Longwood University Department of Athletics
Student-Athlete Handbook 2014-15
Table of Contents Page
Athletic Department Mission Statement 3 Athletic Department Directory 4 Important Campus Contacts 6 Big South Conference 7 Academic Calendar 9 Academics Academic Coach 10 Academic Resources 10 Tutoring 11 Course Registration 12 Dropping or Withdrawing From a Course 13 Repeated Courses 13 Academic Probation & Suspension 13 Study Table 15 Class Attendance 18 Athletic Training 22 Strength and Conditioning 28 NCAA Rules and Regulations Five Year Clock/Seasons of Competition 29 Medical Hardship 29 Academic Eligibility 30 Agents & Amateurism 32 Awards & Extra Benefits 34 Employment 36 Playing & Practice Season 37 Outside Competition 40 Recruiting 42 Transfer Rules 44 Ethical Conduct 45 Financial Aid 48 Gambling 53 Hazing 54 Social Networking Policy 55 Longwood Alcohol Policy 56 Longwood Drug Policy 58 NCAA Drug Testing 64 Grievance Procedures 65 Athletics Media Relations 66 SAAC Committee & Bylaws 69
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Introduction
The staff of the Longwood University Department of Athletics would like to welcome each student-athlete to the University and the athletics program. We hope that Longwood University student-athletes take advantage of the excellent opportunities at the University for athletic success, academic growth, and personal development. Please do not hesitate to ask if you have any questions regarding your academic or athletic endeavors.
Please take a few moments to become familiar with the information contained within this handbook. It is designed to assist incoming student-athletes with the transition to Longwood University and to serve as a resource for returning student-athletes. The handbook intends to help the student-athlete understand the rules and regulations of Longwood University’s Athletics Department, as well of those of the NCAA and Big South Conference. It also includes other references that can assist student-athletes in areas from the media to financial aid to substance abuse.
This guide presents information only related to student-athletes at Longwood University and is for the 2014-2015 school year. This information supersedes information included in previous student-athlete handbooks. All information in this handbook is accurate as of August 1, 2014.
Athletic Department Mission Statement Our mission is to enhance school spirit and advance the profile of Longwood University. We are committed to empowering people to reach their potential in intellectual pursuits, in athletic competition, and in community outreach in preparation to be a citizen-leader.
CORE VALUES
Lancer Pride We work to contribute to the rich legacy of Longwood in a positive fashion. The good of the institution is paramount.
Resourcefulness We focus on solutions, creativity and innovation.
Self-Discovery We invest in people to facilitate individual development and growth.
Family The well-being of student-athletes and staff will be at the core of every decision. We embrace an atmosphere of togetherness and individuals’ contributions to our success are celebrated.
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Important Athletic Department Contact Information
Name Title Phone Email Athletic Administration Troy Austin Director of Athletics 2058 austints Michelle Meadows Sr. Associate A.D./Administration & Academics 2429 meadowsme Bill Irish Associate A.D./Internal Operations 2655 irishbm Scott Bacon Associate A.D./External Operations 2081 baconsm Greg Prouty Senior Operations Manager proutygd Alpha Jones Assistant Athletic Director/Athletic Fields 2613 jonesra2 Alex Ricker-Gilbert Assistant A.D./Compliance & Student Services 2417 rickergilbertar Maya Ozery Assistant A.D./Academic & Leadership 4918 ozerymy Development TBD Assistant V.P./Athletics Communications TBD Director of Athletics Development 2138 Whitney Curtis Director of Marketing 2378 curtiswl Kayla Miller Game Operations and Events Manager 2564 millerka Bryan Cornn Business Operations Manager 2614 cornnbc TBD Assistant Director of Athletics Media 2718 Gary Maiorano Video Coordinator 2345 maioranogp Stuart Smith Special Assistant to the Athletic Director 2059 smiths2 Athletic Training Jenna Page Assistant Athletic Director/Sports Medicine 2965 pagejm Carly Fullerton Associate Head Athletic Trainer 2017 fullertoncm Kyle Cook Assistant Athletic Trainer 2965 cookkl2 Corey Morris Assistant Athletic Trainer 2965 morriscw2 Sam Walton Assistant Athletic Trainer 2965 waltonsr2 Strength & Conditioning John Hark Director of Strength & Conditioning 2772 harkjp Rick Canter Assistant Strength & Conditioning Coach 2827 canterrn Baseball TBD Head Baseball Coach 2352 TBD Assistant Baseball Coach 2843 TBD Assistant Baseball Coach 2351 TBD Volunteer Assistant Baseball Coach 2351 Men’s Basketball Jayson Gee Head Men’s Basketball Coach 2838 geejt Jake Luhn Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach 2733 Tim Carter Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach 2654 TBD Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach 2611 Mario Huffman Director of Basketball Operations huffmanme Women’s Basketball Bill Reinson Head Women’s Basketball Coach 2416 reinsonwf Wanisha Smith Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach 4912 smithwm Sherrie Tucker Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach 2734 tuckersm2 TBD Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach 2559 Men’s & Women’s Cross Country
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Catherine Hanson Head Men’s & Women’s Cross Country Coach 2132 hansonca
Field Hockey Iain Byers Head Field Hockey Coach 2272 byersid Mark Egner Assistant Field Hockey Coach 2562 egnerm Meghan Neylon Assistant Field Hockey Coach neylonmc Men’s Golf Kevin Fillman Head Men’s Golf Coach 2563 fillmankm Women’s Golf TBD Head Women’s Golf Coach 2565 Lacrosse Elaine Jones Head Women’s Lacrosse Coach 2566 jonesem2 Kate Keagins Assistant Women’s Lacrosse Coach 2342 keaginsk Men’s Soccer Jon Atkinson Head Men’s Soccer Coach 2056 atkinsonjd Edwardo DeSouza Assistant Men’s Soccer Coach 2681 desouzaep Women’s Soccer Todd Dyer Head Women’s Soccer Coach 2794 dyertb Richard Stoneman Assistant Women’s Soccer Coach 2354 stonemanrn Softball Kathy Riley Head Softball Coach 2353 rileykl Jennifer Steele Assistant Softball Coach 2554 steelejn Men’s Tennis Jakob Gustafsson Head Men’s Tennis Coach 2757 gustafssonja Women’s Tennis Casey Wharton Head Women’s Tennis Coach 2320 whartoncg Cheerleading Megan Miller Cheerleading Coach 2138 millermp Faculty Athletics Representative Dr. Consuelo Alvarez Associate Professor of Biology 2847 alvarezcj
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Important Campus Contact Information
Department Phone Location
Academic & Career Adivising 395-2063 Lancaster Hall ARAMARK/Dining Services 395-2072 Dorrill Dining Hall Bookstore 391-1240 Longwood Landings Campus Recreation 395-2356 Recreation Center Cashiering & Student Accounts 395-2274 Lancaster Hall Computer Help 395-4357 Coyner Hall Counseling Center 395-2409 Recreation Center Disability Support Services 395-2391 Graham Building Financial Aid 395-2077 Lancaster Hall Golf Course 395-2613 Golf Course Health & Wellness Center 395-2102 Recreation Center Honor and Judicial Programs 395-2490 Lancaster Hall International Affairs 395-2172 Barlow Hall Cormier Honors College 395-2789 Ruffner Hall Greenwood Library 395-2433 Greenwood Library Leadership/Student Engagement 395-2414 Lankford Hall Learning Center 395-2393 Greenwood Library Multicultural Affairs 395-2394 Lancaster Hall Parking Services 395-2612 Graham Building Post Office 395-2116 Lankford Hall Printing Services 395-2476 Graham Hall Public Safety 395-2091 (Emergency) Dorrill Dining Hall 395-2612 (Nonemergency) Dorrill Dining Hall Registrar 395-2580 Barlow Hall Residential & Commuter Life 395-2080 Lancaster Hall Student Health & Wellness Center 395-2102 Recreation Center Student Union 395-2103 Lankford Hall Technology Services 395-2034 Coyner Building Volunteer and Service Learning 395-2930 Lankford Hall
Longwood Switchboard 395-2000
College of Arts & Sciences 395-2045 College of Business & Economics 395-2042 College of Education & Human Services 395-2051 College of Graduate & Professional Studies 395-2707
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Big South Conference
Since its founding in 1983, the Big South Conference has matured into a competitive leader in college athletics, actively pursuing excellence on the field of play and in the classroom. The League’s growing presence as an NCAA Division I athletic conference is evident by athletic accomplishments on the national stage, innovative marketing and media partnerships, increased television packages, and quality athletic competition while intentionally fostering the academic, personal, social, athletic and leadership development of each student-athlete. This has evolved into the Conference’s mission of “Developing Leaders Through Athletics.”
The Big South Conference was formed on August 21, 1983, when Charleston Southern (then Baptist College) Athletic Director Howard Bagwell and Augusta President George Christenberry began recruiting members into the Big South, receiving initial commitments from Augusta, Charleston Southern, Campbell, Coastal Carolina and Winthrop. One month later, Dr. Edward M. Singleton was selected as the League’s first Commissioner and continued to solicit new members. His efforts led to the additions of Armstrong State, Radford and UNC Asheville, giving the Big South more than the required six members to constitute an official conference. The Big South’s first year of competition was in the Fall of 1984, and in September 1986, the Big South Conference was granted full-fledged NCAA Division I status.
During its infancy and prior to securing automatic bids to NCAA Championships, the Big South made early strides in earning at-large berths in several national postseason events, including volleyball, women’s basketball and women’s golf. In 1989, George F. “Buddy” Sasser replaced the retiring Dr. Singleton as Commissioner, and in 1990, the League received its first automatic bid – receiving an automatic qualifier to the NCAA Baseball Championship.
In August 1996, Kyle B. Kallander replaced Sasser as the League’s third Commissioner, and in his 15 years at the helm of the Big South, Kallander has been instrumental in aggressively promoting the Conference to new heights. The Conference has enjoyed record levels in marketing revenue during the past several years, he has brought television coverage to Big South women’s basketball, baseball and softball for the first time in Conference history, as well as increased national television exposure to the League as a whole through aggressive and unique television packages.
Under Kallander’s leadership, the Big South developed and initiated its first long-range strategic plan, re-affirming the League’s vision as a distinctive athletic Conference committed to the quality of institutional life through athletic competition. He also spearheaded the efforts to add football as a championship sport, which came to fruition in 2002, and oversaw the additions of men’s and women’s indoor track & field in 1997. The Conference’s 19th championship sport -- women’s lacrosse, will begin play in 2012-13 with seven members. At the same time, Kallander has solidified Conference membership, as an all-time high 11 member institutions comprise the 28- year League in 2011-12. Recent additions include High Point, Gardner-Webb and Presbyterian College, plus the return of charter member Campbell University this year. Kallander’s long range vision has also included technological advancements, as the Conference introduced its first live event video streaming in 2005 and has since expanded its video offerings to more than 700 events annually through a partnership with the member institutions, as well as the creation of several online and social media platforms.
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Big South Conference Members
Campbell University Longwood University Location: Buies Creek, NC Location: Farmville, VA Nickname: Fighting Camels Nickname: Lancers Colors: Orange and Black Colors: Navy and Gray Distance from LU: 160 miles www.longwoodlancers.com www.gocamels.com www.longwood.edu
Charleston Southern University Presbyterian College Location: Charleston, SC Location: Clinton, SC Nickname: Buccaneers Nickname: Blue Hose Colors: Blue and Gold Colors: Blue and Garnett Distance from LU: 385 miles Distance to LU: 337 miles www.csusports.com www.gobluehose.com
Coastal Carolina University Radford University Location: Conway, SC Location: Radford, VA Nickname: Chanticleers Nickname: Highlanders Colors: Coastal Green, Bronze, and Black Colors: Red, Blue, and Green Distance from LU: 291 miles Distance from LU: 144 miles www.goccusports.com www.ruhighlanders.com
Gardner-Webb University UNC Asheville Location: Boiling Springs, NC Location: Asheville, NC Nickname: Bulldogs Nickname: Bulldogs Colors: Red and White Colors: Royal Blue and White Distance from LU: 277 miles Distance from LU: 308 miles www.gwusports.com www.uncabulldogs.com
High Point University Liberty University Location: High Point, NC Location: Lynchburg, VA Nickname: Panthers Nickname: Flames Colors: Purple and White Colors: Red, White, and Blue Distance from LU: 150 miles Distance from LU: 50 miles www.highpointpanthers.com www.libertyflames.com
Winthrop University Location: Rock Hill, SC Nickname: Eagles Colors: Garnet and Gold Distance from LU: 252 miles www.winthropeagles.com
www.bigsouthsports.com
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2014-15 Longwood Academic Calendar
Fall 2014 Semester Spring 2015 Semester
August 2014 January 2015
21 New students arrive 12 Final registration 22 Final registration Classes begin 4:00 p.m. 23 Continuing students arrive 19 Martin Luther King Jr. holiday 25 Classes begin 8:00 a.m. No classes – University closed 20 Last day add/drop course – 5:00 p.m. September 2014 26 Fall 2015 schedule due
1 Labor Day Holiday – no classes February 2015 University Closed 2 Classes resume 8:00 a.m. 20 Pass/Fail deadline by 5:00 p.m. Last day add/drop - 5:00 p.m. 23 Grade estimates due 12 noon Spring 2015 schedule due 11 Convocation March 2015 October 2014 2-6 Spring Break – no classes 3 Pass/Fail deadline 2 University Closed 6 Grade estimates due 12 noon 7 Graduate Comprehensive Examination 13-14 Fall Break – no classes 9 Deadline to withdraw with “W” –5 p.m. 15 Classes resume at 8:00 a.m. Incompletes due for Fall 2013 Deadline to withdraw with “W” –noon Classes resume at 8:00 a.m. Incompletes due for 2013 Spring & 19 Advising & registration begin Summer Fall & Summer 2015 18 Graduate Comprehensive Examination 30 Summer 2015 schedule due April 2015
November 2014 2 Advising ends – Fall 2015 24 Classes end 3 Advising & registration begins – Spring Graduate incompletes due for 2015 Fall 2014 14 Advising ends – Spring 2015 25 Reading Day 26-28 Thanksgiving holiday – no classes 27-30 Final Exams University closed May 2015 December 2014 1 Final Exams 1 Classes resume at 8:00 a.m. 4 All grades due 8:30 a.m. 5 Last day of classes 8 Graduate Commencement Graduate incompletes due for 2014 9 Commencement Spring & Summer 6 Reading day 8-12 Final Exams 15 All grades due at 8:30 a.m.
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Academics
The Department of Athletics, in cooperation with the Center for Academic Success and the Student-Athlete Enhancement Office (SAE), are committed to providing academic support to all Longwood student-athletes, including counseling, course registration, tutoring, progress towards graduation, and upholding the academic integrity of Longwood University. Each student-athlete, along with every Longwood student, are designated a faculty academic advisor within their declared major. Those student- athletes who are undeclared will be designated a faculty academic advisor within the Academic & Career Advising Center. In addition to a faculty advisor, each student- athlete will be designated an Academic Coach within the Student-Athlete Enhancement Office. All Longwood student-athletes are required to meet with their Academic Coach to discuss course scheduling, progress towards degree, declaration of major, etc. Remember, in order to be eligible for athletic competition, you must meet all NCAA and Longwood University academic requirements at all times. These requirements and other policies and procedures will be discussed in detail in later sections.
Academic Coach
The Academic Coach serves as the primary academic services coordinator for a particular sports program. Questions/concerns regarding academics, course scheduling, tutoring, NCAA eligibility, or other academic concerns should be directed to your Academic Coach. It is critical to communicate regularly with your Academic Coach regarding your academic in all areas to ensure you are progressing towards graduation and maintaining your eligibility. For 2013-14, the following designations have been made:
Michelle Meadows –Lacrosse, Field Hockey Maya Ozery – Men’s Basketball, Women’s Basketball, Baseball, Women’s Soccer, Men’s & Women’s Tennis, Men’s & Women’s Golf Alex Ricker-Gilbert – Softball, Men’s & Women’s Cross Country, Men’s Soccer
Academic Resources
The Student-Athlete Enhancement Office offers several additional resource programs for student-athletes, including a laptop loan program, textbook loan program, and other academic resources. If you are in need of a laptop for team travel, a textbook, or other resource (such as a camera, voice recorder, calculator, etc) for academic coursework, please contact your Academic Coach. All resources are available on a first come first serve basis. The student-athlete will check out the item with his/her Academic Coach and will be required to return the item by a specified date. All resources must be for academic use in an enrolled course to ensure compliance with all NCAA rules.
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Tutoring
The Student-Athlete Enhancement Office provides individualized tutoring in several academic areas at no cost to the student-athlete. To request a tutor, log in to your GradesFirst account and select Request Tutor Appointment in your Class Info tab. Please make sure to indicate multiple days/times that you are available in the dialogue box and select send. Your tutoring appointment will be set within 24-48 hours. You will receive an email confirmation and the appointment will appear on your GradesFirst calendar. All tutoring sessions are held in Greenwood Library or an academic building on campus. This is a WEEKLY commitment to tutoring. If you need to cancel or reschedule a tutoring session, you must contact the Tutor Coordinator ([email protected] ) and your tutor within a reasonable time frame.
You are expected to uphold the following standards when using the tutoring services available: 1. Attend all scheduled tutoring sessions. If you are unable to attend your session, contact the Tutor Coordinator ([email protected]) and your tutor at least the day prior to the session. 2. Provide your tutor with a copy of your Excused Absence Letter that is provided to you at the start of the semester for your competitions. 3. Be on time for all sessions. Tutors are expected to be on-time to serve you. Tutors are available for all student-athletes and their time is valuable. 4. Be prepared and organized for your sessions. Bring all materials to your session. 5. Take thorough, legible notes in class and bring notes to your session. 6. Prepare questions in advance for your session. 7. Turn off your cell phone during your session. 8. Be respectful of yourself and others. 9. Communicate honestly with your tutor. 10. Do your own work. Tutors are not responsible for completing any assignments. They are present to assist you in gaining a greater understanding of your academic coursework. 11. If you drop or withdraw from a course that you are receiving tutoring in, please notify your tutor and the Tutor Coordinator ([email protected] ).
If you elect not to uphold these standards, the privilege of tutoring will be suspended at the discretion of the Student-Athlete Enhancement staff.
More information regarding tutoring policies and procedures can be found in our Tutor Manual in the Student-Athlete Enhancement Office or on our website.
Tutoring is also available through the Center for Academic Success in the areas of math, business, modern languages, music and science. To request a session in one of these areas, you should visit the Center for Academic Success website at http://www.longwood.edu/academicsuccess/index.html and complete the online
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Request for Tutoring Form. The Center for Academic Success also offers resources through the Writing Center and Speaking Center to assist you in your coursework. Hours of operation are located on their website. Please note that the Writing Center will not proofread your paper, write your paper, estimate your grade for a paper, read over the paper just before it is due, or help with a take home without the approval of a professor.
The Center for Academic Success also offers a tremendous number of resources for developing study skills, online math tutorials and improving writing skills to name a few. It is your responsibility to seek out the resources that are available to you. If you have questions or concerns regarding the resources that are available, contact your Academic Coach.
Course Registration
Priority registration for student-athletes is available during the first three days of registration. Priority registration is available to student-athletes to help minimize conflicts between class and practice times. Student-athletes must meet with their faculty academic advisor prior to priority registration and complete a Registration Record form with their advisor. This form must be signed by the faculty advisor then submitted to the student-athlete’s Academic Coach for review of NCAA eligibility requirements. If the student-athlete fails to register during the priority registration period, the head coach will be notified and will be responsible for addressing this issue.
The NCAA requires that all student-athletes be enrolled in a minimum of 12 credit hours AT ALL TIMES to be eligible for practice and competition. Please note: intersession (courses during the January session between the fall and spring terms) cannot be used to meet minimum 12 credit hour requirement. All courses used to meet NCAA progress towards degree requirements must apply towards your declared degree. See Academic Eligibility Section for more information.
Semester Registration: normally a two week period in November for the following spring semester or in March/April for the following fall semester and limited to currently-enrolled, degree-seeking students. (Remember: Priority registration is available for student-athletes to register during the same session as seniors and other priority groups.) Summer Registration: normally begins in March/April with students required to register by Registration Deadline for the session in which the course is listed to avoid a late registration fee. Summer Preview: special registration procedures are provided for new freshmen and new transfer students during summer orientation. New students who cannot attend one of these programs must register on final registration day.
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Final Registration: the day immediately preceding the first day of classes each semester. (The degree-seeking student eligible for “Registration” who does not register prior to this final date incurs a late registration fee.)
Dropping or Withdrawing From a Course
The NCAA requires that all student-athletes be enrolled in a minimum of 12 credit hours AT ALL TIMES to be eligible for practice and competition. Any student-athlete who drops below 12 credit hours becomes immediately ineligible for practice and/or competition. Student-athletes may only add/drop classes during the priority registration period; however student-athletes should contact their faculty advisor and their Academic Coach prior to changing their schedule. After that time, the student- athlete must meet with his/her Academic Coach for approval to add or drop a course.
Repeated Courses
Students may repeat one or more courses, up to a total of five repeats, and have the most recent grade replace the original in the grade point average calculations. All enrollments and grades appear on the transcript. After the fifth repeat, both the original and repeated grade will be included in GPA calculations. A completed grade replacement form is required prior to registration for the course. Note: Repeat of courses with a D or better will not result in additional credits towards the NCAA progress towards degree requirements because the credits have been previously earned. All students-athletes must inform their Academic Coach when they repeat courses, it could significantly impact eligibility.
For information about athletic scholarships and repeated courses, see the Financial Aid Section.
Academic Probation & Suspension Policy
A degree-seeking student enrolled in Longwood University is in good standing unless placed on academic suspension. Note: Even though a student-athlete may be in good standing within the University he/she may not be eligible under the NCAA academic requirements.
Academic Probation Students are placed on probation based on their cumulative grade point average at the end of the fall and spring semesters. Probation indicates serious academic difficulty and notice is placed on the student’s academic record. Students on academic probation may not take more than 15 credits per semester and are encouraged to seek assistance in the Learning Center.
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Academic Suspension
Students will be suspended from Longwood University if: They remain on academic probation for two consecutive regular semesters (fall and spring are considered regular semesters); or Their cumulative grade point average falls below 1.0 with 1-23 GPA hours at Longwood; or Their cumulative grade point average falls below 1.5 with 24 or more GPA hours at Longwood.
Students are suspended at the end of the fall and spring semesters. Students suspended at the end of fall semester may not take winter intersession courses. Students suspended after spring semester may not take summer courses.
The first academic suspension means required withdrawal from the institution for the semester (fall or spring) immediately following the semester in which the suspension occurs. A student who has sat out spring semester may apply for re-admission for summer term.
Under extenuating circumstances, appeals for readmission or other exceptions to academic policies may be presented to the Faculty Petitions Committee. Students must contact the Office of Registration for information and deadlines for submitting an appeal.
Readmission after Suspension
Suspended students may apply for readmission to Longwood for the semester following completion of the suspension period. The student must apply at least 60 days before enrollment to the Admissions Committee, which will review the student’s record and citizenship at Longwood as well as courses taken elsewhere. A student denied readmission may appeal in writing through the Office of Admissions to the appropriate deans(s). Readmission to the institution is not automatic, even if the student has raised his/her cumulative grade point average.
A student readmitted after suspension must satisfy the following conditions until the student’s cumulative grade point average is a minimum of 2.0: 1. Enroll under the status of academic probation, 2. Maintain a minimum semester grade point average of 2.0 in each semester, and 3. May not enroll in more than 15 credits.
If a student fails to achieve the minimum grade point average of 2.0 in any semester before achieving a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0, the student will receive a second suspension.
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Application for Graduation
A formal Application for Degree must be completed by all applicants for baccalaureate degrees one calendar year prior to the anticipated degree completion. The application may be obtained in Barlow Hall and, upon completion, paid for in Student Accounts (301 Lancaster) and then returned to Barlow Hall.
Longwood University Honor Code
Student-athletes are expected to abide by all University Policies and Procedures at all times, including the University Honor Code and the Judicial Code of Conduct. Failure to abide by Longwood Policies and Procedures related to academics may result in suspension, dismissal, and/or loss of Athletics Aid. Information on the Honor Code and other University policies can be found in the Student Handbook located on the Honor & Judicial Programs website at http://www.longwood.edu/judicial/. Also refer to the Student-Athlete Code of Conduct within the Ethical Conduct Section of this Handbook.
Study Table
The purpose of study table is to ensure a student-athlete is setting aside specific time each week to complete his/her academic coursework. All freshmen and new transfer student-athletes during their first semester at Longwood University are required to attend study table each week. In addition, all other student-athletes with a GPA below a 2.50 are required to attend. Required hours based on cumulative GPA are as follows:
2.49 - 2.25 4 hours 2.24 - 2.00 6 hours Below 2.00 8 hours
If a student-athlete earns a cumulative GPA of 2.50 or above they are no longer required to attend study table, unless dropping below a cumulative GPA of a 2.50 at a later date. Each head coach may increase these requirements at his/her discretion.
If a student-athlete earns two 3.00 or higher semester GPAs during the two most recent semesters consecutive semesters (i.e. fall and spring semesters), they will be released from study table for the subsequent semester as a reward for his/her current academic performance. The semester GPA will be certified after each semester to determine the individuals who are eligible for this incentive.
Hours of Operation: Location: 6 – 10 pm Sunday 9 am – 10 pm Monday – Thursday Tabb 101/102/104 9 am – 3 pm Friday
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NOTE: These hours are subject to change at the discretion of the Office of Student Athlete Enhancement.
If a student-athlete does not meet his/her requirements for a week:
First offense during the semester: written notification to the student-athlete and the head coach. The Head Coach is responsible for issuing the appropriate response.
Second offense during the semester: written notification to the student-athlete and the head coach. The Head Coach will suspend the student-athlete from all athletically related activities for 1 day.
Third offense during the semester: written notification to the student-athlete and the head coach. The Head Coach will suspend the student-athlete from the next schedule athletic competition.
Suspensions may be delayed to the subsequent semester if the suspension cannot be served due to lack of practice or competition.
Student-athletes are expected to complete study table requirements while a member of his/her athletic program and/or receiving athletics aid. In the event the these prescribed penalties would not apply to a student-athlete due to unique circumstances, such as, but not limited to, exhausted eligibility, intent to transfer, injury, etc., the Office of Student-Athlete Enhancement and/or Head Coach may elect to impose a more appropriate penalty for failing to meet study table requirements on a case-by-case basis.
Study Table Conduct
Study table is no different than going to practice or to the weight room. It’s time set aside for a student-athlete to “Go to work” in the area of academic performance. As such, the study table environment is created to ensure an environment of working towards academic goals for all student-athletes. While in study table, all student- athletes must abide by the following guidelines. If a student-athlete fails to follow these guidelines, the student-athlete will be asked to leave study table and may lose all or a portion of any time earned during that particular study table session and may be restricted from attending study table the remainder of that day.
1. No internet surfing. The internet must be used for academic purposes. The Coordinator or any other Athletics Department personnel may question the purpose of a student-athlete’s use of the internet at any time and the student- athlete must provide an adequate explanation.
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2. No social network sites of any kind (i.e. Facebook, Twitter etc). This includes having a social network site open and/or active. 3. No cell phones at any time. Cell phones should be turned off, put out of sight, or left in your room. 4. Students must use study table time to complete academic coursework. Study table hours may not be earned while internet surfing, doodling, etc. If you think you do not have academic work to do, read your textbook, reread your textbook, start your next assignment, see your Academic Coach or Study Table Coordinator for assistance, etc. 5. PLAN AHEAD! BEFORE COMING TO STUDY HALL, DETERMINE WHAT ASSIGNMENTS OR READINGS YOU WILL BE COMPLETING WHILE IN STUDY TABLE.
The Student-Athlete Enhancement Office is proud to provide services and resources to assist student-athletes in their success, such as the study spaces available in Tabb Hall. Therefore, the Student-Athlete Enhancement Office is committed to maintaining its facilities to the highest standard. We request that all student-athletes utilizing the Tabb Study Labs to leave the space in proper condition (i.e. chair tucked in under desk, keyboard/mouse-pad/mouse in is proper place, all trash thrown away, etc). The space will only remain in great condition if we choose to take care of it properly. If a student- athlete is found to be abusing the services and resources provided, he/she will be suspended from further services.
Study Table Vouchers
Study Table vouchers are also available for student-athletes using university sponsored tutoring sessions (through the Center for Academic Success or Student-Athlete Enhancement), review sessions with professors, or Writing Center. Time earned during these sessions may be used toward weekly study table requirements.
Study table vouchers may also be earned while traveling due to competition, provided study sessions are coordinated, supervised, and verified by the Head Coach. Hours earned during travel should not exceed 2 hours per trip.
A Study Table Voucher (which can be found on the Student-Athlete Enhancement website or through your Academic Coach) must be filled out in its entirety, signed by the appropriate individuals and submitted no later than Friday at 3:00 p.m. each week. If a student-athlete has other academic activities, educational requirements for class, mentoring sessions, etc.) may contact his/her Academic Coach IN ADVANCE for consideration and approval for such activities to be used through the Study Table Voucher program.
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Class Attendance Policy – Longwood University
Students are expected to attend all classes. Failure to attend class regularly impairs academic performance. Absences are disruptive to the educational process for others. This is especially true when absences cause interruptions for clarification of material previously covered, failure to assume assigned responsibilities for class presentations, or failure to adjust to changes in assigned material or due dates. It is the responsibility of each instructor to give students a copy of his or her attendance policy in the course syllabus. Instructors may assign a grade of "0" or "F" on work missed because of unexcused absences. Instructors have the right to lower a student's course grade, but no more than one letter grade, if the student misses 10% of the scheduled class meeting times for unexcused absences. Instructors have the right to assign a course grade of "F" when the student has missed a total (excused and unexcused) of 25% of the scheduled class meeting times. Students must assume full responsibility for any loss incurred because of absence, whether excused or unexcused.
Instructors should permit students to make up work when the absence is excused. Excused absences are those resulting from the student's participation in a Longwood- sponsored activity, from recognizable emergencies, or from serious illness. Faculty may require documentation for excused absences in their attendance policy. Student Health Services can provide documentation only for students hospitalized locally or absent at the direction of Student Health Services personnel.
Class absences due to competition are considered Longwood sponsored activities and are excused. A student-athlete may not miss class for any other athletically related activities (i.e., weight training, practice, rehabilitation, athletic training, study table, etc.).
Each student-athlete will be provided an Excused Absence Notification Letter during the championship season. The student-athlete is responsible for providing that absence notification to each professor during the first week of classes. In addition, the student-athlete is expected to communicate with professors regarding each absence in advance throughout the semester to arrange completion of all missed assignments. Failure to provide proper notification and/or effectively communicate with professors may result in course penalties at the discretion of the professor.
Course Attendance Policy – Athletics Department
The Athletics Department is committed to empowering student-athletes to reach their potential in intellectual pursuits. Missed class time due to competition is a reality that
______18 impacts all student-athletes to varying degrees. Outside of competition, we support that student-athletes should fully engage in the educational experience, beginning with course attendance, and developing in academic achievement, citizen leadership and personal character. Therefore, the following course attendance policy applies to student-athletes and is separate from the University and individual faculty member policies. The purpose of this policy is to promote these principles and engage in the development of student-athletes from enrollment to graduation.
Student-athletes should attend every course, on-time and with the intent to learn. Absences due to competition are excused by Longwood University policy. Student- athletes are expected to provide each faculty member with an Excused Absence Letter provided by the Athletic Department at the start of each semester. In addition, student- athletes are expected to communicate regularly with their professors throughout the semester about upcoming absences due to competition.
Absences due to illness will also be excused provided student-athletes communicate with an Athletic Trainer within 2 hours of an absence and follow all recommendations regarding their wellness. As a general rule, if a student-athlete is too ill to attend classes they will also be too ill to attend practice. Exceptions to this principle may be made at the discretion of the Sports Medicine staff.
Absences due to personal/family emergency or other unique circumstances (e.g., special athletics event, family engagement, etc.), must be communicated to the Head Coach and Academic Coach at the time of the incident.
All other absences or a failure to communicate with Athletics Department staff as highlighted above will be considered unexcused absences. Monitoring course attendance will include, but not be limited to, progress reports, communication with faculty, and class checks.
Consequences for unexcused absences will be administered in phases, with the purpose being accountability and the development of the student-athlete in understanding the purpose/value of course attendance through a reasonable, but significant progression.
Phase 1 On the first occasion the Athletics Department is informed a student-athlete has two or more unexcused absences in any course(s), the head coach and sport supervisor will be notified and will respond appropriately based on the degree and circumstances of the unexcused absences.
Phase 2 On the second occasion the Athletics Department is informed a student-athlete has two or more unexcused absences in any course(s), the head coach and sport supervisor will
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Phase 3 On the third occasion the Athletics Department is informed a student-athlete has two or more unexcused absences in any course(s), the student-athlete will be suspended from 10% of regular season competition beginning with the next competition.
Each subsequent occasion will be an additional one competition suspension.
Grace Policy If a student-athlete has two consecutive semesters without an attendance issue, after having triggered Phase 1, 2, or 3, the Athletic Department will erase one phase from the student’s record. Example – Student-athlete has previously been suspended from two consecutive practice days through Phase 2. He/She has just completed two consecutive semesters since that suspension without an attendance issue; he/she will be credited back to Phase 1. Should he/she have another attendance issue, Phase 2 would apply again.
Guidelines for responding to course attendance issues: 1. Any report of an absence(s) must include the date of the absence(s) from the faculty, the Athletics Department staff conducting class checks, or included in the progress report or through follow-up contact with the Student Athlete Enhancement staff. If dates cannot be obtained, but there is reason to conclude that a student-athlete has been absent from course(s) the head coach and sport supervisor will determine the appropriate course of action. 2. Failure to communicate on the part of the student-athlete will not be grounds for dismissing unexcused absences. The student-athlete will have the option to appeal the consequences noting their failure to communicate; however that will not constitute grounds for an automatic appeal. 3. Practice suspensions should occur during the next two consecutives dates in which countable athletically related activities, excluding competition, will occur. 4. For all sports, competition suspensions will be based on the number of scheduled contests at the start of the championship season. If the calculation of a suspension results in a percentage of contest, the following formula should be used: a. .4 and below – round down to the nearest competition. b. .5 and above – round up to the nearest competition. 5. Game suspensions should occur during the next consecutive competition dates during the championship segment, including postseason. If the next scheduled competition will not be until the following academic year, the suspension will carry over.
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6. It will be the responsibility of the head coach and sport supervisor to determine an appropriate alternative for student-athletes who trigger Phase 2 or Phase 3 and are ineligible for practice or competition due to injury, redshirting, ineligibility, etc. 7. This policy is cumulative and does not reset after each semester.
Appeals Procedures
Within 48 hours of an imposed suspension by the Athletic Department, the student- athlete may appeal in writing to the appropriate sport supervisor. An appeal should include NEW information that illustrates extenuating circumstances not previously available when the suspension was originally imposed in order to be considered. The sport supervisor, in consultation with the Director of Athletics, will make a final determination and notify the student in writing within three business days.
Arrest Policy
These guidelines are intended to provide direction for appropriate responses to each case while providing flexibility. Modifications to the guidelines are acceptable only if they receive prior approval by the appropriate sport supervisor.
It is the responsibility of the student-athlete to inform his/her head coach if he/she is charged with any crime, excluding traffic infractions not classified as a misdemeanor or felony offense per the Code of Virginia or other applicable state codes. The student- athlete must inform his/her head coach immediately, but no later than 48 hours, after an arrest or formally being charged. This includes a charge or arrest at ANY time during the calendar year (e.g., winter break, summer break) or at any location – on or off campus. Failure to report a charge or arrest could lead to removal from the Longwood athletics program, as well as termination of an athletics aid agreement.
Any student-athlete arrested and charged with a felony, or a crime involving gambling or game fixing under Virginia law or any other jurisdictional equivalent, shall be suspended immediately from all athletically related activities automatically until charges are dropped, dismissed or otherwise resolved. The student-athlete may appeal this decision pursuant to the procedures below.
Any student-athlete who is arrested, charged and/or convicted of a misdemeanor charge (other than gambling or game fixing which are addressed above and other than minor traffic infractions) will be subject to a review process by the head coach and sport supervisor.
Head Coaches must meet and discuss proposed disciplinary action with their sport supervisor prior to such action. Final decisions relative to suspension or dismissal from
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the Longwood Athletics program or reduction/cancellation of athletics aid will be made by the Director of Athletics or his/her designee.
Appeals Procedures
Within 48 hours of an imposed suspension by the Athletic Department, the student- athlete may submit a written appeal to the Faculty Athletics Representative. The Faculty Athletics Representative will form a committee to also include one Intercollegiate Athletic Council representative and one Compliance Review Committee representative to review the appeal. The committee will make a determination within 10 business days which will be deemed final.
Athletic Training
Athletic training services are provided for all Longwood student-athletes. The student- athletes will be given the pre-participation medical documentation via the ARMS System and will be notified by email that the forms are ready for completion each summer. This section outlines rules and regulations regarding the use of the Athletic Training Room and the services it provides. You are responsible to adhere to these rules at all times. Failure to do so can and will result in your forfeiture of the use of the Athletic Training Room and its services.
Athletic Training Room Hours of Operation:
Monday-Friday: 8:00am-11:30 am and 1:00pm-3:00pm
**If you need to be seen outside of these hours please make an appointment with your athletic trainer.
Athletic Training Room (ATR) Rules & Regulations
1. SHOWER BEFORE COMING INTO THE ATHLETIC TRAINING ROOM 2. LANCER GEAR ONLY! If you come in wearing another NCAA university’s logo you will be asked to leave 3. NO FLIP FLOPS This is an athletic facility, wear athletic shoes 4. NO FOOD, BEVERAGE OR TOBACCO. 5. NO CELL PHONE USE OF ANY KIND you are here to exercise your body, not your mouth. 6. NO ATHLETIC EQUIPMENT, SPIKES, CLEATS, GLOVES OR BOOK BAGS IN THE ATHLETIC TRAINING ROOM There are lockers in the hall USE THEM. 7. DRESS APPROPRIATELY FOR TREATMENT (i.e. shorts, sports bra etc.) remember that this is a CO-ED facility and needs to be treated as such.
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8. NO HORESEPLAY, LOITERING, INAPPROPRIATE LANGUAGE OR DISRESPECTFUL BEHAVIOR. 9. REPORT ALL INJURIES TO AN ATHLETIC TRAINER WHEN THEY OCCUR. 10. WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO DENY SERVICES IF YOU DO NOT ALLOW SUITABLE TIME BEFORE PRACTICE/GAMES FOR TREATMENT. 11. BEING IN THE ATR IS NOT AN EXCUSE FOR BEING LATE TO, OR MISSING CLASS. Do not ask the AT staff for written excuses. 12. THE COMPUTER AND PHONE IN THE ATR ARE FOR PROFESSIONAL USE ONLY. 13. RETURN ALL LOANED EQUIPMENT AS SOON AS IT IS NO LONGER NEEDED. 14. TOWELS ARE TO REMAIN IN THE ATR. 15. ALL REHAB AND EXTENSIVE TREATMENTS NEED TO BE COMPLETED DURING THE AM SESSIONS UNLESS OTHER ARRANGEMENTS ARE MADE WITH YOUR ATHLETIC TRAINER.
Athletic Training Room Hours of Operation ** These hours are subject to change to provide better coverage for our student- athletes.
1. During weekends, the athletic training room will be open on an as needed basis to cover in-season sports practices/games. 2. During holidays, school breaks, and instances when the school shuts down (weather emergencies) the athletic training room will be opened on an as needed basis to cover in-season sports practices/games. 3. During the fall and spring seasons, all athletic training staff members may be covering outdoor sport games/practices simultaneously, and the athletic training room may temporarily close to allow for coverage of these in season sports. If this is the case, emergency contact information (including names, locations and cell phone numbers of the athletic training staff) will be posted outside of the athletic training room on the door. 4. If medical assistance is needed outside of these designated times, the student- athlete should call their specified athletic trainer. If they are unable to reach them, then they should contact the Head Athletic Trainer. 5. In case of an immediate emergency the student-athlete should call 9-1-1. For campus police, call 434-395-2091.
Reporting Injuries and Illnesses
1. In order for the sports medicine staff to provide effective, quality medical care to the student-athletes at Longwood University, it is important that the student- athletes report all illnesses and injuries, including those injuries that are not sport-related, to the athletic training staff as soon as possible.
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2. It should be made clear to all concerned that this choice is the option of the student-athlete involved and that no penalty, stated or implied, should deter the student-athlete from exercising this option. Coaches shall neither require nor permit a sick or injured athlete to practice or participate in a game or practice without the approval of the medical staff. 3. All student athletes should schedule an appointment during weekday mornings between the hours of 8:00am – 11:30am, afternoons from 1:00pm – 2:30pm for treatment and injury evaluation. 4. Coaches should encourage student-athletes to report new injuries or illnesses to the athletic training staff from 8:00 am – 11:30 am, so that the athletic training staff can update coaches on the current injury status of athletes prior to practice and to perform the appropriate rehabilitation. 5. Coaches are encouraged to report any known injury to the athletic training staff, as soon as possible.
Health Insurance
1. The Longwood University athletic department carries a secondary insurance policy on all student athletes participating in intercollegiate athletics. This policy does not cover routine medical, dental, surgical, optical care, pre-existing injuries, non-sport related accidental injury, or prescription medications. 2. Longwood University provides secondary insurance coverage for student- athletes through Student Athletic Protection, Inc. For those athletes who have primary insurance through another company, this policy acts as an excess policy and covers remaining balances after the primary insurance company has paid its share of the costs. For student-athletes who do not have primary insurance, Student Athletic Protection, Inc. may act as the primary insurance provider. However, the same limitations apply as referred to in point 1. We will need a proof of non insurance statement or a statement from the last insurance program with the termination date in order to process as non-insured. 3. Any bills received by a student-athlete that are the result of a referral by the sports medicine staff should be submitted to the head athletic trainer. In addition, student-athletes must supply the head athletic trainer with a copy of the explanation of benefits (E.O.B.) from their primary insurance before secondary claims can be filed. 4. The Athletic Training staff will evaluate all bills in accordance with NCAA rules and regulations for approval. 5. The athletics department will assume no financial responsibility for the following: a. Routine medical, dental, optical, or surgical care, b. Care of injury resulting from injury in anything other than a scheduled practice or game (Non-intercollegiate sports related injuries), c. Prescription medications.
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Pre-Participation Medical Exams
1. Each coach must provide the athletic training staff with a roster for his/her respective sport by July 1st of each school year. This will allow the athletic training staff to organize the physical examinations and to gather insurance information for the upcoming year. 2. All student-athletes are required to have a complete physical examination performed by a team physician, medical history, orthopedic screening, completed sickle cell testing results, proof of medical insurance, immunizations records, sickle cell testing results, HIPPA Statement closure, assumption of risk form, secondary insurance forms, acknowledgement of the drug testing policy and the concussion policy, and baseline concussion testing on file prior to the their participation in sport activity. This may include such tests as deemed necessary by the examining, consulting, or personal physician. This examination will be kept on file in the athletic training room in the student-athlete’s permanent file. 3. The athletic training staff will inform each coach when his/her team will be administered pre-participation medical screenings. 4. No student-athlete will be treated in the athletic training room or be given medical clearance without a complete physical examination performed by a physician, orthopedic screening, proof of medical insurance, and medical history on file. The pre-participation medical screenings will not be repeated because a student-athlete failed to show up. Any student-athlete who misses the time assigned for his/her team’s medical screening without prior approval of the athletic training staff will have to have his/her physical completed at a time that is convenient to the team physician and the student-athlete may be responsible for the costs of this visit. 5. After the pre-participation medical screenings are completed, the athletic training staff will provide the coaches, the Associate Athletic Director for Student Athlete Enhancement/SWA, and the Assistant Athletic Director/Compliance & Student Services with a list of student athletes who have been examined. It is the coach’s responsibility to ensure that all of their student-athletes have been examined.
Physicians and Referrals
1. Longwood University works cooperatively with Chippenham Johnston Willis Sports Medicine Clinic and OrthoVirginia clinics in Richmond, VA. The athletic training staff at Longwood University is under the supervision of these doctors and these doctors have final word on all medical decisions affecting participation status of the student-athlete. 2. It is within the rights of the student-athlete to seek a second opinion outside of the sports medicine staff; all referrals to physicians, specialists, or consultants
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require the prior approval of the athletic training staff. This is extremely important for two reasons: a. In order to provide a high standard of medical care, the athletic training staff will need to know which physicians have been contacted for second opinions in order to coordinate the medical care for each student-athlete. b. The athletic training staff must approve the physicians visit (for second opinions) in order to facilitate the school’s secondary insurance billing process. Without the knowledge of and referral from Longwood University’s athletic training staff, there can be no assurance that Student Athletic Protection, Inc. will provide coverage of second opinion consultations/diagnostic tests, etc. 3. When a student-athlete chooses to seek a second opinion, he/she must provide written reports/documentation from the examining physician. 4. Any student-athlete seeking a second opinion must receive medical clearance from the orthopedic physicians from CJW Sports Medicine Clinic and West End Orthopedic Clinic before being allowed to return to play.
Sport Coverage
The following are guidelines and coverage may need to be adjusted as the situation demands. 1. The athletic training staff will cover every sport to the best of their ability and according to the incidence of injury. If at all possible, there will be a certified athletic trainer available during practice and game times. The athletic training staff must prioritize coverage of care of traditional season practices, home and away events, athletic training room coverage, and non-traditional events. These factors all contribute to the athletic training staff’s ability to provide coverage for Longwood University’s 14 intercollegiate athletic teams. 2. The priority of medical coverage is as follows: a. Traditional season (in-season) sports will be given priority in coverage by the athletic training staff over non-traditional (out of season) sports. b. Home competitions will be given priority over practices. c. Non-traditional (out of season) sport competitions may be covered if staffing permits. d. Non-traditional practices will be covered if possible. If coverage cannot be arranged, then an athletic trainer will be on call. Being “on call” implies that the athletic training staff will be accessible by phone either in the athletic training room or while off duty. e. Coverage of sports depends on the availability of the athletic training staff and is subject to change as the situation demands.
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Nutritional Supplements & Ergogenic Aids
Improved athletic performance, decreased recovery time, and increased muscle building capacity are all marketed to student-athletes in the form of nutritional dietary supplements. These supplements may promise benefits, however the lack of regulation and safety in the manufacturing of dietary supplements is of great concern. The majority of these products are not subject to the strict regulations set by the United States Food and Drug Administration. In addition, the ingredients could possibly contain impurities or banned substances which would cause a student-athlete to test positive on a drug test. A positive drug test will not be overturned if a student-athlete claims that they simply did not know the contents of the supplement they were taking. Know what you are putting into your body! For more information please see Longwood University Drug and Alcohol Education Program for Student Athletes. The following guidelines should be followed:
1. According to NCAA rules, any supplement that contains more than 30% of it’s calories from protein, is a banned substance. Large quantities of amino acids (proteins) affect the absorption of other essential amino acids. This may lead to nausea and impairment of kidney function which will affect the athlete’s hydration level. 2. Antioxidants, vitamin E, vitamin C, beta-carotene, etc do not protect athletes from the possibly damaging effects of aerobic exercise. Vitamins and minerals do not provide enhanced performance if no deficiency exists in the first place. Eating a balanced diet is always best. 3. Sources of potentially damaging substances are not limited to nutritional supplements. For example; stimulants (caffeine) are present in coffee, soda, and “energy drinks”. Be aware that these may contribute to a positive drug test. Please note: in accordance with NCAA Bylaw 16.5.2 (Nutritional Supplements), Longwood University may provide only non-muscle building nutritional supplements to student-athletes at any time for the purpose of providing additional calories and electrolytes, provided the supplements do not contain any NCAA banned substances.
To view a complete updated list of NCAA banned substances refer to: http://www.ncaa.com/content/ncaa-banned-drug-list
ADHD Reporting Form: http://web.wm.edu/sportsmedicine/ADHDreportingform2012web.pdf
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Strength & Conditioning
The Strength & Conditioning Department’s mission aims to help each of our athletes achieve their own personal maximum potential in three areas: mental toughness, physical preparation, and overall character. Our focus is to provide cutting-edge training that enhances their overall athleticism on the playing surface as well as their ability to withstand injury. Our program is based on sound fundamental principles of strength and conditioning, utilizing many methodologies and training stimuli in order to acquire the desired training effect in the following areas: maximum strength, power, speed, agility, flexibility, mobility, and metabolic conditioning in accordance with sport- specific demands. We believe that the balance of a strong body and mind enables our athletes to respect themselves and others while striving to excel in all areas of life.
Strength & Conditioning Weight Room Rules
1. Be on time. Tardiness will be punished by a fair, but not equal, approach and left to the discretion of the Strength & Conditioning and Sports Coaching staffs. 2. Lancer gear only. 3. Clean low-top running/cross training shoes only. 4. No jewelry. 5. No chewing gum. 6. Injuries must be known to athletic training staff prior to training sessions. 7. Respect the facility. If you used it, put it back.
NCAA Rules & Regulations
Twice an academic year, the Assistant Athletic Director/Compliance & Student Services will review appropriate NCAA rules and regulations with each team. Each student- athlete is responsible for having a basic understanding of NCAA rules in areas such as eligibility, playing and practice season, amateurism, agents, and employment. Each student-athlete will complete his/her Longwood Eligibility Packet, NCAA Student-Athlete Statement and NCAA Drug Testing Consent Forms annually. In addition, each student- athlete will need to provide information regarding his/her employment, vehicle registration, housing and financial aid information annually. Upon completion, the University will certify that the student-athlete meets all academic and athletic eligibility requirements in order to practice and/or compete.
A basic knowledge of NCAA rules is a necessity to prevent unwanted rules violations that can affect your eligibility to compete. If you are aware of an NCAA violation, you are required by NCAA Bylaw 10.1 to provide such information to the Athletics Department immediately. You may inform the Assistant Athletic Director/Compliance & Student Services, the Associate Athletics Director for Student-Athletes Enhancement/SWA, the Athletics Director, or any other athletics administrator.
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Five-Year Clock/Seasons of Competition
Each student-athlete may compete a total of four seasons within a five year time period, known as a “five year clock” in any sport. Your five year clock begins as soon as you enroll full-time for the first time in any two or four-year college or university. From that date, your five year clock runs continuously regardless of your enrollment status.
Each academic year, the Assistant Athletic Director/Compliance & Student Services will certify if you have used one of your four seasons of competition. If you participate in any Longwood competition(s), you will have used a season of competition. The only exceptions are as follows: Freshmen may compete in scrimmages and exhibitions (which meet the NCAA definition for those contests) and not use a season of competition if they compete in no other contests; or Student-athletes in men’s soccer, women’s soccer and field hockey may participate in spring competitions and not use a season of competition if they compete in no other contests and were eligible to compete during the fall semester. If you have not participated in any competition(s) for the current academic year, you will not be deducted a season of competition.
Medical Hardship Waiver
A student-athlete may be eligible for a medical hardship waiver if all the following conditions are met: A student-athlete sustains an incapacitating injury or illness during one of the four seasons of competition; The injury or illness occurs prior to the completion of the first half of the season which contains the NCAA Championship and results in the student-athlete being incapacitated to compete for the remainder of the playing season; The injury or illness occurs when the student-athlete has not participated in more than two contests or 30% of all scheduled contests whichever is greater. The Medical Hardship waiver must be filed and granted by the Big South Conference. Supporting medical documentation from the examining physician will be required to validate the incapacitating nature of the injury. A Medical Hardship Waiver grants an additional season of competition to the student-athlete that must be used within the student-athletes five year clock.
If a student-athlete believes a Medical Hardship Waiver should be granted, the student- athlete should inform their coaching staff, the Athletic Training Staff, and/or the Assistant Athletic Director/Compliance & Student Services at the first available opportunity. Failure to notify the Athletics Training staff in a timely manner may prohibit a Medical Hardship Waiver based on Big South Conference requirements.
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Academic Eligibility Requirements
The NCAA requires each student-athlete to meet specific academic requirements each semester and academic year to ensure that each student-athlete will progress towards a degree. Academic eligibility requirements are based on the number of terms of full- time enrollment at Longwood University or any previous college/university attendance.
Each semester (Fall & Spring Semesters), a student-athlete must pass 6 credit hours. During a student-athlete’s first and second year of college enrollment, any credits may be used to satisfy the 6 credit hour requirement. Following the second year, credits must be applicable to his/her declared degree program in order to satisfy the 6 credit hour requirement. Credits earned during the winter or summer terms may not be used to meet this requirement. If a course requires you to achieve a specific grade (i.e. “C”) in order to graduate and the student-athletes achieves lower than that grade (i.e. “D”) the course may not be used to fulfill the 6 or 18 requirement, even if it will count for elective credit. Each academic year (Fall & Spring Semesters), a student-athlete must pass 18 credit hours. During a student-athlete’s first and second year of college enrollment, any credits may be used to satisfy the 18 credit hour requirement. Following the second year, credits must be applicable to his/her declared degree program in order to satisfy the 18 credit hour requirement. Credits earned during the winter or summer terms may not be used to meet this requirement. If a course requires you to achieve a specific grade (i.e. “C”) in order to graduate and the student-athletes achieves lower than that grade (i.e. “D”) the course may not be used to fulfill the 6 or 18 requirement, even if it will count for elective credit. Percentage of Degree & GPA Requirements – Each student-athlete must meet the following percentage of degree and GPA requirements based on the number of semesters enrolled full-time. During the first academic year, a student-athlete must earn 24 credit hours and have a cumulative GPA that is 90% of the required GPA for graduation (Ex. Graduating GPA = 2.0: NCAA GPA requirement = 2.0 * .90 = 1.8) in order to be eligible the following academic year. Credits hours that are applicable to any Longwood University degree may be used to meet the 24 credit hour requirement.
After the second academic year, a student-athlete must have earned 40% of his/her declared major and have a cumulative GPA that is 95% of the required GPA for graduation in order to be eligible the following academic year.
For example, a student-athlete majors in History, which requires 120 credit hours to graduate with a 2.0. This student must complete the following to remain eligible for competition.
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Percentage of Degree = .40 * 120 credits = 48 credits GPA = .95 * 2.0 = 1.9 Cumulative GPA Credits hours must be applicable to the declared degree program in order to satisfy the percentage of degree requirement. After the third academic year, a student-athlete must have earned 60% of his/her declared major and have a cumulative GPA that is 100% of the required GPA for graduation in order to be eligible the following academic year. For example, a student-athlete majors in History, which requires 120 credit hours to graduate with a 2.0. This student must complete the following to remain eligible for competition. Percentage of Degree = .60 * 120 credits = 72 credits GPA = 1.00 * 2.0 = 2.0 Cumulative GPA Credits hours must be applicable to the declared degree program in order to satisfy the percentage of degree requirement. After the fourth academic year, a student-athlete must have earned 80% of his/her declared major and maintain a cumulative GPA that is 100% of the required GPA for graduation in order to be eligible the following academic year. For example, a student-athlete majors in History, which requires 120 credit hours to graduate with a 2.0. This student must complete the following to remain eligible for competition. Percentage of Degree = .80 * 120 credits = 96 credits GPA = 1.00 * 2.0 = 2.0 Cumulative GPA Credits hours must be applicable to the declared degree program in order to satisfy the percentage of degree requirement The GPA requirement must be maintained each and every semester and will be certified before each semester. If a student-athlete falls below the GPA requirement at any time, he/she is immediately ineligible for competition. Full time enrollment – A student-athlete must be enrolled full-time (minimum of 12 credit hours) at all times to be eligible for practice and competition. If you drop below full-time enrollment at any time, you are immediately ineligible for practice or competition. If you wish to drop a class, you must your Academic Coach to ensure your eligibility for practice and competition will not be effected.
*A student-athlete with athletics eligibility remaining may participate in organized practice sessions and competition while enrolled in less than a minimum full-time program of studies, provided the student is enrolled in the final semester of his/her program and Longwood certifies that the student is carrying (for credit) the courses
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Declaration of Major – A student-athlete must declare a major by the start of the fifth semester of full-time enrollment or the junior year. Please note: the NCAA percentage of degree requirements are based on your declared degree and may vary depending on the number of hours required to graduate. Also, classes that count towards graduation in one major (such as Business Administration) may not count towards graduation in another (such as Exercise Science). Each student-athlete is required to meet with his/her Academic Coach prior to any change of major. Changing your major without first consulting with your Academic Coach may result in you becoming ineligible for competition or forfeiture of games.
Eligibility for Practice and Competition
In order to be eligible for practice in Longwood Athletics you must: Be registered for a full-time program of study towards a bachelor’s degree at Longwood University; and Complete all NCAA and Athletics Department Eligibility Paperwork; and Complete all Athletics Department Medical Clearance Procedures.
In order to be eligible for competition in Longwood Athletics you must: Be registered in a minimum of 12 credit hours at all times. Meet all academic eligibility requirements of the NCAA, Longwood University, and the Big South Conference; and Complete all NCAA and Athletics Department Eligibility Paperwork; and Complete all Athletics Department Medical Clearance Procedures.
Agents & Amateurism
A student-athlete must be an amateur in order to compete in intercollegiate athletics. A student-athlete will lose his/her eligibility for intercollegiate competition if he/she: Uses his/her athletics skills (directly or indirectly) for pay in any form in their sport; Accepts a promise of pay (even if the pay will be after graduation or completion of their eligibility); Signs a contract or commitment to play professional sports; Receives (directly or indirectly) a salary, reimbursement of expenses or any other form of financial assistance from a professional sports organization; Competes on any professional athletics team even if no pay or remuneration for expenses is received (except for tennis and golf); Enters into a professional draft; Enters into an agreement (written, oral, handshake) with an agent.
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An agent is any individual who, directly or indirectly: (Adopted: 1/14/12)
(a) Represents or attempts to represent an individual for the purpose of marketing his or her athletics ability or reputation for financial gain; or (b) Seeks to obtain any type of financial gain or benefit from securing a prospective student-athlete's enrollment at an educational institution or from a student- athlete's potential earnings as a professional athlete.
If you or any of your family members are approached by an agent or talent scout regarding your ability for professional athletics, you must inform your coach and the Assistant Athletic Director/Compliance & Student Services immediately. Failure to do so could result in a loss of eligibility for intercollegiate athletics and possible forfeiture of games.
If you wish to pursue your options for a professional athletic career, you must contact the Assistant Athletic Director/Compliance & Student Services to discuss such options.
Promotional Activities
Longwood University is responsible for ensuring your amateur status to participate in intercollegiate athletics, including the use of a student-athlete’s name, picture, likeness or appearance to promote activities. According to NCAA Bylaw 12.5.1.1 the Longwood University Athletics Department is required to present written approval for any student- athlete participating in any institutional, or non-institutional charitable, educational, or non-profit activity or project considered incidental to the student-athlete’s participation in intercollegiate athletics.
Longwood University, or a non-institutional charitable, educational, or non-profit agency may use a student-athlete’s name, picture, or appearance to support its charitable or educational activities, but as stipulated under NCAA Bylaws 12.5.1.1 (a-i), a Longwood University student-athlete may participate in an institutional, or non-institutional charitable, educational, or non-profit promotion only under the following conditions: 1. The student-athlete receives written approval to participate from the Director of Athletics (or his/her designee); 2. The student-athlete and an authorized representative of the charitable, educational, or non-profit agency must sign a release statement ensuring that the student- athlete’s name, image, or appearance will not be used for any commercial purpose; 3. The specific activity or project in which the student-athlete participates does not involve co-sponsorship, advertisement, or promotion by a commercial agency. The sponsoring organization may reproduce their regular trademark or logo (along with their address and telephone number) only on printed materials such as pictures, posters, or calendars; 4. The name or picture of a student-athlete with remaining eligibility may not appear on an institution’s printed promotional item (e.g. poster, calendar) that includes a
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reproduction of a product with which a commercial entity is associated if the commercial entity’s officially registered regular trademark or logo appears on the item; 5. The student-athlete does not miss class; 6. All monies derived from the activity or project go directly to Longwood University, or the charitable, educational, or non-profit agency; 7. The student-athlete’s name, picture, or appearance is not utilized to promote the commercial ventures of any non-profit agency.
During your orientation each year, you will be asked to provide consent so Longwood University may use your name, picture, likeness or appearance to promote the activities of the University within the NCAA guidelines to maintain your eligibility. Any promotional activity for an organization other than Longwood University must also be monitored and approved to ensure your eligibility. If you are asked to participate in a promotional activity that will use your name, picture, likeness or appearance to promote that activity or event, immediately report that information to your coach and the Assistant Athletic Director/Compliance & Student Services to ensure you are eligible to participate.
Awards & Extra Benefits
A student-athlete shall not receive any extra award or benefit that is not expressly permitted by the NCAA. Receipt of such an award or benefit results in a student-athlete being ineligible for competition. An extra benefit is any special arrangement made by a Longwood employee or booster to provide a student-athlete, their friends or relatives a benefit that is not permitted by the NCAA. If the benefit is available to all Longwood students, their friends, relatives, or to a particular group (international students, biology majors) then the benefit is not considered to be an extra benefit.
Permissible Benefits Complimentary Admissions (4 admissions) to home/away event in your sport Academic Support Services Tutoring Use of computers, copy machines, internet and fax machines (for academic work only) Athletics medical insurance Drug rehabilitation expenses Counseling expenses related to treatment of eating disorders Medical Expenses Housing & Meals related to athletics participation Transportation related to competition
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Note: Although this list is permissible by the NCAA, the Athletics Department will review on a case-by-case basis awarding those benefits not currently available to all Longwood student-athletes, as necessary.
Impermissible Benefits Discounts & Credits Free or reduced cost services Telephones & Credit Cards A loan or gift of money A guarantee of bond An automobile or use of an automobile Signing or cosigning a loan Transportation (other than for practice, competition, or medical expenses)
This list includes only examples of benefits that a student-athlete may or may not receive. Remember, any benefit received from a Longwood employee or booster that is not available to all students or specific groups or is being given to a student-athlete based on their participation in athletics is considered an extra benefit. If a student- athlete is presented with an extra benefit, he/she must inform their head coach and the Assistant Athletic Director/Compliance & Student Services immediately. Failure to do so could result in a loss of eligibility, forfeiture of games and/or suspension from the athletics program.
Complimentary Admissions
Longwood may provide four (4) complimentary admissions per home or away competition to a student-athlete in the sport they participate, regardless if the student- athlete participates in the competition. To receive the complimentary tickets, you must place the full name (no nicknames) of the person receiving the complimentary admission on a pass list. The person receiving the complimentary ticket must present photo identification and sign the pass list upon receiving the ticket. Each coach is responsible for creating the pass list and providing it to the Assistant Athletic Director/Compliance & Student Services for each competition eight hours prior to the event. Any changes to the pass list within the eight hours must be approved by the Assistant Athletic Director/Compliance & Student Services. Failure to follow this process can result in loss of eligibility.
All Longwood students receive complimentary admissions to home events. As a student-athlete, you are not permitted to sell or provide your complimentary admissions to another person.
For away from home competition (in a sport other than your own), you may not receive complimentary admissions from someone other than a student-athlete participating in
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the event that wishes to include you as one of his/her four complimentary admissions. For example, you may not receive complimentary admissions from a coach, administrator, or booster of Longwood Athletics.
Awards
Each year the Longwood Athletics Department awards Senior Blankets to those seniors, including athletic training students and cheerleaders, who are completing their eligibility and/or graduating based on a recommendation from the head coach. In addition, the Athletics Department awards the following: Male Student-Athlete of the Year Female Student-Athlete of the Year Henry Willett Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year Henry Willett Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year Male Freshmen of the Year Female Freshmen of the Year Jimmy Yarbrough Inspiration Award Cormier Award for Team Academic Excellence Scholar Athlete Award Academic PRIDE Award All-Academic Team Award
Senior Blankets and the previously mentioned awards are distributed at the annual Athletics Awards Banquet.
The NCAA prohibits a student-athlete from receiving any of the following as an award for athletic participate or recognition: Cash Gift certificates Cash-equivalent award (an item that is negotiable for cash or trade or other services, benefits, or merchandise) Country club or sports club membership
Employment
The NCAA requires that Longwood University monitor student-athlete employment to ensure the following: A student-athlete may only be paid for work actually performed; and A student-athlete may only be paid at equivalent rate as any other employee with similar experience and duties in the locale of the employer.
If you wish to be employed during the academic year, you must complete a Student- Athlete Employment Form and return to the Assistant Athletic Director/Compliance &
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Student Services prior to your employment. Annually, you will be required to list all of your previous summer’s employment on your Athletic Eligibility Forms. Failure to do so could result in a loss of eligibility for athletic competition.
Camp/Clinic Employment
A student-athlete may be employed at any Longwood, other institution, or privately owned camp or clinic, provide he/she is paid for work actually performed and paid at an equivalent rate for other camp/clinic employees with similar duties. In addition, the following requirements apply: A student-athlete must perform general supervisory duties in addition to any coaching or officiating duties; and A student-athlete may not be paid based on athletics ability or reputation; and A student-athlete may not be paid for only lecturing or demonstrating at a camp/clinic; and A student-athlete may not use his/her name or image to promote the camp.
Camp/Clinic employment, other than Longwood University camps/clinics, during the summer should be reported at the start of the academic year on your Athletics Eligibility Paperwork. Camp/Clinic employment, other than Longwood University camps/clinics, during the academic year, should be reported on a Student-Athlete Employment Form prior to the camp/clinic.
In addition to compensation, a student-athlete may receive travel expenses provided such travel expenses are given to all employees of the camp/clinic.
A student-athlete may not conduct his/her own camp or clinic at any time.
Playing & Practice Season
Each academic year, each head coach (except men’s and women’s basketball) will declare two segments (one in the fall semester and one in the spring semester) that are considered in-season. All other segments during the academic year are considered out- of-season. Below are the NCAA requirements that are permitted during each of these segments.
In-season
In season, a student-athlete may participate in countable athletically related activities as follows: No more than 20 hours of activity per week (Sunday through Saturday) No more than 4 hours of activity per day
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Must be given one day off per week. A travel day, with no other activity, is considered a day off.
In the sport of basketball, if a team has three competitions in one week a day off is not required as long as each student-athlete receives two days off the week prior or week after the week with three competitions.
Out-of-Season
Out-of-season, a student-athlete may participate in countable athletically related activities as follows: No more than 8 hours of conditioning, weight training or individual skill instruction per week (Sunday through Saturday) o Individual skill instruction may not exceed 2 hours per week No more than 4 hours of activity per day No more than 2 hours of Must be given two days off per week. A travel day, with no other activity, is considered a day off.
Countable Athletically Related Activities – The following activities are considered countable athletically related activities for the purpose of practice hour limitations. Practice (no more than four hours per day) Athletic meetings with a coach that is initiated or required by the coach Competition (counts as 3 hours regardless of actual length, this includes pre-game activities) o During competition days, the NCAA does not permit for any countable activity following the scheduled competition. Field, floor or on-court activities Setting up offensive and defensive alignments On-court or on-field activities called by any member of the team and confined to members of the team Required weight training and conditioning activities Required participation in camps/clinics Visiting the competition site in golf or cross country Participation outside the regular season in individual skill-related instructional activities with a member of the coaching staff Discussion or review of film Participation in a physical activity class for student-athletes only and taught by athletics staff Participation in National Youth Sports Program clinics in which student-athletes and coaches are both present
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Non-countable Athletically Related Activities – The following activities are not considered countable athletically related activities for the purpose of practice hour limitations.
Compliance Meetings Meetings with a coach that is initiated by the student-athlete Drug/Alcohol educational meetings or CHAMPS/Life Skills meetings Study hall, tutoring or academic meetings Student-athlete advisory committee/Captain’s Council meetings Voluntary weight training not conducted by a coach Voluntary sport-related activities, no attendance taken, no coach present Traveling to/from the site of competition Training room activities Recruiting activities (e.g., student host) Training table meals Attending banquets Fund-raising activities or public relations/promotional activities and community service project
Voluntary Activity
A student-athlete may participate in voluntary sport-related activity over the allowable number of practice hours per week provided:
A student-athlete must not be required to report information back to a coach or other athletics department staff member and no staff member who observes the activity (i.e. athletic trainer, strength coach) may report information back to the student-athlete’s coach A student-athlete must initiate and request the activity solely on his/her own accord. A student-athletes attendance or participation in a voluntary activity must not be recorded for the purpose of reporting such information back to the coaching staff or other student-athletes. A student-athlete may not be subject to penalty for not participating or recognition/incentives based on his/her participation. A coach is not present to view or assist the voluntary activity.
CARA Reporting
Student-Athletes will be randomly selected to review and verify (or refute) CARA reports in ARMS every two weeks. Only verify the CARA report if the information is accurate. Initialing an inaccurate CARA report is a violation of NCAA Bylaw 10.1 and can result in
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loss of eligibility. If the CARA report is inaccurate, please report this to the Assistant Athletic Director/Compliance & Student Services immediately.
Summer Activities
During the summer, the NCAA allows us to provide you recommended summer workout programs to maintain your athletic performance and return to campus fit for competition. These workout programs are voluntarily and therefore you are not required to report any information back to your coaching staff, including the strength and conditioning staff. In addition, the conditions mentioned above in “Voluntary Activity” also apply. It is permissible for coaches to require strength and conditioning testing upon return to campus to assess your level of fitness for participation in athletic activity.
In addition, student-athletes may participate in on-campus voluntary weight training and conditioning activities conducted by the Strength and Conditioning staff during the summer. These activities must be voluntary and meet the criteria for voluntary activity noted above.
Summer Activities – Basketball
Basketball student-athletes enrolled in summer school or meeting an academic exception, may participate in eight weeks of mandatory athletically related activities with the coaching staff. The student-athlete may participate in up to 8 hours per week of required athletically related activities, with no more than 2 hours of individual skill instruction with a coach included in the 8 hours per week. Student-athletes participating in these mandatory activities are required to complete the weekly practice log.
Outside Competition
Outside competition is considered any athletics competition against any other athletics team (including an alumni team) that does not represent the intercollegiate athletics program for Longwood.
Any student-athlete who participates in outside competition during the academic year becomes ineligible and may not participate in intercollegiate competition until the NCAA has restored the student-athletes eligibility. For sports other than basketball a student- athlete may participate in outside competition during an official vacation period (winter break) that is outside of the sports declared playing season.
Limits for each sport are as follows:
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Basketball Competition on an outside team may only occur between June 15th and August 31st and only in NCAA approved summer leagues. A team shall include no more than two players with collegiate basketball eligibility remaining from any one college and must limit their competition to one team in one league. The summer league must be within 100 air miles of Longwood University or within 100 air miles of the student-athlete's official residence at the end of the academic year. Each student-athlete must have prior written approval of the athletic director prior to participating in any summer league. A student-athlete who participates in any organized competition except while representing the institution or in an NCAA approved summer league will be ineligible for any further collegiate competition in the sport of basketball.
Baseball & Softball No more than four (4) players from the Longwood team may play on the same outside team. Competition on an outside amateur team may only occur during the summer months or during vacation periods which are outside of Longwood’s declared playing or practice season. Competition on an outside team during any other part of the academic year will render the student-athlete ineligible for the remainder of that academic year and the following academic year.
Field Hockey, Lacrosse, & Soccer No more than five (5) players from the Longwood team may play on the same outside team. Competition on an outside amateur team may occur no earlier than May 1 and continuing through the summer or during vacation periods which are outside Longwood's declared playing and practice season. Competition on an outside team during any other part of the academic year will render you ineligible for the remainder of that academic year and the following academic year.
Cross Country, Golf, & Tennis Limitations on the number of student-athletes only apply to representing an outside team during the academic year vacation periods that are outside the declared playing and practice season. Competition on an outside team may only occur during the summer months or during vacation periods that are outside Longwood's declared playing and practice season for your sport. Competition on an outside team during any other part of the academic year will render you ineligible for the remainder of that academic year and the following academic year.
It is permissible for a student-athlete to participate in outside competition as an individual during the academic year in the student-athlete’s sport, as long as the student-athlete represents only himself or herself in the competition and does not engage in such competition as a member of or receive expenses from an outside team.
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Olympic and National Team Development Program
There are no limits on the number of student-athletes from the same institution who may participate in Olympic and national team development programs. Such programs may also include a coach and student-athlete from the same institution provided: a. The national governing body (NGB) conducts and administers the developmental program. b. The NGB selects coaches involved in the developmental program; and c. The NGB or the selected coaches select the involved participants.
Recruiting
Student-athletes have the opportunity to participate in the recruiting process under certain circumstances. These activities can include telephone contact, pick-up games, and hosting a prospect. The topics below cover permissible and impermissible activities for student-athletes with regard to recruiting.
Student Host
The most common recruiting activity student-athletes participate in is during an official visit. An official visit is a visit in which Longwood University pays the expenses for a prospective student-athlete to visit our campus for a limited amount of time. On an official visit, many of you may serve as a student host.
The following are guidelines in order to serve as a student host: A student-athlete must be enrolled full-time. Only one student-host may be provided a free meal if attending a restaurant. The student host shall only receive money to entertain the prospect, the prospect’s parents or spouse and the student host. A maximum of $40.00 a day will be provided to cover all entertainment expenses. An additional $20.00 a day may be provided for each additional prospect being hosted by one student-athlete. Entertainment expenses can include late night snacks. A student host may not purchase alcoholic beverages regardless of whether the host or the prospect is of legal drinking age. No cash may be given to the visiting prospect. A student host may not use entertainment funds to purchase gifts or souvenirs for the prospect. A student host may not use transportation provided or arranged by a Longwood staff member or booster of the athletics program. A student host may not transport the prospect or friends/family more than 30 miles from campus.
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A student host may not allow recruiting conversations to occur, on or off campus, between a prospect and a booster. A student host may receive complimentary admission when accompanying a prospect to an on campus athletics event. A student host may not use student host money to entertain any individuals other than the prospect and his/her parents or legal guardians. This includes teammates, friends, coaches, etc. A student host shall be responsible for turning in all receipts the day after the visit.
In addition, the following are strictly prohibited during an official visit: The use of alcohol, regardless of age The use of drugs The use of sex as a recruiting tool Entertainment outside a 30-mile radius of campus Gambling activities Interaction with boosters of the athletics program Any other activity that violates criminal law, Longwood policy or NCAA rules
Prior to an official visit, the head coach, or his/her designee, is responsible for reviewing the Student Host Instructions and Official Visit Policy with the student host and prospect. At that time, the coach can provide the entertainment money to the student host. The student host and the head coach are responsible for signing the Student Host Form. By signing the Student Host Form, you certify that the Student Host Instructions and Official Visit Policy have been reviewed with you and the prospects and receipt of the entertainment money. After the official visit, you must return receipts for use of any and all entertainment money and any remaining money no later than the day after the conclusion of the official visit. The student host and the head coach will certify how much of the entertainment money was spent and returned.
Telephone Calls
A student-athlete may not make or participate in telephone calls to a prospect at the direction of a coach. If you have a pre-established relationship with a prospective student-athlete you may call the prospect provided it is not at the direction of the coach or at the expense of the Longwood University Athletics Department. You may receive telephone calls from prospects at the prospects’ expense at any time.
Pick-up Games
A student-athlete may participate in practice or pick-up game activities with a prospect while the prospect is on campus provided the activity is not observed by any member of the coaching staff and no information is required to be reported back to the coaching staff.
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Transfer Rules
The decision to transfer from Longwood University to another institution is one that requires careful consideration. Below is a summary of NCAA rules regarding transferring which may help you better understand the consequences of your decision. Before you may begin to discuss possibly transferring with another school, your potential future school must first receive written permission from the Longwood Athletics Department. In order to obtain permission to speak with other schools, you must first inform your coach about your interest in transferring. It is important that you and your family understand that if you make contact with another school they are obligated to notify Longwood University. NCAA regulations require a transfer to sit out for one academic year prior to competing at the new institution unless you meet the “one-time transfer exception”. This exception is not available to student-athletes in the sports of men’s basketball, women’s basketball or baseball. In sports other than baseball and basketball, it is possible for you to be immediately eligible upon transfer if you meet all the following conditions: This is your first transfer from a four-year college; and You are in good academic standing and would be eligible to compete if you returned to Longwood University; and Longwood University certifies in writing that there is no objection to granting the exception to the one-year residency requirement.
If a student-athlete has a signed athletics aid agreement, the following policy, as documented on the athletics aid agreement, also applies:
Permission to Contact Request. Student-athletes, who are interested in transferring from Longwood University to another four-year institution to continue their careers in intercollegiate athletics, will not be granted a permission-to-contact letter and/or the one-time transfer exception, where applicable, if said student-athlete does not carry a cumulative GPA of a 2.6 or higher.
Hearing Opportunity Required. In all circumstances in which permission-to-contact is denied, the institution shall inform the student-athlete in writing that he or she, upon request, shall be provided an appeals hearing conducted by an institutional entity or committee outside the athletics department. The institution shall conduct the hearing and provide written results of the hearing to the student-athlete within 15 business days of receipt of the student-athlete’s request for a hearing.
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Big South Intra-conference Transfer
All student-athletes in conference-sponsored sports shall sit out one year if they transfer within the Conference to participate in the same sport. All waiver requests related to this policy will be reviewed and addressed by the Big South Compliance Committee. The following are the guidelines that must be followed by Conference institutions who wish to request a waiver or exception to the Big South Conference Intra-Conference Transfer Policy: 1. The request for an exception must be based on extenuating circumstances, which must be fully documented in the supporting information; 2. A letter of support from the current Big South Conference institution’s athletics director requesting the exception; 3. Academic information related to the student-athlete; 4. A letter of support from the athletics director of the institution that the student- athlete most recently attended; and 5. A general summary providing the details of the circumstances of the request.
Transfer Procedures
To request permission to contact or transfer release for the one-time transfer exception, you must make such request in writing. The request may come from the student- athlete or the institution, which you wish to speak with or transfer. Longwood University will grant or deny your request within 7 business days of when the written request is received. Written requests from the student-athlete will be acknowledged by the Assistant Athletic Director/Compliance & Student Services with a confirmation email noting the date the request was received.
If the Athletic Department denies your permission to contact or one-time transfer exception to another institution, you may request, in writing, an in-person or teleconference hearing with the Faculty Athletics Representative to appeal the decision. The University shall conduct a hearing and provide you with the written results of that hearing within 15 business days of your written request for an appeal.
If the University fails to respond to your written request, or fails to conduct a hearing, or provide you with written results of such hearing within the specified time period, permission to contact or the one-time transfer exception will be granted by default and a written permission to contact or one-time transfer release shall be provided to the student-athlete.
Ethical Conduct
Being a Division I student-athlete at Longwood University is a privilege and should be treated as such. With this privilege comes tremendous responsibility that is of utmost
______45 importance. Each student-athlete can help to bring positive or negative recognition to Longwood University through his/her athletic success, academic achievements, and his/her actions and behaviors. Each day you not only represent yourself, but you represent your family, your team, your coaches, the Athletics Department, and Longwood University. As a student-athlete you acknowledge and accept the requirements and responsibilities that come with being a representative of the University.
Student-athletes are expected to abide by all Longwood University, Athletics Department, and NCAA policies and procedures at all times. Failure to do so could result in suspension, dismissal from the team, and/or loss of athletics aid in addition to any Longwood University or legal sanctions. These sections cover multiple areas with regard to ethical conduct.
Big South Conference
In accordance with Big South Conference policies, it shall be the responsibility of each member institution to ensure all of its students and all individuals employed by or directly associated with it comport themselves in a sportsmanlike manner when representing their institution, especially at intercollegiate athletics contests.
Acts of unsportsmanlike conduct shall be subject to disciplinary action by the conference, which include but are not limited to private or public reprimand, suspension from competition(s), or monetary fine(s) in accordance with Big South policies and procedures.
Longwood University
First and foremost, you are a student of Longwood University and must abide by all Longwood University rules and regulations, including those in the Student Handbook. The Student Handbook can be found at the following website http://www.longwood.edu/assets/judicial/Handbook.pdf. Included in the Student Handbook are policies, which cover several areas of conduct, including but not limited to sexual harassment, the honor code, residence life, use of technology, and alcohol and drug use.
Longwood University Athletics Department
As a student-athlete you are responsible for abiding by all team and Athletics Department rules and regulations including those within this Student-Athlete Handbook. You are responsible for following all team rules established by your coaching staff; however some rules apply to all student-athletes. These rules are established in the following Student-Athlete Code of Conduct.
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Student-Athlete Code of Conduct
Your role as a student-athlete is a privilege, not a right. As such, you assume the responsibilities of promoting the goals and values of Longwood Athletics in all of your conduct.
Treat all individuals with dignity and respect. This includes all individuals that you will encounter (i.e. coaches, administrators, faculty, staff, parents, spectators, etc) through your participation with Longwood Athletics. Compete with the highest level of sportsmanship. Demeaning, disrespectful or threatening comments made towards teammates, coaches, opponents, spectators, officials, or staff will not be tolerated. This code is intended to prevent physical or verbal abuse of another individual, excessive profanity, vulgar gestures, or demeaning an individual based on one’s race, religion, age, disability, gender, national origin, or sexual orientation. Strive for honesty and integrity in all statements and actions. This includes providing complete and truthful information when asked and to avoid assisting other individuals in providing false or misleading information. As a student, your first responsibility is to obtain an education. That means you should be in attendance for every class. Absences due to competition are excused absences, but you are responsible for discussing this with your professors and to review any missed material or assignments. If you are sick, you must contact your professor, Academic Coach and coach to ensure your absence can be excused, otherwise you must be in class. Failure to go to class may result in you being suspended from competition. Understanding the importance of being punctual is critical. Be on time for every commitment that you have. This includes turning in your academic work on time. Give 100% both mentally and physically to your academics and athletics. Do not consume alcoholic beverages on team trips, at Longwood athletic events or any event sponsored by Longwood. Be aware that Virginia law prohibits anyone under the age of 21 from consuming alcohol. Do not use tobacco products while participating in practice or competition while representing Longwood University. Use of tobacco products during these activities is an NCAA violation and must be reported to the NCAA. Longwood University discourages use of such products at any time in concern for your health. Social networking sites are public domains and you are responsible for your conduct, language, actions and information that is posted on any social networking site. Be careful and cautious to share only appropriate information for your safety. As a student-athlete, you accept the responsibility of being a representative of Longwood University. Always represent yourself in a positive manner, do not embarrass yourself, your team, your family or Longwood University through your conduct.
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NCAA
Each student-athlete is expected to abide by all NCAA rules and regulations and meet each NCAA requirement for eligibility. Bylaw 10.01.1 states that “all participating student-athletes shall act with honesty and sportsmanship at all times so that intercollegiate athletics as a whole, their institutions and they, as individuals, shall represent the honor and dignity of fair play and the generally recognized high standards associated with wholesome competitive sports.”
Unethical conduct by a student-athlete (including student managers, cheerleaders, and athletic training students) may include, but is not limited to, the following: Failure to provide information relevant to a possible violation of NCAA regulations when requested to by the NCAA or Longwood University Academic fraud or providing false academic information Knowingly providing a prospective student-athlete with an extra benefit Knowingly providing false or misleading information concerning a possible violation of NCAA regulations
If you have any reason to believe that an NCAA violation has occurred with yourself, your team, your coach, etc. you must immediately report such information to the Assistant Athletic Director/Compliance & Student Services or someone within the Athletics Department Administration.
Sportsmanship
The NCAA and Longwood University encourage and promote good sportsmanship by student-athletes, coaches, administrators, and spectators at all Longwood University events. While representing Longwood University, as a student-athlete or fan, profanity, racial or ethnic comments, other intimidating actions directed at officials, student- athletes, coaches or team representatives will not be tolerated and are grounds for removal from the site of competition and other action at the discretion of the Athletics Department.
Financial Aid
Athletic scholarships are awarded by the Office of Financial Aid upon recommendation of the Head Coach and approval by the Director of Athletics and Office of Financial Aid. An athletics scholarship is restricted to cover tuition, fees, room, board and required course-related books per NCAA rules. Required course related books may only be provided to those individuals receiving a full athletic scholarship and must be designated on the Athletics Scholarship Agreement.
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Cancellation or Reduction of Athletics Aid
Please remember, athletic scholarships can be issued for no less than one academic year and for no more than a period that would exceed a student’s five-year period of eligibility. Aid agreements are renewable (unless otherwise specified in the scholarship agreement). Athletic scholarships can be reduced or canceled during the period of that one year if you: Render yourself ineligible for athletics competition; or Becomes ineligible for financial aid per NCAA rules; or Fraudulently misrepresents any information on an application, letter of intent or financial aid agreement; or Engages in serious misconduct that brings disciplinary action from this institution; or Voluntarily withdraws from your sport for personal reasons. If the recipient withdraws from a sport for personal reasons reduction or cancellation may occur immediately; or Engage in conduct that is contrary to the policies and procedures established in the Longwood University Student Handbook, Student-Athlete Handbook, or Student-Athlete Code of Conduct.
In addition, your scholarship may be immediately reduced or cancelled for failure to follow university and athletic department policies and/or if you do not fulfill your responsibilities by: Attending or preparing for classes; Attending required study table; Utilizing the academic resources that are available (e.g., tutoring, academic coaching) Utilizing the medical and rehabilitation services that are available (e.g., athletic training, physical appointments) Following prescribed team rules as provided by the coaching staff. In order for this provision to be applicable, team rules must be provided to the student- athlete by the 15th day of his/her first semester.
Your athletics aid may not be decreased or cancelled during the period of the award (as listed on the scholarship letter) for any of the following reasons: On the basis of a student-athlete’s athletics ability, performance, or contribution to the team’s success; or Injury that prevents the student-athlete from participating in athletics; or For any other athletic reason.
Your athletics aid may be increased during the period of award upon approval by the Head Coach, Athletics Department and Office of Financial Aid.
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Renewal/Nonrenewal of Athletics Aid Procedures
Each year the Office of Financial Aid must inform each student-athlete on athletics aid of their renewal or nonrenewal of aid in writing by July 1st. If your scholarship is renewed, you will receive a new Athletics Financial Aid Agreement to be signed and dated by you and your parent or legal guardian (if under the age of 21) within the specified time frame for when you received the scholarship.
Renewal of athletics aid is not guaranteed. Your scholarship may not be renewed under the conditions listed in the Cancellation or Reduction of Athletics Aid or if you: Fail to represent Longwood University in a manner consistent with the mission of the University or Athletics Department as listed in the Student Handbook, Student- Athlete Handbook or team rules as approved by the Athletics Department. This includes athletic, academic and/or personal conduct.
If your scholarship will be reduced or not renewed, you will receive written notification from the Office of Financial Aid noting the reason for nonrenewal and the appropriate appeals procedures. Please see the Financial Aid Appeals Section in this handbook for further information.
Reduction of athletics aid is any reduction in the original amount of athletics aid or the original length of the athletics aid agreement (if you were previously awarded a multi- year athletics aid agreement). The length of an athletics aid agreement renewal may be awarded less than the previous athletics aid agreement if you will exhaust your eligibility at the end of the new agreement. Financial Aid Appeals Procedures
All appeals must be in writing and submitted to the Office of Financial Aid within 14 calendar days of the date of the letter notifying the student-athlete of the action. If the student-athlete is unclear as to the cause or justification for the scholarship action, a request may be made to the Office of Financial Aid to provide this information at or prior to the submission of the written appeal. The appeal must state specifics as to why the scholarship action is being appealed, including any particular circumstances.
Notification of a pending appeal will be sent to the Athletics Department and the head coach of the sport upon receipt of the written appeal. If any additional information or documentation supporting the decision is required, the head coach will be requested to provide this information within five working days of being notified of the receipt of the appeal.
Following the receipt of the student-athlete’s appeal, the written appeal and any supporting documentation will be reviewed by the Financial Aid Liaison to Athletics and the Director of Financial Aid. This deliberation will take place within ten working days of
______50 the receipt of the appeal from the student-athlete. Written notification of the findings will be provided to the student-athlete at the conclusion of the review. Based upon the statements and documentation provided, a decision will be rendered with one of the following outcomes: The decision to reduce, cancel or not renew the student-athlete’s aid in accordance with the coach’s action will be sustained. Primary to this outcome will be a determination that the action taken with the parameters of the NCAA, Longwood University, and Athletics Department regulations or policies and procedures. The athletics aid will be reinstated with or without conditions.
Following the decision, either the student or Athletics Department may request a copy of the complete appeal.
If the student-athlete is not satisfied with the decision, he/she has 14 calendar days from the date of the letter in which to submit a written appeal to the Financial Aid Appeals Committee for an in-person hearing. The decision of the Financial Aid Liaison to Athletics and the Director of Financial Aid may also be appealed by the Athletics Department following this procedure. At this level of appeal, the case will be adjudicated by the Financial Aid Appeals Committee. The committee consists of a staff person from the offices of Registration, Cashiering and Student Accounts, and Career Center. The in-person hearing proceedings are conducted by the Director of Financial Aid who is a non-voting member of the committee.
All written information and documentation is provided to the Committee for review. At the hearing proceedings, the student-athlete will represent him/herself during the proceedings and may have one advisor present who will have no voice in the proceedings other than to advise the student directly. Witnesses for the student may be asked to be available at the time of the hearing and may be called upon as appropriate. The Athletics Department will be represented by the appropriate coach (es) and witnesses may be available to be called upon during the hearing.
The Committee will make its decision to either uphold the reduction/cancellation of the athletics aid or to order reinstatement of the aid with or without conditions.
Written notification of the decision of the Committee will be provided within 10 days of the hearing date. Notice will be provided to the Athletics Department, the appropriate coach(es), and the student-athlete. The decision of the Financial Aid Appeals Committee is considered to be final.
Outside Sources of Aid
A student-athlete is permitted to receive financial aid in any way related to athletics ability, either from Longwood University or an outside source, up to a full grant-in-aid (covering tuition, fees, room, board, and required course related books). Other sources
______51 of aid unrelated to athletics ability (loans, grants, Pell Grants, etc) may be received up to the cost of attendance, as determined by the Office of Financial Aid. Each student- athlete is required to report all outside aid on the Receipt of Outside Aid Form at the start of the academic year. The Office of Financial Aid will determine whether the outside aid is permissible within accordance of NCAA rules.
If a student-athlete receives aid in excess of the permissible amount of NCAA allowable aid, the student-athlete’s athletics aid will be reduced or the student-athlete will be asked to decline an outside award to remain in accordance with NCAA rules.
Summer School Aid
Longwood University is committed to assisting student-athletes in achieving their educational goals and the realization of graduation. Therefore, the Athletics Department has reserved limited resources to provide student-athletes with athletically related financial aid during the summer term(s) to be awarded within the guidelines of the University, Big South Conference (or applicable conference), and the NCAA.
Summer school aid is available to student-athletes based on the availability of funds, a determination of need for aid, and pending the approval of the Athletics Department and Financial Aid Office. To be eligible for summer school aid, a student-athlete:
1. Must have received athletics aid during the previous academic year; a. A student-athlete may only receive summer school aid up to the same proportion of aid which he/she received during the academic year. 2. Must be in good academic standing; 3. May be required to repay tuition if courses are dropped or withdrawn; 4. May be required to repay tuition if courses are failed.
Repayment of tuition will be based upon various factors including, but not limited to: Class attendance; Work ethic (including tardiness or failure to complete work as assigned); Professor’s evaluation; Violation of the Longwood Honor Code.
All scenarios of repayment will be evaluated by the Faculty Athletics Representative.
Summer school aid applications are made available each spring and can be found on the Academic Services website or in the Office of Student-Athlete Enhancement. Applications must be completed in their entirety and submitted by April 1st. If the student-athlete has been selected to receive summer school, he/she will be notified by the Office of the Student-Athlete Enhancement and must sign a Summer School Scholarship Agreement.
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Athletic Scholarships & Failed or Repeat Courses
The Athletic Department reserves the right to deny athletics aid for repeat courses taken during the academic year or summer sessions. The Athletics Department will review each request for athletics aid for a repeat course. If the course was previously failed due to Academic Honor Code violations, failure to attend class, complete coursework on-time, or use available academic resources, we reserve the right to deny athletics aid for tuition, fees, room, board and/or books in part or in full.
Gambling
The NCAA opposes all forms of legal and illegal sports wagering. Sports wagering has the potential to undermine the integrity of sports contests and jeopardizes the welfare of student-athletes and the intercollegiate athletics community. Sports wagering demeans the competition and competitors alike by a message that is contrary to the purposes and meaning of “sport”. Sports competition should be appreciated for the inherent benefits related to participation of student-athletes, coaches, and institutions in fair contests, not the amount of money wagered on the outcome of the competition.
For these reasons, the NCAA membership has adopted specific rules prohibiting athletics department staff members and student-athletes from engaging in gambling activities as they relate to intercollegiate or professional sporting events. This includes betting through a bookie, online pools, family pools, facebook pools, fantasy leagues or any other wagering designed to award anything of tangible value to a winner.
In addition to actually wagering on sporting events, providing information to someone within organized gambling regarding an event or student-athlete is also prohibited. Organized gambling on sports has become a serious business, one in which the gambling industry is constantly seeking sources of information to set the betting lines or odds. If this occurs, you must immediately report this information to your coach or someone within the Athletics Department Administration. Involvement in gambling, regardless of how minor, may jeopardize any or all of your athletics eligibility.
Longwood University strongly supports the NCAA’s position on gambling and also strongly discourages all forms of gambling, including gambling unrelated to athletics events, such as poker, blackjack, etc. Gambling can become a very addictive behavior, one that can jeopardize your health, welfare, athletic or academic success. If you feel that you have an issue with gambling please do not hesitate to contact your coach, the Assistant Athletic Director/Compliance & Student Services, the Associate Athletics Director for Student-Athlete Enhancement or any other Athletics Department administrator to seek help.
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Hazing
Longwood University does not condone hazing to any extent within the student body, including student-athletes. The University has developed an Anti-hazing Policy to which every student-athlete will abide. The following sections discuss the Anti-hazing Policy in detail.
Definition of Hazing
Longwood University is committed to the belief that abusive behavior, harassment and assault does not build character, does not build leadership skills, and does not foster group loyalty or unity. Hazing is an abuse of power and relationships, and its purpose is to demean others.
Hazing is defined as any action taken or situation created intentionally, whether on or off Longwood property, by either fraternity/sorority organizations, student clubs/organizations, athletic teams, individual students or student groups, to produce mental or physical discomfort, endangerment of life, embarrassment, harassment, intimidation, or ridicule. Willingness to engage in any hazing activity does not render the Anti-Hazing Policy unenforceable.
Examples include, but are not limited to, the following: Personal servitude. A “boot camp” mentality. Sleep deprivation. Altering physical appearance, i.e., head or eyebrow shaving, branding, etc. Forced or required consumption of liquids, solids, or combinations, i.e., alcohol, massive quantities of water, spicy or unusual foods, or non-food items. Paddling in any form. Coerced physical activity that causes fatigue. Exposure to inclement weather. Confinement in any room or compartment. Acts of vandalism or acts that aid and abet vandalism or the destruction of property. Physical or psychological shock. Publicly wearing apparel and/or partaking in stunts not normally considered to be in good taste. Participating in degrading or humiliating games and activities. Misuse, theft or destruction of property Engaging in behavior that is in violation of Longwood University regulations or state and federal laws.
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Enforcement
Individuals and/or groups who haze are subject to Campus Disciplinary charges, criminal charges filed by Longwood University and/or injured parties, and civil liability from injured parties.
1. The Team Captain and/or person(s) "in charge" will be held individually accountable for ensuring full compliance with the policy. 2. If an act of hazing is alleged, then the Team Captain, person(s) "in charge," and student(s) involved will be charged with a violation of the Hazing Policy. 3. If hazing is confirmed, then the student(s) will be assigned sanctions as outlined in the Student Handbook. The organization, group, or team may also be assigned sanctions that may include but are not limited to educational assignment, loss of privileges, or loss of recognition status. 4. Team captains, person(s) “in charge” and other student-athletes involved in an act of hazing will be subject to additional penalties at the discretion of the coach and/or Director of Athletics, including, but not limited to, suspension, dismissal from the team and/or loss of athletic scholarships.
Each academic year, the Assistant Athletic Director/Compliance & Student Services will review the Anti-hazing Policy with each team during their assigned compliance meeting. By completing the necessary eligibility paperwork, each student-athlete acknowledges his/her understanding of the policy and agreement to abide by the policy at all times.
If you are involved in an act of hazing or wish to report an act of hazing you may contact anyone with the Academic Affairs Office at 2010 or the Athletics Department.
Any student-athlete(s) found to be involved in hazing will be subject to the University’s Anti-Hazing policies and procedures. In addition, the student-athlete may be subject to additional penalties at the discretion of the Athletics Department that include but are not limited to suspension, dismissal from the team, and/or loss of athletics scholarship.
Social Networking Policy
Social networks have grown in popularity within the past few years and are used by millions of students, fans, alumni, faculty, businesses, and the media. While social networking websites are a great way to communicate, express yourself and connect with others, it is advised that you are cautious about the information and pictures you post (or others post about you), as they may adversely affect your personal safety, personal and institutional reputation, and career advancement. The Longwood Athletic Department expects all student-athletes to maintain the highest standards of social and personal conduct.
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Longwood supports your First Amendment rights to free speech, however please be mindful of the material posted to social networking sites since you are a representative of the University and are in the public eye. While participating in social networking sites, please keep the following guidelines in mind: The information posted can be viewed by a larger audience than you might be aware of – even if you limit access to your site.
Exercise caution as to what information you post on your website including posts about your whereabouts, plans, where you live, phone numbers or any other personal information. You could be opening yourself up to predators or stalkers. In addition, many people are looking to take advantage of student-athletes, while others seek connections with student-athletes to give them a sense of membership in the team.
Future employers may check Google or other social networks to gather information on potential candidates. Use common sense when publishing anything on the Internet.
As a Longwood University student- athlete, you will be held responsible for any actions that are deemed inappropriate and compromise the integrity of the institution and your sport. In addition, you are accountable for any behaviors that violate federal and state laws, NCAA, Big South Conference, Mid-American Conference, University, team, and Athletic Department policies. Violating any of the above can result in discipline, team suspension, termination from your team, and reduction or non-renewal of annual athletic scholarship.
Examples of inappropriate or offensive behaviors may include depictions or presentations of the following Hazing Use of alcohol (if under 21) Use of drugs Lewd or lascivious behavior Communication with sport agents Slander Access to valuable team information that promotes sports gambling
Longwood Athletics Alcohol Policy
Alcohol Policy Violations: An alcohol violation is defined as the consumption of alcohol in violation of a team rule, athletic department policy, university policy, or state/federal alcohol law.
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Student-athletes may not consume alcohol 48 hours prior to competition. Consumption or possession of an alcoholic beverage during an athletic trip and/or in the presence of a prospective student-athlete is prohibited. Each head coach may have additional team rules regarding the consumption and possession of alcohol which may affect the eligibility for practice and competition of the student-athlete(s) on their team. Such rules may provide for sanctions that are more stringent than those required by this policy.
Note: If a student-athlete is charged with any crime involving alcohol by a law enforcement agency, the student-athlete must inform his/her head coach immediately, but no later than 48 hours, after an arrest or formally being charged per the Student Arrest Policy.
After a review of the evidence, student-athletes found in violation may be subjected to penalties imposed by the coach, athletics department, university, and/or state.
Penalties imposed by the athletics department will use the following procedure. A first offense will be handled as follows: Self-reported violation 1. The coach, in consultation with the sport supervisor, will impose an appropriate consequence. 2. The coach may elect to enforce a team consequence, making it clear to the student-athlete that such inappropriate action negatively affects the entire team and therefore, so will the consequences of his/her actions. Non-self-reported violation 1. If the student-athlete does not self-report to his/her head coach before the Director of Athletics or appropriate sport supervisor is notified that an offense has occurred, the Director of Athletics or appropriate sport supervisor will impose a mandatory minimum of one (1), and up to three (3), contest suspension. 2. This penalty will be in addition to any individual or team consequence imposed by the coach.
A second offense, regardless of how reported, will require meeting with the Director of Athletics and an increase in consequences that will include, but not be limited to, a community service assignment for the student-athlete. In addition, it will require the student-athlete’s initiative to seek alcohol counseling and complete the “Alcohol 101” computer learning program. Lastly, the student-athlete will receive a one to three contest suspension as determined by the Director of Athletics.
A third offense will result in permanent suspension from Longwood Intercollegiate Athletics and loss of any athletics financial aid.
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A note of all recorded student-athlete alcohol violations and resulting consequences will be provided to the Director of Athletics and will be maintained in that office.
Additional penalties/requirements may be assessed at the discretion of the Director of Athletics or appropriate sport supervisor based on the nature and totality of the circumstances involved.
Appeals Procedures
For disciplinary action issued by the coaching staff: Within 48 hours of an imposed suspension by the Athletic Department, the student- athlete may appeal in writing to the appropriate sport supervisor. An appeal should include NEW information that illustrates extenuating circumstances not previously available when the suspension was originally imposed in order to be considered. The sport supervisor, in consultation with the Director of Athletics, will make a final determination and notify the student in writing within three business days.
For disciplinary action issued by the Director of Athletics or sport supervisor: Upon a decision by the Director of Athletics or sports supervisor, the student-athlete has 48 hours to submit a written appeal to the Faculty Athletics Representative. The Faculty Athletics Representative will review the appeal and make a determination within 3 business days. The decision of the Faculty Athletics Representative will be deemed final.
Longwood Athletics Drug Policy
Introduction The Athletics Departments promotes and upholds a year-round drug free environment within the Longwood and NCAA sanctioned athletics program. The priority of the Longwood University athletic program is the student-athlete’s health, safety, and welfare. We provide this by emphasizing prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of all student-athletes participating in the intercollegiate athletic programs. It has been proven that non-prescribed and/or illegal substances interfere negatively with the performance of a student-athlete and ultimately that student- athlete’s overall experience.
Substance abuse is a very real and growing issue in our society. It is unfortunate that our student-athletes could be exposed to situations where drugs may be present but the fact remains that these substances are readily accessible to young people. Student- athletes are in the public eye and their behavior can bring negative attention to themselves, teammates, the Athletics Department, and Longwood University. Given this reality, the Athletics Department will implement a Drug Testing Program that is mandatory for our student-athletes to promote education, discourage use, and help with the treatment of any dependencies appropriately and promptly.
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Purpose of the Program The ultimate purpose of this program is to have healthy and high moral-character student-athletes that do not rely on recreational drugs or performance-enhancing substances. By have a policy, we are more prepared to help, inform and educate the student-athletes at Longwood University on the topic of substance abuse. The program is based on the Athletic Department’s strong belief that the use of drugs and other substances are disadvantageous to the student-athletes experience with Longwood University Athletics.
By providing guidelines and a testing program, we hope to discourage substance abuse among our student-athletes and establish accountability for these individuals who break the rules. Drug testing will help to build a stronger relationship between the student- athletes and Athletics Department by demonstrating the commitment by the coaches, student-athletes, support staff and athletic administration to compete in a substance free environment.
Implementation of the Program The Athletic Trainer will serve as the coordinator of the Drug Testing Program and will implement the testing program reporting to the Director of Athletics regarding substance abuse violations. At the beginning of the academic year, there will be a presentation made to all student-athletes at Longwood University that will outline and review the NCAA Drug Testing Program and Policy as well as the Longwood University Drug Testing Program and Policy. During this time, the purpose of the testing and education will be explained, and the procedures for the NCAA and Longwood University Drug Testing will be explained as well. Upon completion of the presentation each student-athlete will sign a form that acknowledges the receipt of the information and understanding of the drug policy and procedures for testing; consenting of urinalysis testing, and release of the individual’s substance abuse testing information to a limited, defined group of individuals, which may include the Director of Athletics, the Coordinator of the Drug Testing program/Head Athletic Trainer and the head coach of the student-athlete’s specific sport.
Protocol for Testing During the annual health assessment, student-athletes will be educated as describe above. All prescribed medications must be reported to the Athletics Training Department. By signing the form, the student-athletes will be subject to testing throughout the calendar year for NCAA banned or prohibited substances (including illegal substances), which may include, but not limited to: amphetamines, anabolic steroids/agents, barbiturates, cocaine, codeine, any illegal substance, diuretics, drugs banned by the NCAA, heroin, marijuana (TCH level above 15 ng/ml) including second hand smoke, masking agents, morphine, opiates, PCP (Angel Dust) and analogues.
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By NCAA standards, there is no complete list of banned drugs. Random selections will be made by a designated certified testing company after the Coordinator of Drug Testing program/Head Athletic Trainer submits the current rosters for each of the teams. Random testing may be performed on an individual or team at any time.
Due to a reasonable suspicion of substance abuse, a student-athlete may be tested independent of the random sampling. A reasonable suspicion regarding the use of the drugs may come from any source including Sport Supervisors, Associate Directors of Athletics, Head Coaches, Team Physicians, the Residence Staff Advisory, the University Faculty, and the Athletics Training Department. This suspicion will be reported to the Director of Athletics who will make the determination to independently test or not.
Those who test positive at any time may expect frequent screening thereafter during the remainder of their athletic eligibility. This is to provide safety and to help rebuild the trust in the student-athlete with their team. In order to return to a team, the student-athlete would have to retest negatively and be medically cleared by the Team Physicians and the Head Athletic Trainer.
All members of teams participating in NCAA sanctioned competition or individual team members participating in such competition will be tested prior to that competition. Student-athletes will be notified of their selection for substance abuse testing by their respective athletics trainer prior to the day of testing, in writing.
The substance abuse test shall consist of a urine specimen provided by the student- athlete under the supervision of the designated certified testing company crewmember. The designated certified testing company will transport specimens to a SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) and WADA (World Anti- Doping Agency)-accredited laboratories to screen for the above listed substances. Each student-athlete’s sample will be identified by the number it was cataloged at the time of collection. These numbers and all record related to testing will be kept in a secure and confidential filing system in the Athletic Training Office.
Urine Toxicology Screening SAMHSA and WADA-accredited laboratories will report to the designated certified testing company the results of the testing. The designated certified testing company will then inform the Coordinator of Drug Testing program/Head Athletic Trainer of the results. Upon request, the designated certified testing company will issues reports on the number of student-athletes tested and results information. The designated certified testing company will maintain databases sufficient to satisfy selection protocol and reporting requirements. All the above databases are maintained under strict confidentiality policies.
For the purposes of this policy, a positive test result is one that indicates by the accredited laboratories the presence of one or more banned drugs in the student-
______60 athlete’s urine. If a student-athlete is tested outside of the Longwood University Athletics Drug Testing agency, he or she will be required to notify the Longwood University Coordinator of Drug Testing Program/Head Athletic Trainer. He or she is required to test negative and be medically cleated by the Team Physicians and Head Athletic Trainer prior to return participation and/or competition.
Those student-athletes who have completed their eligibility will not be included in the random drug testing program.
Outcome of Positive Test Results At the discretion of the Director of Athletics or athletic staff member, an offending student-athlete may be referred to the Judicial Board and/or Honor Board.
A positive drug test is a violation of Athletics Department rules. The positive drug test will have the following consequences:
1. First positive during the student-athlete’s NCAA eligibility. a. The student-athlete will be required to attend Longwood’s Alcohol and Drug Education Program “Last Call” within two weeks of the notification of the positive drug test. b. Suspension from competition during championship season including preseasons and postseason for a time period of 33 percent of the team’s season – to begin immediately (EXCLUDES practice). c. If the student-athlete is a minor, parents or legal guardians will be notified. d. Failure to comply or refusal to participate in the “Last Call” program will result in immediate disqualification from all athletic participation until the above guidelines are met. 2. Second positive during the student-athlete’s NCAA eligibility. a. The student-athlete will be required to attend Longwood’s Alcohol and Drug Education Program “Last Call” within two weeks of the notification of the positive drug test. b. Suspension from competition during the entire championship season including preseasons and postseason – to begin immediately (EXCLUDES practice). c. The student-athlete will be enrolled in Longwood University Counseling Center. d. If the student-athlete is a minor, parents or legal guardians will be notified. e. Failure to comply or refusal to participate in the “Last Call” program will result in immediate disqualification from all athletic participation until the above guidelines are met. 3. Third positive during the student-athlete’s NCAA eligibility. a. The Director of Athletics will notify the student-athlete in writing that he/she will be immediately removed from all further athletics participation at Longwood University. b. In addition, any financial assistance provided by the Athletics Department will cease for the same time period and is effective immediately.
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c. The student-athlete will be enrolled in Longwood University Counseling Center.
In the event that the student-athlete has completed his/her eligibility, a loss of any remaining financial aid may occur.
If a student-athletes tests positive, the student-athlete will be re-tested more frequently to promote substance free health.
A summary copy of the test results will be forwarded to the IAC and Faculty Athletics Representative.
Self-Disclosure The Athletics Department encourages its student-athletes to voluntarily seek help if they feel that they have a problem with substance abuse. Self-disclosure prior to substance abuse testing notification will be seen as a request for help. If self-disclosure does take place prior to testing notification and the student-athlete has no prior positive tests, the Director of Athletics has the discretion to allow the student-athlete to return to play following a negative drug test and is declared medically cleared by the Team Physicians and Head Athletic Trainer to return to participation. If self-disclosure does take place prior to testing notification and the athlete only tests positive for the substance disclosed, it is again under the Director of Athletics discretion. The student- athlete will be referred to the Longwood University Counseling Center and attend Longwood University’s Alcohol and Drug Education Program “Last Call”. The student- athlete will be tested periodically to insure that he/she remains substance free. The student-athlete must remain substance free to avoid imposed sanctions.
If the student-athlete tests positive for a substance other than the disclosed substance, the positive result will be treated in accordance with a positive test.
Failure to Test Student-athletes will be notified prior to test date and get a receipt that states the date, time and location of the testing. A conflict with testing time may be rescheduled with the Coordinator of Drug Testing Program/Head Athletic Trainer prior to the time of testing. Failure of the student-athlete to report at the specific testing time will result in a positive test result. Failure of a student-athlete to report to the specific testing time following a positive test will result in an additional positive drug test result. The Coordinator of the Drug Testing Program/Head Athletic Trainer will notify student- athletes and coaches of sanctions after a failure to report. The student-athlete must test prior to participating in team functions.
Other Circumstances The Coordinator of Drug Testing Program/Head Athletic Trainer will be in communication with the Health and Wellness Counseling Center to determine the status of a student-athlete’s counseling and treatment.
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If a positive test is the result of a prescribed medication, or of questionable nature, the Coordinator of Drug Testing Program/Head Athletic Trainer will determine if the presence of the prescribed medication or of another substance constitutes a positive test result. The student-athlete is required to provide all documentation of prescribed medications prior to the specimen collection.
NCAA Testing/Sanctions The NCAA will test at championship events and random on-sites tests. Positive tests will result in a one year suspension from NCAA competition per NCAA policy.
SPECIAL NOTE: Effective August 1, 2014 - For a student-athlete who is found to have used a substance in the banned drug class "street drugs" shall be charged with the loss of competition during a minimum of 50 percent of a season in all sports (at least the first 50 percent of all contests or dates of competition in the season following the positive test).
For further information, go to www.drugfreesport.com. A positive NCAA test result will be considered a positive test result under Longwood University’s Drug Policy.
Appeals Process Within 48 hours of an imposed suspension by the Athletic Department, the student- athlete may appeal in writing to the appropriate sport supervisor. An appeal should include NEW information that illustrates extenuating circumstances not previously available when the suspension was originally imposed in order to be considered. The sport supervisor, in consultation with the Director of Athletics, will make a final determination and notify the student in writing within two business days. Upon a decision by the sports supervisor, the student-athlete has 24 hours to submit a written appeal to the Faculty Athletics Representative. The Faculty Athletics Representative will form a committee to also include one Intercollegiate Athletic Council representative and one Compliance Review Committee representative to review the appeal. The committee will make a determination within 10 business days which will be deemed final.
Banned Drugs/Substances A list of NCAA banned substances will be provided to the student-athlete annually along with the NCAA Drug Testing Consent. In addition, information regarding banned substances or permissible/impermissible nutritional supplements can be found in the Athletic Training portion of this Handbook or upon request to the Athletic Training Department or Strength & Conditioning Department.
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NCAA Drug Testing Prior to competition each year, each student-athlete must sign the NCAA Drug Testing Consent Form to be eligible for competition. By signing this form, the NCAA may randomly drug test any student-athlete at any time (this includes the summer). If selected, you will be notified between 12-48 hours prior to the actual test. You will receive the NCAA list of banned substances with the NCAA Drug Testing Form. This list is not all inclusive; therefore if you have questions regarding any substance you should contact your athletic trainer immediately.
The NCAA will impose the following: A student-athlete who tests positive shall be withheld from competition in all sports for a minimum of 365 days from the drug-test collection date and shall lose a year of eligibility; A student-athlete who tests positive has an opportunity to appeal the positive drug test; A student-athlete who tests positive a second time for the use of any drug, other than a “street drug” shall lose all remaining regular-season and postseason eligibility in all sports. A combination of two positive tests involving street drugs (marijuana, THC or heroin) in whatever order, will result in the loss of an additional year of eligibility; The penalty for missing a scheduled drug test is the same as the penalty for testing positive for the use of a banned drug other than a street drug; and If a student-athlete immediately transfers to a non-NCAA institution while ineligible and competes in collegiate competition within the 365 day period at a non-NCAA institution, the student-athlete will be ineligible for all NCAA regular-season and postseason competition until the student-athlete does not compete in collegiate competition for a 365 day period.
SPECIAL NOTE: Effective August 1, 2014 - For a student-athlete who is found to have used a substance in the banned drug class "street drugs" shall be charged with the loss of competition during a minimum of 50 percent of a season in all sports (at least the first 50 percent of all contests or dates of competition in the season following the positive test).
A student-athlete that tests positive for an NCAA drug test will be turned over to the Judicial Board and is subject to the sanctions set forth in the Longwood University student handbook, including; but not limited to: 1st Offense: Suspension from Longwood University for one semester, a mandatory formal risk assessment conducted by a qualified alcohol/substance counselor prior to readmission of which the student is responsible for payment. The student will be referred to Longwood University’s Alcohol and Drug Education Program, Last Call, at a cost of $75.00. In addition, the student-athlete faces the possible loss of athletic grant-in-aid.
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2nd Offense: Immediate dismissal from Longwood University. As part of the NCAA rules regarding “certificates of transfer eligibility”, any student-athlete that tests positive and is currently serving the mandatory suspension from Longwood University will not be eligible for participation at the transferring institution for one calendar year from the date of suspension.
If you test positive for any banned substance, in addition to any Longwood University and NCAA penalties, you are subject to Athletic Department penalties which include but are not limited to suspension, dismissal from the team, and/or loss of athletics aid.
Grievance Procedures As a student-athlete you are first and foremost a student of Longwood University and are subject to all University policies and procedures as set forth in the Longwood Student Handbook. In addition, as a student-athlete, you are bound by the policies and procedures set forth by the NCAA, Big South Conference, Mid-American Conference (field hockey), or applicable conference, and the Athletic Department as stated in this Student-Athlete Handbook.
It is the goal of the Athletic Department to ensure that every student-athlete is treated with due process and with respect.
For suspension or other disciplinary action involving the policies listed below, please refer to the specific policy section of this Handbook for appeals procedures.
Reduction/Cancellation/Nonrenewal of Athletic Aid Transfer Request Longwood Athletics Alcohol Policy Longwood Athletics Student Arrest Policy Longwood Athletics Drug Testing Policy Longwood Athletics Course Attendance Policy
For grievances related to Sexual Harassment or Discrimination, appeals will be handled through the University Sexual Harassment Policy, located in the Longwood Student Handbook.
For all other cases of grievances (i.e., suspension from practice/competition, dismissal from the team, etc.), a student-athlete may appeal sanctions that suspends participation in practice, competition, and/or other services provided by the Athletics Department through the Appeals Procedures set below.
A student-athlete must first discuss any grievances with his/her Head Coach. Many situations may be resolved without any further action.
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Within 48 hours of an imposed suspension by a representative of the Athletic Department, the student-athlete may appeal in writing to the appropriate sport supervisor. An appeal should include NEW information that illustrates extenuating circumstances not previously available when the suspension was originally imposed in order to be considered. The sport supervisor, in consultation with the Director of Athletics, will make a final determination and notify the student in writing within three business days.
Athletics Media Relations
The Longwood University Athletics Media Relations Office is the Publicity and Media Relations office for Longwood's 14-sport intercollegiate athletics program. Greg Prouty is the Associate Athletics Director for Media Relations and can be reached at 395.2097 or [email protected].
Athletics Media Relations Office
The role of the Athletics Media Relations Office is to effectively communicate to all media and interested groups information about our athletics department. The office oversees the administration of the athletics website and produces news releases, team guides, game-day programs, and feature stories as part of its daily activities. It is also responsible for handling any media inquiries and arranging all media interviews with student-athletes, coaches and athletics administrators.
The Athletics Media Relations Office encourages and facilitates coverage of Longwood’s athletic teams, student-athletes, and coaches by the media. The university generally encourages you to make yourself available to the media, especially since you are tremendous representatives of the school. Both the Athletics Media Relations Office and the media understand the many demands on your time - further emphasizing communication between you and the Athletics Media Relations staff when it comes to media access.
All interview requests for student-athletes must go through the Athletics Media Relations Office. There are, on occasion, rare exceptions; but the Athletics Media Relations staff is involved in arrangements for nearly every interview involving Longwood student-athletes.
Any time the office receives a request for an interview, someone from the office will contact you and/or your coach. Attempts to work around your athletic and academic schedules will be considered before arranging any appointments. Most media are more than willing to adapt their schedules to accommodate yours. If you have questions about the importance or necessity of a media request, do not be afraid to consult the staff member responsible for your sport.
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We cannot control what the media prints or the story they present. But if we all cooperate and are honest, most of the stories reported will be positive.
Student-Athlete Guide to the Media
Longwood University Media Campus: The Rotunda, WMLU Radio (91.3 FM) Local: The Farmville Herald, WVHL Radio (92.9 FM), WFLO Radio (95.7 FM), WSVS Radio (800 AM) State/Regional: Richmond Times-Dispatch, Lynchburg News & Advance, WSET-TV 13 (Lynchburg-ABC), WTVR-TV 6 (Richmond-CBS), WRIC-TV 8 (Richmond-ABC), WWBT-TV 12 (Richmond-NBC), and other statewide newspapers, radio, and TV stations.
Student-Athletes' Roles and Responsibilities
Reporters have a job to do, and it is important that you understand and cooperate whenever possible. As a student-athlete at Longwood, you have a responsibility to cooperate with the media. You are public role models and public figures by virtue of your participation in the University's intercollegiate athletics program. What you do is of interest to the fans of Longwood's athletic teams and to people in your home region who are interested in intercollegiate athletics. People look up to you. Along with this responsibility is the fact you must be careful what you do and say away from the practice and playing field. You always represent your team and the University.
Dealing with the news media can be a learning experience in which you develop communication skills that are not only helpful in your intercollegiate career but also to your future career both in and out of athletics. Some requests for interviews may be from your hometown media or out-of-town media. It may involve you coming into the Athletics Media Relations Office to conduct a telephone interview or be interviewed in person.
Coaches and student-athletes are routinely expected to make themselves available for interviews within a reasonable period of time, following the conclusion of athletic contests or practices. How you deal with the news media reflects directly on how they feel about you and your team. Remember, you represent Longwood University. Be smart, and think about your response before you give it.
Do’s and Don’ts for Student-Athletes in Working with the Media Do’s Don’ts 1. Be confident, courteous and prompt - Address 1. Don’t agree to an interview unless the the reporter by name and say ‘thank you” when arrangements are coordinated through your finished sport’s SID or another Longwood Media Relations representative
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2. Be energetic, smile and always look directly at 2. Don’t chew gum or eat during an interview the reporter or camera while being interviewed 3. Dress Appropriately - What you wear can give 3. Don’t say it if you don’t want it in print - There an impression that reflects on the entire is no such thing as “off the record” athletics department 4. Present an image that is consistent with the 4. Don’t speak on behalf of the other teams - If a ideals and high standards of Longwood question leads you that way, try to turn the focus University - Your responses to questions will not back on to your team only give an impression of you, but also an impression of Longwood Athletics and the whole university 4. Understand what you want the media to know 5. Don’t stray away from your subject or get off about your team – Have key points that you can topic just to keep talking - You don’t have to say reinforce and personalize a lot if what you say is meaningful 5. Know the reason for the interview so that you 6. Don’t be caught off guard - If you aren’t sure can anticipate what some logical questions may how to answer right away, take the time to think be and begin formulate your answers about what you want to say. You don’t have to speak immediately after a question has been asked 6. Focus on answering questions in a positive 7. Don’t criticize your teammates, your coaches, manner - Reinforce the positive aspects of a your opponents, game officials, the media or the negative situation, or focus on what is being fans done to improve a negative situation 7. Give your opponent credit when credit is due 8. Don’t use words or phrases that may be confusing or that your audience will not understand 8. Keep your message simple - Be careful of 9. Don’t get flustered or defensive acronyms, clichés and technical terms 10. Respond rationally to emotion, and tell the 10. Don’t use foul language or smack talk - Don’t truth gossip, bully 11. It’s ok to say you don’t know or that you’re 11. Don’t have a bad attitude or bad not in a role to answer a specific question - Defer sportsmanship - You are not expected to be certain questions to coach or to another athlete happy after a difficult game, but avoid sarcasm that the question is specifically about and mean looks 12. Support your teammates and coaches - Stay 12. Don’t use fillers when speaking, such as positive “like,” “um,” and “you know” 13. Be cooperative - This is an exciting time for Longwood University. You are bringing lots of public attention to the school and helping to make a better name for the athletics programs. People want to hear what you have to say, so be happy to help.
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SAAC Committee & Bylaws
The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) is a committee made up of student- athletes assembled to provide insight on the student-athlete experience and to offer input on the rules, regulations, and policies that affect student-athletes’ lives on NCAA member institution campuses. The SAAC provides student-athletes with a collective voice on the student-athlete experience and the policies, procedures and overall operation of the Athletics Department. In addition, the SAAC committee looks to reach out to the community through service and increase support for student-athletes within the Athletics Department, Longwood University and community.
The SAAC is composed of an Executive Committee (see Bylaws below for more details) and 1-3 representatives from each team. The representatives are nominated by a coach and/or player and voted on by the team at the start of each academic year for service during that year. A SAAC representative must be athletically and academically eligible for practice and competition and be an active member of the team to remain on the committee.
The team representative are responsible for attending meetings, voting on items, providing insight, commenting on issues and projects, and serving as the voice for his/her team. Even though you may not be a member of SAAC, you have a voice through your team representative. If a student-athlete has an idea or issue, he/she should forward that to the SAAC committee through their team representative.
Mission Statement of the National SAAC
“The mission of the National Collegiate Athletic Association Student-Athlete Advisory Committee is to enhance the total student-athlete experience by promoting opportunity, protecting student-athlete welfare and fostering a positive student-athlete image.”
The following are the SAAC Bylaws, written and adopted by the SAAC committee on April 11, 2006.
Article I: Purpose
The purpose of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee is to promote the following objectives: 1. Promote communication between athletics administration and student-athletes 2. Disseminate information 3. Provide feedback and insight into athletics department issues 4. Generate a student-athlete voice within the campus athletics department formulation of policies 5. Build a sense of community within the athletics program involving all athletics team.
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6. Solicit student-athlete responses to proposed conference and NCAA legislation 7. Organize community service efforts 8. Create a vehicle for student-athlete representation on campus-wide committees (e.g. student government) 9. Promote a positive student-athlete image on campus
Article II: Membership
Section I: Executive Committee
The Longwood University SAAC is led by a six-member elected executive board that consists of an elected president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer, and two at- large members.
Section II: Election of Executive Members
All Executive Committee members shall be elected by their peers during the last meeting of the academic year for service during the following academic year. The team representatives will issue nominations for each position to be voted on by the membership at the last meeting.
Section III: Team Representation
The SAAC shall include at least one student-athletes from each team; however, some teams may have three representatives if one of the two serves on the executive board. Each member will serve as a liaison between their team and the SAAC committee.
Section IV: Selection of Membership
SAAC members shall be nominated by each head coach and/or player and voted on by the team during the first week of the academic year.
Section V: Membership Qualifications:
Minimum requirements for Longwood University SAAC membership are: 1. Academically eligible to practice and compete by NCAA bylaws. 2. Remain an active member of team.
Article III: Executive Committee Duties
President’s Duties: 1. Conduct all meetings
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2. Communicate with athletic department by meeting with Advisor, Athletic Director, and Faculty Athletics Representative once a month 3. Vote only if a tie needs to be broken in SAAC meetings 4. Create meeting agendas 5. Communicate with executive council 6. Serve on the Intercollegiate Athletic Council
Vice President Duties: 1. Conduct meetings in president’s absence 2. Serve as a voting member of SAAC 3. Any duties deemed necessary by the president
Secretary’s duties: 1. Keep accurate minutes of all meetings 2. Send all minutes through email to the membership 3. Keep attendance records 4. Send out reminders about meetings 5. Any duties deemed necessary by the president
Treasurer’s Duties 1. Create and submit a budget to the athletic department and SGA 2. Reimburse SAAC members for expenses appropriate to SAAC 3. Any other duties deemed necessary by the president
Member’s At-Large duties 1. Help other members of the executive council if needed 2. Any other duties deemed necessary by the president
Article IV: Meetings
The SAAC shall meet at least once per month or as needed or as determined by the Executive Committee. Meetings shall be restricted to committee members, Athletic Administrators, the Faculty Athletics Representative and invited guests.
Article V: Attendance
Attendance at SAAC meetings is required for membership. If a member cannot be present, the member shall coordinate a substitute from their team to attend. If a member misses more than 2 meetings unexcused or without a replacement, the member will be up for review by the committee, at which time the committee can vote to seek a replacement for the membership.
Article VI: Voting
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Only teams represented at called meetings will be allowed to cast votes. Absentee votes will be allowed for teams traveling or competing the day of the called meeting, or absence has been pre-approved by the SAAC President or Advisor. Any action must receive a majority vote by the committee to be approved.
Article VII: Sub-Committees
Subcommittees will be established to act as the organizational group for any SAAC designated area of service or other SAAC endeavor.
Article VIII: Responsibilities of the Membership
It is the responsibility of the membership to represent the needs and issues of their teams, serve as liaison and provide information to their teams, and to inform their teams of events and issues to promote support among teams and student-athletes.
Article IX: Amendments
The SAAC bylaws can be amended at any time. Any executive or general member may propose amendment to the bylaws. Amendments cannot be proposed and voted on at the same meeting. An amendment shall be approved by a majority vote of the Committee.
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