Sac bylaws (amended march 2016) by The SAC

UPDATED – March 2016

BYLAWS OF SOUTH ATLANTIC CONFERENCE PREAMBLE We, the members of the Board of Directors of the South Atlantic Conference believe: A.

In a strong comprehensive Conference composed of small liberal arts colleges with similar academic and athletic philosophies.

That the chief executive officers have the responsibilities of providing the leadership in establishing the philosophy and direction of the Conference relative to the conduct of intercollegiate athletics.

That the primary purpose of our Conference is to enhance the educational mission of its institutions and all actions taken by the Conference leadership and its members should be toward that end.

That the proper resources and commitments to athletics must be made by the member institutions to provide the kinds of educational experiences that we collectively value.

That all member institutions should commit themselves to participating fully both in spirit and in resources to the idea and concept of a comprehensive conference. The Conference members should support each sport at a competitive level, which may provide opportunities for regional and national play-off possibilities.

We, the members of the Board of Directors of the South Atlantic Conference, strongly affirm the aforementioned goals and beliefs as an expression of our commonly held athletic philosophy and adopt the following as the Bylaws of the South Atlantic Conference.

ARTICLE I.

NAME

The name of this organization shall be the South Atlantic Conference, hereinafter referred to as the "SAC” or “the Conference.”

ARTICLE II.

PURPOSE

The purpose of the SAC shall be to develop, perpetuate, and enhance the educational mission of its member institutions through a regional association of senior liberal arts colleges of higher learning and a common dedication to excellence in intercollegiate athletics. It is presumed that member institutions are dedicated to help perpetuate the common goals and beliefs in the aforementioned preamble and also committed to enhancing our educational missions through mutual cooperation, respect and competition. The specific objectives of the SAC shall include the following:

To establish a common set of academic standards which will bring credit to the member institutions and to the SAC

To legislate bylaws that ensure the orderly and honorable conduct of the selected sports offered within the SAC

To enhance community, student and public interest in intercollegiate athletics

To establish the SAC as a premier small college Conference

ARTICLE III. A.

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Amendment of Bylaws SAC Bylaws may be amended during any annual meeting or special meeting of the Board of Directors. A two-thirds vote shall be required to amend Articles I, II, V, VI and IX (Previously Article I, II, III, IV and VII.) A majority vote shall be required to amend all other Articles. Amendments may be proposed by any of the Governing Committees. All amendment proposals are to be transmitted to the Board of Directors through the Commissioner's office within ten (10) working days prior to the respective meeting.

Waiver of Notice Whenever any notice is required under the provisions of the South Carolina Nonprofit Corporation Act, or under the provisions of the Articles of Incorporation or by the Bylaws of the SAC, a waiver thereof in writing signed by the person or persons entitled to such notice, whether before or after the time stated therein, shall be deemed equivalent to the giving of such notice.

Seal i.

Corporate Seal The corporate seal of the SAC shall consist of the two concentric circles between which is the name of the SAC and in the center of which is the word "Seal", the year of incorporation and the state of incorporation.

ii.

Championship Seal The Championship seal of the SAC shall consist of “SAC” in block letters with a star in the middle of the “A” and a semi-circle swoosh beginning at the top of the “S” and continuing under the letters.

iii.

Use of Corporate or Championship Seal The use of the Corporate or Championship Seal is prohibited without prior written consent from the Office of the Commissioner. There will be a rights fee of $150 assessed to any entity that receives permission to use the Corporate or Championship Seal. In addition, a royalty fee will be negotiated, if applicable.

iv.

Seal on Uniforms of Conference Members The SAC logo (Championship Seal) is required on all home and away uniforms ordered after the 2015-16 academic year. The logo can be in the form of a patch, screen-printed or embroidered and shall be located according to distributed guidelines. Current uniforms or those ordered during the 2015-16 academic year are encouraged (but not required) to have the logo on them. [June 2015]

Seal at Playing Venues of Conference Members The SAC logo (Championship Seal) and colors are required to be displayed on all sport venues (e.g. fields, courts) where conference competition is conducted. The logo shall be located at each venue according to distributed guidelines. In the event of a change in the SAC logo, venues that have an existing SAC logo in place are not required to update the logo until the next renovation. For example, a basketball court with the Corporate Seal does not need to be updated until the next time the court is renovated or refinished. [June 2015]

Fiscal Year The Board of Directors has determined that the fiscal year of the SAC shall be July 1 - June 30.

Indemnification of Directors and Officers Each director, officer, employee or agent of the SAC shall be entitled to indemnification or reimbursement by the SAC for any expenses or liabilities incurred by him or her under the circumstances permitting such indemnification or reimbursement under the South Carolina Nonprofit Corporation Act and subject to the conditions and limitations on such indemnifications and reimbursements set forth in said Nonprofit Corporation Act. The Board of Directors may purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the SAC against any liability asserted against him or her and incurred by him or her in any such capacity, or arising out of his or her status as such, whether or not the SAC would have the power to indemnify him or her against such liability.

ARTICLE IV. A.

MEMBERSHIP

Initial Member Institutions Charter members of the South Atlantic Conference are Carson-Newman College, Catawba College, Elon College, Gardner-Webb College, Lenoir-Rhyne College, Mars Hill College, Presbyterian College and Wingate College. 3

Current Member Institutions Current members of the South Atlantic Conference are Anderson University [January 2009], Brevard College, Carson-Newman University, Catawba College, Coker College [May 2012], Lenoir-Rhyne University, Lincoln-Memorial University, Mars Hill University, Newberry College, Queens University of Charlotte [May 2012], Tusculum College and Wingate University.

National Affiliation The SAC is affiliated with Division II of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).

Qualification To be a member of the SAC, institutions must be fully accredited senior institutions of higher education by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)/Commission on Colleges (COC) and must be members in good standing of the NCAA. Member institutions must be fully compatible with the goals and aspirations of the SAC, as set forth in the Bylaws. Member institutions must be geographically compatible and must abide by all SAC bylaws, rules and regulations.

Application Application for membership shall be made in writing to the Board of Directors by the chief executive officer of the interested party. If an evaluation visit is recommended and approved by the Board of Directors, the applicant institution will arrange with the commissioner for an evaluation visit by the conference. The Conference representatives will be selected by the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors and be comprised of all or part of the following: at least one president, the commissioner, at least one director of athletics, one faculty athletics representative, one senior woman administrator and the conference national student-athlete advisory committee representative. [June 2010] The evaluation visit will be an in-depth review of the state of the institution’s academic and athletic programs, to include, but not limited to: 



A presentation by the institution on its athletic program. This presentation will include information on the program’s philosophy; sports sponsorship; personnel; records and schedules for the past three years, including any upcoming commitments; the athletics budget for the last three years, including the most current; information on a faculty athletics committee or similar body overseeing athletics and any constitution, bylaws or similar documents for such a committee; information on booster organizations and any constitution, bylaws or similar documents for such organizations. [Note: budget information should include athletic scholarship and equivalencies by sport]. A presentation on compliance with NCAA regulations. This should follow the prescribed ISSG if completed within three years prior to the visit and include any written reports or policy changes as a result of the study. Additionally, conference representatives will review institutional financial aid and eligibility certification procedures and records to ensure compliance. 4

   

A tour of campus and athletic facilities. Other activities at the request of the commissioner or the institution. A private meeting of the evaluation group before concluding the visit to outline a report for the conference. Expenses for the evaluation visit shall be paid by the applicant institution and include: travel expenses, overnight accommodations and applicable meals. Mileage rates will be reimbursed at the applicant’s current rate. [June 2010]

Institutions may be granted admission into the conference by a two-thirds vote of the Board of Directors. The vote will be by written ballot. Once an institution is granted admission into the Conference, they will be assessed with a one-time $60,000 buy-in fee. [Amended March 2016] F.

Withdrawal Membership in the SAC is voluntary. Any institution desiring to withdraw their membership must inform the Council of Presidents no later than May 31 two years prior to their anticipated departure. In such event, the withdrawal date shall become effective May 31, two years following the filing date. A withdrawing member must remain an active member of the Conference and comply with all Conference regulations until the effective withdrawal date. This includes the payment of dues. A withdrawing member shall not be entitled to any rebate and/or other accumulated assets of the Conference. If a withdrawing member is unable to comply with the withdrawal stipulations, it will be liable for the sum equal to two year’s dues.

Termination Institutional membership may be terminated or suspended by a two-thirds vote of the Board of Directors. The vote will be by written ballot.

Dues Dues will be assessed annually and will be based on a sufficient amount to cover all operating costs of the SAC. The Athletic Directors Council will offer a recommendation on the amount of annual dues one month prior to the annual spring meeting. The Board of Directors will determine the amount of the annual dues at the annual spring meeting.

Associate Membership An Associate Member shall be defined as any institution that is neither a Current Member nor an Initial Member of the Conference and competes in one or more sports sponsored by the Conference. [September 2013] 5

The following are the stipulations related to Associate Membership: 1. An institution wishing to become an Associate Member must submit a letter of application to the Commissioner indicating the sport(s) in which affiliation is desired. 2. Associate Membership may be granted by the Board upon recommendation by the Commissioner. An institution whose current conference sponsors the sport(s) in which affiliation is desired shall not be eligible for Associate Membership. 3. Prior to being accepted as an Associate Member, an institution shall be required to provide verification of adherence to all applicable NCAA and SAC rules and regulations. Further, the Associate Member must be an active member of NCAA Division II and must align with the SAC core values as described in the Bylaws. 4. The initial period of membership shall be for two years and may be rolled over annually by the Board. 5. Dues assessed an Associate Member shall be $7,500 for football and $2,500 for all other sports that are considered for NCAA revenue distribution. 6. The dues for the initial two years of Associate Membership shall be payable upon admission to the Conference. The remaining years shall be paid in accordance with Conference policy and timeframe. Associate members do not receive a share of any income received by the Conference or its Current Members. 7. An Associate Member may resign without penalty when a one-year notice (on or before June 1 of final year) is presented to the Commissioner. If prescribed notification is not received, the Associate Member will be assessed a penalty equal to two years dues. 8. The Conference may terminate an Associate Member upon presentation of a one-year notice (on or before June 1 of final year). The Conference shall refund the Associate Member any appropriate dues in the case of termination. 9. Associate Member status may allow the institution the following privileges:      

Compete in a maximum of two Conference sports at one time (one men’s/one women’s) Have its coach participate and vote at the sport’s annual meeting(s). Have its administrators attend Conference meetings and have voting rights only on issues related to the sport(s) in which it is a member. Become eligible for statistical inclusion, as well as all applicable and team and individual awards. Serve as a host for SAC or NCAA championship competition in the sport(s) in which it is a member. Represent the SAC in postseason championship play and play-in competition (if applicable).

10. Coaches and student-athletes from an Associate Member are not eligible for induction into the SAC Hall of Fame.

ARTICLE V.

SAC OFFICE

The principal office of the SAC shall be located in Rock Hill, York County, South Carolina. The registered office of the SAC required by law to be maintained in the State of South Carolina may be, but need not be, identical with the principal office. Under the direct supervision of the Commissioner, the office will perform the following primary functions: A.

Oversee all regular season competition and Conference Championships and provides necessary personnel for supervision as well as presentation of awards

Develop and distribute annual Conference schedules

Serve as a liaison between the NCAA and the member institutions and assist the membership in the area of compliance with NCAA rules and regulations

Act as a media/public relations liaison between the member institutions and the various Conference media outlets

Collect and report statistical data for each conference sport and inform the membership and media about contest results, Conference standings and statistics and upcoming Conference events.

ARTICLE VI. A.

CONFERENCE OFFICERS

Officers SAC officers are as follows: 1.

President The chair of the Board of Directors is the Conference President.

Vice-President The vice-chair of the Board of Directors is the Conference Vice-President.

Secretary-Treasurer The Commissioner of the SAC shall also serve as Secretary-Treasurer.

Governance Committees The SAC is governed by three (3) committees: the Council of Presidents, the Athletic Directors Council and the Faculty Athletic Representative Committee. The Council of Presidents may establish standing and/or ad hoc committees, as deemed necessary. The Commissioner is responsible for the administrative functions associated with committee operations.

Quorum A simple majority of the membership of each committee constitutes a quorum. Normally, passage or adoption of a proposal is based upon the number of member institutions present and voting.

ARTICLE VII.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The affairs and property of the SAC shall be managed by the Board of Directors, otherwise referred to as the Council of Presidents.

The Council of Presidents shall consist of the chief executive officer of each member institution or designee. The designee shall not be a member of the Athletic Directors Council (ADâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s) or the Faculty Athletic Representatives Committee (FARâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s). Each member institution shall have one indivisible vote.

C. D.

The Council of Presidents is the governing body of the Conference with final responsibility for all matters.

The Council of Presidents will focus on policy development and delegate operational responsibility for the conference to the extent allowed by law to the Athletic Directors Council, except for the following powers which are reserved: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

All financial matters, Academic standards, Eligibility policies, Selection and employment of the conference commissioner, Conference membership, and Athletic scholarship limitations.

ARTICLE VIII. A.

COMMITTEES

Governing Committees The Council of Presidents, the Athletic Directors Council and the Faculty Athletic Representative Committee may be sometimes hereinafter collectively referred to as the "Governing Committees." 1.

Executive Committee The Executive Committee shall consist of the current chair and vice-chair and the most recent past chair of the Council of Presidents.

Athletic Directors Committee (AD) a.

The Athletic Directors Council shall consist of the Athletic Director of each member institution or designee. The chair of the Faculty Athletic Representatives Committee or designee shall serve as a non-voting ex-officio member of the Athletic Directors Council. 8

The Athletic Directors Council shall be a recommending body to the Council of Presidents.

Each member institution shall have one vote at the Athletic Directors Council meetings.

Authority for operational decisions resides with the Athletic Directors Council, except those powers reserved by the Council of Presidents or assigned to the Faculty Athletic Representatives Committee.

The Athletic Directors Council shall conduct the business and administer the affairs of the SAC in accordance with the Conference Bylaws and Sport Policies.

f. g.

The Commissioner will assist the Athletic Directors Council, as appropriate. Operational duties that have not been assigned in this document will become the responsibility of the Athletic Directors Council.

Select the male and female Conference “Athlete of the Year” recipients.

Faculty Athletic Representatives Committee (FAR) a.

The Faculty Athletic Representatives Committee shall consist of the FAR of each member institution. The chair of the Athletic Directors Council or designee shall serve as a non-voting ex-officio member of the Faculty Athletic Representatives Committee.

The FAR Committee shall also be a recommending body to the Council of Presidents.

Each member institution shall have one vote at the FAR Committee meeting.

The FAR Committee shall be responsible for implementing and interpreting eligibility rules and regulations for each Conference sport and for developing recommendations that pertain to academic standards and eligibility.

Select the sport specific Scholar-Athlete of the Year and the President’s Award recipients.

Advisory and Sport Committees The Council of Presidents, by resolution adopted by a majority of the then existing member institutions, may designate one or more additional committees which shall be vested with such powers as may be delegated to them in such resolution. 1.

Senior Woman Administrators Committee (SWA) a.

The Senior Woman Administrators Committee shall consist of the SWA from each member institution.

Each member institution shall have one vote at the SWA Committee meeting. 9

Officers i. ii.

The chair of the SWA Committee shall be selected by institutional alphabetical order. The term of appointment shall be for two years. The Conference office liaison in attendance shall produce a written report of the meeting no later than two weeks after the meeting. A copy of the report shall be mailed to the Commissioner the chair of the Athletic Directors Council, the AD liaison to the SWA committee and the members of the SWA Committee.

Meetings The two (2) annual meetings of the SWA Committee shall be held on a mutually agreed upon time and date in the fall and in conjunction with the annual spring meeting.

Compliance Coordinators Committee The purpose of the Compliance Coordinators Committee shall be to serve as a collective resource to the membership. a.

The Compliance Coordinators Committee shall consist of the compliance designee from each member institution.

Each member institution shall have one vote at the Compliance Coordinators Committee meeting.

Officers

The chair of the Compliance Coordinators Committee shall be selected by institutional alphabetical order. The term of appointment shall be for two years.

ii.

The Conference office liaison in attendance shall produce a written report of the meeting no later than two weeks after the meeting. A copy of the report shall be mailed to the Commissioner, the chair of the Athletic Directors Council, the AD liaison to the Compliance Coordinators committee and the members of the Compliance Coordinators Committee.

Meetings The annual meeting of the Compliance Coordinators Committee shall be held during the fall on the campus of the Committee's Chair. Other meeting dates may be assigned by the Conference office.

Coaches Committees The purpose of the sport specific Coaches Committees shall be to discuss sport specific business and propose Conference policies, as necessary. 10

The sport specific Coaches Committee shall consist of the head coach from each conference member. All conference sponsored varsity sport shall have a sport specific Coaches Committee

Each member institution shall have one vote at each sport specific Coaches Committee meeting.

Officers

The chair of each sport specific Coaches Committees shall be selected by institutional alphabetical order. The term of appointment shall be for two years.

ii.

The Conference office liaison in attendance shall produce a written report of the meeting no later than two weeks after the meeting. A copy of the report shall be mailed to the Commissioner, the chair of the Athletic Directors Council, the AD liaison to the sport specific Coaches Committee and the members of the respective Coaches Committee.

Meetings Each sport specific Coaches Committee shall have one (1) annual mandatory meeting during which the head coaches discuss sport specific business and make necessary recommendations.

Sports Information Directors Committee (SID) The purpose of the SID Committee shall be to recommend guidelines for the public recognition of individual athletic programs and Conference sports. a.

The SID Committee shall consist of the sports information director for each member institution.

Each member institution shall have one vote at the SID Committee meeting.

Officers

The chair of the SID Committee shall be selected by institutional alphabetical order. The term of appointment shall be for two years.

ii.

Meetings The annual meeting of the SID Committee shall be held during the annual spring meeting (Revised, June, 2006) 11

Athletic Trainers Committee The purpose of the Athletic Trainers Committee shall be to establish guidelines for the safety of student athletes and develop recommended procedures for the areas of insurance, substance abuse and assistance for visiting teams. All SAC Athletic Trainers must be certified by the National Athletic Trainers Association. a.

The Athletic Trainers Committee shall consist of head athletic trainer of each member institution.

Each member institution shall have one vote at the Athletic Trainers Committee meeting.

Officers

The chair of the Athletic Trainers Committee shall be selected by institutional alphabetical order. The term of appointment shall be for two years.

ii.

The Conference office liaison in attendance shall produce a written report of the meeting no later than two weeks after the meeting. A copy of the report shall be mailed to the Commissioner, the chair of the Athletic Directors Council, the AD liaison to the Athletic Trainers Committee and the members of the Athletic Trainers Committee.

Meetings The annual meeting of the Athletic Trainers Committee shall be held during the fall on the campus of the Committee's Chair.

ARTICLE IX.

OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER

The Office of the Commissioner shall be located at a place designated by the Council of Presidents.

The Commissioner shall report to the Council of Presidents and be paid a salary to be determined by the Council of Presidents. The term of his/her first contract shall not exceed two years.

The Commissioner shall present a budget for consideration to the Council of Presidents at least two weeks prior to the annual spring meeting of the Council. This budget requires council approval.

The Commissioner shall have the powers necessary for the effective performance of his/her duties.

The Commissioner's duties shall be: 1.

Serve as the chief administrative officer of the Conference and sign all documents requiring a Conference signatory on behalf of the Conference membership.

Act as the Conference Secretary-Treasurer and receive, collect and distribute all income received by the Conference as directed by the Council of Presidents. 12

Select and engage assistants and employees as may be authorized by the Council of Presidents and fix their compensation within the limits of approved budgets.

Interpret and enforce all rules and regulations of the Conference and the NCAA. This responsibility shall include, but not necessarily be limited to, broad discretionary powers to supervise investigations, hold hearings and impose temporary or permanent measures against member institutions, their personnel and students for conduct judged to be in violation of the spirit as well as the letter of Conference Bylaws and/or Sport Policies. The above shall be carried out under procedures as set forth in the Conference Bylaws.

Serve as an ex-officio, non-voting member of the Council of Presidents, Athletic Directors, Faculty Representatives and all other Conference Committees.

Work with the governance committee chairs to arrange conference meetings and prepare meeting agendas and materials. Produce and distribute all meeting minutes and provide notification of all decisions made by the Conference governing committees.

Update and distribute copies of the Conference Bylaws and Sport Policies to each member institution's President, Faculty Athletic Representative and Athletic Director on an annual basis.

Administer all sports information activities to include media guide publications, press releases, and statistical reports.

Receive and review all eligibility forms and certify the procedures for eligibility and compliance utilized by each institution.

10.

Appoint officials for all Conference contests (between member institutions) and for nonConference contests, as requested.

11.

Encourage and promote collegial relations among the member institutions, their students and alumni. Offer advice and assistance in resolving membership disputes.

12.

Conduct a continuing educational program to promote the development of better sportsmanship and game environment, respect for the amateur spirit and understanding of the values of competitive athletics. Exert reasonable effort to acquaint the public with the ethics and high ideals that motivate the Conference in its conduct of intercollegiate athletics.

13.

Initiate and formulate income producing and cost saving initiatives in association with Conference championships and other approved avenues. Seek and present cost saving measures for Conference athletic programs.

14.

Visit each Conference member at least once each year to observe and evaluate the operation of its intercollegiate athletic program.

15.

Provide assistance to non-member institutions, as appropriate.

16.

Select and purchase awards and trophies awarded by the Conference.

17.

Perform other duties as directed by the Faculty Athletic Representatives Committee, Athletic Director Council and/or the Council of Presidents.

18.

Perform other duties as required per the Conference Bylaws.

ARTICLE X. A.

MEETINGS

Chair of Meetings The chair of the Governing Committees and Advisory/Sport Committees will be determined by institutional alphabetical order or by election within the respective committee. The term shall be for two years and shall begin on July 1

Minutes The Commissioner shall be present at the annual meetings of the Governing Committees and shall be responsible for the recording, transcribing and distribution of minutes of said meetings to the appropriate personnel of the member institutions within 10 working days of the respective meetings. Minutes for the Advisory/Sports Committees shall be recorded by the designated Conference office liaison in attendance.

Agenda The chairs of the Governing and Advisory/Sports Committees, in conjunction with the Commissioner's office, shall publish the meeting agenda and anticipated action items to all members no later than 10 working days prior to the meeting. Agenda items that require an official conference vote should be reported to the Commissioner at least two weeks prior to the applicable meeting. Exceptions will follow the procedures set forth in Roberts' Rules of Order, Newly Revised.

Conduct The committee chairs and Commissioner are responsible for seeing that all meetings are run in a timely, organized and professional manner. Published agenda and itinerary items should be adhered to strictly.

Attendance Attendance at all Conference meetings is required in order to sustain the orderly and professional operation of the Conference. The meeting minutes will include a roster of those present and not present. If an individual is unable to attend a specific Conference meeting, they must notify the Conference office within one week prior to the meeting. In addition, it is strongly encouraged that the individual designate a representative to attend the meeting in their place.

Site Site selection for regular meetings of all Conference committees shall be the responsibility of the incumbent chair of such committee, in cooperation with the Commissioner.

Schedule of Meetings 1.

The Council of Presidents shall meet twice a year at a time and place to be arranged by the chair, in consultation with the Commissioner. The fall meeting shall include members of the Council of Presidents, only. The annual spring meeting shall include members of the FAR Committee and the Athletic Directors Council.

The FAR Committee shall meet periodically throughout the year. A summary report shall be filed at the annual spring meeting.

The Athletic Directors Council shall meet four times a year at a time and place to be arranged by the chair, in consultation with the Commissioner. A summary report shall be filed at the annual spring meeting.

The Advisory/Sports Committees shall each meet once a year at a time and place to be arranged by the chair, in consultation with the Commissioner. A summary report shall be filed with the Athletics Directors at the annual spring meeting.

ARTICLE XI.

SPONSORSHIP OF NCAA LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS

The following process will be followed for the Conference to sponsor and submit legislative proposals: a.

b. c.

Proposals for Conference-sponsored NCAA legislation may be submitted to the Conference by any member institution, the Conference Commissioner, or the Conference Executive Committee. Proposals must be circulated to each member institution at least three weeks prior to the annual Conference meeting in June and will only be considered at the June meeting. Voting on such proposals will be by a recorded roll call vote at a joint meeting of the AD Council and the FAR Committee. A two-thirds vote (one vote per school) in favor is required for the proposal to be recommended to the Presidents Council. If the proposal is approved, with at least a two-thirds vote (one per school) in favor, by the Presidents Council, the Conference Commissioner shall be responsible for submitting the appropriate documents to the NCAA for the proposal to be considered at the next NCAA Convention. [June 2011]

ARTICLE XII. A.

ELIGIBILITY RULES AND ACADEMIC STANDARDS

General Policy Each member institution shall apply the NCAA and SAC individual and institutional eligibility requirements for regular and post-season games as well as for all scrimmages against outside competition. The most restrictive of the institutional, SAC or NCAA regulations will be applicable in all cases.

SAC Eligibility All NCAA (DII) Eligibility rules are applicable for entrance and participation in a Conference contest.

Participation While Ineligible In a team sport, if a member institution is found to have played an ineligible student-athlete against a Conference opponent, the Commissioner shall declare any wins the institution had during that time nullified. Overall records, Conference records and championship results shall be adjusted to reflect the nullifications. The member institution’s adjusted record with the nullifications cannot improve a team’s position in the Conference standings or seeding in a Conference postseason tournament. In an individual sport, the Commissioner shall declare the ineligible student-athlete’s place finish/result (or championship) vacated. The team’s place finish shall be recalculated using only the place finishes/results of the eligible student-athletes. [June 2010]

Intra-Conference Transfer Rule A student-athlete who transfers from a SAC institution (A) to another SAC institution (B) is required to complete one full academic year of residence (see NCAA bylaw 14.5.1.1) at the certifying institution (B) before being eligible to compete or represent the institution. Any appeal of this rule by a student-athlete must be conducted per the NCAA One-Time Transfer Exception bylaw (14.5.5.3.10-[c]). SAC Appeals Process 1. The student-athlete must submit a written request to the Director of Athletics for an appeals hearing. 2. The Director of Athletics (or designee) shall inform the student-athlete in writing, within 14 consecutive days from receipt of the student-athlete’s written request, that he or she, on request, shall be provided a hearing. 3. The hearing shall be conducted by an institutional entity or committee outside of the athletics department (e.g. the office of student-affairs; office of the dean of students; or a committee composed of the faculty athletics representative, student-athletes and nonathletics faculty/staff members). 4. The notification of the hearing opportunity shall include a copy of the institution’s policies and procedures for conducting the required hearing. 5. The institution shall conduct the hearing within 30 consecutive calendar days of receiving a student-athlete’s request for the hearing. 6. The student-athlete will be notified, in writing, within 5 days of the committee’s decision. 16

7. A copy of the notification will be sent to the Conference office. [June 2010] Additionally, other appropriate National Letter of Intent regulations, NCAA DII transfer legislation and progress-toward-degree legislation are applicable. [January 2007]

ARTICLE XIII. A.

ENFORCEMENT PROCEDURES

Role of Commissioner The Commissioner shall investigate reports of alleged violations of rules and regulations of the Conference and/or the NCAA. Alleged violations must be reported in writing. The Commissioner shall be the principal enforcement officer of the Conference Bylaws and Sport Policies, but shall not undertake significant investigative responsibilities except in a supervisory capacity. The Commissioner may initiate an investigation of an institution upon his own initiative. A Conference President, Athletic Director or FAR may also submit a written request for the Commissioner to conduct an investigation of another institution. In either case, the Commissioner must inform the President prior to conducting any specific inquiry at their respective institution.

Intra-Conference Violation Report Procedures In order to limit intra-conference problems, the following procedures are recommended, but not required, for the purpose of reporting a potential violation of Conference and/or NCAA rules by another Conference member.

The Athletic Director of the accusing institution must submit a written inquiry or report of the potential violation to the Athletic Director of the offending institution, with a copy to the Commissioner.

The Athletic Director of the accused institution should investigate the reported offense and forward a written response back to the Athletic Director of the accusing institution within in 10 working days, with a copy to the Commissioner.

Any discovery of a Conference violation must be reported in writing to the Conference office. Any discovery of an NCAA violation must be reported to the NCAA with a copy to the Conference office.

If necessary, the Council of Presidents shall determine whether to refer a violation of NCAA bylaws to the NCAA for a full-scale investigation by that body.

Procedures for a Violation of the SAC Bylaws and/or Sport Policies If an institution violates a bylaw and/or sport policy of the Conference, the institutionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s President should enact a committee to review the violation. The committee should include the FAR, the Director of Athletics, a senior administrative official and any other individuals deemed appropriate by the President. 1.

A written report of the findings shall be sent to the President of the Conference and the Commissioner within a period of time deemed appropriate by the Commissioner. 17

If the investigation reveals that a violation does or may exist, the institution has the right to request a hearing. The Commissioner shall determine the date and site for the hearing, in consultation with the President, the FAR, and the Athletic Director of the member institution involved.

The Commissioner may elect to hear a case privately or appoint a review panel to assist him/her in the hearing.

If the Commissioner/review panel concludes that the institution has committed a violation, or if representatives of the institution fail to appear at the hearing, the Commissioner may impose penalties such as, but not limited to, those listed in Appendix A.

Upon request, the Commissioner shall report the results of any investigations related to violations of Conference rules and regulation during an executive session of the Council of Presidents. He/she shall also render an annual report at the annual spring meeting of his/her enforcement activities, including interpretations of and rulings on general and special regulations. D.

Other Cases All other cases will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the Council of Presidents. The President from the involved institution may not participate as a member of the Council of Presidents hearing body. The institution, any employee or student thereof involved in the case shall have an opportunity to present their case to the hearing body and to be represented by legal counsel. The decision of the Council of Presidents must be rendered within one week after the hearing. The Council of Presidents has the authority to impose penalties as described in the Appendix.

Sportsmanship The Commissioner shall be authorized to investigate cases involving unsportsmanlike conduct of coaches, institutional officials, participants on teams or members of the team party representing a member institution. If there is sufficient evidence of unsportsmanlike conduct, he/she shall be authorized to impose such penalties as deemed appropriate. Such penalties may include, but are not limited, to those listed in Appendix A.

Penalties Penalties imposed by the Commissioner shall be effective immediately and shall remain in effect until and unless they are set aside by the Council of Presidents upon appeal. The Athletic Directors Council (excluding the offending institution) or FAR (excluding the offending institution) may request by a majority vote that the Presidents Council hear an appeal of the Commissioner's decision.

ARTICLE XIV.

APPEALS

The decision of the Commissioner in any proceedings under Article XIII may be appealed. Such an appeal must be made by the involved institution within ten working days after receiving the notice of action by registered mail. Any appeals received after the ten working days window has expired will not be processed. 18

Appeals Process 1.

Requests for an appeal of an interpretative decision, violations or penalties imposed by the Commissioner may be presented to the Athletic Directors Council or FAR Committee through their Committee Chairman. The institution requesting an appeal must submit a written request that identifies the specific offense and corresponding rationale for which the appeal is being made. The request must include the signature of the President, FAR and Athletic Director from the institution that is seeking an appeal.

The Athletic Directors Council and/or FAR Committee shall review the written request and may recommend by a majority vote (excluding the offending institution) that the Council of Presidents hear an appeal of the Commissioner's decision. The written recommendation for a hearing by the Council of Presidents must include the specific offense and corresponding rationale for which the hearing would be warranted.

The appeal proceeding shall be limited in scope and will not constitute a new hearing of the case.

The decision shall be rendered only after affording any institution, employee, or student involved in the appealed portion of the case with an opportunity to be heard and to be represented by legal counsel.

Ruling Timeline The Council of Presidents shall render a decision within five business days after hearing the appeal. The ruling will be considered final and the case will be ineligible for further appeal, except as listed below.

Additional Appeals The Council of Presidents may consider a request to reopen a case based upon receipt of new evidence or facts of prejudicial error from the original hearing or appeals procedure. If the Council determines not to reopen a case, the case is not eligible for further appeal.

ARTICLE XV. A.

SAC SPORTS

Recognition of Sports The following sports are recognized as SAC championship sports with the year started in parenthesis: Men Baseball (1989-90) Basketball (1989-90) Cross Country (1993-94) Football (1975-76) Golf (1989-90) Lacrosse (2013-14) Soccer (1989-90) Tennis (1989-90) Outdoor Track and Field (2013-14)

Women Basketball (1989-90) Cross Country (1993-94) Golf (1999-00) Lacrosse (2013-14) Soccer (1990-91) Softball (1989-90) Tennis (1989-90) Outdoor Track and Field (2013-14) Volleyball (1989-90) 19

A South Atlantic Conference member is encouraged to sponsor all sports listed above and conference affiliation can be impacted if a member does not sponsor the majority of these sports at the varsity level. All SAC members must schedule other SAC members that sponsor a championship sport in accordance with SAC scheduling guidelines. B.

Minimum Requirements for Recognition Fifty percent (50%) of the member institutions must sponsor a sport for two (2) consecutive years and all years thereafter in order for that sport to be recognized as a Conference sport. In such cases, the SAC Presidents Council may vote to approve regular season competition (when applicable) and the determination of a Conference champion and/or Conference tournament. [Amended June 2010] If a member institution sponsors a sport at the varsity level that is also a conference championship sport, the member institution may not “opt out” of competing at the conference level in that sport. [June 2012]

Competitiveness Member institutions must make a good faith effort to be competitive in each Conference sponsored sport by maintaining appropriate operating budgets and providing adequate facilities.

Staffing Member institutions must make a good faith effort to staff each Conference sponsored sport with a full-time employee of the institution whose dedication to the coaching field is appropriate to the task.

Echols Athletic Excellence Award The Echols Athletic Excellence Award shall be awarded annually to the member institution that has the best overall athletic program based on the order of the regular-season finish in all team sports (baseball, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, football, men’s lacrosse, women’s lacrosse, men’s soccer, women’s soccer, softball men’s tennis, women’s tennis, volleyball) and the championship finish for all individual sports (men’s cross country, women’s cross country, men’s golf, women’s golf, men’s track and field, women’s track and field) in which the Conference sponsors a championship. If two or more teams are tied, the points of those teams in consideration will be combined and then divided by the number of teams involved.

Starting in 2016-17, the following point system will be used to determine the winner: # Teams

1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th 9th 10th 11th 12th 13th 14th

100 93 86 79 71 64 57 50 43 36 29 21 14 10

100 92 85 77 69 62 54 46 38 31 23 15 10 XX

100 92 83 75 67 58 50 42 33 25 17 10 XX XX

100 91 82 73 64 55 45 36 27 18 10 XX XX XX

100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 XX XX XX XX

100 89 78 67 56 44 33 22 10 XX XX XX XX XX

100 88 75 63 50 38 25 10 XX XX XX XX XX XX

100 86 71 57 43 19 10 XX XX XX XX XX XX XX

100 83 67 50 33 10 XX XX XX XX XX XX XX XX

[Amended November 2015]

ARTICLE XVI. A.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Definition Financial assistance shall be construed to include any and all financial aid, which is institutionally controlled and allocated as defined by the NCAA (DII) standards.

Maximum Financial Assistance The maximum amount of athletic aid that a Conference institution may award per sport shall be as follows [Amended September 2013]:

SOUTH ATLANTIC CONFERENCE and NCAA Financial Aid Limits 2015-16

Men’s Sports

NCAA Maximum Equivalency

Baseball

9.0

Basketball

10.0

Cross Country

5.0

Cross Country/Track and Field

12.6

Football

36.0

Golf

3.6

Lacrosse

10.8

Soccer

9.0

Tennis

4.5

Women’s Sports Basketball

10.0

Cross Country

6.0

Cross Country/Track and Field

12.6

Golf

5.4

Lacrosse

9.9

Soccer

9.9

Softball

7.2

Tennis

6.0

Volleyball

8.0

Total

175.5 22

Financial Limitations Beginning 1992-93, all member institutions that vie for a Conference Championship in the sports listed above must be in full compliance with the financial limitations by the beginning of the each academic year and sports season.

Counting Process The method for financial aid computation shall be based on the NCAA (DII) method of calculating financial aid. [Amended September 2013]

Federal and State Assistance Such assistance shall be awarded as per requirements for students not participating in the intercollegiate athletic program.

Direct Cost Limit The maximum amount of financial aid that a student-athlete (recruited or non-recruited) may receive shall not exceed direct cost, which is defined to include only tuition and fees and on-campus room and board. 1.

If a student-athlete receives entitlement aid (e.g. Pell grant, SEOG, state tuition grant), they may also receive additional institutionally controlled financial aid. The total of the entitlement and institutionally controlled financial aid may not exceed the direct cost of the institution.

Pell grant funds shall be used for direct educational expenses at all SAC institutions.

Only Pell grant recipients (full or partial) may receive book expenses. The dollar amount for the cost of books will be determined every two years by averaging the actual cost of books at each SAC institution. A Pell grant recipient may receive financial aid in excess of the direct cost limit, not to exceed the value of the SAC predetermined cost of books, only if his/her entitlement and institutionally controlled financial aid equals the direct cost of the institution. Effective August 1, 2016, all student-athletes receiving financial aid may receive book expenses and the dollar amount for the cost of books will still be determined every two years by averaging the actual cost of books at each SAC institution. Further, only Pell grant recipients will be able to receive financial aid in excess of the direct cost limit. [June 2015]

If a student-athlete receives financial aid from an established and continuing outside program (e.g., Rotary Club, National Sorority) that meets the criteria of NCAA Bylaw 15.2.5.3, the total of the financial aid from the outside program, entitlement aid (if applicable) and institutionally controlled financial aid may exceed the direct cost of the institution, but not the cost of attendance (including books). [September 2012]

ARTICLE XVII.

RULES FOR PRACTICE AND PLAY

All NCAA DII guidelines as outlined in Bylaw 17 will be followed. All Conference sport specific rules for practice and play may be found in the Sport Policies. 23

APPENDIX A.

PENALTIES

The offending institution or staff member may be reprimanded, privately or publicly, by the Commissioner and warned against repetition of the offense.

The guilty staff member may be denied the privilege of contact with any prospective or present athlete for a period of up to one year. The same penalty may be imposed upon all staff members of the sport involved.

The institution may be denied the right to schedule games with other Conference members in the sport in which the violation occurred. This action shall be subject to approval of the Council of Presidents.

The Commissioner shall have the authority to fine any member institution a maximum of $1,000.00 for any violation of the Bylaws and Sport Policies. Fines assessed shall be paid within thirty (30) days after final determinations.

The Commissioner may order severance of athletic relations with the offending institution. This action shall be subject to the approval of the Council of Presidents.

The Commissioner may declare the ineligibility of individual team members, of a team or teams for Conference Championships.

The Commissioner may determine that contests against a college on probation for violations in a sport may be determined not to count in Conference standings in that sport. The Commissioner may restrict a coach involved in violations from any coaching activity for a period of time up to one year.

The Commissioner may issue a reduction in the number of initial grants in football or basketball for one or more years.

10.

The Commissioner may issue a reduction in the maximum allowable grants (equivalency) in a sport for one or more years.

11.

The Commissioner may require the disassociation of the institution from a booster club or club member, or the reorganization of such a club controlled by the institution.

12.

The Commissioner may restrict a coach from summer sports camp activity.

13.

The Commissioner may require an annual or periodic report from a coach, FAR, Athletic Director, or other college official concerning the status of compliance in a sport or with any area of the athletic program.

14.

The Commissioner may require student athletes to be withheld from future competition because of the violation of Conference Regulations to include but not limited to unsportsmanlike conduct.

15.

On behalf of the Council of Presidents, the Commissioner may require an institution to show cause as to why its membership should not be terminated if appropriate action is not taken against a representative of the institution found to have been involved in serious violations. 24