STUDENT-ATHLETE HANDBOOK
2021-22
A NOTE FROM THE VICE PRESIDENT OF ADMISSIONS AND ATHLETICS Dear Midway University Student-Athlete: We are very happy to have you here at Midway University and as a member of our athletic department community. We are looking forward to another great year of success in the classroom and during competition.
There are many opportunities for you to succeed. You will find that one of the things that makes Midway special is the dedicated team of faculty and staff who are committed to seeing you reach your academic and athletic goals.
It is our expectation that you act in a responsible manner and be accountable for all your actions. Please take the time to read the contents of this handbook. Remember that all Midway student-athletes must sign and knowledge and consent form confirming that they have received and reviewed this handbook.
Again, we are glad you have chosen Midway University and we are here for you. If anyone on our athletic staff can assist you, please feel free to contact us.
Sincerely,
Rusty Kennedy Vice President of Admissions and Athletics
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Name Position Phone Email Rusty Kennedy VP of Admissions and Athletics 859.846.5456 [email protected] Robbie Shay Assistant Athletic Director/Archery Coach 859.846.5493 [email protected] Dylan Brown Sports Information Director 859.846.5327 [email protected] Stephanie Keeley Faculty Athletic Representative 859.846.5877 [email protected] Mark Fang Athletic Trainer 859.846.5806 [email protected] Luther Bramblett Baseball Coach 859.846.3317 [email protected] Joe Krupinski Men’s Basketball Coach 859.846.5301 [email protected] Chris Minner Women’s Basketball Coach 859.846.5723 [email protected] Jay Walls Cross Country Coach 859.846.6052 [email protected] Heath Gunnison Hunt Seat Coach 859.846.5739 [email protected] Conner Smith Western Coach 859.846.5337 [email protected] Otis Smith Golf Coach 859.846.5302 [email protected] Tim Wolz Men’s Soccer Coach 859.846.3408 [email protected] Sherrill Smith Women’s Soccer Coach 859.846.5352 [email protected] Krystal Cammuse Softball Coach 859.846.5834 [email protected] TBA Tennis Coach 859.846.5474 Jonea Rima Volleyball Coach 859.846.3347 [email protected] Nikki Mooney Cheerleading Coach 859.846.5366 [email protected] Jay Walls Track & Field Coach 859.846.6052 [email protected] Jake Brumbelow Wrestling Coach 859.846.3346 [email protected] Michael Hall Bowling Coach 859.846.5343 [email protected] Alyssa Tinker eSports Coach 859.846.5305 [email protected] Maria Steakley Swim Coach 859.846.3305 maria. [email protected] Danny Davis Sprint Football Coach 859.846.5347 [email protected] TBA Dance Coach
Disclaimer: Information in the Student-Athlete Handbook can be changed at any time. Students must also adhere to the policies found in the Student Handbook and Catalog. 2
MIDWAY UNIVERSITY MISSION STATEMENT Midway University engages and challenges students to achieve individual growth, responsible citizenship, and meaningful careers through personalized educational experiences. (Adopted November 8, 2018)
VISION STATEMENT Midway University is a vibrant and diverse institution committed to academic excellence and individual growth.
VALUES Midway University fosters core values shared by the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and reflect the beliefs of our founder, Dr. L.L. Pinkerton. These values include: • Valuing the dignity of all people
• Acting with integrity and responsibility
• Viewing self as part of the community
• Living life within a global context • Providing service to others
• Pursing life-long learning
ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT MISSION STATEMENT The Athletic Department provides the student-athlete with the necessary knowledge and experience to achieve athletic and academic potential while developing a sense of self and leadership qualities in a positive competitive atmosphere.
Involvement in athletics at Midway University will contribute to the development of the whole person.
CHAMPIONS OF CHARACTER The NAIA Champions of Character program has established five core values that go well beyond the playing field to the daily decisions of our student-athletes. The Midway University Athletic Department believes that these core values should be shared by student-athletes and teams from all sport programs, regardless of their conference affiliation. These character values help young people — and those associated with their development — make good choices in all aspects of their life and reflect the true spirit of competition.
The five core values are:
• Integrity — Positive internal traits that guide behavior
• Respect — Treating others the way you want to be treated
• Responsibility — The social force that binds the individual to the good of the team • Sportsmanship — Following the rules, spirit and etiquette of athletic competition
• Servant Leadership — Serving the greater good
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ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE Each Midway University athletic team is led by a head coach. Assistant coaches for each program will report directly to the head coach. All head coaches will report directly to the VP for Admissions and Athletics. The VP for Admissions and Athletics will report to the Midway University President. The Midway University President reports to the Board of Trustees.
COMMUNITY SERVICE Midway Athletics is committed to giving back to both the campus and surrounding community. By providing opportunities for student-athletes to serve, these young men and women make meaningful contributions to society. Teams, as well as individual student-athletes, are involved in numerous charity and community organizations, schools, and hospitals. Coaches are expected to encourage community service and to track and record team service hours each year to be reported to the Champions of Character Liaison and VP for Admissions and Athletics at the end of the school year. Each program is encouraged to participate in excess of 15 hours of community service per school year.
NAIA REQUIREMENTS NAIA ELIGIBILITY REGULATIONS The following is a short listing of criteria that needs to be met to be eligible to represent a member institution in any manner (scrimmages, intercollegiate competitions). For more information on NAIA Eligibility Regulations, visit www.naia.org.
1. If an entering freshman,* be a graduate of an accredited high school or be accepted as a regular student in good standing as defined by the enrolling institution and meet two of the three entry level requirements. *An entering freshman is defined as a student who, upon becoming identified with an institution, has not been previously identified with an institution(s) of higher learning for two semesters or three quarters (equivalent).
a. Achieve a minimum of 18 on the Enhanced ACT or 970 on the SAT. The ACT/SAT test must be taken on a national or international testing date and certified to the institution prior to the beginning of each term in which the student initially participates (residual tests are not acceptable). The SAT score of 970 or higher must be achieved on the Critical Reading and Math sections of the SAT. Scores must be achieved on a single test.
i. EXCEPTION: For ACT tests taken beginning March 2016 through April 30, 2019, a minimum score of 16 will satisfy this requirement. This exception will apply to tests taken through April 30, 2019, after which point the exception no longer applies.
b. Achieve a minimum overall high school grade point average of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale. c. Graduate in the top half of your graduating class. i. EXCEPTION: Completion of nine institutional credit hours prior to identification at any institution of higher education can be used if no class rank appears on the final official high school transcript. The credit hours must be completed with a grade of “C” or better. The coursework must be accepted as institutional credit on the certifying NAIA institution’s official transcript. The coursework must also be shown as earned prior to the term in which the student wishes to compete, as indicated on an official transcript. For CLEP or AP credit not applied to the transcript within a term, official documentation issued by the testing service noting the date the exam was taken will suffice. (Effective May 1, 2020)
2. You MUST be making normal progress toward a recognized baccalaureate degree and maintain the grade points required to remain a student in good standing, as a defined by the institution you are attending.
a. An entering freshman who satisfies initial eligibility requirements in Bylaws Article V, Section C, Item 2 must have accumulated a minimum of nine institutional credit hours prior to identification for the second term of attendance. Only those institutional credit hours earned after identification (at any institution) may be applied toward meeting the Nine-Hour Rule for a second-term freshman.
b. An entering freshman who satisfies one of the initial eligibility requirements found in Bylaws Article V, Section C, Item 2 can gain eligibility in a subsequent term if the student passed 12 institutional credit hours with a grade of
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“C” or better during the first term of attendance at the certifying NAIA institution. For purposes of this rule, the NAIA does not recognize a +/- attached to a letter grade. Consequently, a C+, C, and C- shall count as a C. (Effective now).
3. You MUST be identified and enrolled in 12 credit hours at the time of participation. Should participation take place between terms, you must have been identified with the institution the term immediately preceding the date of participation.
4. You MUST, if a second-term freshman, have accumulated a minimum of nine institutional credit hours BEFORE identification for the second term of attendance.
5. You MUST have accumulated a minimum of 24 institutional credit hours the two immediately previous terms of attendance. Up to 12 institutional credit hours earned during the summer and/on non-term may be applied to meet the 24-hour rule, provided such credit is earned AFTER one of the two immediately previous terms of attendance. However, if you are transferring from a two-year institution and if you have not been identified with an institution of higher learning for more than five semesters or seven quarters, have been identified with a four-year institution and have met graduation requirements for an associate degree from a junior college, you may be exempt from the 24-hour rule for the first term you are enrolled at an NAIA member institution. You must have passed all hours required for graduation and, in the last two terms of attendance you must have needed fewer than 24 hours to complete graduation requirements.
6. You MAY NOT count repeat courses previously passed in ANY term toward the 24-hour rule.
7. You MUST be eligible according to your affiliated conference standards. 8. You MUST, if a transfer student from a four-year institution, have eligibility remaining at the institution from which you are transferring to be eligible for further intercollegiate competition. For eligibility purposes, the NAIA does not recognize the NCAA “five-year rule” or age-limitations regulations.
9. You MUST, if a transfer student having participated in intercollegiate athletics at a four-year institution, reside for 16 consecutive calendar weeks (112 calendar days), not including summer sessions, at the transferred institution before becoming eligible for intercollegiate competition in any sport in which you participated while attending the previous four-year institution. Exceptions to the 16 calendar weeks’ residency will be examined by the institution’s faculty athletics representative.
10. You MUST be within your first 10 semesters, 12 trimesters or 15 quarters of attendance as a regularly enrolled student. Beginning August 1, 2004, a term of attendance is any semester, trimester or quarter in which you enroll for 12 or more institutional credit hours and attend any class. Summer sessions are not included but night school, extension or correspondence courses are applicable to this ruling.
11. You MUST, upon reaching junior academic standing as defined by the institution, have a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 on a 4.0 scale as certified by the institutional registrar.
12. You MUST, to participate in the second season of a sport, have accumulated at least 24 semester/36 quarter institutional credit hours.
13. You MUST, to participate in the third season of a sport, have accumulated at least 48 semester/72 quarter institutional credit hours.
14. You MUST, to participate in the fourth season of a sport, have accumulated at least 72 semester/108 quarter institutional credit hours. These hours must include at least 48 semester/72 quarter hours in general education and/or your major field of study.
15. You MUST, to participate in the third and/or fourth season of a sport, have and maintain a total cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 on a 4.0 scale.
16. You MAY NOT participate for more than four seasons in any one sport. A season of competition is defined as participation in one or more intercollegiate contests, whether as a freshman, junior varsity or varsity participant or in any other athletic competition in which the institution is represented during a sport season or participation in any competition or training for which the participant receives compensation including remuneration for expenses after September 1 in the year of high school graduation of equivalent.
17. Should you participate for two different institutions in the same sport in the same academic year (example—basketball or fall golf at a junior college and then transfer to an NAIA school and participate in basketball or spring golf), you shall be
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charged with two seasons of competition in that sport, unless you earned an associate degree at a junior college in the term immediately preceding the transfer.
18. You MUST be an amateur, as defined by the NAIA, in the sport(s) in which you will participate. See your athletics director or faculty athletics representative for all amateur regulations as printed in the NAIA bylaws.
*Remember, athletes as well as member institutions are responsible for knowing and abiding by NAIA rules and regulations as outlined in the NAIA Official Handbook. See your athletics director or faculty athletics representative for all NAIA rules and regulations.
HARDSHIPS Hardships deal only with season of competition. A hardship request is a request for an exception to the season of completion regulation (see item 16 above). Hardship requests will be considered only if the following criteria are met:
1. The injury or illness is beyond the control of the student-athlete and/or coach, and incapacitates that student- athlete from competing further during the sport season as verified by an M.D., D.O. or D.N.P. who must have examined the student during the sport season in question.
2. Participation after being examined by a physician and before receiving written medical clearance shall nullify hardship consideration.
3. The athlete shall not have participated in more than the Association’s allowable number of contests of dates, excluding scrimmages, recognized by the NAIA during the sports season. Contact a member institution for the hardships.
NAIA ADVANTAGES There are many advantages to competing in NAIA sports. Besides the benefit of close-knit communities and small class sizes on the typical NAIA campus, NAIA athletics offer:
• Maximum opportunity to compete in regular-season contests and National Championships
• Greater opportunities to transfer without missing a season
• Fewer recruiting restrictions • Focus on the education and character development of the student-athlete
The NAIA recruitment process is less cumbersome with fewer restrictions on the contact between a student-athlete and coach. More frequent communication aids in assuring that the student-athlete is comfortable with the choice of an institution. While NAIA rules hold to strict academic requirements, the process of establishing eligibility is streamlined since there is no clearing house. We hope you strongly consider enrolling at an NAIA institution.
RECRUITMENT OF AN ENROLLED STUDENT-ATHLETE Once you have started your overall college experience by enrolling and/or attending classes at any postsecondary institution, representatives from an NAIA institution cannot initiate contact with you. Even if you have not started classes yet, but have drawn equipment and begun organized practice, no one representing an NAIA school can initiate any contact with you.
Once you have become identified with a postsecondary institution, there are some things to know should you ever want to consider transferring to an NAIA member institution. Because the NAIA institution cannot contact you, you’ll probably want to contact them. If you do, the NAIA institution cannot respond to your contact until the athletics director or faculty athletics representative at the institution has notified, in writing, the athletics director or faculty athletics representative at the school which you are enrolled. The NAIA institution has 10 days from your contact to write that letter. The NAIA institution does not necessarily need to receive permission to respond to your contact, but they must notify your identified school as described.
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ACADEMICS Midway University is an institution of higher learning and student-athletes are expected to be students first and foremost. Coaches are expected to develop a culture within their program where academics is a priority and class attendance is mandatory. Each program is expected to have a student-athlete academic success strategy in place which could include activities such as Study Hall, Tutoring, Grade Checks, etc.
ACADEMIC STANDING Please refer to the Academic Catalog.
MISSING CLASS The Head Coach is to email a list of student-athletes who will be traveling on a particular road trip for competition to the VP for Admissions and Athletics no later than one week prior to departure. Changes to this list are to be emailed as soon as the Head Coach is aware of the update. The Athletic Department will then issue an email to the Midway University Faculty making them aware of the student-athletes who will be representing the University.
TRANSFER RELEASE POLICY A current Midway University student-athlete who has participated in competition but wishes to transfer to another institution must follow the procedures outlined below:
1. Meet in-person with the head coach of his/her respective sport(s) to discuss the reasons behind wanting to leave the program prior to June 1. 2. After meeting with the head coach, if the student still wishes to transfer, s/he must notify the VP for Admissions and Athletics in writing with supporting rationale leading to their request.
3. The student-athlete must then request that his/her new institution send a transfer release form to the Midway University VP for Admissions and Athletics for consideration.
4. The Midway University VP for Admissions and Athletics will use the written student statement and information from the coaching staff when making the final decision.
The VP for Admissions and Athletics at Midway University will have the final decision on the student-athlete transfer waiver per NAIA bylaws. Please note that Midway University will not provide a blanket release letter for any student-athlete. Students wishing to transfer must have the institution(s) to which they intend to enroll provide Midway University with a transfer release form for consideration and completion. All transfer releases for the following school year must be requested in writing prior to June 1. Failing to follow the process as outlined above prior to June 1 will greatly increase the chances of a waiver not being approved. It shall be departmental precedent to deny a release to the NAIA’s transfer residency requirement if a transfer is requested after the June 1 deadline for the following academic year.
ATHLETE PARTICIPATION CLEARANCE It is the goal of the staff and Midway University to provide the most efficient medical treatment to our student- athletes. In order for this to occur, several items must be completed prior to ANY athletic conditioning, practice or competition. An incomplete item will prevent athletic participation at Midway University and the coaching staff is expected to enforce this rule. Each form is available on the Midway University Athletics website under “Athletic Training.”
MEDICAL HISTORY 17 A thorough medical history provides the sports medicine staff with pertinent family and individual medical problems, illnesses or medications. A completed history is necessary, particularly in the event of an emergency. This history is completed each year in conjunction with the physicals. It is the responsibility of the athlete to update the athletic trainer as needed about medications, illnesses, etc. throughout the school year to add to their file.
PHYSICAL A thorough medical and orthopedic examination will be completed each year by a team physician prior to participation. This physical must be completed after June of the upcoming school year. It will be the responsibility of the athlete to get these physicals done before their sports season and s/he will not be allowed to participate until s/he is cleared by a physician. Medical costs and transportation for these physicals is the responsibility of the athletes as well.
MEDICAL CONSENT FORM Medical consent must be given by all students participating in Midway University athletics.
INSURANCE INFORMATION FORM Any student participating in Midway University athletics must have primary insurance before they can participate. A front-and-back copy of the athlete’s primary insurance card must be on file. If any insurance information changes throughout the year, the athletic trainer must be notified immediately and given a copy of the new insurance cards when necessary.
FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY FORM Midway University carries an accident policy for student-athletes. The maximum benefit is $35,000 and requires a $1,000 deductible for which students/families are responsible. The NAIA is responsible for coverage of injuries exceeding $35,000. The IHSA will pay a maximum of $10,000 towards medical costs resulting from participation in an IHSA-sanctioned event. Prior to sports participation, all student-athletes and a parent/guardian must sign the acknowledgment of Medical Financial/Responsibility Form.
DRUG TESTING CONSENT FORM All Midway University athletic teams will undergo random drug testing throughout the year and all student-athletes must consent to this prior to Sport participation. All team members and support staff will be subject to random drug testing at any time.
CONCUSSION STATEMENT All Midway University athletes must initial and sign the concussion statement stating they understand our concussion Protocol and Policies.
STUDENT-ATHLETE STATEMENT OF AUTHORIZATION All student-athletes must sign a Statement of Authorization form declaring that they understand sport participation requires an acceptance of certain risk and responsibilities.
INSURANCE In order to participate in intercollegiate athletics at Midway University, a student-athlete needs to be covered by a primary insurance carrier which covers athletic participation and injuries without exclusion or reasonable limitations. If a student-athlete does not have primary insurance coverage, the student-athlete will not be permitted to participate. When a student-athlete becomes injured, the athletic trainer provided by the college will evaluate him/ her and decide whether or not a referral to a physician is necessary. If a referral is necessary, the athlete will file the claim with his/her insurance company (primary carrier). Midway University also carries 17 an accident policy for student- athletes. The maximum benefit is $35,000 and requires a $1,000 deductible for which students/ families are responsible. The NAIA is responsible for coverage of injuries exceeding $35,000. The IHSA will pay a maximum of $10,000 towards medical costs resulting from participation in an IHSA-sanctioned event.
PREGNANCY POLICY Per the NCAA Pregnant and Parenting Student/Athletes resources and model policies (the NAIA has no such resource), the health of the student-athlete and the pregnancy is of utmost concern. With professional healthcare monitoring, high level athletic activity is generally safe before 14 weeks into the pregnancy. The team physician and student-athlete’s health care provider should work together to assist the student-athlete to safely continue her athletic participation if she wishes to do so.
DRUG EDUCATION AND TESTING PROGRAM INTRODUCTION
The NAIA is dedicated to promoting and preserving the integrity of athletics for the benefit and welfare of student-athletes. Consistent with that goal, the NAIA is concerned about and resolved to support definitive actions designed to assist student-athletes striving to cope with escalating substance abuse problems in our society. This substance abuse centers on drugs, alcohol, tobacco and smokeless tobacco. While maintaining institutional autonomy and individual institutional control, the NAIA is committed to establishing and monitoring requirements which will have a positive impact upon the substance abuse problem as it relates to athletics and, more specifically, to student-athletes.
PHILOSOPHY AND POSITION STATEMENT
The overall goal of the Midway University Drug and Alcohol Education and Testing Program (program) is to promote a year-round drug free environment in the Midway University (Midway) athletic program. Within the overall goal are the following objectives:
1. To promote and protect the health, safety and welfare of the student-athlete. 2. To inform and educate the student-athlete and others associated with athletic teams about drugs and alcohol and the effects of their use/abuse.
3. To address, identify and treat student-athlete problems and concerns surrounding drug use, alcohol consumption and their abuses.
4. To protect the institution’s integrity and promote the role of Midway student-athletes as positive role models for youth in the University and surrounding communities.
5. To seek maintenance of “fair play” in intercollegiate athletics by Midway athletes.
6. In appropriate cases, to remove students who are found to have violated the requirements of the program. The first priority of Midway’s program is the student-athlete’s health, safety and welfare. The approach is from a medical perspective with an emphasis on prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of all students participating in the intercollegiate program at Midway. The program focuses on four concerns to ensure the health of the student-athlete.
1. One focus is on substances commonly believed to be “performance enhancing” drugs, so that the student- athlete will not feel compelled to take these health-endangering substances in order to feel competitive.
2. The second focus is on the use of “street” drugs because of the potential for addiction, which could impair the physical and mental well-being of the student-athlete. In addition, there is evidence to indicate that their use may impair performance and reaction time, possibly resulting in injury to the student-athlete or others during athletic activity. A related area of focus is the proper use of prescription drugs because of potential legal consequences, the potential for addiction, and the potential for permanent or temporary adverse physical or mental reactions.
3. The third focus is on the consumption of alcohol. Responsible alcohol consumption in keeping with both Midway campus and athletics policies will be a focal point.
4. The fourth focus is an academic-year program that will assist in abstinence through drug testing, education and counseling. Education and counseling are the essential cornerstones of the program and are directed toward alerting student-athletes and 17 coaches to the potential harm of substance abuse. Education and counseling are supplemented with a drug and alcohol testing component since studies have shown that education alone is not a sufficient deterrent to drug use. The Midway protocol for drug testing is designed to be fair, to achieve reliability of testing results and to protect the privacy rights of the student-athlete. Test results are confidential and become a part of the student-athlete’s Athletics Training Clinic (AT Clinic) medical record. Test results will not be released to anyone except in accordance with this program or as otherwise required by law.
This program and its administration are subject to modification by the Athletics Department and the Midway administrative staff. However, any modification will only be implemented by action of the VP for Admissions and Athletics (VPA&A) and such modification will be reported to the direct supervisor of the VP for Admissions and Athletics.
Any acknowledgments or modification shall apply to and be effective for all student-athletes upon notice and acknowledgment by such student-athletes of the program as so amended or modified.
This program resides under the guidance of the Head Athletic Trainer (Head AT) and the VPA&A, or other designees as further specified. Although this is a student-athlete based program, student-athlete support personnel, such as team managers and mascots are to be included.
EDUCATIONAL COMPONENT There are two facets to the educational program: (A) explanation of Midway Athletics’ drug testing program to student-athletes and others, and (B) dissemination of information to student-athletes and those associated with athletic teams regarding drugs and alcohol, their use and abuse, and how such use and/or abuse may affect the student-athlete, his/her team and his/her teammates.
EDUCATION ABOUT THE PROGRAM 1. Annual education will take place during the fall semester Athletics Department team orientation meeting for student- athletes in order to outline and review Midway’s Drug and Alcohol Testing Program, its purposes, implementations and sanctions. 2. Student-athletes will have access to the program via the Midway Athletics website and will individually responsible for reviewing it prior to the annual Athletics Department team orientation meeting. Each student-athlete will be required to sign and submit and drug and alcohol testing consent form to the AT every academic year prior to participation in any sport practice or competitions. If the student-athlete is under 18 years of age at the time of signing, the or guardian will be asked to sign the form on behalf of the student-athlete. This form also acknowledges that the student-athlete has reviewed and agrees to comply with the testing policy.
3. Any student-athlete who does not wish to sign the Drug & Alcohol Testing consent form may choose not to do so and will forego participation in intercollegiate athletics. Student-athletes are free to refuse to consent to drug and alcohol testing under this program. However, student-athletes who decline participation in the program, which is designed to protect the health and welfare of the student-athlete, will not be permitted to participate in intercollegiate athletics for Midway, which will result in the loss of athletic financial aid.
4. A student-athlete who fails to submit to drug testing as provided in this program, after initially consenting to such testing, shall be considered to have made a decision not to participate in the program and will be immediately removed from all athletic activity. Such a decision will result in the loss of all athletics-related financial aid.
EDUCATION OF STUDENT-ATHLETES AND OTHERS ABOUT DRUGS AND ALCOHOL 1. Educational programs are designed with the following goals: a. To educate, inform and teach those associated with intercollegiate athletics how to recognize the warning signs and side effects of specific drugs.
b. To educate the student-athlete and other appropriate personnel about the associated problems of drug and alcohol abuse and how such use may adversely affect the student-athlete, his/her team, and his/her teammates.
c. To encourage discussion about the use of drugs and consumption of alcohol. d. To inform student-athletes that treatment and rehabilitation programs are available to help them through referral treatment centers. 17 2. Each team and coaching staff will meet annually and at such other times as deemed necessary by the Head AT, VPA&A or other Midway administration for educational sessions which focus on, but not be limited to, information regarding the dangers of using performance-enhancing substances, illegal substances and alcohol.
a. Attendance of the student-athletes and their coaches at scheduled education sessions is mandatory. Absence will be permitted only with the approval of the respective head coach and the VPA&A. All absences will result in the student-athlete being required to attend a make-up session.
b. Appropriate Athletics Department personnel will be expected to participate in departmental drug education training sessions and/or NAIA drug and alcohol education clinics or seminars in order to up to date with current information.
EFFECTIVENESS REVIEW The educational component will be reviewed and evaluated annually for effectiveness through an oversight committee composed of the Forward Edge testing coordinator(s) and/or Head AT, and/or VPA&A, and/or Assistant AD, and/or the coaching staff.
POLICY ACCESS Student-athletes will have access to the program via the Midway Athletics website and will be individually responsible for reviewing it prior to signing a letter of intent or prior to participation for those not contracted before enrolled.
STANDARD OF BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS CHAMPIONS OF CHARACTER Student-athletes at Midway are expected to adhere to the standards of personal behavior outlined in the NAIA Champions of Character program. The NAIA developed the Champions of Character program in response to the growing problem of deteriorating standards of integrity in sports and society. At a time when all of sport has experienced increasingly abhorrent behavior by athletes, coaches, fans and parents, NAIA Champions of Character raises the standards for positive personal development in athletics and academics. The core values of this program are: respect, responsibility, integrity, servant leadership and sportsmanship.
TOBACCO AND ALCOHOL USE The use of alcohol, tobacco or tobacco products is not permitted by participants, managers, coaches, athletic trainers, game administrators or officials in the playing areas during all NAIA-sanctioned competition and practices for such competition. The Midway coaching staff, event games committee, administrator or host-site coordinator (as applicable) shall enforce this policy through the following steps:
1. On the first offense, the individual(s) shall receive an official warning.
2. A second offense will cause expulsion from the game, tournament or event.
SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNSELING RECOMMENDED COUNSELING The purpose of any recommended substance use/abuse counseling is to provide assistance, direction and resources for student- athletes who need additional support as a result of non-negative (positive) tests, physician referral or self- addressed needs. This component seeks to provide appropriate follow-up, evaluation, counseling and rehabilitation of student-athletes testing positive while addressing their psychological, social and medical well-being.
COUNSELING REFERRALS Counseling will be provided by trained specialists identified by the Head AT, Forward Edge staff, the VP for Admissions and
17 Athletics and/or Midway Student Affairs. Referrals will originate with the Head AT or Midway Student Affairs and be implemented though one of the Midway team physicians, who shall be involved in developing an appropriate treatment plan. Counseling will be confidential.
DRUG AND ALCOHOL TESTING DRUG TESTING POLICY Tests will be conducted for mood-altering and performance-enhancing substances. Drug testing is mandatory for all student-athletes and other team members or Midway athletics representatives (ex: managers, mascots). As a condition for any student to be a member of intercollegiate athletic team, the student-athlete must agree to participate annually in the Athletics Department program. Such monitoring is considered an extension of the ongoing physical examination of the student-athlete and is in the best interests of the student-athlete and Midway. All positive results are cumulative for the duration of the student-athlete’s career at Midway. Any student-athlete found guilty of selling or providing an illegal drug or illegally providing other drugs or alcohol to another person is subject to termination from the team and cancellation of all athletic-related financial aid. Forward Edge will administer all drug- testing procedures and will be responsible for maintaining records on all student-athlete drug testing procedures.
ALCOHOL TESTING POLICY In developing a policy regarding the consumption of alcohol by student-athletes, it is recognized that the social and competitive environment of the student-athlete has an influence on how the student-athlete perceives the role of alcohol. This policy should be viewed in the context that lawful, responsible consumption or abstinence is expected from the student-athlete and that consumption and/or possession of alcohol by minors in the state of Kentucky is illegal. Midway is designated as a dry campus. Student-athletes found in violation of the Midway Student Code regarding alcohol by the Student Affairs Staff will receive athletic sanctions. Additionally, any member of the athletic staff who suspects a student-athlete to be under the influence of alcohol may refer the student to the Head AT for alcohol testing. If the student refuses to be tested, s/he will automatically receive the appropriate sanctions.
TYPES OF TESTING 1. RANDOM DRUG TESTING - Random drug testing of 10 percent of each athletics team will take place a minimum of once per semester. Timing of the testing will vary each semester. This student-athlete list will be randomly selected by Forward Edge staff members from each of the team rosters. All student-athletes are eligible for every test, whether in or out of their team’s competitive season.
2. REASONABLE SUSPICION DRUG AND ALCOHOL TESTING - Student-athletes may be tested individually or as part of a regularly-scheduled test. This type of testing will be used for student-athletes who demonstrate symptoms or behaviors which are indicative of substance abuse. Should a student-athlete have a drug- or alcohol-induced incident that causes or results in undesirable behavior, s/he will be referred to the Head AT for testing arrangements to be made. The Head AT will then refer the student to the team physician, as deemed necessary.
3. FOLLOW-UP DRUG OR ALCOHOL TESTING - Student-athletes who test positive will be required to submit to follow-up drug or alcohol testing.
4. NAIA DRUG TESTING - Student-athletes may be drug tested while participating in a championship event.
RANDOM DRUG TESTING PROCEDURES 1. Zero advance notification will be the norm for all drug testing. 2. For random testing, Forward Edge will randomly choose 10 percent of each athletics team for testing. The Head AT and/ or the Forward Edge director will call each student-athlete and instruct them when to report to the Student Center home locker room. The list of students will be brought with the collectors.
3. Failure to report for drug testing within the two hours following testing notification without speaking to the Head AT will constitute refusal and will be subject to disciplinary action (see first positive drug test under Sanctions). If a student cannot report for testing within the two-hour time frame, he/she is to call the Head AT for discussion and further instruction. 17 4. A photo ID is required for admission to the testing site. if the student does not have an ID, an athletic department designee may sign a form to verify student-athlete identity.
5. After signing in, the student-athlete will be required to complete testing consent forms and select a sealed, coded specimen cup. The coded specimen cup will follow accepted chain-of-custody standards and then remain in the student-athlete’s possession until the athlete has produced a useable specimen.
6. The student-athlete will need to remain in visual contact with the collector and/or athletic department designee once s/ he has checked into the testing site. The time to complete the required paperwork and provide a usable specimen is approximately 15 minutes. The student-athlete does have up to three hours to submit a usable specimen; however s/he may not leave the testing area until a specimen is produced. Inability to produce a specimen within three hours will be considered a refusal to test and the student- athlete will be subject to applicable sanctions.
7. The student-athlete has the option to obtain a hair test at the Lexington, Ky. Forward Edge location by noon on the same day of drug testing. If the student-athlete chooses to do so, they will be financially responsible for this test. The student- athlete must notify the Head AT two hours following testing notification if they will be obtaining a hair test. Failure to obtain a hair test before noon on testing day will be considered a refusal to test and the student-athlete will be subject to applicable sanctions.
POST DRUG TEST COLLECTION PROCEDURES 1. The Forward Edge collector(s) will check the roster of scheduled student-athletes and submit the names of student-athletes who did not report to the testing site or to the Head AT.
2. The Forward Edge chain of custody will be followed concerning the sealed and coated specimens collected. 3. Samples are turned over to laboratory personnel only after passing security and are signed for, preserving the chain of custody.
4. The samples are analyzed with the medical review officer after being notified of all results. 5. Following the verification of a positive result, the student-athlete will be notified of the outcome by the medical review officer. All test results will be reported by Forward Edge to the Head AT and VPA&A.
6. Once notified of a positive result, the student-athlete is permitted 72 hours to explain the positive result to the medical review officer at Forward Edge. If the student satisfactorily explains the presence of prescribed drugs in his/her system to the medical review officer, this will not be considered a reportable result. If the positive result is not satisfactorily explained, a meeting with the student, Head AT and VPA&A will be arranged in as expedient a manner as possible.
MEDICAL EXCEPTIONS The Athletic Department recognizes that some drugs tested in the drug screening panel are used for legitimate medical purposes. Accordingly, Midway does allow for exception if there is a documented medical history demonstrating need for regular use of the drug as well as documentation of the prescription information. Medical exceptions will be reviewed on an individual basis but will not be granted unless previously mentioned supporting documentation is received by the medical review officer. Once a student- athlete tests positive for a drug on the drugs of abuse panel, guidelines may be implemented regarding future use of a drug requiring advance notification and supporting contemporaneous documentation to the Forward Edge testing coordinator.
SANCTIONS FOR POSITIVE DRUG TESTS FIRST POSITIVE DRUG TEST 1. The student-athlete will be referred to and attend an evaluative counseling session and possible follow-up sessions at the student’s expense.
2. For the remainder of the academic year, the student-athlete will be required to undergo drug testing at Forward Edge one time each month. This will be done at the student’s expense.
3. A record of the positive result will be kept in the student’s AT Clinic file. 4. If deemed necessary, the student-athlete will be referred to an evaluative counseling session and possible follow-up 17 sessions at the student’s expense.
5. The student-athlete will be expected to participate in team activities as determined by their coach and the VPA&A.
SECOND POSITIVE DRUG TEST 1. If a second positive test occurs during the same or different academic year, the student-athlete will be kept out of the equivalent of 20 percent of a season’s competitive events.
2. The student-athlete will be required to complete a number of NAIA myPlaybook courses that focus on drug prevention and the effect of drugs and alcohol on athletic performance. The student-athlete will not be able to return back to their sport until these courses have been completed and confirmed by the Head AT.
3. For the remainder of the academic year, the student-athlete will be required to undergo drug testing at Forward Edge one time each month. This will be done at the student’s expense.
4. The student-athlete will be referred to and required to attend a continuous counseling program for the remainder of the year at the student’s expense. 5. A record of the second positive result will be kept in the student’s AT Clinic file.
6. The student-athlete will be expected to participate in team activities as determined by their coach and the VPA&A.
THIRD POSITIVE DRUG TEST 1. If a third positive test occurs, the student-athlete will be removed from the team. 2. The athletic scholarship will be removed on a pro-rated basis.
3. The student-athlete will be referred to and attend a continuous counseling program for the remainder of the academic year at the student’s expense.
4. The student will not be permitted to re-join the team.
SANCTIONS FOR POSITIVE ALCOHOL USE FIRST ALCOHOL OFFENSE 1. The student-athlete will provide five (5) hours of service to the Athletic Department under the supervision of an Athletic Department staff member.
2. The student-athlete may be referred to and required to attend an evaluative counseling session and possible follow-up sessions at the student’s expense.
3. A record of the positive result will be kept in the student’s athletic file.
4. The student-athlete will be expected to participate in team activities as determined by their coach and the VPA&A.
SECOND ALCOHOL OFFENSE 1. In addition to the Student Affairs consequences and the first suspension, the student-athlete will be suspended from the next two (2) competitive events or 10 percent of a season’s events, whichever is less.
2. The student-athlete will provide five (5) hours of service to the Athletic Department under the supervision of an Athletic Department staff member.
3. The student-athlete may be referred to and required to attend an evaluative counseling session and possible follow-up sessions at the student’s expense.
4. A record of the positive result will be kept in the student’s athletic file.
17 5. The student-athlete will be expected to participate in team activities as determined by their coach and the VPA&A.
THIRD ALCOHOL OFFENSE
1. The student-athlete will not compete in the equivalent of 1/3 of a season’s competitive events. This sanction begins immediately and will be carried over to the next season if necessary for compliance to be met.
2. The student-athlete will be referred to and be required to attend an evaluative counseling session and possible follow-up sessions at the student’s expense.
3. A record of the positive result will be kept in the student’s athletic file.
4. The student-athlete will be expected to participate in team activities as determined by their coach and the VPA&A.
FOURTH ALCOHOL OFFENSE
1. The student-athlete will be kept out of the equivalent of 2/3 of a season’s competitive events.
2. The student-athlete will be referred to and required to attend a continuous counseling program for the remainder of the academic year at the student’s expense.
3. A record of the positive result will be kept in the student’s athletic file.
4. The student-athlete will be required to participate in team activities as determined by their coach and the VPA&A.
FIFTH ALCOHOL OFFENSE
1. If a fifth offense is confirmed, the student-athlete will be removed from the team.
2. The athletic scholarship will be removed on a pro-rated basis. 3. The student will not be permitted to re-join the team.
MEDICAL EXCEPTIONS The athletic department recognizes that some drug tests in the drug screening panel are used for legitimate medical purposes. Accordingly, Midway does allow for the exception if there is a documented medical history demonstrating need for regular use of the drug as well as documentation of the prescription information. Medical exceptions will be reviewed on an individual basis, but will not be granted unless previously mentioned supporting documentation is received by the medical review officer and/or Head AT. Once a student-athlete tests positive for a drug on the drugs of abuse panel, guidelines may be implemented regarding future use of a drug requiring advance notification and supporting contemporaneous documentation to the Forward Edge drug testing coordinator.
SAFE HAVEN POLICIES 1. Student-athletes are encouraged to voluntarily come forward to seek assistance with a drug- or alcohol- related problem without punitive sanctions. Any eligible student-athlete may refer him/herself for voluntary evaluation and counseling. Safe haven is meant as a way for students who need help to get help while supporting their ongoing success as a student and athlete. A student can request safe haven at any time during their athletic careers at Midway. However, safe haven can only be requested once during a student- athlete’s career, only prior to being informed that s/he has been selected for testing, and only by someone who has no prior drug offenses.
2. While in compliance with safe haven policies, a student-athlete will not be included in the list of students eligible for random testing for a period of three months. Students using safe haven may be selected for testing by the NAIA during championship events.
3. If a student-athlete fails to comply with their safe haven treatment plan, he/she will be removed from that program 17 opportunity. The student-athlete will be subject to drug or alcohol testing during each institutional random selection for one year from the date of exiting safe haven.
SAFE HAVEN PROCEDURES 1. An athlete can be granted safe haven if s/he voluntarily comes forward to seek assistance with a drug- or alcohol-related problem any time before being informed that s/he has been selected for testing.
2. In such a case, s/he will be tested immediately to determine the cause/severity of the problem and referred to evaluative and, possibly, continuous counseling.
3. The results of this test will not count as a first offense. 4. The person will be removed from the random testing pool for three months. 5. Return to play will be dependent upon successful evaluative counseling and follow-up negative drug or alcohol screening(s) (or test that reveals use has not re-occurred). A sanction involving missing events will be be determined on a case-by-case basis by the Head AT and the VPASA.
HAZING Midway University prohibits hazing by campus organizations and/or individuals. Hazing is defined under Kentucky Revised Code as — any action or situation which recklessly or intentionally endangers mental or physical health or involves the forced consumption of liquor or drugs for the purpose of initiation into or affiliation with any organization.
Furthermore, the university defines hazing as any action taken or situation created intentionally, whether on or off campus, to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, or ridicule. All acts of hazing by any organization or any of its members is strictly forbidden.
Hazing includes but is not limited to the following:
• Any activity that might reasonably bring embarrassment or emotional harm to the victim
• Any activity that might reasonably bring physical harm to the individual
• Any activity that requires an unreasonable or inordinate amount of the individual’s time or in any manner impairs the individual’s academic efforts.
• Any activity that involves the forced consumption of any liquid or solid matter
• Any activity that would degrade or otherwise compromise the dignity of the individual
• Any requirement that compels an individual to participate in any activity that is illegal, in violation of the rules and regulations of the university, or contrary to the individual’s moral and/or religious beliefs.
SUMMER SCHOLARSHIP POLICY
There is no athletic aid for Summer classes.
PLAYING TIME
The Head Coach determines who is playing and how much. There are a lot of factors that determine how much, when, and where an athlete plays. An athlete must understand that the Head Coach is making decisions, in his/her best professional judgment, where an athlete should be playing and in what position and when in the event. Playing time is at
17 the discretion of the head coach. An athletic scholarship does not guarantee playing time or travel, it guarantees aid for a set period. If there are concerns regarding playing time or travel they must be discussed with your head coach and will not be entertained by athletic or university administration.
STUDENT-ATHLETE TEAM MEMBERSHIP BEHAVIORAL EXPECTATIONS
The expectations outlined below are part of the requirements of team membership and participation in Midway University Intercollegiate activities.
1. Student-athletes are expected to attend class. 2. Student-athletes are expected at scheduled practices. 3. Student-athletes are expected to be on time and ready to participate at the beginning of practice. 4. Student-athletes will report to the Head Coach in advance if they expect to be late or absent from practice or mandatory team activities. 5. Student-athletes are to show respect for self, teammates, coaches, officials, opponents, and all others associated with their sport. 6. Student-athletes are to use university resources and facilities in appropriate ways consistent with their purpose and in accordance with applicable policies. 7. Student-athletes are to adhere to all sport governing body rules and regulations. 8. Student-athletes are to comply with university policies outlined in this handbook as well as the university catalog and student handbook. SANCTION, SUSPENSION, OR DISMISSAL FROM A TEAM
In the judgment of the Head Coach and/or the Athletic Director and/or their designee, disciplinary action is necessary due to a violation of team membership expectations. In that case, they will notify the student-athlete before any action is implemented. This may include, but not limited to: suspension from the intercollegiate athletic department, suspension from practice, suspension from contests, reduction of scholarship, termination of scholarship, non-renewal of scholarship, dismissal from the team or the imposition of specific conditions and/or restrictions on the scholar-athlete. The scholar- athlete may appeal the action imposed by the Head Coach and/or Athletic Director (See Student-Athlete Grievance Policy).
STUDENT ATHLETIC BOARD The Student Athletic Board (SAB) is a leadership group that consists of representatives from all 27 Eagle teams. They meet every three weeks throughout the academic year. This select group provides an important voice to the athletic administration and serves as a forum to offer input regarding the student-athlete experience, programming ideas/ needs, community outreach projects, and RSC and NAIA legislation
TRAVEL WITH TEAM For safety, team unity and effective pre-game organization, it is important that student-athletes travel in university- supplied transportation and stay overnight in accommodations that are supervised by head or assistant coaches.
However, during the regular season, often for good reasons, students may request permission to travel to or from an away contest
17 independent of the team. In these instances, it is essential that the student have the written permission of the coach and VP for Admissions and Athletics prior to traveling independent of the team. To receive authorization to travel independent of the team, the requesting athlete must adhere to the guidelines as specified below:
1. Permission to travel independent of the team to a regular season event must be requested of the coach at least two days prior to the contest.
2. The Permission to Travel for is obtained from the coach and completed by the student-athlete. The student- athlete must then obtain a signature from the coach.
3. The VP for Admissions and Athletics will review the form and will not approve the request unless it has been approved and the Permission to Travel form is signed by the coach. Permission to Travel forms will be kept on file until the conclusion of the season and then discarded.
Student-athletes who qualify for post season play in sports that may require individual participation are not allowed to represent the institution without being accompanied by an employee of Midway University. STUDENT-ATHLETE SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY Midway University Athletics is dedicated to graduating champions for life by developing leaders through competition, academic achievement, diversity and community service in the pursuit of personal excellence. Student-athletes should recognize that as representatives of our institution, they are held to a high standard of behavior.
Midway University student-athletes are not restricted from using social media sites. However, student-athletes must understand that any content they make public — regardless of privacy settings — via social websites is expected to follow acceptable social behaviors and also to comply with federal government, state of Kentucky, National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), River States Athletic Conference, Midway University and Midway University Department of Athletics rules and regulations. THE FOLLOWING GUIDELINES OUTLINE THE EXPECTATIONS OF EVERY STUDENT-ATHLETE IN REGARDS TO SOCIAL MEDIA: • Understand and follow the rules of each particular social media site.
• Do not post anything private, confidential or sensitive.
• Do not post comments that attack a student-athlete, coach, athletic administrator, faculty or staff from Midway University or another institution.
• Do not post information, photos or other representations of sexual content, harassing language, inappropriate behavior or items that could be interpreted as demeaning or inflammatory.
• Do not comment on student-athlete injuries, playbooks, rosters, officiating or any other team information that should remain confidential.
• In addition to adhering to the Midway University Department of Athletics social media policy, student- athletes must also follow social media policies set forth by his/her coach.
IN AN EFFORT TO GUIDE SOCIAL MEDIA PRACTICES, THE DEPARTMENT OF ATHLETICS SUGGESTS THE FOLLOWING: • Understand that freedom of speech is not unlimited. Social media websites are NOT a place where you can say or do whatever you want without repercussions.
• Think twice before posting. If you would not want your parents, family, coaches or boss to see your post, do not post it!
• Remember that the internet is permanent. Even if you delete something on the internet, it still exists out there somewhere.
• Remember that many different audiences will see your posts, including fans, alumni, children, student- athletes, faculty, staff, parents, etc.
• Be honest, respectful and positive • Be professional and polite.
• Be accurate. If you make a mistake, own up to it and correct it quickly. 17 • Avoid topics that may be considered objectionable or inflammatory such as religion or politics.
• Do not post anything you would not speak openly about in a workplace or in public, such as comments on drug use, sexual humor, skin color or ethnic slurs.
• Be in the proper state of mind when you make a post. Do not post when your judgment is impaired in any way.
• Remember that coaches and administrators monitor social media websites.
• Remember that potential employers use social media websites to screen candidates. Your career path can be directly impacted by your actions on social media websites.
• Protect yourself by maintaining a self-image that you can be proud of years from now.
• Use the privacy/security settings made available on social media sites. VIOLATION OF THE STUDENT-ATHLETE SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY MAY RESULT IN ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS: • Meeting with the Director of Athletics, and/or the head coach, and/or other administration • Requiring removing the unacceptable content
• Deactivating the social media profile
• Temporary suspensions from the team until the prescribed conditions are met
• Suspension from the team for a prescribed period of time
• Indefinite suspension from the team • Dismissal from the team
UNIFORM AND EQUIPMENT USE AND RETURN POLICY During participation in competition, student-athletes must wear the approved brand and/or color of uniform and appropriate sport gear that has been designated by the head coach and/or by the Athletic Department.
All uniforms, equipment and gear must be returned to the head coach at the end of a season or at any time a student- athlete leaves a team for any reason. Any equipment that is not returned in a timely manner will be assessed and charged to the student’s school account. A hold on the student’s record will remain until the fees are paid or the equipment is returned to the Athletic Department.
STUDENT-ATHLETE GRIEVANCE POLICY Student-athletes have the opportunity to express their concerns or complaints in reference to a coach or VP for Admissions and Athletics. The Athletic Department and university will attempt to resolve the concern/complaint promptly. Student- athletes will not be penalized for proper use of the Athletic Department’s grievance procedure.
PROCEDURE 1. A grievance will be defined as a student-athlete’s dissatisfaction with the management or handling of any situations or players associated with the Athletic Department.
2. This procedure may be used at any point dissatisfaction occurs. It will be limited to three steps. A response will be issued in a timely manner.
a. Step One — Bring the grievance to the attention of the respective coach. If the grievance is against the coach, skip directly to step two.
b. Step Two — If the student-athlete is not satisfied with the actions taken by the coach, the student- athlete may 17 then bring the grievance to the VP for Admissions and. Athletics If the VP for Admissions and Athletics serves as the head coach, the grievance will be filed with the Assistant VP for Admissions and Athletics. The coach will then be asked to provide an account of the grievance and his/her response. The VP for Admissions and Athletics, or Assistant Athletic Director, will then investigate the grievance and offer a written response to both parties, the Assistant Vice President for Athletics and the President.
c. Step Three — If the student-athlete is not satisfied with this decision s/he may offer a written response to the Office of the President.
3. Documentation of grievance will be retained in the office of the Vice President of Admissions and Athletics. NOTE: Information concerning a student-athlete grievance is to be held in strict confidence. All parties who investigate a grievance are to discuss it only with those individuals who have a need to know about it or who are needed to supply necessary background information. STUDENT-ATHLETE CODE OF CONDUCT The conduct covered by this Code of Conduct is unacceptable to Midway University and will be addressed through the University’s student disciplinary process if it occurs on University property, at University-sponsored events, or if it otherwise conflicts with the university’s educational objective and/or its responsibilities to members of the community, even if such behavior is also being acted upon by legal authorities. This conduct listed below is illustrative of the kinds of behaviors prohibited by the university, but is not an exhaustive definition of misconduct. Although the university will make every reasonable effort to make the rules and regulations available students are responsible for becoming familiar with them. Being under the influence of alcohol or other drugs does not diminish a student’s responsibility or excuse a violation of the Code of Conduct.
The conduct addressed in this Code will be addressed pursuant to this Code and the university’s student disciplinary process. Violation of the university’s Sexual Misconduct Policy is a violation of this Code; however, notwithstanding any provision of this Code that may suggest otherwise, allegations and reports of sexual misconduct (i.e., sexual harassment, sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, stalking and sexual exploitation) will be addressed and and should be reported pursuant to the university’s Sexual Misconduct Policy, while complaints of any other forms of unlawful discrimination or harassment of a student by a university employee or third party should be submitted pursuant to the Midway University Policy Against Unlawful Discrimination and Harassment. BEHAVIORS PROHIBITED BY THIS CODE OF CONDUCT INCLUDE: 1. DISHONESTY — Furnishing false ID; furnishing a false write or oral statement; falsification, misuse or unauthorized alteration of university, or other official, documents or records; knowingly passing a worthless check or money order in payment of a financial obligation to the university or to a member of the university community; falsely representing the work of another as one’s own
2. MISUSE OF IDENTIFICATION — Transferring, lending, borrowing or altering university identification or other official forms of identification (i.e., driver’s license); production or possession of a fake or altered ID.
3. MISUSE OF TECHNOLOGY — Misuse or abuse of any computer, computer system, service, hardware, software, program, data, network, cable television network or communication network
4. DISORDERLY CONDUCT — Abusive, obscene, violent, destructive, disruptive or excessively noisy behavior, including behaviors that result from being under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.
5. COMMUNITY DISRUPTION — Behaviors that disrupt the operations of the university or interfere with the ability of members of the university community to complete their ordinary activities
6. MENTAL OR BODILY HARM* — Acts covered by this code include, but are not limited to:
a. Intentionally inflicting mental or bodily harm upon any person
b. Taking any action for the purpose of inflicting mental or bodily harm to any person
c. Taking any reckless, but not accidental, action from which mental or bodily harm to any person could result d. Harassing, discriminating, intimidating or threatening behavior toward any person including, but not limited to, behavior in violation of the Midway University Policy Against Unlawful Discrimination and Harassment
e. Any act which demeans, degrades or disgraces any person, e.g. hazing
17 f. Use of alcohol or other drugs in a manner that contributes to, or places the individual at risk for, mental or bodily harm
*"Any person" as used in this section may include one’s self.
7. THEFT/UNAUTHORIZED USE OF PROPERTY — Theft or unauthorized use of property, money or services from the university or any person or business. This includes the unauthorized use, duplication or possession** of any key issued for any university building, facility or room.
8. POSSESSION** OF STOLEN PROPERTY — Possessing property known to be stolen that may be identified as property of the university or any other person or business
9. VANDALISM/DESTRUCTION OF PROPERTY — Intentionally or recklessly, but not accidentally, damaging, destroying, defacing or tampering with university property or the property of any person or business. 10. TRESPASSING — Forcible or unauthorized entry into any room, building, structure or facility belonging to the university or any other person or business; unauthorized entry to or use of property belonging to the university or any other person or business
11. MISUSE OF SAFETY EQUIPMENT — Unauthorized use or alteration of firefighting equipment, safety devices or other emergency safety equipment
12. MAKING A FALSE REPORT — Causing, making or circulating a false report or warning of fire, explosion, crime, violation of the Student Code of Conduct, or other crisis or emergency
13. FAILURE TO EVACUATE DURING A FIRE ALARM — Failure to leave a building quickly and in an orderly manner in the event of a fire alarm
14. POSSESSION OF DANGEROUS WEAPONS OR MATERIALS — Unauthorized possession**, use or storage of weapons or dangerous materials of any type or description, including, but not limited to, firearms, compressed-air guns, pellet guns of any nature, paintball guns, BB guns, illegal knives, swords, brass knuckles and other fighting apparatus, explosive devices, fireworks, ammunition for any prohibited weapon, or any dangerous “ordinance” as defined by Kentucky law. Bows and arrows are only permitted on campus as part of an approved athletics or intramural program and are not permitted in campus housing. In addition, flammable liquids or gases, such as gasoline, kerosene, propane, lighter fluid, etc. may not be used or stored in any residential facility or by students in any other campus building except as approved by appropriate university officials.
15. VIOLATION OF UNIVERSITY DRUG POLICIES — The manufacture, distribution, sale, offer for sale, use, or possession** of any illegal drug or narcotic, as we as the illicit sale, offer for sale, use or possession of prescription drugs not covered by a valid prescription. In addition, the possession** or use of drug abuse instruments or paraphernalia is prohibited. Prohibited items include, but are not limited to, bongs, hookahs, water pipes, rolling papers, etc. Drug paraphernalia may also include items that are not in and themselves against Midway University policies, if said items are used for storing, preparing, consuming or in any other manner contribute to the use or possession of illegal drugs.
16. VIOLATION OF UNIVERSITY ALCOHOL POLICIES — (a) possession** or consumption of alcoholic beverages on university property or during university or university-organized functions, except under circumstances authorized by the Midway University Alcohol Policy; (b) failure to comply with state or university regulations regarding the use or sale of alcoholic beverages
17. FAILURE TO COMPLY OR IDENTIFY — Failure to comply with the directions of university officials, including Residence Life staff and security officers, acting in the performance of their duties or to identify one’s self to these persons when requested to do so. This includes failure to complete assigned disciplinary sanctions.
18. VIOLATION OF RULES REGARDING THE RESIDENCE HALLS — Violation of any of the rules and regulations of the university residence halls which includes any campus-owned or managed properties. (A listing of Residence Hall Regulations can be found in the Student Handbook.
19. FACILITATING OR ENCOURAGING VIOLATIONS OF THE STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT — Helping, procuring or encouraging another person to violate the Student Code of Conduct
20. VIOLATION OF DISCIPLINARY PROBATION — Violation of the Student Code of Conduct while on disciplinary probation or violation of the terms of that probation.
21. Violation of any published non-academic rule or policy of Midway University, or of local, state or federal law.
17 22. Retaliation against a person for filing a complaint or participating in proceedings regarding a violation of this Code of Conduct.
**PLEASE NOTE: The presence of prohibited articles may be interpreted as possession of those articles. Students encountered in locations where drugs, alcohol, dangerous weapons or materials, or other prohibited articles are evident will normally be considered in violation of the Code of Conduct, even if they do not have the prohibited articles on their person at the time they are encountered. MIDWAY UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS NAME, IMAGE, AND LIKENESS POLICY
1. PHILOSOPHY AND EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES
Midway University has always been committed to providing personalized educational experiences, through both traditional and nontraditional delivery modalities, in addition to championship level athletic opportunities for all students participating in intercollegiate athletics. Midway University Athletics’ provides the student-athlete with the necessary knowledge and experience to achieve athletic and academic potential while developing a sense of self and leadership qualities in a positive competitive atmosphere.
With the NAIA providing guidance to allow student-athletes to be compensated for their name, image, and likeness (“NIL”), Midway University Athletics is committed to providing educational opportunities in this area to its student-athletes to empower and prepare them to maximize their opportunity with respect to NIL, while also protecting their NAIA eligibility. Midway University Athletics’ efforts to educate its student-athletes will be broad in areas of NIL.
2. NAIA GUIDANCE
The NAIA has adopted guidance governing student-athletes’ NIL activities (the “NAIA Rules”). The NAIA Rules permit student- athletes to receive compensation from use of their name, image, or likeness when promoting a commercial product or enterprise, or for a public or media appearance, and to allow individuals to represent student-athletes in these promotions or agreements with a professional sports organization.
Student-athletes must notify the athletics director of any name, image, and likeness compensation received within 10 days following the activity. The NAIA’s National Coordinating Committee (NCC) has the authority to review a student’s failure to uphold this responsibility and apply penalties, as necessary.
A student-athlete receiving compensation for the use of his or her name, image, and likeness to promote a commercial product or enterprise, or public or media appearance must report it in writing (see section 9 below for details) to his or her athletics director when such promotion incudes reference to his or her status as a student-athlete or institution. Failure to do so shall result in an institutional self-report violation, to be reviewed by the National Coordinating Committee. The committee is empowered to review such violations and apply penalties as necessary, including but not limited to a warning or reprimand to the student-athlete, withholding the student from future competitions, and/or determining the student has lost his or her amateur status.
3. NAME, IMAGE, AND LIKENESS ACTIVITIES
Subject to the NAIA rules and this Midway University Athletics policy, Midway University student-athletes may use their NIL in a variety of ways that may include, but is not limited to, promoting their own business, promoting, or endorsing a corporate entity (e.g., a brand ambassador or social media influencer); conducting camps, lessons or clinics; making appearances; or signing autographs. Student-athletes may receive compensation, either in-kind or monetarily, for engaging in NIL activities, subject to the NAIA rules and this Midway University Athletics policy. Midway University student-athletes may engage in NIL activities and receive corresponding compensation from University donors or sponsors so long as the compensation is for the NIL activity and is not a recruiting inducement or an inducement to remain enrolled at Midway University.
17 4. USE OF AGENTS OR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Midway University student-athletes are encouraged to obtain professional advice to assist them with NIL activities. Midway University Athletics encourages its student-athletes to thoroughly vet any such agents or advisors prior to working with them, as Midway University Athletics will not be responsible for any agreement or contractual obligation, whether with an agent or other third party.
5. USE OF UNIVERSITY INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
Student-athletes are not permitted to use Midway University’s intellectual property, including its trademarks, logos, or symbols, to either implicitly or expressly endorse a third party or product without the prior written approval of Midway University’s Office of Marketing and Communications. Student-athletes may autograph and sell memorabilia that includes University marks. Student-athletes may not sell products provided by Midway University Athletics or awards received for intercollegiate athletic participation while they are a student-athlete.
6. TEAM ACTIVITIES AND ACADEMIC OBLIGATIONS
Student-athletes cannot engage in NIL activities during the course of team activities, which include competitions, practices, and team gatherings and meetings. Student-athletes also must not allow NIL activities to interfere with their academic obligations.
7. FACILITY USE Student-athletes may, subject to availability and subject to the terms of a facility use agreement, use Midway University campus facilities to conduct camps, clinics, or lessons if the student-athlete pays the standard facility rental rate. Consistent with Section 5 above, student-athletes may not use Midway University facilities in such a manner that creates the impression – either express or implied - that Midway University expressly or indirectly endorses a third party or product, unless prior written approval is obtained from Midway University’s Office of Marketing and Communications.
8. RESTRICTED CATEGORIES
Student-athletes must not use their NIL to promote gambling, alcohol products, tobacco products, adult entertainment, substances banned by the NAIA, or products or services that are illegal.
9. DISCLOSURE OF NIL ACTIVITIES
In the course of their education and participation at Midway University, student-athletes must disclose any NIL activities to the Athletics Director through the NAIA NIL Disclosure Form within ten (10) days following the activity. Midway University Athletics highly recommends that student-athletes complete the NIL Disclosure Form prior to the NIL activity whenever possible so that their regional campus athletic department can ensure the activity does not jeopardize the student-athlete’s eligibility.
10. FINANCIAL AID
Student-athletes should be aware that receiving compensation for NIL activities could have an impact on their financial aid, especially for those receiving Pell Grants. Student-athletes are encouraged to consult with the financial aid office to fully understand these potential impacts.
11. INTERNATIONAL STUDENT-ATHLETES
International student-athletes should discuss how receiving compensation may impact their VISA status with the Midway University Office of International Admissions and the athletic department prior to engaging in NIL activities.
17 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETICS (NAIA) The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), headquartered in Kansas City, Mo., is a governing body of small athletics programs that are dedicated to character-driven intercollegiate athletics.
Since 1937, the NAIA has administered programs and championships in proper balance with the overall college educational experience.
The student-athlete is the center of all NAIA experiences. Each year more than 60,000 student-athletes have the opportunity to play college sports at NAIA member institutions
The seed of the NAIA began in 1937 with the tipoff of a men’s basketball tournament in Kansas City that has become the longest running event in college basketball. Out of the tournament grew the NAIA, an association that has been an innovative leader. The NAIA was the first collegiate athletics association to invite historically black institutions into membership and the first to sponsor both men’s and women’s national championships.
In 2000, the NAIA reaffirmed its purpose to enhance the character-building aspects of sport. Through Champions of Character, the NAIA seeks to create an environment in which every student-athlete, coach, official and spectator is committed to the true spirit of competition through five core values.
In 2010, the association opened the doors to the NAIA Eligibility Center, where prospective student-athletes are evaluated for academic and athletic eligibility. It delivers on the NAIA’s promise of integrity by leveling the playing field, guiding student-athlete success and ensuring fair competition.
Source: www.naia.org
RIVER STATES CONFERENCE @RiverStatesConference @RiverStatesConf
The River States Conference was founded in 1916 as the Kentucky Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. The league underwent a re- branding to best reflect its current membership and changed its name to the River States Conference on July 1, 2016.
The River States Conference has 13 member institutions representing five states — Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. The Ohio River flows through the center of the geographic region of the conference and connects the five states.
River States Conference members include Alice Lloyd (Ky.) College, Asbury (Ky.) University, Brescia (Ky.) University, Carlow (Pa.) University, Cincinnati Christian (Ohio) University, Indiana University East, Indiana University Kokomo, Indiana University Southeast, Midway (Ky.) University, Ohio Christian University, Point Park (Pa.) University, the University of Rio Grande (Ohio) and West Virginia Institute of Technology (WVU Tech).
The River States Conference’s 15 championship sports are Baseball, Men’s Basketball, Women’s Basketball, Men’s Cross Country, Women’s Cross Country, Men’s Golf, Women’s Golf, Men’s Soccer, Women’s Soccer, Softball, Men’s Tennis, Women’s Tennis, Men’s Track & Field, Women’s Track & Field, and Volleyball.
Source: www.riverstatesconference.com
MID-SOUTH CONFERENCE The Mid-South Conference was formed in 1995 to serve as the competitive base for the institution’s athletic programs. The move effectively merged the athletic pursuits of similar institutions. The conference is unique in its broad based athletic competition for men and women, offering championships in 28 sports.
The Mid-South’s 28 championship sports include: Archery, Baseball, Men’s Basketball, Women’s Basketball, Men’s Bowling, Women’s Bowling, Cheerleading, Men’s Cross Country, Women’s Cross Country, Football, Men’s Golf, Women’s Golf, Women’s Lacrosse, Men’s Soccer, Women’s Soccer, Softball, Men’s Swimming, Women’s Swimming, Men’s Tennis, Women’s Tennis, Men’s Indoor Track and
17 Field, Women’s Indoor Track and Field, Men’s Outdoor Track and Field, Women’s Outdoor Track and Field, Men’s Volleyball, Women’s Volleyball, Men’s Wrestling, and Women’s Wrestling.
The presidents of each institution serve on the Board of Directors which directly oversees the conference and the office of the commissioner. This administrative “hands on” role of each school’s president is unique among athletic conferences and ensures a proper balance in the academic pursuits of student-athletes.
True to its commitment to broad based athletic competition, the Mid-South Conference recognizes the value of extensive campus- based sports programs that maximize the opportunities for athletic competition among their students.
The Mid-South Conference has enjoy a prosperous growth since its inception with eight charter members in 1995. Eight full members and 23 affiliate members now call the Mid-South Conference home.
On the field, the Mid-South Conference’s rich championship tradition includes 20 NAIA National Championships. Off the field, the MSC celebrates its student-athletes’ accomplishments in the classroom and within their community with its Champions of Character initiative.
INTERCOLLEGIATE HORSE SHOWS ASSOCIATION (IHSA) The Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA) has grown and developed since it was established in 1967 through the prototype competition program Bob Cacchione (with the help of professor Jack Fritz) started when he was an 18-year-old sophomore at Fairleigh Dickinson University in New Jersey.
Today, from its beginning with just two intercollegiate competing colleges, the IHSA is an organization that encompasses 40 Regions in 8 Zones with almost 400 member colleges in 45 states and Canada — representing more than 9,000 riders in both Hunter Seat Equitation, Western Horsemanship and Reining. In 1999, the original organization was dissolved and IHSA, Inc. was incorporated as a nonprofit organization.
Highly praised for its structure of competition, the IHSA allows riders with various degrees of experience in the hunter and western rider disciplines to compete individually or on a team. Competition plays a role, but student enthusiasm and team spirit are the major objectives. Emphasis is on learning, sportsmanship and fun.
The Association was founded on the principle that any college student should be able to participate in horse shows, regardless of their financial status or riding level. The IHSA attempts to eliminate the expenses of students owning horses and allows more students to compete. Students ride horses that are furnished by the host college and chosen by drawing lots. The use of personal tack is not allowed and schooling is not permitted. The theory behind the structure is to equalize variables of the competition and test the horsemanship of the contestants. Classes range from walk/trot for first-year students to the Open Division for the more experienced riders.
Full-time undergraduate students of member colleges or alumni who competed in the IHSA as undergraduates are eligible to compete. Riders qualify for the National Championship Horse Show (Nationals) through a point system. During the year, contestants accumulate points at local shows to qualify for the Regional Finals in their respective divisions. The top two riders in each class of the Regional Finals move forward to the Zone Finals. The top two competitors in each class at Zones qualify for Nationals.
Each region’s high point team competes head to head with the other high point teams in its Zone for the right to represent the Zone for National Champion Team honors: winning the “Collegiate Cup” for the Hunter Seat division and the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) Trophy in the Western division.
The regional high point riders are eligible for the National Individual Championship. The USEF/Cacchione Cup is awarded to the National Individual Hunter Seat High Point Rider. The AQHA High Point Western Rider winner receives a saddle and a scholarship. The National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) awards a Morrison Bronze trophy to the winner of the Individual Open Reining Horsemanship class winner.
With broader horizons, the future of the IHSA looks bright. The IHSA has already gained media attention. Publications such as Practical Horseman, Horse & Rider, Equus, Dressage Today, Western Horseman, The Quarter Horse Journal, Chronicle of the Horse, The New York Times, Horses International, Horse Play, Horse Illustrated, and the USEF magazine Horse Show have written stories about the IHSA and the Nationals. IHSA, Inc. is also available on the information superhighway at www.ihsainc.com.
Source: www.ihsainc.com 22 USA ARCHERY USA Archery’s Collegiate Archery Program is for students enrolled in a college or university. Eligible participants can work to develop fundamental skills while actively preparing for local, regional, and national events in the collegiate division.
The Collegiate Archery Program offers barebow, recurve, compound, and bowhunter divisions. Full-time students in good standing who are enrolled in an accredited university are eligible to join the Collegiate Archery Program and are offered discounted membership rates.
With the stresses and pressures of a rigorous academic pursuit, archery can be the perfect outlet for college students. Archery gives you a community, friends to last a life-time, opportunities to travel and compete and has many benefits including team building, increased self-confidence and goal setting – skills that help you achieve success both in and out of the classroom.
USA Archery Sanctioned Collegiate Events that require Collegiate Eligibility: • Regional 3D Collegiate Championships
• U.S. National 3D Collegiate Championships
• U.S. National Indoor Championships
• Regional Outdoor Collegiate Championships
• U.S. National Outdoor Collegiate Championships
• U.S. National Field Championships
UNITED STATES BOWLING CONGRESS The United States Bowling Congress officially launched Jan. 1, 2005, as the organization to serve adult and youth bowlers in the United States. Today, USBC served approximately 1.4 million members.
USBC is the national governing body of bowling as recognized by the United States Olympic Committee (USOC). We're a membership organization that provides standardized rules, regulations and benefits to make bowling fair and fun for everyone. USBC stands for values that include commitment, innovation, integrity, inclusiveness and fun.
USBC MISSION: The USBC is the National Governing Body for Bowling. Our mission is to provide services, resources and the standards for the sport.
USBC VISION: Our vision is to continue to be the leading authority to the sport, servicing the needs of bowling. USBC PROMISE: Our promise is to celebrate the past, be mindful of the present and ensure bowling’s future through thoughtful research, planning and delivery.
USBC COLLEGIATE: Creating bowling opportunities to enhance students’ academic, athletic and personal development. COVID-19 Guidelines
Please refer to the Student Handbook on page 67.
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