an athletics program that is sensitive to issues involving student-athlete welfare.

5. To establish a safe environment for all student-athletes, coaches, and support personnel, with particular attention to physical, emotional, and social welfare, including gender issues, ethnic diversity, and sexual orientation related issues.

SPORTSMANSHIP STATEMENT The NCAA and West Liberty University promote positive sports behavior by student-athletes, coaches, and spectators at all athletic events. We request cooperation by supporting the participants and officials at all contests in a positive manner. Profanity, racial, sexist, or other abusive comments or actions directed at officials, student-athletes, coaches, or team representatives will not be tolerated and are grounds for removal from the athletic site.

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TITLE IX STATEMENT “No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.”

NCAA GENDER EQUITY STATEMENT “An athletics program can be considered gender equitable when the participants in both the men’s and women’s sports programs would accept as fair and equitable the overall program of the other gender. No individual should be discriminated against on the basis of gender, institutionally or nationally, in intercollegiate athletics.”

WLU ATHLETICS GENDER EQUITY STATEMENT The West Liberty University Department of Athletics is committed to upholding the tenets of Title IX to provide a gender-equitable environment and overall student-athlete experience for student-athletes of both genders, and supports the University’s overall efforts to maintain gender equity University-wide. As directed by the University’s Title IX Coordinator, the Athletics Gender Equity Committee, comprised of the SWA/Athletics Title IX representative, the Faculty Athletics Representative and the Director of Athletics, monitors the Athletics Department’s compliance with Title IX and gender equity standards on an ongoing basis. The Gender Equity Committee will examine the three major athletic issues for compliance with gender equity as defined by the Office of Civil Rights Intercollegiate Athletics Policy Interpretation of 1979. The three categories are:

I. Accommodations of interest an abilities (sport offerings), II. Athletic financial assistance (scholarships), and III. Other program areas: a. Equipment and supplies, b. Scheduling of games and practice times, c. Travel and per-diem allowances, d. Tutoring, e. Coaching, f. Locker rooms and facilities for practice and competition g. Medical and training facilities and services, h. Housing and dining facilities and services i. Publicity, j. Support services, and k. Recruiting of student-athletes.

DIVERSITY & NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT The West Liberty University Department of Athletics does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national origin, color, sex, age, veteran status, or disability and promotes an inclusive culture that fosters equitable participation for student-athletes and equitable career opportunities for coaches, administrators and support staff from diverse backgrounds and perspectives, and supports the University’s overall efforts to prevent discrimination and foster diversity University-wide. Reasonable accommodations for participation in intercollegiate athletics may be provided for individuals whose disabilities are officially registered with the University's ADA Office based on the recommendation of the University’s ADA Coordinator and the Director of Athletics.

ACADEMICS It must be emphasized that West Liberty University embraces all student-athletes as students first, and athletes second. Therefore, it is important that all student-athletes realize the necessity of attending class, 5 studying, and seeking assistance when needed. The ultimate goal of each student-athlete is to earn a degree in a chosen field. Support systems are in place to provide assistance to students in need of guidance when making academic decisions.

Academic Advisors Each student is assigned to work with an academic advisor upon enrollment at West Liberty as a first-time student. If a student changes majors, it is his or her responsibility to properly notify the Registrar’s Office and request an advisor in the new major. Academic advisors assist students when scheduling courses for each semester and help to map out a plan for completing the desired degree program. However, it remains the responsibility of the student to schedule and complete the necessary curriculum for their degree program. It is also the student’s responsibility to schedule meetings with their advisor during pre-registration periods. All adding and dropping of courses must be approved by the student’s academic advisor.

Athletic Academic Advisor The Athletic Department has a full-time academic advisor on staff. The Athletic Academic Advisor is available to assist students making academic decisions and who have questions about continuing eligibility. All student- athletes MUST consult with the Athletic Academic Advisor, as well as their head coach, prior to dropping any course. This is necessary because dropping a course may affect the eligibility status of the student-athlete. When the need for a tutor arises, the Athletic Academic Advisor may help connect the student-athlete with a tutor through the tutoring service on campus located in the Student Enrichment Center. At the conclusion of the academic year, West Liberty’s Registrar will complete an academic evaluation for each student-athlete in order to determine whether or not summer school is needed. The Registrar’s evaluation will be given to the Athletic Academic Advisor who will share it with the head coach of each sport’s team. It is the responsibility of each head coach to share this information with his/her student-athletes.

Class Attendance It is strongly recommended that student-athletes attend all class meetings. Traveling to away contests does not automatically constitute an excused absence from class. A memo from the Department of Athletics addressed to faculty members including a list of away contests and those student-athletes traveling to the contest will be provided. However, it is the student-athlete’s responsibility to meet with his or her instructors well in advance of the scheduled trip to ask for permission to miss class. Student-athletes are PROHIBITED from missing class to attend practice sessions.

Career Services West Liberty University has a Career Services Office located in . Students are encouraged to contact this office prior to graduation. Career Services offers assistance with writing resumes, searching for jobs, and offers postings of employment opportunities.

First-Year Experience During each fall semester, all WLU freshmen students will be enrolled in a First Year Experience course. Topics covered in this course may include time management, study skills, class preparation, drug and alcohol abuse, eating disorders, and other important matters for today’s student-athlete. While this course is not currently required for graduation, it is highly recommended that all student-athletes remain in the course until its completion, as it provides information beneficial for a successful adjustment to life as a college student.

ATHLETIC COMPLIANCE COMMITTEE The Athletic Rules Committee insures that West Liberty University is in accordance with NCAA rules and regulations. This group meets to discuss, interpret and recommend policies and procedures. The five members of this committee and their individual responsibilities are listed below:

Ms. Heather Gallagher – Associate Athletic Director (Compliance), Athletic Academic Advisor, Senior Woman Administrator (SWA) for Athletics . Coordinates all necessary paperwork with all coaches for athletic files . Assists in and signs-off on certification of eligibility for all athletic teams . Works transfer eligibility and transfer release requests 6

. Monitors eligibility for freshmen through the NCAA Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse . Insures compliance with all NCAA and MEC regulations . Assists in completion of NCAA Squad Lists and processing of athletic financial aid . Provides rules education for all coaches . Makes arrangements for tutors for student-athletes . Performs academic checks on all student-athletes . Gives academic advice to student-athletes . Facilitates discussion regarding student-athlete issues and the overall athletic experience

Mr. Scott Cook – Executive Director of Enrollment Services  Monitors continuing eligibility and satisfactory progress for all student-athletes . Oversees full-time enrollment of student-athletes . Works transfer academic evaluations . Signs-off on certification of eligibility for all athletic teams . Oversees the awarding of all athletic financial aid and completes NCAA squad Lists for all teams

Mrs. Courtney Huffman – Faculty Athletic Representative (FAR) . Serves as a liaison between the athletic department and the President of the college . Insures compliance with NCAA and MEC regulations . Signs-off on certification of eligibility for all athletic teams . Conducts institutional compliance audits

Mrs. Brenda King – Director of Admissions . Oversees the admission of all student-athletes into the College . Signs-off on non-counters for NCAA squad lists . Administers NCAA Recruiting Certification test to coaches . Assists in certification of student-athlete eligibility

Mr. Lynn Ullom – Director of Athletics . Oversees the operation of all coaches, Athletic Academic Advisor, and Compliance Coordinator . Provides leadership and advice to coaches regarding NCAA and MEC procedures and regulations . Insures compliance with NCAA and MEC regulations . Signs-off on certification of eligibility for all athletic teams . Supervises the comprehensive operation of the Athletic Department

BEHAVIOR AND NCAA PROHIBITIONS West Liberty University fully endorses the NCAA principles of fair play and sportsmanship. All student-athletes are expected to compete with honesty and sportsmanship at all times preserving the honor and integrity of fair play, and to follow the regulations established for their respective sport.

All policies and regulations set forth in the WLU Student Handbook are to be followed. Student-athletes represent themselves, their families, their teams, and the College at all times and must always act responsibly and respectfully. Head coaches will outline individual team rules during the initial squad meeting.

Student-athletes are also expected to abide by the following NCAA regulations: . Providing information on intercollegiate athletics to individuals involved in organized gambling activities is prohibited. . Soliciting a bet on intercollegiate athletics or accepting a bet on any team representing the institution, or participating in any gambling activity that involves intercollegiate athletics through a bookmaker, a parlay card, or any other method employed by organized gambling is prohibited. . Participating in any gambling activity that involves professional athletics, through a bookmaker, parlay card, or any other method employed by organized gambling is prohibited. . Signing with a sports agent (or verbally agreeing to sign at a point in the future) prior to completing athletic eligibility is prohibited. . Selling of complimentary tickets is prohibited. 7

. Use of any tobacco product by student-athletes, coaches, trainers, and administrators during practices, contests, or in any athletic facility is strictly prohibited.

CAMPS AND CLINICS A student-athlete who is employed in any sports camp or clinic must meet the following requirements:

. The student-athlete must perform duties that are of a general supervisory nature in addition to any coaching or officiating assignments, . Compensation provided to the student-athlete shall be commensurate with the going rate for camp or clinic counselors of similar teaching ability and camp or clinic experience and may not be paid on the basis of the value that the student-athlete may have for the employer because of the athletics reputation or fame the student-athlete has achieved. It is not permissible to establish varying levels of compensation for a student-athlete employed in a sports camp or clinic based on the level or athletics skills of the student-athlete, and . A student-athlete who only lectures or demonstrates at a camp or clinic may not receive compensation for his or her appearance at the camp or clinic.

A student-athlete with eligibility remaining is not permitted to conduct his or her own camp or clinic. A member institution (or employees of its athletics department) may employ its student-athletes as counselors in camps or clinics, provided the student-athletes do not participate in organized practice activities other than during the institutions playing season in the sport. (NCAA DII bylaw 13.12.2)

DRUG AND ALCOHOL AWARENESS PROGRAM Ongoing education concerning drug and alcohol awareness, and various other topics, is provided regularly to WLU student-athletes and the campus community. These programs are sponsored jointly by the West Liberty Athletic Department, the Counseling Center, and the First Year Experience Program. These programs are mandatory for all student-athletes.

The NCAA conducts yearly drug tests for randomly selected football players and other student-athletes, as well as drug testing at all Division II championship events. Prior to the beginning of practice, each student-athlete must read and sign a Drug Testing Consent form. This form will outline the NCAA drug testing policies and procedures. This document must be signed and on file with the Compliance Coordinator before a student- athlete may being practicing with their respective team.

A list of banned drugs and substances can be obtained by contacting the Head Athletic Trainer, the Assistant Athletic Director, or online at www.ncaa.org/drugtesting.

ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT DRUG AND ALCOHOL POLICY The use, possession, distribution, or receipt of any and all illegal substances (street drugs, performance- enhancing substances, and substances banned by the NCAA) is strictly prohibited. Violations may be cause for suspension from athletic participation and /or loss of athletic financial aid. Regulations regarding the use of alcohol are governed by the University’s student code of conduct and individual sport team policies. The use of tobacco by student-athletes and all game officials (i.e., coaches, trainers, managers, officials, etc.) is strictly prohibited by the NCAA during all practices and competitions.

HAZING Any and all “hazing,” initiations, and other similar activities (i.e., forced consumption of alcohol, paddling, etc.) are strictly prohibited. All West Liberty University student-athletes are required to disassociate themselves from any and all such activities. Any participation in such activities may result in dismissal from WLU athletic teams.

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ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR CONTINUING STUDENT-ATHLETES Each student-athlete is permitted to utilize four seasons of competition within ten semesters of full-time collegiate enrollment. In order to compete and practice, a student-athlete must be enrolled in at least 12 semester hours. If a student-athlete is in his or her last semester prior to graduation and needs fewer than 12 semester hours to complete his or her graduation requirements, he or she is permitted to practice and compete while registered in fewer than 12 hours, provided he or she is registered in all courses necessary to complete his or her designated degree once verified by the Registrar.

A student-athlete must pass a minimum of 24 semester hours during the preceding academic year with at least 18 of those hours being completed during the fall and spring semesters, and at least nine of those hours being completed in the semester immediately prior to certification for competition in order to meet NCAA progress toward degree (PTD) requirements. A student-athlete is permitted to earn no more than six of the required 24 hours during summer school for the purpose of meeting PTD, but may not use summer hours to meet the 18 or nine hour requirements.

Each student-athlete must declare a major prior to the start of his or her junior year. Once a degree program has been designated, only those hours applicable toward the designated degree program can be used for the purpose of meeting PTD. If a student-athlete’s major requires that a minor also be declared, then all hours applicable toward the declared minor may also be used to meet progress toward degree requirements. However, if a student-athlete chooses to declare an optional minor, only six hours per term applicable toward the optional minor may be counted toward PTD.

In addition to passing 24 hours, student-athletes must also maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 in order to remain eligible for competition. All coursework appearing on a student-athlete’s official transcript must be used when calculating the cumulative grade point average.

NON-COMPETITION (“Redshirting”) A full season of competition is charged to a student-athlete if he or she participates in any one play during any one contest, including scrimmages. Student-athletes who have the intention of sitting out of all competition with outside teams (scrimmages and official contests) for the purpose of retaining a season of eligibility must meet with his or her head coach prior to the start of the season to discuss this matter. If both parties agree that the student-athlete will not compete during the academic year, the student-athlete will sign an “Agreement of Non-Competition” form prior to the team’s first contest. (This process is not the same as seeking a Medical Hardship Waiver due to injury.) The purpose of this form is to facilitate communication between coaches and student-athletes regarding this matter. If a coach wishes to “activate” a student-athlete for competition after an Agreement of Non-Competition has been signed, he or she must meet with the student-athlete, the Compliance Coordinator, and the Director of Athletics to ensure the understanding that the student-athlete will be charge a full season of competition, even though he or she may have only competed during a portion of it. Student-athletes who have signed Agreements of Non-Competition may still be randomly selected for drug testing at the discretion of the NCAA, and are still required to follow all NCAA, MEC, WLU, and team rules and regulations.

FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT Use of athletic facilities must be in accordance with athletic department policies. Any unauthorized use of athletic facilities is prohibited. Tobacco products in any form are prohibited in all athletic facilities, including outdoor fields and courts. Any damage or problem in an athletic facility should be reported to a staff member immediately.

All student-athletes are expected to properly use and maintain all equipment issued to them by an athletic department staff member. All equipment and uniforms are to be turned in at the completion of the playing season, unless otherwise stated by the head coach. Failure to do so could result in a hold being placed on class registration, grades, and transcripts. Any damage to equipment or a uniform should be reported immediately to a staff member. Student-athletes may be charged for equipment and uniforms if the damage occurred outside of required athletic activity. 9

FINANCIAL AID All student-athletes are expected to complete the federal Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA). This form is available in January in the Financial Aid Office and may also be completed online. Once the FAFSA has been completed, the federal government will send each student a renewal form for each subsequent year. This form must be used to apply for the federal Pell Grant, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG), Perkins Loan, Federal Direct Student Loan, state grants, and work-study. Further information can be obtained by contacting the Financial Aid Office at 304-336-8016.

A limited amount of athletic financial aid is available to some student-athletes. If a student-athlete is awarded athletic aid, he or she must sign and return their Athletic Aid Agreement delivered to them from the Financial Aid Office. The Athletic Aid Agreement lists the amount of aid given and outlines the conditions of the award. If the conditions are not met, the award may be canceled. Athletic aid can only be awarded on a one-year basis. However, the head coach may recommend renewal of the award annually. If athletic financial aid is canceled or reduced, the student-athlete has the right to an appeal hearing before the college’s Financial Aid Committee. The Director of Financial Aid must be contacted to request an appeal hearing.

If a student-athlete is awarded an undergraduate athletic waiver, it must be noted that this is applicable only to tuition, and not college fees. According to State Code, undergraduate waivers may be renewed for a maximum of four years. If a student-athlete is awarded an athletic housing grant, it must be noted that this is applicable only to the “room” portion of the “room and board” charge. The student-athlete is still responsible for the “board” charge.

GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE FOR STUDENT-ATHLETES If a problem or dispute arises for a student-athlete, the athletic department’s established grievance procedure should be followed. Initially, the problem must be discussed directly with the head coach. If the concern is general in nature and concerns the student-athlete’s entire team, it should be brought to the attention of the student-athlete’s team SAAC representative. If the problem is not resolved, the student-athlete should schedule a meeting with the Senior Woman Administrator who acts as a liaison between student-athletes and the athletic administration. If the problem is still not resolved to the satisfaction of the student-athlete and the Department of Athletics, the Director of Athletics and the Faculty Athletics Representative will be contacted, and the Athletic Rules Committee may be convened. The final appeal of the student would be to the President of the University.

PLAYING AND PRACTICE SEASONS During the academic year, student-athletes must have at least one calendar day off per week. This means that on at least one day per designated seven-day period no athletically related activities may take place. On this required day off, coaches are prohibited from requiring student-athletes to participate in any meeting, activity, or instruction involving sports-related information and having an athletics purpose. Travel to an away contest on an off day is permissible, as long as none of the above listed activities take place during the same day.

During the traditional playing season, student-athletes are limited to 20 hours of practice and competition activity per week. During the off-season, student-athletes are limited to eight hours or required weight training, conditioning, and meetings per week. Practice calendars must be kept daily by each head coach to monitor the total number of hours. The team’s SAAC representative must also sign off on the calendar.

STUDENT-ATHLETE ADVISORY COMMITTEE (SAAC) A Student-Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC) is required to be in place at each NCAA institution. The purpose of this council is: . To create a line of communication with athletic administration, . To disseminate information to student-athletes, . To gain input from student-athletes regarding athletic policies and concerns, 10

. To solicit student-athletes responses to proposed NCAA legislation, . To check accuracy of practice schedules recorded by head coaches, . To sponsor outreach activities for the local and campus communities, and . To have council members complete an exit interview when their eligibility has been exhausted if requested by Athletic Department administration.

Each team will be represented by a student-athlete from their respective squad. The representative can be of any class grade, but must be a currently participating member of the team. The representative will serve until he or she graduates, completes eligibility, or leaves the team. The council will meet at least once a semester. Officers are elected early in the fall semester. Student-athletes are urged to suggest ideas and make comments to their team’s SAAC representative.

TRAINING ROOM REGULATIONS West Liberty University has a co-ed training room. Therefore, appropriate dress and behavior is required at all times in and around the training room area. The use of tobacco products and obscene language are prohibited. Cleats are not permitted in the training room area. Student-athletes are expected to shower prior to reporting for treatment.

Prior to beginning practice, each student-athlete must undergo a physical exam given by the WLU physician or their own family doctor. If the student-athlete’s family doctor conducts the physical, written notification from the doctor must be given to the head athletic trainer.

Any injury must be reported immediately to the training staff. The head trainer will evaluate all injuries and refer student-athletes to team doctors as necessary. Student-athletes are expected to attend all treatments arranged by the training staff. It is the student-athlete’s responsibility to initiate conversation regarding treatment times.

INSURANCE REQUIREMENT At West Liberty University, the health and safety of our student-athletes is of prime importance. In an effort to ensure that quality and timely medical care is available to all Hilltopper student-athletes in the event of an injury or illness, all student-athletes are required to provide proof of insurance, including specific coverage for athletically related injuries, as a prerequisite to athletic practice and competition.

Each student-athlete must have the following items verified by the Compliance Office and on file with the WLU Athletic Training Staff before any athletic participation may occur:

. A current insurance card (or photocopy, including the front and back of the card), AND . A completed and signed “Insurance & Emergency Contact” form.

West Liberty University assumes no responsibility for the payment of (or authorization to pay) medical expenses, co-pays, deductibles, etc., resulting from injuries that occur while participating in intercollegiate athletics at West Liberty University. The NCAA’s Catastrophic Injury Insurance is in place to assist student- athletes who are catastrophically injured while participating in a covered intercollegiate athletic activity. The NCAA policy has a $90,000 deductible, but is provided only as supplemental coverage effective in the event of a catastrophic injury and does not qualify as the basic coverage required for participation in athletics at WLU.

SOCIAL MEDIA WLU student-athletes who choose to make use of social media outlets (i.e. Facebook, Twitter, etc.) may not post offensive or inappropriate photos or comments, as determined by the Director of Athletics and/or the student’s head coach. Student-athletes also may not post any information or photographs depicting violations the University’s code of conduct, which may include, but is not limited to, underage alcohol consumption, drug use, vandalism, etc. Students may be required to remove postings which violate this policy and/or may be subject to investigation and appropriate penalties within the Department of Athletics and University judicial authorities.