Messiah University Athletics Student-Athlete Handbook 2021-2022 Updated August 2, 2021 Table of Contents Letter from the Athletic Director ............................................................................................ 1 Section 1: Messiah University Intercollegiate Athletics Programs ........................................... 2 Mission Statement ...................................................................................................2 Philosophy ................................................................................................................2 Guiding Principles ....................................................................................................2 Student-Athlete Learning Objectives .......................................................................3 Governance ..............................................................................................................3 Intercollegiate Athletic Programs ............................................................................3 Section 2: Standards of Conduct ............................................................................................. 5 Policy of Amorous Relationships .............................................................................6 Policy on Student-Athlete Pregnancy ......................................................................8 Messiah University Athletics Statement on Non-Violent and Peaceful Protests . 11 Statements on Sexual Discrimination/Harassment/Violence .............................. 12 Section 3: NCAA Division III Philosophy Statement ............................................................... 13 Section 4: Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) ....................................................................... 15 Membership .......................................................................................................... 15 Conference Awards Program ................................................................................ 15 Section 5: Eligibility Information .......................................................................................... 17 Eligibility ................................................................................................................ 17 Medical Hardship .................................................................................................. 18 Faculty Athletics Representative (FAR) ................................................................. 18 Transfers ............................................................................................................... 20 College Credit for Intercollegiate Sport Participation .......................................... 20 Sunday Competition.............................................................................................. 20 Missed Classes ...................................................................................................... 21 Chapel ................................................................................................................... 21 Community Covenant ........................................................................................... 22 Academic Eligibility/Probation .............................................................................. 22 Role of Boosters .................................................................................................... 23 Section 6: NCAA/MAC/Messiah University Athletics Department Policies ............................. 24 NCAA Banned-Drug Classes .................................................................................. 24 Gambling ............................................................................................................... 24 Hazing .................................................................................................................... 25 Playing and Practice Season (NCAA Bylaw 17) ..................................................... 26 Self-Release Form (NCAA Bylaw 13.1.1.2.1) ......................................................... 27 Privacy and Disclosure Requirements (NCAA Bylaw 13.1.1.2.1.1) ....................... 27 Social Networking Policy ....................................................................................... 27 Team Travel Policies.............................................................................................. 29 Rec Sports and Club Sport Activities ..................................................................... 31 Messiah University Student-Athlete’s Name, Image and Likeness Policy ............ 31 Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) Disclosure Form ................................................ 34 Section 7: Conflict Resolution (Student-Athlete/Coach) ........................................................ 35 Section 8: Athletic Training Information ............................................................................... 36 General Guidelines ................................................................................................ 36 Insurance ............................................................................................................... 36 Sickle Cell Trait Policy ............................................................................................ 37 Section 9: Athletic Communications ..................................................................................... 38 Primary Responsibilities ........................................................................................ 38 Promotion of NCAA Championships, Events, Activities and Programs ................ 38 Social Media .......................................................................................................... 38 Photography .......................................................................................................... 38 Section 10: Student Leadership Opportunities ...................................................................... 39 Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC)....................................................... 39 Messiah Student-Athletes of Color Council (MSACC) ........................................... 40 A Revolution of Missional Athletes (AROMA)....................................................... 41 Section 11: Student-Athlete Evaluation ................................................................................ 43 Student-Athlete Experience Survey ...................................................................... 43 Senior Exit Interview ............................................................................................. 43 Section 12: Awards Program ................................................................................................ 44 National Champions .............................................................................................. 44 Senior Scholar Athlete Awards ............................................................................. 44 NCAA Postgraduate Internship Program .............................................................. 44 NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship Program ............................................................ 44 NCAA Ethnic Minority and Women’s Enhancement Graduate Scholarships ....... 45 Walter Byers Postgraduate Scholar Program ....................................................... 45 Jim McKay Graduate Scholarship .......................................................................... 46 A Letter from the Athletic Director Welcome to Messiah Athletics! We are extremely excited to have you here. As a student-athlete, you have the unique opportunity to use your talent and skills as a team player to represent Messiah. Your role as a student-athlete is one of leadership, responsibility and influence throughout campus. I am confident that you will fulfill this role well. My hope is that the information in this handbook will help you during your time as a Falcon. Please familiarize yourself with the contents and as always do not hesitate to reach out to myself or any member of our staff to ask questions at any time. Wearing a Messiah uniform is a privilege. Remember that you are representing Christ, your teammates, your family, and Messiah - in and out of uniform. Your coaches and staff desire that you have the best experience possible at Messiah and have spent a lot of time working to ensure that you do. Enjoy this special time in your life, it goes by quickly! My prayer is that you will grow athletically, academically, spiritually and socially during your time here. Embrace every opportunity and support each other! I truly desire for you to have an amazing experience at Messiah. Welcome to Messiah and Go Falcons! Sarah Gustin-Hamrock [email protected] 717-796-6820 1 SECTION 1: MESSIAH UNIVERSITY INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETICS PROGRAMS Mission Statement As an integral part of Messiah University, the intercollegiate athletics program emphasizes excellence in athletic and academic performance and seeks to develop athletes who strive to be scholar-servants; who demonstrate Christ like character in sportsmanship; and who exhibit fair play and ethical conduct in harmony with the ethos of the University. Messiah University’s intercollegiate athletics program seeks to treat all student-athletes and all support personnel with respect as equal and valued persons. Philosophy The Messiah University intercollegiate athletics program is committed to excellence in Christian higher education and embraces the evangelical heritage