Gwynedd Mercy University Student-Athlete Manual 2019-20

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Gwynedd Mercy University

Student-Athlete Manual

2019-20

GWYNEDD MERCY UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS DEPARTMENT

Important Telephone Numbers All numbers are (215) 646-7300 + Extension Athletic Fax Number – 215-542-4683 Keith Mondillo Director of Athletics ...... 21574 Paul Murphy Associate Director of Athletics ...... 21533 Joanne Talarico Administrative Assistant - Athletics ...... 21252

STAFF John Baron Academic Coordinator for Athletes ...... 21358 Laura Ann Lane Intramurals Coordinator/SWA ...... 21367 Dana Lindstrom Equipment Manager ...... 21362 Joseph Dare Outdoor Facilities Coordinator ...... 21368 Chris Panter Sports Information Director ...... 21273 Shannon Algeo Assistant Sports Information Director ...... 21363 Maddie Hermann Assistant Director of Intramurals and Recreation ...... 21424 Jonathan Logan Game Day Coordinator ...... 21371 Dr. Patrick McGrain Faculty Athletic Representative ...... 21464

ATHLETIC TRAINING STAFF Jenna Allonardo Head Athletic Trainer ...... 21251 Robert Wright Assistant Athletic Trainer ...... 21183 Kristin Egan Assistant AthleticTrainer ...... 21481

The Gwynedd Mercy University Student-Athlete Handbook is published annually by the Gwynedd Mercy University Athletic Department. The provisions of this guide are not to be regarded as a contract between the student and Gwynedd Mercy University. The University reserves the right2 to change any provision or requirement at any time within the GWYNEDD MERCY UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC PROGRAM

Gwynedd Mercy University will offer the following varsity programs for student participation.

Fall Sports Winter Sports Spring Sports M/W Cross Country Men’s Basketball Baseball Men’s Soccer Women’s Basketball Men’s Tennis Women’s Field Hockey M/W Indoor Track & Field Women’s Tennis Women’s Soccer Men’s Lacrosse Women’s Volleyball Women’s Lacrosse Softball M/W Outdoor Track & Field

Gwynedd Mercy University is a member of the Atlantic East Conference. The Atlantic East is a group of academically selective, private colleges located in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States that shares similar missions, values, beliefs and fosters athletic competition with a common understanding that athletics play an important role at our institutions.

Atlantic East Members

Cabrini University Gwynedd Mercy University Immaculata University Marymount University Marywood University Neumann University Wesley College

On the national level, Gwynedd Mercy University is affiliated with the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). We are a member of the NCAA at the Division III level. Gwynedd Mercy University embraces the NCAA Division III philosophy (pg. 4/5). Institutions with membership at the NCAA Division III level do not provide scholarships related to athletic ability or participation.

3 ATHLETICS VISION STATEMENT

The vision of the Gwynedd Mercy University Athletics Department is to provide students with an opportunity to compete success- fully in intercollegiate activities as an integral part of their educational experience. The department will seek to attract a population of student-athletes who will succeed academically and athletically.

The Athletic Department will provide a learning environment with participation opportunities for student-athletes to develop their leadership potential. Win or lose, student-athletes are encouraged to work hard, exhibit sportsmanship, and demonstrate respect for teammates, opposition, coaches, officials and fans.

The Athletic programs standards, goals and ideals must remain in harmony with the College’s academic programs. The Athletic program will be conducted in a manner that is most conducive to the physical welfare of the student-athletes, allowing them to grow physically, emotionally and intellectually. Academic success of our student-athletes is considered paramount.

Our Administrators, coaches and athletic department staff are dedicated to maintaining the College’s reputation for integrity and excellence, both on and off the playing fields. All athletic contests, practices and related activities will be conducted in total compliance as set forth by Gwynedd Mercy University, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), the Eastern College Athletic Con- ference (ECAC) and the Colonial States Athletic Conference (Atlantic East). Department staff will seek to steadily improve the quality of the athletics programs through professional development, conferences and department meetings.

The Gwynedd Mercy University Athletics Department will provide student-athletes the opportunity to learn valuable life skills through athletic participation. Through athletic competition, student-athletes will acquire personal achievement, social responsibility, and moral integrity.

Gwynedd Mercy University Athletic program objectives:

1. Operate in an environment consistent with the mission of the college.

2. Provide the best athletic competition possible without sacrificing academic integrity and academic standards.

3. Ensure the integration of student-athletes into the institutional life of the college.

4. Provide quality athletic facilities for athletic participation and college community usage.

5. Use intercollegiate athletics as a means to bring together the college community and the alumni, to provide a source of institutional pride through athletic competition and academic integrity.

6. Gwynedd Mercy University demands the athletic department functions with integrity, social responsibility, ethical standards and strict adherence to the guidelines set forth by the NCAA, ECAC and Atlantic East.

4 DIVISION III PHILOSPHY STATEMENT

Colleges and universities in Division III place highest priority on the overall quality of the educational experience and on the successful completion of all students' academic programs. They seek to establish and maintain an environment in which a student-athlete's athletics activities are conducted as an integral part of the student-athlete's educational experience, and in which coaches play a significant role as educators. They also seek to establish and maintain an environment that values cultural diversity and gender equity among their student-athletes and athletics staff.

To achieve this end, Division III institutions:

(a) Place special importance on the impact of athletics on the participants rather than on the spectators and place greater emphasis on the internal constituency (student, alumni, institutional personnel) than on the general public and its entertainment needs; (b) Award no athletically related financial aid to any student; (c) Encourage the development of sportsmanship and positive social attitudes in all constituents, including student-athletes, coaches, administrative personnel and spectators; (d) Encourage participation by maximizing the number and variety of athletics opportunities for their students; (e) Assure that the actions of coaches and administrators exhibit fairness, openness and honesty in their relationships with student-athletes; (f) Assure that athletics participants are not treated differently from other members of the student body; (g) Assure that athletics programs support the institution's educational mission by financing, staffing and controlling the programs through the same general procedures as other departments of the institution. Further, the administration of an institution’s athletics program (e.g., hiring, compensation, professional development, certification of coaches) should be integrated into the campus culture and educational mission; (h) Assure that athletics recruitment complies with established institutional policies and procedures applicable to the admissions process; (i) Assure that academic performance of student-athletes is, at a minimum, consistent with that of the general student body; (j) Assure that admission policies for student-athletes comply with policies and procedures applicable to the general student body;

5 (k) Provide equitable athletic opportunities for males and females and give equal emphasis to men's and women’s sports; (l) Support ethnic and gender diversity for all constituents; (m) Give primary emphasis to regional in-season competition and conference championships; (n) Support student-athletes in their efforts to reach high levels of athletic performance, which may include opportunities for participation in national championships, by providing all teams with adequate facilities, competent coaching and appropriate competitive opportunities.

The purpose of the NCAA is to assist its members in developing the basis for consistent, equitable competition while minimizing infringement on the freedom of individual institutions to determine their own special objectives and programs. The above statement articulates principles that represent a commitment to Division III membership and shall serve as a guide for the preparation of legislation by the division and for planning and implementation of programs by institutions and conferences.

©The National Collegiate Athletic Association

6 STUDENT-ATHLETE RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Refrain from using profane language.

2. Be humble in victory and gracious in defeat.

3. Control his/her temper in all situations.

4. Be courteous to officials.

5. Do not incite fans by his/her actions.

6. Do not criticize team circumstances, coaches or teammates publicly.

7. Meet the following classroom responsibilities:

a. work to the best of his/her ability . b. adhere to the policy on class absence for athletic competition. c. Provide instructors with a copy of your schedule and class conflicts as soon as possible. d. make up any work which is missed. e. complete class work on time. f. conduct oneself in an appropriate manner. g. do not use athletics as an excuse for lack of academic excellence.

8. Maintain acceptable social standards.

9. Respect and give proper care to facilities uniforms and equipment.

10. Obey team rules and regulations.

11. Put forth a conscientious, positive effort in all athletic endeavors.

12. Congratulate the opponent following victory or defeat.

7 ISSUING AND COLLECTING EQUIPMENT POLICY

PROCEDURES FOR ISSUING UNIFORMS & EQUIPMENT:

Coaches must set up an appointment with the Equipment Manager PRIOR to having their team pick up uniforms. This enables adequate coverage for the procedure and prep work to be completed to ensure a smooth process.

All student-athletes must complete the (team specific) checklist's personal information upon pick-up of their uniform/equipment AND SIGN OFF that they received the issued equipment.

If athletes or coaches make a switch of an issued item without signing off on the change (proper procedure) then the athlete will be marked as not returning his/her issued item.

PROCEDURES FOR COLLECTION OF UNIFORMS & EQUIPMENT

All student-athletes should return their designated uniforms/equipment at the times scheduled by the Equipment Manager. Work-study students are not capable of allowing an individual to sign-off on returned items.

The student-athlete must SIGN OFF indicating what items were returned and what items are still outstanding. All item numbers should match what was originally issued to the student- athlete.

A student-athlete has two weeks after their last date of competition to return all uniforms/equipment, however, all Spring Sports will only have one week, due to the length of their schedule and semester. After these designated weeks, the student-athlete will be charged a $20 late fee and is still required to return all items. After four weeks, an itemized bill will be sent to the student-athlete requiring this individual to pay in full whether items are returned or not.

At this time, if items are not returned the student-athlete will not be permitted to participate in athletics, receive grades, or register for next semester, until the obligation has been fulfilled. The coach charging the obligation must clear the student by submitting written clearance to the Director of Athletics. The Director of Athletics will then furnish that information to the business office to clear the student-athlete.

8 ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY

The Academic Standards Committee reviews the academic records of each student at the end of each semester. A student must be in good academic standing and show satisfactory progress toward a degree in accordance with Gwynedd Mercy University standards for all students in order to be eligible to participate in intercollegiate athletics. The student must also be enrolled as a full-time student (12 credits per semester minimum), and earn 24 credits in the academic year.

1. Good Academic Standing:

After 12-23 credits - Cumulative GPA must be a 1.80 or above After 23+ credits - Cumulative GPA must be a 2.0 or above

2. Satisfactory Progress:

Following this year, a student must have earned these amounts of credits

1 24 credits 2 48 credits 3 72 credits 4 96 credits 5 120 credits

Note: Summer sessions can be used to meet this requirement for the academic year, however all credits must be earned prior to the fall semester.

3. Full-time Student:

Full-time status at Gwynedd Mercy University is defined as being enrolled in at least 12 credit hours per semester. However, a student-athlete may compete while enrolled in less than a minimum full-time program of studies, provided the student is enrolled in the final semester of the baccalaureate or graduate program and the institution certifies that the student is carrying the courses necessary to complete degree requirements.

9 FINANCIAL AID

In order to receive financial aid or work study, student-athletes must visit the Office of Financial Aid and fill out the proper paperwork. The paperwork includes filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the necessary work study documentation. If the required paperwork is not completed, a student may not get the maximum award he/she is eligible for and would not be able to work on campus. The required FAFSA form should be filed before May 1st to meet the Pennsylvania State Grant deadline. In order to be eligible for the maximum financial aid, students need to be full-time, completing 24 credits per academic level and be making academic progress as per the guidelines outlined in the student handbook as well as stated above under academic eligibility

Because Gwynedd Mercy University is an institution following NCAA Division III guidelines, the Athletic director and coaches cannot offer athletic scholarships. All financial aid awards must be secured through the Office of Financial Aid.

10 CLASS ABSENCE FOR ATHLETIC COMPETITION

Absence Due to Athletic Contests

Every student at Gwynedd Mercy University has a responsibility to attend classes regularly. However, as representatives of Gwynedd Mercy University, our student-athletes are excused from class attendance in order to participate in contractually-obligated intercollegiate athletic competition. As such, they provide recognition and value to the University community. However, in order for student-athletes to be excused from class, the following stipulations must be met:

1. The Director of Athletics will post a link to the Athletics homepage on the Gwynedd Mercy University website at the beginning of each semester, so faculty may access the roster and current game schedule of each sports team associated with the University.

2. Student-athletes are responsible for providing each of their course instructors with a schedule of competition dates and times at the beginning of the semester. Should contest dates be added or changed once the schedule is printed, it is the responsibility of the student-athletes to provide an amended schedule to their course instructors as soon as the additional dates and times are available.

3. In the case of schedules that may be altered due to inclement weather, it is the responsibility of the student-athlete to notify the professor of the change, as soon as the revised dates and times are available from the Athletic Department.

4. Student-athletes are advised to meet with the instructor in advance and determine a plan to satisfy the course requirements for the time the student-athlete is likely to miss. At that meeting, the instructor and student will complete an Intercollegiate Athletic Participation Class Absence Form (attached). The instructor will decide the appropriate assignment to compensate for the missed classroom time. This assignment shall not be in excess of the subject matter covered during the student-athlete’s absence, according to the syllabus. Clinical experiences, student-teaching days, internships and practicum days, and science labs are not covered by this policy and cannot be missed unless an agreement is reached between the student-athlete and the faculty member.

Student-athletes are responsible for submitting completed Intercollegiate Athletic Participation Class Absence Forms to the Department of Athletics.

5. Should a contest conflict with an exam or other graded in-class activity, the student-athlete must meet with the course instructor to establish an alternative method and/or date for testing/assessment.

As per NCAA regulation, student-athletes are not excused from class for practice or to play in a nontraditional-season contest. Students who do not comply with the policy have no recourse for exceptions to attendance policies listed in the course syllabus.

The Director of Athletics is available to answer questions and assist in the coordination and implementation of this policy.

11 ACADEMICS

STUDENT-ATHLETE ACADEMIC PROGRESS REPORTS:

The Academic Coordinator for Athletes will monitor academic progress of all student-athletes on a bi- weekly basis. This procedure has been implemented to help maintain a proactive approach to helping student- athletes who are in need of academic support.

Academic Coordinator for Athletes: John Baron……………………………………Ext. 21358

The Academic Coordinator for Athletes will hold an introduction to the Academic Resource Center for all freshmen and newly enrolled students in conjunction with the start of the academic year. All freshman are encouraged to attend.

12 MEDIA RELATIONS

In order to best serve you as a Gwynedd Mercy University student-athlete, the Department of Athletics is ready to assist you in dealing with interview and photograph requests from newspapers, radio and television stations. BEFORE AGREEING TO BE INTERVIEWED OR PHOTOGRAPHED PLEASE CHECK WITH THE SPORTS INFORMATION OFFICE FOR APPROVAL.

We want to protect you as a student-athlete as well as promote your achievements and those of your team mates. With your cooperation, we can do this by use of press releases, photographs, news and other media interviews and promotional plans developed with your coach. We will also compile biographical and statistical information about you during your career at Gwynedd Mercy University.

Should you have any questions concerning this policy, please stop by the athletic office any time.

Media Relations Contacts: Chris Panter Sports Information Director ------Ext. 21273

To assist you in your dealings with the media, the Gwynedd Mercy Sports Information staff has prepared these tips for you. Please spend some time to read through this and keep it handy throughout the year.

Helpful Interview Tips

• Remember who and what you represent: Remember that you are representing Gwynedd Mercy when you are being interviewed. Your responses to questions will give people who read or listen to the interview not only an impression of you, but also an impression of Gwynedd Mercy Athletics and the College in general. When speaking with the media, be confident, courteous and prompt. Try to present an image that is consistent with the ideals and high standards of Gwynedd Mercy University.

• Speak only for your organization: Don’t speak on behalf of other teams or rival schools. Try to turn the focus back on to your team and Gwynedd Mercy University.

• Avoid “No Comment” and “Off the Record”: If a media representative asks you a question that you are uncomfortable answering, there is nothing wrong with saying “I am not comfortable answering that question” or “I’m not at liberty/qualified/able to discuss that issue.” Be careful of phrases like “between you and me” or “I shouldn’t be saying this, but…” If you say it, expect that it will be printed, broadcast or reproduced somewhere. Focus on answering questions in a positive manner. Rephrase negative questions to reinforce the positive aspects of a negative situation or to focus on what is being done to improve a negative situation. In addition, do not criticize or blame your teammates, your coaches, your opponents, game officials, the media, the fans or the College. Give your opponent credit.

Top Hints For A Good Interview

DO … • Be on time and be presentable in your appearance. • Speak clearly and enunciate your words. Avoid “ums, you know, etc.” • Pause and think before answering questions, pauses never show up on paper. • Practice modesty in victory and self control in defeat. Act professional at all times. • Use the interviewer’s name in your answers. • Be courteous. Understand that the media is just trying to do their job. • Contact the Sports Information Office if you have any problem with a member of the media.

DON’T … • Criticize teammates, coaches or officials. • Joke or use sarcasm. You can’t control the tone or context in which it is written • Provide locker room material. No trash talking. • Pretend you are a coach. Let your coaches answer questions regarding who will start, game plans and strategies. • Say anything that you wouldn’t write down, add your signature to or feel comfortable showing your coach or teammates. Don’t say anything “off the record” or “just between you and me.” • Avoid “no comment,” instead say, “I’m not at liberty/qualified/advised to discuss that issue.” • Take calls at home or on your cell from a member of the media. Make sure the interview is prearranged by the Sports Information Office and that someone from the office has informed you of the reason for the interview.

Please Remember …. When doing interviews, try to relax and be yourself. Communicating with the media is a learning opportunity that is not readily available to all students, and working with the media is part of your role as a student-athlete. The media is always going to be around, so you won’t be able to avoid them forever. It is important to be available and to be cooperative. Remember that you are the expert – they are asking you the questions because they don’t have the answers. You are in command of what you say. Have fun with it and try to enjoy the process.

14 SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and other social media sites have increased in popularity globally, and are used by the majority of student-athletes here at Gwynedd Mercy in one form or another.

Student-athletes should be aware that third parties -- including the media, faculty, future employers and NCAA officials -- could easily access your profiles and view all personal information. This includes all pictures, videos, comments and posters. Inappropriate material found by third parties affects the perception of the student-athlete, the athletic department and the University. This can also be detrimental to a student-athlete’s future employment options, whether in professional sports or in other industries.

Examples of inappropriate and offensive behaviors concerning participation in online communities may include depictions or presentations of the following: - Photos, videos, comments or posters showing the personal use of alcohol, drugs and tobacco e.g., no holding cups, cans, shot glasses etc. - Photos, videos, and comments that are of a sexual nature. This includes links to websites of a porno- graphic nature and other inappropriate material. - Pictures, videos, comments or posters that condone drug-related activity. This includes but is not limited to images that portray the personal use of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. - Content online that is unsportsmanlike, derogatory, demeaning or threatening toward any other individual or entity (examples: derogatory comments regarding another institution; taunting comments aimed at a student-athlete, coach or team at another institution and derogatory comments against race and/or gender). No posts should depict or encourage unacceptable, violent or illegal activities (examples: hazing, sexual harassment/assault, gambling, discrimination, fighting, vandalism, academic dishonesty, underage drinking, illegal drug use). - Content online that would constitute a violation of Atlantic East or NCAA rules (examples: commenting publicly about a prospective student-athlete, providing information related to sports wagering activities; soliciting impermissible extra benefits). - Information that is sensitive or personal in nature or is proprietary to the Gwynedd Mercy Athletic De- partment or the university, which is not public information (examples: tentative or future team schedules, student-athlete injuries and eligibility status, travel plans/itineraries or information).

If evidence indicates that you are in violation of any of the policies or rules in the Gwynedd Mercy University Athletic Manual, you could be subject to punishment at the discretion of your coach and or Athletic Administration.

Think before you post!

15 MEDICAL INFORMATION

PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS/CLEARANCES:

All first-year, transfer and returning athletes representing Gwynedd Mercy University in intercollegiate athletics must have a physical no earlier than six months prior to the first practice of the season. The Ath- letic Training Staff will not be administering physicals. Student-athletes must complete a physical form provided by the Athletic Training office each year. If any question on the medical history form is answered ‘Yes,’ it MUST be explained in the space provided. Students with recent severe injuries and/or illnesses that have needed significant care must provide relevant documentation prior to participation in practices and/or games. All of the necessary forms for participation may be found at the following link, https://gwyneddathletics.com/sports/2010/12/8/medicalforms.aspx .

In accordance with the NCAA's Sports Medicine Handbook, the final decision regarding the physical disqualification or rejection of an athlete is the responsibility of the Gwynedd Mercy University Team Physician and Gwynedd Mercy University Athletic Training Staff. If you see a physician not affiliated with Gwynedd Mercy University we differ to the clearance and diagnosis of the physician. We will not override the medical opinion of another physician.

Team Physician:

Dr. Tim Amann Center for Advanced Orthopedics 716 W. Germantown Pike East Norriton, PA 19403 610-630-4414

Local Hospitals

Abington Memorial- Jefferson Health Hospital 1200 Old York Road Abington, PA 19001 215-481-2000

Abington – Lansdale – Jefferson Health Hospital 100 Medical Campus Drive Lansdale, PA 19446 215-368-2100

Suburban Community Hospital 2701 Dekalb Pike Norristown, PA 19401 610-278-2000

Einstein Medical Center Montgomery 559 W Germantown Pike East Norriton, PA 19403 484-622-1000

16 TREATMENT student’s OF termILLNESS of residence. AND INJURY Gwynedd Mercy University does not discriminate in the administration of any of its educational programs or activities or with respect to admissions or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, political affiliation, disability, All injuries or illnesses sex, age, orthat veterans might status. interfere Gwynedd with Mercy the ab Universityility to attend is an equal class, opportunity to pract ice,employer. or to compete are to be reported to the Athletic Training Staff and your coach as soon as possible. If you do not see the Certified Athletic Trainer, you will be considered healthy and you will be expected to practice. The Certified Athletic Trainer will evaluate the extent of your illness/injury and your ability to practice or compete. If necessary, an outside medical referral will be used.

PREGNANCY STATEMENT

Student-athletes who are pregnant should inform the Athletic Training Staff of the medical condition before starting practices. The safety to participate in each sport must be dictated by the movements and physical demands required to compete in that sport. The American College of Sports Medicine discourages heavy weight lifting or similar activities that require straining or valsalva maneuver. The athletic training staff requires approval from the physician most familiar with the pregnant student- athlete’s condition, in order to participate. The NCAA rules permit a one-year extension of the five-year period of eligibility for a female student-athlete for reasons of pregnancy. Warning signs to terminate exercise while pregnant are located in the NCAA Sports Medicine Handbook located in the athletic training room. Please contact the Athletic Training Staff with any questions concerning this temporary condition.

EMERGENCY TREATMENT

In the event that the training room and the Health Center are closed, contact the Security office (215-641- 5522 or 2-1111) for referral to the hospital. The Certified Athletic Trainer will make follow-up arrange ments as soon as he/ she is notified. You must notify the Certified Athletic Trainer within 24 hours of the emergency service.

GWYNEDD MERCY UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC TRAINING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

1. No cleats inside training room 2. No athletic equipment inside training room. 3. No shoes/cleats on the treatment/taping tables. 4. All athletes must sign in prior to any treatment including taping and wrapping. 5. All athletes must shower before treatment or evaluations unless an emergency. 6. Profanity/inappropriate language is not permitted. 7. Athletes who want to use tape for equipment may only use what is in the scrap box. 8. No tobacco products permitted. 9. Athletes may not apply modalities to themselves (i.e. hot packs, electrical stimulation, ultra sound). An Athletic Trainer will apply all appropriate modalities after a formal evaluation has been performed and a treatment plan devised. 10. If it is deemed necessary for an athlete to see the team physician, an appointment will be set up by an Athletic Trainer. It is then the athlete's responsibility to show up on time for the appointment.

*Repeated violations of these policies will result in referral to coach for disciplinary action.

17 STUDENT-ATHLETE INSURANCE

It is the responsibility of every student at Gwynedd Mercy University to carry personal medical insurance. If a student-athlete does not have adequate insurance, either independently or as a listed dependent on their parent’s or guardian’s insurance policy, he/she must subscribe to the Gwynedd Mercy University student health plan. If an athlete is listed as a dependent under a parent or guardian’s insurance policy, the parent or guardian MUST sign and date the necessary insurance form for participation. It must be stressed that the Gwynedd Mercy University student health plan DOES NOT cover athletic injuries; thus, a Secondary insurance policy is provided for athletes only.

The Gwynedd Mercy University Athletic Department carries a secondary insurance policy for athletes. This policy will cover certain out of pocket expenses, which are not absorbed by the athlete's primary insurance carrier. A claim needs to be submitted to the insurance company by the Athletic Trainers and all relevant paperwork must be submitted to the Athletic Trainers via athletes. Additionally, the NCAA pro vides a catastrophic accident policy for any claims in excess of $90,000.

Please be advised that Gwynedd Mercy University is providing a secondary policy to compliment your personal medical insurance as to provide adequate coverage. Gwynedd Mercy University provides this policy in an attempt to protect our student-athletes who will participate in NCAA sanctioned athletic events.

All new and returning athletes must have ALL insurance information on file prior to participation.

*Gwynedd Mercy University requires that all student-athletes have personal primary medical coverage.

ALCOHOL AND DRUG POLICY

The University’s Drug and Alcohol policy can be found in the Gwynedd Mercy University Student Handbook. he Department of Athletics will enforce this policy and its guidelines. In addition, the department will abide by the NCAA Division III regulations on drugs and their usage.

In order to participate in athletics at Gwynedd Mercy University, you will be required to read and sign NCAA Drug-Testing Consent forms. By signing the form, you allow the NCAA to test you in relation to any participation by you in any NCAA championship for drugs banned by the NCAA under the bylaw 31.2.3.1 of the NCAA manual.

In the event that you test positive, you will be ineligible to participate in regular-season and post-season competition during the time period ending one calendar year after your positive drug test, and you will be charged with the loss of a minimum of one season of competition eligibility.

Recognizing that students and employees addicted to alcohol and/or drugs may wish counseling in this area, Gwynedd Mercy University encourages them to visit or call the counseling office (x571), the campus minister or members of the Department of Athletics. Confidentiality will be enforced strictly as required by the professional ethics of the individual counselor. Referral to an outside agency is readily available.

NCAA BANNED SUBSTANCE LIST It is the student-athlete’s responsibility to check with the appropriate or designated athletics staff before using any substance.

The NCAA bans the following drug classes. a. Stimulants b. Anabolic agents c. Alcohol and beta blockers (banned for rifle only). d. Diuretics and masking agents. e. Narcotics. f. Cannabinoids. g. Peptide Hormones, growth factors, related substances and mimetics. h. Hormone and metabolic modulators (anti estrogens). i. Beta-2 agonists.

Note: Any substance chemically/pharmacologically related to all classes listed above and with no current approval by any governmental regulatory health authority for human therapeutic use (e.g., drugs under pre- clinical or clinical development or discontinued, designer drugs, substances approved only for veterinary use) is also banned. The institution and the student-athlete shall be held accountable for all drugs within the banned -drug class regardless of whether they have been specifically identified. Examples of substances under each class can be found at www.ncaa.org/drugtesting. There is no complete list of banned substances.

Substances and Methods Subject to Restrictions:  Blood and gene doping.  Local anesthetics (permitted under some conditions).  Manipulation of urine samples.  Beta-2 agonists (permitted only by inhalation with prescription).  Tampering of urine samples.

NCAA Nutritional/Dietary Supplements: Warning: Before consuming any nutritional/dietary supplement product, review the product and its label with your athletics department staff!  Nutritional/Dietary supplements, including vitamins and minerals, are not well regulated and may cause a positive drug test.  Student-athletes have tested positive and lost their eligibility using nutritional/dietary supplements.  Many nutritional/dietary supplements are contaminated with banned substances not listed on the label.  Any product containing a nutritional/dietary supplement ingredient is taken at your own risk.

Athletics department staff should provide guidance to student-athletes about supplement use, including a di- rective to have any product checked by qualified staff members before consuming. The NCAA subscribes only to Drug Free Sport AXISTM for authoritative review of label ingredients in medications and nutritional/ dietary supplements. Contact the Drug Free Sport AXIS at 877-202-0769 or www.dfsaxis.com (password ncaa1, ncaa2 or ncaa3).

NCAA TOBACCO USE POLICY

The NCAA prohibits the use of any tobacco products during practices or competition by student-athletes, coaching staff or athletics administration. Gwynedd Mercy University is a tobacco free campus. No tobacco products should be used at all on campus.

ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER

The NCAA has mandated new rules and regulations concerning student-athletes who are diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed ADHD medication. It is no longer acceptable to inform the athletic training staff of the diagnosis and provide a copy of the prescription for the medicine. It is imperative that any student- athlete who is on ADHD medication report this information to the athletic training staff. Without proper documentation, any student-athlete testing positive by the NCAA for ADHD medication is subject to losing one year of eligibility. Without the proper documentation, the athletic trainers are unable to help contest the one year suspension. Consult the athletic training staff immediately to ensure that proper actions are taken

20 STUDENT-ATHLETE ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Sponsored by the Department of Athletics and Recreation, the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) consists of representatives from all the sponsored intercollegiate sports. Representatives are selected from each team by the coaches and team members. Members of the committee work on things like developing department wide regulations, instituting new programs, and discussing ways to improve the quality of the athletic experience at Gwynedd Mercy University.

GWYNEDD MERCY UNIVERSITY STUDENT-ATHLETE ADVISORY COMMITTEE CONSTITUTION

ARTICLE I: PURPOSE

Section 1. To serve as a liaison between the student-athletes and the Director of Athletics. Section 2. To provide a forum for the student-athletes to voice their concerns and ideas to the Athletic Administration, and for the administration to respond to those issues. Section 3. To serve as advocates for the welfare of fellow student-athletes, as a team, or as individuals. Section 4. To enhance public relations for the student-athletes.

ARTICLE II : MEMBERSHIP

Section 1. Each member must be enrolled at Gwynedd Mercy University as a full-time student and be listed as an active member on his or her respective team roster. Section 2. Each member will be selected by the head coach of his or her respective team. Section 3. Each member must maintain a 2.5 GPA. If, while serving on the committee, the GPA goes below 2.5, the member will be on probation. At the conclusion of the following semester, if the GPA is not 2.5, the coach will be asked to replace the team representative to the committee. Section 4. Members of the committee are expected to be role models and act responsibly. Any member in violation of the conduct code, as stated in the student handbook, is in jeopardy of suspension or removal from the committee. Section 5. Members are expected to attend all meetings of the committee. Failure to do so without just cause could result in suspension or removal from the committee.

ARTICLE III : OFFICERS

Section 1. Officers will be: President, Vice President and Secretary. Section 2. Officers will be elected at the last spring meeting for the following year. Section 3. Committees will be formed as needed.

ARTICLE IV : MEETINGS

Section 1. Meetings will be held twice a month, every other week.

21 HAZING

Definition: Hazing is any action taken or situation created that might produce or does produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, or ridicule. Hazing is an abusive, insulting and humiliating act on the part of an individual, group or organization that clearly violates the mission of the University. It is also a violation of Pennsylvania law. Violation of this policy results in action against an offending individual or group.

In addition to this being an institutional violation with punishment involved, violation of this policy will result in punishment ranging from service hours on campus to dismissal from the team, depending upon the severity of the incident. Punishment will be at the discretion of the Department of Athletics.

SPORTS WAGERING

Sports wagering includes placing, accepting or soliciting a wager (on a staff member’s or student-athlete’s own behalf or on the behalf of others) of any type with any individual or organization on any intercollegiate, amateur or professional team or contest. A wager is any agreement in which an individual or entity agrees to give up an item of value, (e.g., cash, shirt, dinner) in exchange for the possibility of gaining an other item of value.

Individuals to whom the prohibitions apply: Staff members of an institution’s athletics department, non- athletics department staff members who have responsibilities within or over the athletics department (e.g., chancellor or president, faculty athletics representative, individual to whom athletics reports), conference office staff members, student-athletes.

Disciplinary action: Student-athletes shall be ineligible for all regular season and post season competition for a minimum of a period of one year from the date of the institution’s determination that a violation has occurred, AND shall be charged with a loss of a season of eligibility. Institutional staff members found in violation shall be subject to disciplinary or corrective action as set forth by the NCAA.

22 STUDENT-ATHLETE GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE

Purpose:

This procedure is presented to direct student-athletes in the proper method of voicing concerns about a member of the Gwynedd Mercy University coaching staff. This procedure should only be initiated if the student-athlete is unable to discuss the concern with the coach or after discussion no accord was reached.

1. The student-athlete should contact the Director of Athletics office and request an appointment.

2. Prior to, or at the time of the appointment, the student-athlete should submit a brief written statement concerning the issue.

3. The Director of Athletics and the student-athlete will meet to discuss the issue. If appropriate, additional staff or student-athletes will attend the meeting upon the agreement of the Director of Athletics and the student-athlete initiating the grievance.

4. Outcomes:

A. Resolution of the issue

1. No further action needed.

2. A meeting between the Director of Athletics and the coach involved.

B. No resolution

1. A meeting with the Director of Athletics and the coach will be scheduled. By mutual agreement between the Director of Athletics and the student-athlete the student-athlete may attend.

2. In the case that no resolution can be reached among the parties, the Vice President for Student Services will bring the parties together to resolve the matter.

23 ATHLETE AWARDS

Gwynedd Mercy University will present athletic awards to those student-athletes whose conduct and scholarship are deemed satisfactory by the coach and Director of Athletics.

1. Members of Atlantic East championship teams will be honored.

2. Athletes earning Atlantic East All-Conference and Sportsmanship status will receive certificates.

3. Student-athletes are eligible to receive academic honors from the Atlantic East as follows:

a. The Atlantic East All-Academic Team CRITERIA 1) NCAA III eligibility requirements 2) Earn varsity status 3) Earn a minimum 3.2 GPA for the semester of competition

b. The Atlantic East Scholar-Athlete Award CRITERIA 1) Be a junior or senior with at least one year in residence prior to his/her nomination 2) Have demonstrated athletic success, earned a varsity letter and been a key contributor to the team 3) Earned a minimum 3.20 CUMULATIVE GPA 4) Competed in a NCAA sanctioned sport

4. All graduating senior athletes will receive a participation memento, recognizing their academic honors, academic major and sports participated in.

5. A male and female outstanding senior scholar-athlete award will be presented to those athletes who have exemplified outstanding athletic achievement, leadership and academic achievement during their collegiate career.

24 MULTIPLE PARTICIPATION IN SPORTS

1. Participation in two sports will be allowed provided that the following criteria are met.

A. The student-athlete who selects to play two sports during the same season will do so after consultation with the coach of both sports and the Director of Athletics. B. A student-athlete may not change teams during the season without written permission of the coach of the sport he/she is presently participating in, the Director of Athletics & Recreation and the coach of the team to which he/she is transferring. C. Coaches may not discourage athletes from participation in other sports programs or extracurricular activities at Gwynedd Mercy. This includes the use of rules, personal discussion, and application of peer pressure. Infractions will be viewed as unprofessional. D. Schedule conflicts will be handled as follows: 1) Atlantic East and NCAA Championships will prevail over all other schedules. 2) Atlantic East and NCAA league games will prevail over non-league or non-NCAA games. 3) In respect to corresponding conflicts, a) the student-athlete without coach-oriented pressure, will decide in which contest to participate. b) a contest in one sport always takes precedence over practice in another. 4) Coaches through mutual consent may agree to vary the context of any scheduling conflicts. 5) The Director of Athletics & Recreation must be apprised of any schedule oriented conflict and its remedy.

2. A student-athlete may not resign from a team during its season to take part in the pre-season activities of another sport. An athlete doing so without permission of his/her present coach and Director of Athletics wait until the last date of competition for his original sport in order to begin practice in the other sport.

25 DISMISSAL FROM ATHLETIC TEAM

1. A student-athlete may be removed from an athletic team during any portion of the intercollegiate sports schedule. The team coach or the Athletic Director may do so for reasons which violate the philosophy, aims or principles of the team, Gwynedd Mercy University or the NCAA.

2. Student-athletes facing such disciplinary action may appeal before a committee consisting of the Athletic Director or designee, Faculty Athletic Representative and a third person to be named by the Vice-President of Student Services.

3. The basic principles of due process will be adhered to in the appeals process.