1 7UNIVERSITYOFCINCINNATI ATHLETE 1 8STUDENTHANDBOOK
The University of Cincinnati Department of Athletics is committed to comprehensive excellence in the pursuit of creating positive academic, athletic and social experiences for our student-athletes. We strive for victory and will represent our university with pride. We are guided by the principles of integrity, respect, determination, excellence, acting as one team, TOGETHER in all we do.
2017-18 CALENDAR OF EVENTS
FALL SEMESTER 2017 Classes begin.............................................................................................................................Monday, August 21 Holiday: Labor Day........................................................................................................... Monday, September 4 Fall Reading Days........................................................................................ Monday - Tuesday, October 9-10 (regular classes suspended; co-curricular activities continue) Holiday: Veterans Day........................................................................................................ Friday, November 10 Holiday: Thanksgiving............................................... Thursday - Sunday, November 23 - November 26 Classes end.............................................................................................................................Sunday, December 3 Examinations............................................................................................. Monday - Saturday, December 4-9 Commencement................................................................................................................Saturday, December 9 Fall Semester ends...........................................................................................................Saturday, December 9 SPRING SEMESTER 2018 Classes begin.............................................................................................................................Monday, January 8 Holiday: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday............................................................. Monday, January 15 Spring Break ...................................................................................................... Monday - Sunday, March 12-18 Classes end........................................................................................................................................Friday, April 20 Examinations.................................................................................................. Saturday - Thursday, April 21-26 Spring Semester ends ............................................................................................................Thursday, April 26 Commencement.........................................................................................................................Saturday, April 28 SUMMER SEMESTER 2018 Classes begin.....................................................................................................................................Monday, May 7 Holiday: Memorial Day................................................................................................................ Monday, May 28 Holiday: Independence Day ................................................................................................Wednesday, July 4 Examinations................................................................................................................................. Last day of class Summer Semester ends....................................................................................................... Saturday, August 4 SUMMER SEMESTER SESSIONS 2018 Full Semester Term............................................................................... Monday, May 7 - Saturday, August 4 Examinations:..........................................................................................................................last class meeting 1st Half-Term, Session D.......................................................................... Monday, May 7 - Tuesday, June 19 Examinations:..........................................................................................................................last class meeting “May-mester” Session M............................................................................ Monday, May 7 - Sunday, May 27 Examinations:..........................................................................................................................last class meeting Session A......................................................................................................... Tuesday, May 29 - Sunday, July 1 Examinations: .........................................................................................................................last class meeting 2nd Half-Term, Session E....................................................... Wednesday, June 20 - Saturday, August 4 Examinations:..........................................................................................................................last class meeting Session B................................................................................................ Monday, July 2 – Saturday, August 4 Examinations:..........................................................................................................................last class meeting
WELCOME TO THE BEARCATS FAMILY! University of Cincinnati Athletics 2751 O’Varsity Way, Richard E. Lindner Center Cincinnati, OH 45221-0021 STAY CONNECTED www.GoBEARCATS.com /GoBEARCATS You should feel proud that your scholastic achievement and athletic abilities have created a place for you at the University of Cincinnati, where you will be challenged to reach your full potential academically, athletically and as future leaders. This handbook is designed to provide student-athletes with information concerning policies of the University of Cincinnati and the University of Cincinnati athletic department. It is not intended as a substitute for other important university publications. Therefore, it does not duplicate much of the information contained in those publications. This handbook is a supplement to other sources of information and should be regarded and used as such. The most important thing to remember is that help of all kinds – academic, social, athletic, health-related – is available if you need it. If you cannot find the answers to your questions in this book, ask. We are here to help. 2017-18 STUDENT-ATHLETE HANDBOOK
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
WELCOME
SASS
3 AD
43 General Information
4 SAAC
43 Policies
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46 NCAA/UC Eligibility
Phone Directory
Standards POLICIES
48 Academic Awards
6
NCAA Sportsmanship
6
NCAA Ethical Conduct
7
AAC Sportsmanship
50 General Information
7
AAC Ethical Conduct
50 Student-Athlete Events
12
UC SA Conduct Policy
15
Equity & Inclusion
17
UC Drug Testing
24 UC Mental Health COMPLIANCE
CPAWS
SPORTS MEDICINE 53 Services 54 Athletic Insurance COMMUNICATIONS
25 NCAA Compliance
55 General Information
25 Comp Tickets
56 Social Media
26 Employment 26 Don’t BET on it 26 Transfer Request Policy 36 Housing 37 Financial Aid 38 Athletic Scholarship
Hearing Board
41 Equipment
549 STUDENT-ATHLETES 148 STAFF 19 SPORTS 1 TEAM INTEGRITY • RESPECT • DETERMINATION • EXCELLENCE • TOGETHER
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FROM THE DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS Welcome to the 2017-18 academic year at the University of Cincinnati! Our teams are reaching record heights and we are proud you are a Bearcat! You are part of a campus that is undergoing a series of seismic transformations. We have made significant facility enhancements to match our team’s collective on-field efforts. We completed the renovation and expansion of historic Nippert Stadium in 2015 and the renovation of Fifth Third Arena is well underway A new Lindner College of Business, dormitory and dining hall are all under construction as well as the Health Sciences Building and UC Gardner Neuroscience Center on the medical campus. These projects will have a positive effect on your program’s brand in the coming years and will continue to enhance our already beautiful campus! Your fellow students gain inspiration from the energy and poise you display in completion. We urge you to take full advantage of watching your fellow studentathletes participate in all 19 of our intercollegiate sports. Your peers on campus are instrumental in providing our home-game competitive advantage through their collective heartbeat and passion for UC as a part of a highly engaged student body. Your active participation is of paramount importance in our vision to be “Class of the League” in all we do. Please never hesitate to reach out to us at any time and let us know how we can enhance your collegiate experience. Bearcats Athletics is an integral part of the fabric of the University community and the collective success of our teams positively influences the institution and Greater Cincinnati region. Through your passion and work effort, we can continue to build upon our respected national reputation, together as One Team, on campus and in the community. Our staff is fully dedicated to your mental, emotional and physical health and we are committed to your success on the field, in the classroom and in the future. We are all here to help you to reach your goals, whatever they may be and to ensure that your experience as a Bearcat serves you well for the rest of your life. As a student-athlete, you will be challenged to manage many commitments on a day-to-day basis. This handbook is an asset to assist you in that management and provide answers to many frequently asked questions. These time management tools, your effort along with discipline you develop and learn as a student-athlete will serve you well throughout your future. I look forward to crossing paths with each and everyone one of you as the year moves forward. It is an exciting time to be a Bearcat and we are thrilled to have you in a leadership role at UC. I wish you nothing but the best on the field and in the classroom. “Hey Cats…Let’s Go UC”
Mike Bohn Director of Athletics @MikeBohn_UC 2017-18 STUDENT-ATHLETE HANDBOOK
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STUDENT-ATHLETE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
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STAY CONNECTED: @GoBearcatsSAAC Twitter | Facebook | Instagram
he University Of Cincinnati Department Of Athletics has instituted the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. All varsity sports have representatives who serve on the board, which meet monthly during the academic year to discuss issues and legislation brought to them by their teammates, the department of athletics, the conference, and the NCAA. THE MISSION OF SAAC HAS SIX PARTS:
»» To assess and advise on the needs for expanded education for student-athletes on various topics such as leadership training, career planning, and NCAA legislation; »» To encourage teams to support all other teams through attendance at competitions; »» To explore and encourage development of community outreach programs; »» To enhance communication between the athletic department administration and the student-athlete population; »» To share SAAC meeting information with teammates and coaches after each meeting in a timely manner and solicit feedback when appropriate; and »» To abide by all established University policies and regulations governing student organizations and their welfare.
2017-18 UC SAAC Executive Board
President Jaashir Morris (MTK)
Vice President Alex MacAffer (WLA)
Treasurer Anika Hitt (WGO)
Comm. Service & Univ. Promotions & Marketing Engagement Officer Loretta Blaut (WTK) Sam Wheatley (WSW)
AAC Representative
Enna Selmanovic (WSW)
Comm. Officer Jack Clark (MSO)
2017-18 SAAC REPS BY TEAM BASEBALL David Orndorff Clayton Colvin M BASKETBALL Kyle Washington W BASKETBALL Ana Owens Sam Rodgers M CROSS COUNTRY Austin Angeline W CROSS COUNTRY Lianne Masquelier Alexis Anton
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FOOTBALL Cortez Broughton Landon Brazile Carter Jacobs Korey Cunningham Tyler Cogswell Malik Clements Josiah Deguara M GOLF Austin Squires Paul Huber
M SOCCER Cole Durant W SOCCER Jordan Cotleur Vanessa Gilles Gabrielle LoPresti Rachel Holloway Kellee O’Shaughnessy (MDQ)
W GOLF Elizabeth Keeling
M SWIMMING/DIVING Jon Satre Justin Crew Din Selmanovic
LACROSSE Lauren Hudson Julia Byrne Schuyler Nissen
W SWIMMING/DIVING Sara Wanasek Alexandra Wall Carlie Perretta
TENNIS Caroline Morton Mollie (Ali) Miller M TRACK & FIELD Alex Bloom Sergio Acera Villanueva W TRACK & FIELD Annette Echikunwoke Alexis Gray Grace Winckowski Allison Plybon VOLLEYBALL Cortnee Bowser Elizabeth Ogle Jordan Thompson Abby Williams
PHONE DIRECTORY FREQUENTLY USED NUMBERS Academic Support & Excellence .............513-556-3244 Admissions...................................................... 513-556-1100 Athletic Ticket Office..................................513-556-2287 Bearcat Campus Card...............................513-556-2000 Bookstore (TUC).......................................... 513-556-1700 Bus Pass, Cincinnati Metro....................... 513-556-4319 Bus, UC Shuttle............................................ 513-556-4424 Campus Information (TUC).......................513-556-2831 Campus Recreation (CRC)......................513-556-0604 Campus Scheduling Office (TUC).........513-556-2442 Career Development Center.....................513-556-3471 Cashier (Pay Bills)........................................513-556-1000 Center Court Dining........................................ 513-556-4116 Childcare (UC Daycare)..............................513-961-2825 Childcare, Women’s Center......................513-556-4401 Co-op (Students).........................................513-556-2667 Counseling Center......................................513-556-0648 Directory Services...................................... 513-556-6000 Disability Services........................................513-556-6823 Educational Services...................................513-556-3244 Ethnic Programs & Services....................513-556-6008 Financial Aid (One Stop)...........................513-556-1000 Health, Student............................................ 513-556-2564 Help Desk (UCIT).........................................513-556-4357 Housing & Food Services.......................... 513-556-6461 ID Badges........................................................513-556-4925 International Student Services................513-556-4278 Judicial Affairs, University........................ 513-556-6814 Learning Assistance Center.....................513-556-3244 Lost and Found............................................513-556-4900 MainStreet Information..................................513-556-2831 Mobile Cats Wireless Store..........................513-556-3195 NightRide............................................................513-558-9255 Notary Public...................................................513-556-1301 Ombuds.............................................................. 513-556-5956 One Stop Student Services........................ 513-556-1000 Parking Services..............................................513-556-2283 Police (Public Safety)........................................513-556-1111 Police (Non-Emergency)........................... 513-556-4900 Psychological Services (Walk-in)............513-556-0648 ResNet (On Campus Internet).................. 513-556-4357 School of Social Work................................... 513-556-4615 Sexual Assault Information......................... 513-556-0173 Sexual Violence Crisis Line (24 HR)................513-218-9531 Student Affairs.................................................. 513-556-4119 Student Life, UC Office of........................ 513-556-5250 TUC Information Desk.................................513-556-2831 Tutorial Services...........................................513-556-3244 Wellness Center (SSLC)..............................513-556-6124 Women’s Center (SSLC)............................513-556-4401 COLLEGES Allied Health Sciences................................ 513-558-7495 Arts and Sciences, McMicken................. 513-556-5860 Business, Lindner........................................ 513-556-7030 College-Conservatory of Music............. 513-556-5463 Design, Architec., Art & Planning................513-556-4933 Edu., Crim. Jus. & Human Svcs..................513-556-2335 Engineering & Applied Science..................513-556-5417 The Graduate School.................................... 513-556-4335 Law.......................................................................513-556-6805 Medicine...............................................................513-558-7391 Nursing...............................................................513-558-5500 Pharmacy, Winkle............................................513-558-3784
2017-18 STUDENT-ATHLETE HANDBOOK
FOR ALL EMERGENCIES
DIAL 911
RESIDENCE HALLS Calhoun........................................................... 513-556-8596 Dabney............................................................ 513-556-6484 Daniels............................................................. 513-556-0676 Schneider (JHC)...........................................513-556-3925 Siddall................................................................513-556-8281 Stratford Heights Complex.....................513-558-7000 Turner (JHC)..................................................513-556-3925 University Park Apartments....................513-558-3000 DEPARTMENT OF ATHLETICS Business Office ........................................... 513-556-0689 Development ............................................... 513-556-4884 Bearcats Bands ............................................513-556-2263 Cheerleading ............................................... 513-556-3463 Compliance & Student Services ........... 513-556-0558 Customer Service/Tickets .......................513-556-2287 Dance Team ................................................... 513-556-0124 Equipment .......................................................513-556-2151 Facilities & Operations.................................513-556-2141 Marketing & Fan Development ............. 513-556-0838 New Media & Video Production ............. 513-556-1275 Athletics Communications ........................513-556-5191 Sports Medicine/Novacare .......................513-556-3178 Strength & Conditioning .......................... 513-556-0551 S.A.S.S. (Academics) .................................513-556-3388 SPORTS Baseball ........................................................... 513-556-1577 Sport Supervisor: Dr. Joe Luckey (joseph.luckey@uc.edu)
Men’s Basketball ..........................................513-556-5847 Sport Supervisors: Nick Bowes (nick.bowes@uc.edu)
Women’s Basketball....................................513-556-2255 Sport Supervisor: Maggie McKinley (maggie.mckinley@uc.edu)
M/W Track & Field/Cross Country ...... 513-556-0562 Sport Supervisor: Trever Wright (trever.wright@uc.edu)
Football ...........................................................513-556-5986 Sport Supervisor: Maggie McKinley (maggie.mckinley@uc.edu)
Men’s Golf ..................................................... 513-556-0558 Sport Supervisor: Dr. Joe Luckey (joseph.luckey@uc.edu)
Women’s Golf .............................................. 513-556-4653 Sport Supervisor: Dr. Joe Luckey (joseph.luckey@uc.edu)
Lacrosse ........................................................ 513-556-6039 Sport Supervisor: Keri Thoman (keralyn.thoman@uc.edu)
Men’s Soccer ................................................ 513-556-0983 Sport Supervisor: Bryan Dean (bryan.dean@uc.edu)
Women’s Soccer ......................................... 513-556-0567 Sport Supervisor: Keri Thoman (keralyn.thoman@uc.edu)
M/W Swimming & Diving ....................... 513-556-0564 Sport Supervisor: Lindsay Jaffe (lindsay.jaffe@uc.edu)
Tennis .............................................................. 513-556-2209 Sport Supervisor: Karen Hatcher (karen.hatcher@uc.edu)
Volleyball ....................................................... 513-556-0569 Sport Supervisor: Maggie McKinley (maggie.mckinley@uc.edu)
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SPORTSMANSHIP & ETHICAL CONDUCT
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he Committee on Sportsmanship and Ethical Conduct has attempted to bring together a variety of resources that will allow administrators, studentathletes, coaches or support groups to engage others in the development of a positive sporting environment for intercollegiate athletics. It is not by accident that sportsmanship has become such a defining value in intercollegiate athletics. The NCAA was founded in an attempt to address unsportsmanlike acts that were costing the loss of student-athlete lives. Today, values such as respect, caring, fairness, civility, honesty, integrity, and responsibility are the focus for the committee.
Sportsmanship is a core principle of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), yet typically, it is only a focus when a crisis occurs. The point of this effort is to address sportsmanship head-on and to proactively give it the sustained attention it deserves. The NCAA Sportsmanship and Ethical Conduct Committee has developed the following definitions for sportsmanship and ethical conduct: SPORTSMANSHIP • Sportsmanship is a set of behaviors to be exhibited by student-athletes, coaches, game officials, administrators and fans in athletics competition. • These behaviors are based on values, especially respect and integrity. ETHICAL CONDUCT • Ethical conduct is a set of guiding principles with which each person follows the letter and spirit of the rules. • Such conduct reflects a higher standard than law because it includes, among other principles, fundamental values that define sportsmanship.
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SPORTSMANSHIP & ETHICAL CONDUCT - AAC
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he American Athletic Conference consists of 13 prestigious institutions: the University of Central
Florida, the University of Cincinnati, East Carolina University, the University of Connecticut, the University of Houston, the University of Memphis, the U.S. Naval Academy (in football only), the University of South Florida Southern Methodist University, Temple University, Tulane University, the University of Tulsa, and Wichita State University (in basketball and Olympic sports). Under the leadership of commissioner Mike Aresco, the American Athletic Conference has an impressive list of accomplishments, both in the competitive arena and the classroom. The American has taken its place at the forefront of intercollegiate athletics, with a collection of national team and individual championships and football and men’s and women’s basketball postseason victories that place The American among the elite Division I FBS conferences. The league has produced four NCAA championship teams - UConn men’s basketball in 2014 and UConn women’s basketball in 2014, 2015 and 2016 - in addition to two New Year’s Six bowl champions, five NCAA individual championships, and a Rhodes Scholar. Additionally, American Athletic Conference teams have advanced to the College World Series, reached the semifinal and final rounds of the NIT, qualified for the match play round of the NCAA Men’s Golf Championship and registered top-10 finishes at the NCAA Cross Country and Outdoor Track and Field championships. The American Athletic Conference was one of six finalists for the 2016 Sports Business Journal Sports League of the Year award, along with Major League Baseball, Major League Soccer, NASCAR, the National Basketball Association and the PGA Tour. In football, Temple and Navy were ranked in the final College Football Playoff poll of the 2016 season, marking the second straight season that The American finished with at least two ranked teams. Seven teams from The American played in bowl games, while three teams (USF, Temple, Tulsa) finished with at least 10 wins. The American has had a combined 15 teams play in bowl games in the last two seasons, highlighted by Houston’s win against Florida State in the 2015-16 Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl. Houston’s finish at No. 8 nationally in 2015 gave The American a top-10 team in the final national polls for the second time in three seasons after UCF finished No. 10 in the 2013 rankings after the Knights’ Fiesta Bowl win against Baylor. Additionally, Memphis, Navy, USF and Temple have all finished in the top 25 of either the CFP, Associated Press or USA Today polls as members of The American. Beyond the gridiron, The American sent four teams to the 2016 NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship, and the league had the best men’s basketball postseason record of any conference in 2014. Since the conference’s formation in 2013-14, teams from The American have registered top-10 national rankings in football, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, baseball, men’s soccer, men’s golf, and men’s track and field. Student-athletes from The American won three NCAA individual titles in track and field in 2016-17 as Cincinnati’s Annette Echikunwoke won the indoor weight throw, Tulsa’s Marc Scott won the outdoor 10,000-meter title, and Houston won the crown in the outdoor 4x100-meter relay. CONDUCT & SPORTSMANSHIP The American expects student-athletes, coaches and other individuals employed by or associated with a member institution and game officials to conduct themselves with honesty and good sportsmanship. The Conference Code of Sportsmanship expects you to act as a role model and to represent your institution in a manner that promotes dignity, honesty and good sportsmanship.
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SPORTSMANSHIP & ETHICAL CONDUCT - AAC The Code was created to support these ideals and to hold everyone involved in American Athletic Conference competition to the highest ideals of sportsmanship. The following American Athletic Conference Sportsmanship principles apply from the time you are en route to and from or at the locale of any competition or practice. Additionally, actions outside this time frame may be subject to the Conference Code of Sportsmanship. •
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•
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Individuals shall exhibit respect and courtesy toward game officials, student-athletes, coaches, team personnel, athletic administrators, Conference office staff members and spectators. Individuals shall refrain from personal conduct that may incite spectators. Individuals shall refrain from all public criticism, inclusive of all forms of communication, of game officials, student-athletes, coaches, team personnel, athletic administrators, Conference office staff members or spectators. Only Conference office staff members (e.g., Commissioner, Coordinator of Officials) are permitted to enter the locker room of a game official to discuss game activities. A coach or student-athlete should never enter a game official’s locker room. Any public communication regarding a code of sportsmanship violation may be subject to conference sanctions. For those teams in which the Conference has a travel party size limitation, exceeding the stated limit is considered a violation of the Code of Sportsmanship.
The Conference is committed to these principles, and to their enforcement. Violations of the rules listed above, and/or poor sportsmanship not necessarily described in detail above, may subject the individual to public reprimand and/or suspension from participation in competition. The member institution and/or the Conference may levy these sanctions. Penalties are determined on a case-by-case basis. The Commissioner and/or designated Conference office staff member will proceed with disciplinary action if and when the Commissioner deems it appropriate. The Commissioner may elect to work in concert with the Conference’s Executive Sportsmanship Committee, as defined hereafter in this document, in these matters. Coaches and administrators shall make every attempt to promote the Conference and its members in a positive manner. Game officials, who are responsible for enforcing both the rules of a contest as well as sportsmanship and decorum rules, have the complete support of the Conference member institutions, the Commissioner and Conference office staff Crowd control responsibilities during The American athletic events rest with the home event management staff designated by the member institution’s Director of Athletics. Policies established by The American are reviewed annually by the Senior Woman Administrators and printed in a handbook effective for the sports season. The American Senior Woman Administrators have been charged with establishing and overseeing sportsmanship practices by serving as the point persons and advocates regarding sportsmanship initiatives.
CODE OF SPORTSMANSHIP The following American Athletic Conference Sportsmanship principles apply from the time any representative is en route to, from or at the locale of the competition or practice. Additionally, actions outside this time frame may be subject to the Conference Code of Sportsmanship. This policy includes any competition in which our member institutions are competing. In situations where the unsportsmanlike behavior is addressed during the competition by the officials, the NCAA playing rules take precedent, but additional action may be taken by the Conference for egregious behavior. Individuals that must adhere to the principles include, but are not limited to, coaching staff members, support personnel, student-athletes, Conference office staff members, representatives of a member institution’s department of athletics, band members, cheerleaders and institutional mascot:
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SPORTSMANSHIP & ETHICAL CONDUCT - AAC •
Individuals shall exhibit respect and courtesy toward game officials, student-athletes, coaches, team personnel, athletic administrators, Conference office staff members and spectators. Individuals shall refrain from personal conduct that may incite spectators. Violations of Sportsmanship Code include, but not limited to the following: a) Striking, attempting to strike or otherwise physically abusing an official, coach, spectator or student-athlete; b) Intentionally inciting participants or spectators to inappropriate action; or c) Using obscene gestures or unduly provocative language or action toward a game official, Conference personnel, another institution, a student-athlete or personnel of another institution, coach or spectator.
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Individuals shall refrain from all public criticism, inclusive of all forms of communication, relative to game officials, student-athletes, coaches, team personnel, athletic administrators, Conference office staff members or spectators.
•
Only Conference office staff members (e.g., Commissioner, Coordinator of Officials) are permitted to enter the locker room of a game official to discuss game activities. A coach or student-athlete should never enter a game official’s locker room.
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Public communication regarding a code of sportsmanship violation may be subject to sanctions.
•
For those teams in which the Conference has a travel party size limitation, exceeding the stated limit is considered a violation of the Code of Sportsmanship.
Violations of the rules listed above, and/or poor sportsmanship not necessarily describe in detail above, may subject the individual to penalties, including letter of admonishment, public reprimand and/or suspension from participation by the member institution and/or the Conference. Penalties are determined on a case-by-case basis. Should a violation of one of the principles occur, the following process is to be executed: I. Initiation of Potential Violation • Once a member institution is aware that a potential violation has taken place, the respective Director of Athletics or designee must contact the Commissioner and/or designated Conference office staff member immediately. •
Once the Conference office is aware that a potential violation has taken place, the Commissioner and/or designated Conference office staff member must contact the Director of Athletics of the involved institution(s) within 24 hours. a) The institution shall provide a written report to the Conference Office within 24 hours detailing the circumstances surrounding the potential violation, any mitigating factors and any actions taken by the institution.
II. Commissioner’s Findings and Report • The Commissioner and/or designated Conference office staff member will conduct a formal review, including reviewing the report submitted by the institution, to determine if a violation has in fact occurred. •
At the conclusion of the formal review, the Commissioner and/or designated Conference office staff member will issue a report confirming whether a violation took place. This report will be provided to the Director(s) of Athletics and/or designees of the institution(s) involved within three (3) business days of being notified of the occurrence of the event.
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SPORTSMANSHIP & ETHICAL CONDUCT - AAC •
This report will include the Commissioner’s and/or designated Conference office staff member’s findings and penalties, if any, to be imposed. The Commissioner reserves the right to adopt and acknowledge the institution’s recommended sanctions. The Commissioner may also reconsider new information if presented in a timely manner.
III. Acceptance or Objection to Commissioner’s Report • The Director(s) of Athletics and/or designee of the involved institution(s) shall submit a written response to the Commissioner indicating a formal acceptance or objection to the matter. In the event either of the involved institutions believes the Commissioner’s finding and/or penalty is inappropriate, insufficient or excessive in nature, an appeal may be initiated by that Director of Athletics and/or designee. •
The intent to appeal must be filed in writing to the Commissioner within 24 hours of receiving the Commissioner’s report.
IV. Appeal Process • Overview and Preparation for Appeal a) The Executive Sportsmanship Committee - Shall hear and consider the appeal and shall do so as expeditiously as possible. Any individual on the Committee that is representing one of the involved institutions must be recused. - Decision of the Committee shall be final. b) The Director of Athletics and/or designee - Must participate in the hearing - Must submit a written statement outlining the reasons for the appeal to the Executive Sportsmanship Committee at least 24 hours prior to the hearing. - Must provide Opening Statement at Hearing (Closing Statement is optional) •
c) Commissioner and/or Designated Conference Office Staff Member - Will provide the report, along with other relevant material (e.g., video, media reports, statements by witnesses, etc.) for the Committee’s consideration. - Must provide Opening Statement at Hearing (Closing Statement is optional) Appeal Hearing via Teleconference a) Meeting called to order by Chair of Committee. b) Opening Statement by Director of Athletics who submitted the appeal. c) Opening Statement by Commissioner and/or designated Conference office staff member. d) Hearing open for discussion among all individuals participating. e) Closing Statements may be made by Director of Athletics and/or Commissioner. f) Chair will excuse the institution’s representatives and the Committee will then deliberate and make a determination to uphold, modify, or reject the Commissioner’s decision. g) The Commissioner and/or designated Conference office staff member will notify the Director of Athletics who submitted the appeal.
V. Decision • The decision of the Executive Sportsmanship Committee shall be final. VI. Communication • Once the process has concluded, the Commissioner and/or designated Conference office staff member will provide the outcome to all Conference member institutions’ Directors of Athletics and Senior Women Administrators via ShareFile.
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SPORTSMANSHIP & ETHICAL CONDUCT - AAC Suspension Guidelines The institution with a suspended student-athlete, coach, band member, cheerleader or mascot bears all responsibility for making sure the involved individual(s) adhere to the parameters of the suspension. •
•
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Suspension-Student-Athlete: On the days a student-athlete is suspended from a competition, he/she shall not participate and shall not be present in the playing venue from the time the team reports on call for the competition through the time the team is officially released from the competition. Suspension-Coach: A coach cannot be present in the involved playing venue while he/ she is serving the suspension from the time the team is required to report on call for the competition until the team has departed the playing venue. On the day(s) a coach is suspended from a competition, he/she may not have contact or communication with the institution’s team and institution’s personnel and coaches during the time as defined above. Suspension-Band Member, Cheerleader, Mascot: On the days a band member, cheerleader or mascot is suspended from a competition, he/she shall not participate and shall not be present in the playing venue during the competition and any activities (prior to or after) associated with the competition.
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UC STUDENT-ATHLETE CONDUCT POLICY I. MISSION The University of Cincinnati Department of Athletics is committed to comprehensive excellence in the pursuit of creating meaningful academic, athletics, and social experiences for our student-athletes. We compete for victory and will represent our university and community with pride and distinction. This Student-Athlete Conduct policy is designed to alert you, the student-athlete, to the behavior expected of you, and to the potential consequences that your behavior may have on your status as a student-athlete. All student-athletes are members of The University of Cincinnati’s student body. You are a student first, and your participation in intercollegiate athletics derives from your status as a student. Accordingly, all University policies governing student conduct are written into the Student Code of Conduct and apply to you. The Student Code of Conduct can be found at www. uc.edu/conduct. This Student-Athlete Conduct policy does not take the place of the Student Code of Conduct and is only applicable to you as a student-athlete and your status as a studentathlete. In addition, your participation in the University’s intercollegiate athletics program is governed by policies and procedures put into effect by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and the American Athletic Conference. Your participation in the University’s intercollegiate athletics program is also governed by all University of Cincinnati’s Department of Athletics’ rules and procedures as set forth in the Student- Athlete Handbook, including the Department of Athletics’ Substance Abuse Policies, the SASS Code of Conduct, Team Policies, and Recruiting and Student-Host Guidelines. The Department of Athletics may take action under this Student-Athlete Conduct policy regarding your participation in the University’s intercollegiate athletics program, and also regarding the awarding, renewal, and modification of a scholarship that you may now have. Action may be taken before University disciplinary or other external authorities have concluded disposition of the alleged violation. This Student-Athlete Conduct policy is intended to complement, not replace, conduct rules that your sport team has adopted, including consequences for violating those sport team rules. II. POLICIES ON MISCONDUCT STUDENT-ATHLETES
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FOR
UC
LEGAL ISSUES Any UC student-athlete arrested for either a felony, misdemeanor, or any lesser criminal offense must notify his or her head coach (or assistant coach if the head coach is not available) as soon as possible after the arrest. Regardless of the nature of the criminal offense for which the UC student-athlete has been arrested, he or she is suspended from all team activities from the time of his or her arrest until he or she has met with the head coach and the Director of Athletics or sports supervisor designated (hereinafter “Designee”) by the Director. After the UC student-athlete meets with his or her head coach and the Director of Athletics or the Designee, based upon the circumstances of the situation and using the below-referenced guidelines, a decision will be made by the head coach and the Director of Athletics as to whether the suspension will continue, will be modified or will be lifted entirely. FELONY CHARGE OR ARREST Any student who represents the University of Cincinnati by participation in intercollegiate athletics who is charged with, or arrested for, a felony as defined by the State of Ohio shall be suspended immediately from practice and from competition until final resolution of the criminal proceeding or such time that the Director of Athletics, after careful consideration of the totality of the circumstances and upon meeting with the student-athlete, may choose to reinstate the student-athlete, continue the suspension, or continue the suspension subject to conditions provided. The Director of Athletics may also consult with the FAR and appropriate University officials for recommendations regarding the appropriate sanction(s). Specific sanctions and conditions for felony misconduct include, but are not limited to: warning, reprimand, probation with or without conditions, requirements for restitution, conditions to encourage personal rehabilitation (e.g., counseling and community service), conditions related to satisfactory academic performance, suspension from practice, suspension from competition, suspension from access to athletic departmental services, dismissal from athletic department and/or action to revoke or modify athleticallyrelated financial aid. Any revocation or modification of athletically-related financial aid will be in accordance with NCAA and University procedures outlined in the Student-Athlete Handbook.
UC STUDENT-ATHLETE CONDUCT POLICY NON-FELONY MISCONDUCT Any student-athlete who represents the University of Cincinnati by participation in intercollegiate athletics who is charged with, or arrested for, a misdemeanor as defined by the State of Ohio will be subject to team discipline, which will be reviewed by the Director of Athletics, who, after careful consideration of the totality of the circumstances, including the coach’s recommendation, may provide sanctions for the non-felony misconduct. Misconduct that results in a case under the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards is also classified as non-felony misconduct for purposes of this policy. The Director of Athletics may also consult with the FAR and appropriate University officials for recommendations regarding the appropriate sanction(s). Specific sanctions for non-felony misconduct may include, but are not limited to: warning, reprimand, probation with or without conditions, requirements for restitution, conditions to encourage personal rehabilitation (e.g., counseling and community service), conditions related to satisfactory academic performance, suspension from practice, suspension from competition, suspension from access to athletic departmental services, dismissal from athletic department and/ or action to revoke or modify athletically- related financial aid. Any revocation or modification of athletically related financial aid will be in accordance with NCAA and University procedures outlined in the Student-Athlete Handbook. INDIVIDUAL TEAM POLICIES In addition to the Student-Athlete Conduct Policy, which applies to all student-athletes, each team will have specific policies related to conduct expected from the coaching staff of their respective student-athletes. The individual team policies will only be supplements and are not intended to replace the general StudentAthlete Conduct Policy. Every individual team policy will be reviewed and must be approved by the sport supervisor. Each coaching staff is responsible for reviewing their individual team policies with their respective student-athletes. III. DISMISSAL The student-athlete may be dismissed from all elements of participation in intercollegiate athletics when the Director of Athletics, in consultation with the coach, and other appropriate University officials, determines that either the severity or the frequency of
2017-18 STUDENT-ATHLETE HANDBOOK
the misconduct necessitates the dismissal. A student-athlete who has been dismissed from participation in practice, competition, and/ or services provided by the Department of Athletics due to misconduct shall be provided the opportunity to appeal the decision consistent with grievance procedures explained in the Student-Athlete Handbook. IV. APPEAL A student-athlete may appeal a revocation or modification of athletically-related financial aid in accordance with NCAA procedures and University procedures as outlined in the StudentAthlete Handbook. In addition, other appeal processes may be used by a student-athlete in accordance with applicable University policies. If there is a substantial change in circumstances affecting a student-athlete who has been suspended from participation in practice, competition, and/ or services provided by the Department of Athletics, the student-athlete may petition the Director of Athletics to review the changed circumstances. The student-athlete may submit a written statement in support of the request. Thereafter, the Director of Athletics shall consult with other appropriate University officials on whether the suspension should be modified. If circumstances warrant a change in a suspension, a student-athlete may be reinstated by the Director of Athletics to resume participation in practice, competition, and/ or services provided by the Department of Athletics. Dismissal or reduction of a criminal charge is a change of circumstance that may or may not justify revision of a suspension from participation in practice, competition, and/or services provided by the Department of Athletics. V. RECORDS AND PRIVACY Records of misconduct and actions taken will be maintained in your education record within the Office of the Executive Senior Associate Athletics Director/SWA. These records are subject to state and federal privacy protection, as well as University policies regarding confidentiality. Notification to the public regarding your eligibility for intercollegiate competition shall be limited to your name and eligibility status, public information, and information that is not part of your education record subject to the privacy protections noted above. VI. REVIEW OF POLICY This Student-Athlete Conduct Policy will be
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UC STUDENT-ATHLETE CONDUCT POLICY reviewed within three years after the latest revisions are implemented and revised as appropriate. This policy is subject to review at any other time deemed necessary by the President, the Academic Advisory Committee, the Director of Athletics, or the General Counsel.
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EQUITY & INCLUSION TITLE IX
T
he University of Cincinnati and the UC Department of Athletics do not tolerate sex discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual violence or retaliation and takes steps to ensure that students, employees, and third parties are not subject to a hostile environment in university programs or activities. The university responds promptly and effectively to allegations of sex discrimination, including sexual harassment, violence and retaliation. It promptly conducts investigations and takes appropriate action, including disciplinary action, against individuals found to have violated its policies, as well as provides appropriate remedies to complainants and the campus community. The university takes immediate action to end a hostile environment if one has been created, prevent its recurrence, and remedy the effects of any hostile environment on affected members of the campus community. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 is a federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in the university’s programs and activities. Sexual harassment, including sexual violence, and retaliation are forms of discrimination prohibited by Title IX. (TITLE VII, CIVIL RIGHTS ACT OF 1964; TITLE IX, EDUCATIONAL AMENDMENTS OF 1972). Title IX prohibits: • Discrimination on the basis of sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression • Discrimination against pregnant & parenting students, faculty, staff and visitors • Sex/Gender-based harassment • Sex/Gender-based violence • Stalking • Dating Violence • Domestic Violence All university employees (including student workers), except those specifically designated as confidential resources (see confidential resources), must report to the Title IX Coordinator any incidents of possible sex and gender-based discrimination, harassment, and violence (sexual violence, dating and domestic violence, stalking). NOTE: With limited exceptions, Ohio law requires any person learning of a felony must report the crime to the police. Thus, reporting a sexual assault or a rape to a co-worker, professor, coach, resident advisor, administrator or other university employee might require that individual to report the allegation to the university’s Office of Public Safety. Interim measures are available upon receipt of a report of sex discrimination, including sexual violence, and prior to the resolution of a complaint, as appropriate. Available interim measures include, but are not limited to, restrictions on contact between the respondent and complainant (“no contact” orders); changes in academic or living situations where appropriate; access to counseling, health and mental health services at no cost; academic support; and escort services.
SHOULD YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS, THE UNIVERSITY HAS DESIGNATED THE FOLLOWING INDIVIDUAL TO COORDINATE COMPLIANCE WITH TITLE IX AND HANDLE INQUIRIES REGARDING THE UNIVERSITY’S POLICIES THAT PROHIBIT DISCRIMINATION ON THE BASIS OF SEX: Karla Phillips - Interim Title IX Coordinator »» 3115 Edwards 1, 45 Corry Blvd., Cincinnati, Ohio 45221 »» 513-556-3349 | titleix@uc.edu FOR MORE INFORMATION: http://www.uc.edu/titleix.html
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TITLE IX Resources for students, employees, and third parties who experience sex discrimination, including sexual misconduct, harassment, or retaliation or any other issues. (Confidential options available): http://www.uc.edu/titleix/resources.html Confidential On-Campus Resources: Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) (513) 556-0648 - 24-hours Provides free, confidential counseling, consultation, mental health, and educational services to students who have experienced sexual violence, sexual harassment, stalking and/or intimate partner violence while enrolled at UC. Women Helping Women On-Campus Advocate (513) 556-4418 559 Steger Student Life Center Provides free and confidential support, accompaniment, and advocacy for all UC students, faculty, and staff. Domestic Violence & Protective Order Clinic (513) 241-9400 Provides free and confidential representation to victims of domestic violence, stalking, sexual assault and human trafficking in civil protection order hearings. ONE TEAM The One Team Committee encourages insightful, thought-provoking dialogue and input from all and ongoing participation is encouraged. We are committed to providing opportunities for camaraderie, learning, growth, and understanding through various events and gatherings, both professionally and socially. We encourage all staff and student-athletes to be involved in the One Team experience to help create a more inclusive atmosphere. The committee strives to achieve this through the work of the following subcommittees: Buddy/Mentoring Program, Education & Programming, Events, Awards and Celebrations and Social Media & Website. SAFE ZONE A Safe Zone Ally is someone with information, sensitivity, and understanding toward members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Questioning (LGBTQ) community, their issues and concerns. When someone displays the Safe Zone sticker, this means that she/he is an ally who has participated in Safe Zone training, signed the Safe Zone Ally’s Contract and is committed to providing a safe place in which to discuss LGBTQ concerns and issues. HAZING POLICY Failure to comply with rule 3361:40-3-12 of the Administrative Code, or state law regarding hazing where hazing generally means any act which endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student, for the purpose of initiation, admission into, affiliation with, or as a condition of continued membership in a group or organization. The Hazing policy is discussed at all sports check-in meetings at the beginning of the year. If you have questions, contact the Compliance staff or view the policy at http://www.uc.edu/conduct/ Code_of_Conduct/nonacademic-misconduct.html To Learn more about the University’s practices and policies, the following may assist you: Right to Know Policy - http://www.uc.edu/righttoknow.html Office of Equal Opportunity - http://www.uc.edu/hr/oeoa.html
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SUBSTANCE DEPENDENCY & ABUSE
T
he University Of Cincinnati Department Of Athletics recognizes that the health and safety of student-athletes affects all areas of their individual performances as well as their teammates. It also recognizes that student-athletes represent the University to the public in intercollegiate competition. The Department is aware that substance dependency and abuse represents a major health problem. As a reflection of its concern for the health, safety and welfare of its student-athletes, for the integrity of the intercollegiate athletic program at the University of Cincinnati, and to be consistent with NCAA regulations, the Department has adopted the following policy on substance dependency and abuse. Bob Mangine, Associate Athletics Director for Sports Medicine, is the UC designated resource person to answer questions regarding nutritional supplements and NCAA banned drugs; please contact him at 513-556-4352 or manginre@ucmail.uc.edu. DEFINITIONS Controlled or Illegal Drugs – include narcotics, hallucinogens, depressants, stimulants, look-alike drugs or other substances which can affect or hamper the senses, emotions, reflexes, judgment, or other physical or mental activities. Included are controlled medications or substances not prescribed for current personal treatment by a licensed health practitioner in a medical setting to address a specific physical, emotional, or mental condition. Legally Obtained Medication - includes drugs prescribed by a licensed practitioner and over-the-counter drugs which have been legally obtained and are being used in the appropriate amount solely by the individual and for the purpose for which the medication was prescribed or manufactured.
*THE USE OF ANY LEGALLY OBTAINED MEDICATION WITHOUT PRIOR NOTIFICATION TO THE UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI SPORTS MEDICINE STAFF IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED AND MAY RESULT IN A POSITIVE DRUG TEST RESULT* Banned Drug Classes - the University of Cincinnati will abide by the NCAA Banned Drug Classes list, which can be found in Appendix A. This list is not exhaustive that includes both performance enhancing drugs and street drug to protect the health of the SA and to ensure fair play. The University of Cincinnati reserves the right to amend or edit this list at any time. Positive Drug Test - defined as a test result determined to be positive by a certified Medical Review Officer. A drug test will be performed on a biological specimen. SAs who fail to arrive at the collection station at the designated time without justification; fail to provide a biological specimen according to protocol; leave the collection station before providing a specimen according to protocol; attempt to alter the integrity or validity or the biological specimen and/or collection process; or are otherwise uncooperative with the administration of the test, will be treated as having a positive drug test. Proper documentation of notifying the SA will be noted on drug testing forms. Student-Athlete/SA – a person who is on an active roster and/or receiving an athletic grant-in-aid at the institution. DRUG EDUCATION POLICY At a designated team meeting at the beginning of each semester, a presentation will be made to all SAs of each individual sport that will include but not limited to; the 2017-18 STUDENT-ATHLETE HANDBOOK
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SUBSTANCE DEPENDENCY & ABUSE Department of Athletics Substance Abuse and Drug Testing Policy, its purposes, its implementation, as well as the NCAA’s Drug Testing Program to reinforce important information, and to ensure new and/or transfer SAs are all appropriately educated. The NCAA list of banned drug classes and dietary supplements are available at the NCAA Resource Exchange Center (REC) at www.drugfreesport.com/rec or at www. ncaa.org/drugtesting. The University will distribute NCAA banned substances information, and copies of this program will be sent out in electronic or hard copy format to all returning and known incoming SAs at a time when released by the NCAA. The University of Cincinnati, Department of Athletics Drug Policy will also be available on line through the official website of the University of Cincinnati Department of Athletics, www.gobearcats.com, under the Sports Medicine tab. All SAs will be required to sign a form annually acknowledging their receipt of the University’s Substance Abuse and Drug Testing Policy and a form acknowledging their understanding of the NCAA Drug Testing Program. In addition, they will be asked to consent to the administration of random urinalysis testing as required by the program, and permitting release of drug testing information to a limited group of medical and athletic administrative personnel, as well as parents/guardians. SAs who do not participate in the drug testing program or refuse to complete a drug test may not participate in team activities. The Department of Athletics will require mandatory participation in drugs/alcohol educational programs for all SAs each year. Development of educational programs and overall compliance will be completed by the Sports Medicine Department, in conjunction with Student Athlete Support Services (SASS). Any SA not completing the educational program(s) on an annual basis will not qualify for the Bearcat Strong designation. Mandated Topics Include: • NCAA banned drug classes • NCAA drug testing policy and its consequences for testing positive • Risks of using nutritional/dietary supplements • NCAA Tobacco Policy • Conference and Institutional drug testing programs • Streetdrugsusepoliciesandinstitutionalsanctionsforviolationsasdescribedbelow • Alcohol influence on behavior and personality • Other topics as a need is recognized and/or requested DRUG TESTING PROGRAM The Drug Testing Program is administered by the Associate Athletic Director of Sports Medicine under the supervision of the Director of Athletics. Drug testing is necessary both to deter drug use and to detect such use as it occurs, so that drug abusers, and the threat of injury or illness they represent to themselves and others, may be removed from the Department of Athletics. Participants utilizing substances, in violation of this policy, are deemed physically unfit for intercollegiate sports because they pose a risk of serious injury to themselves and others in the course of practice and competition. Drug Testing Programs, as designed by the NCAA and the University of Cincinnati, are intended to ensure that no one participant may have an artificially induced advantage over another teammate or opponent. Drug screens may be announced and/or unannounced, during the year for any and/ or all drugs listed on the NCAA Banned Substance list. 18
SUBSTANCE DEPENDENCY & ABUSE SAs may be required to submit a urine screen randomly, regularly, or for reasonable suspicion as individuals, teams, or portions of teams. Individualized Reasonable Suspicion Process - if there is reasonable suspicion that a SA is using or has used any Controlled or Illegal Drug(s) or Performance Enhancing Supplements or has misused/abused any Legally Obtained Medication(s), he/she may be subject to testing at any time during the year. Reasonable suspicion may be based on information presented to a coach, athletic trainer, or department administrator. Only with the written approval of the Head Team Physician, and Associate Athletic Director of Sports Medicine will testing proceed under reasonable suspicion. Examples which may constitute reasonable suspicion include, but are not limited to the following:
•
• •
•
Observed possession, social media indications, verbal report or use of controlled or banned substances, or substances, which reasonably appear to be controlled or banned. An arrest and/or conviction for a criminal offense related to the possession, use, or trafficking of substances that are considered controlled or banned. Observed activity, appearance or personality which varies from the normal routine of a SA. This includes but is not limited to, changes in physical appearance, conduct, behavior, or unusual/unexplained patterns of absence from class, training, or competition, which would be reasonably associated with the use of controlled or banned substances. Violation of the Department of Athletics policies, the University’s Student Code of Conduct or any other published University policy based on possession, use, or affiliation with alcohol and/or banned substances.
TESTING The urine screen shall consist of the collection of a urine specimen from a SA. A certified laboratory contracted by the Department of Athletics shall analyze each urine sample. • The laboratory will analyze the samples using the standards of Health and Human Services (HHS) certified lab and report all positive test results to the Medical Review Officer (MRO). • Each SA sample will be identified by code rather than name, and the code and all records relating to testing will be kept in a safe, confidential location. Steps will be taken to maintain the accuracy and confidentiality of the test results, including maintaining a documented chain of specimen custody to establish the identity of the sample throughout the collection and testing process. In the event of a positive test, the MRO will contact the SA, to determine if there is a medical reason for the positive test. • In the event of a positive test a SA, may request that the sample “B” be re-tested or tested at a different laboratory. HHS testing standards will be required on all re-tests. The number of re-tests will be limited to one, and will be at the expense of the SA. The NCAA conducts year round and championship testing of all sports. SAs that have a positive test with the NCAA will have urine screenings on a regular basis and be subject to sanctions by the NCAA and the Department of Athletics. Any SA, legally charged with the sale, purchase, transfer of, or possession of controlled or illegal drugs may be suspended from practice and competition until being cleared of those charges. Conviction of a SA for the sale, purchase, transfer of or possession charges will result in automatic and immediate dismissal from their team and in the loss of all athletically related financial aid. 2017-18 STUDENT-ATHLETE HANDBOOK
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SUBSTANCE DEPENDENCY & ABUSE The Department of Athletics, in conjunction with the Office of Judicial Affairs and the University of Cincinnati Police Department will have mutual communication between departments for all incidents, both on- and off-campus. EFFECTS OF A POSITIVE URINE SCREEN REQUIRED BY UC • University of Cincinnati personnel or contracted affiliates may be notified to facilitate the implementation of this policy and program. University of Cincinnati personnel or contracted affiliates who facilitate the implementation of this policy and program include: athletic trainers, medical staff, coaches, seniorlevel athletic administrators, and other University academic and administrative personnel with whom the Department of Athletics may require consultation or assistance. • All suspensions will be categorized as a “violations of team rules” for public communications, unless made public by the SA. • The parents and/or legal guardian(s) will be notified of the infraction. • The SA will be subject to additional urine screens through the remainder of their eligibility. • The Head Coach and Associate Athletic Director of Sports Medicine, in consultation with the Director of Athletics, may impose stricter sanctions than those outlined below if there are additional factors or circumstances that warrant such sanctions. • SAs who fail to report for a requested urine screen or who fail to provide a specimen as directed, will be treated as though they received a “positive” test result. FIRST POSITIVE TEST • The Director of Athletics, Head Coach, the Associate Athletic Director of Sports Medicine and the Senior Associate Athletics Director of Compliance will be notified of any positive drug tests. A confidential meeting with the SA will be conducted once it is determined that a positive drug test has occurred. The SAs or parent(s) or legal guardian(s) will be notified of the positive test. • SA will be evaluated for addiction treatment (outpatient or inpatient) and may be referred to such treatment by a team psychologist and/or team physician based on results of an evaluation. • Random weekly testing may occur, for the SAs duration at the institution. • Mandatory completion of substance abuse counseling. The SA may not be permitted to return to team activities until the substance abuse counseling is completed, and return to team activities is recommended. Failure to complete substance abuse counseling will result in further action from the Department of Athletics. • Clean Slate: SAs with a first positive test that remains incident free for twelve (12) months will be considered to have a clean record. However, all subsequent incidents, regardless of the length of time between incidents, will be treated in a cumulative manner. SECOND POSITIVE TEST • The Director of Athletics, Head Coach, the Associate Athletic Director of Sports Medicine and the Senior Associate Athletics Director of Compliance will be notified of any positive drug tests. A confidential meeting with the SA will be scheduled once it is determined a positive drug test has occurred. At this meeting, the SA will be given the option of having a representative present. The SAs parent(s) or legal 20
SUBSTANCE DEPENDENCY & ABUSE •
•
• •
• • •
•
guardian(s) will be notified of the positive test. An immediate seven (7) day suspension from all team-related activities will be imposed (exceptions are made regarding academic and sports medicine services) on a SA. This seven-day period will begin on the date the SA is informed about his/her suspension. A loss of ten (10) percent of the SAs competition season will be imposed. A Reevaluation for addiction (outpatient or inpatient) treatment will be conducted and the SA may be referred to such treatment by a team psychologist and/or team physician based on test results of evaluation. SA will no longer be eligible for any potential summer school aid through the Department of Athletics. SA will be subject to potential loss of financial aid through the Department of Athletics, for the next academic year, as determined by the Director of Athletics and the Head Coach. SA will no longer be eligible for any post-eligibility financial aid through the Department of Athletics. SA will be subject to random testing for the dur ation of their athletic eligibility at the University. Mandatory completion of substance abuse counseling will be required. SA will not be permitted to return to team activities until the substance abuse counseling is completed, and return to activities is recommended. SA must provide documentation as evidence. Failure to complete substance abuse counseling will result in dismissal from the SAs respective team.
FAILURE TO COMPLETE SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNSELING WILL RESULT IN DISMISSAL FROM THE SA’S RESPECTIVE TEAM. THIRD POSITIVE TEST • The Director of Athletics, Head Coach, the Associate Athletic Director of Sports Medicine and the Senior Associate Athletics Director of Compliance will be notified of any positive drug tests. A confidential meeting with the SA will be scheduled; once it is determined a positive drug test has occurred. At this meeting, the SA will be given the option of having a representative present. The SAs parent(s) or legal guardian(s) will be notified of the positive test. • An immediate seven (7) day suspension from all team-related activities will be imposed (exceptions are made regarding academic and sports medicine services). This seven-day period will begin on the date the SA is informed about his/her suspension. A loss of 25 percent of the SAs competition season will be imposed. • Reevaluation for addiction (out-patient or in-patient) treatment may be prescribed. • SA will be subject to potential loss of financial aid for the next academic year as determined by the Director of Athletics and the Head Coach. • SA will be subject to random testing for the duration of their athletic eligibility at the University. • Mandatory completion of substance abuse counseling will be required. SA will not be permitted to return to team activities until the substance abuse counseling is completed, and return to activities is recommended. SA must provide documentation as evidence.
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SUBSTANCE DEPENDENCY & ABUSE FOURTH POSITIVE DRUG TEST • IMMEDIATE DISMISSAL PARTICIPATION.
FROM
ALL
INTERCOLLEGIATE
ATHLETICS
FAILURE TO COMPLETE SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNSELING WILL RESULT IN DISMISSAL FROM THE SA’S RESPECTIVE TEAM. ALCOHOL POLICY The University of Cincinnati does not condone the illegal or irresponsible use of alcohol. Alcohol abuse is a progressive disorder in which physical dependency can develop. The negative physical and mental effects of the abuse of alcohol are well documented. Even low doses of alcohol impair brain function, judgment, alertness, coordination, and reflexes. Very high doses cause suppression of the respiratory system and can lead to death. EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL USE OR ABUSE All SAs involved in alcohol related incidents are subject to the rules and disciplinary policies of the University of Cincinnati. This is true for any violation of state law that occurs either: • on University-owned or leased property, • at University-sponsored or supervised functions, or • under other circumstances (i.e. off-campus incidents) involving a direct and substantial connection to the University. The consumption of alcohol by SAs is prohibited in connection with any official intercollegiate team function. For the purposes of this policy, an official team function is defined as any activity that is held at the direction of, or under the supervision of, the team’s coaching staff or sponsored by the Department of Athletics. • Any SA found to have engaged in such conduct is subject to the entire range of University sanctions described in the University’s Student Code of Conduct, including suspension and expulsion. • Any SA who participates in underage drinking will be bound by this policy as an illegal activity. Any off-campus incident, which violates state law, would be subject to trigger the University’s Code of Conduct Policy. Upon documentation provided in an official report from the Office of Judicial Affairs, Residence Life, Campus Police, or any other police agency, or observation by UC department of athletics employee, SAs who violate the Department of Athletics Alcohol Policy will be subject to the following sanctions: FIRST INCIDENT • Evaluation for addiction and treatment as deemed necessary by medical personnel. • Alcohol education program. SECOND INCIDENT • Immediate five (5) day suspension from all team-related activities (exceptions are made regarding academic and sports medicine services). This five-day period will begin on the date the SA is informed about their suspension. A loss of ten (10) percent of the SAs competition season will be imposed. • Evaluation for addiction and treatment as deemed necessary by medical personnel. 22
SUBSTANCE DEPENDENCY & ABUSE •
Alcohol education program.
THIRD INCIDENT • Immediate fourteen (14) day suspension from all team-related activities (exceptions are made regarding academic and sports medicine services). This fourteen day period will begin as of the date the SA is informed about their suspension. A loss of 25 percent of the SAs competition season will be imposed. • Possible reduction or loss of financial aid for the next academic year as determined by the Director of Athletics. FELONY OFFENSES related to alcohol usage will result in immediate suspension from all athletic-related activities pending resolution of the criminal justice process. SOCIAL MISBEHAVIOR Mandatory completion of substance abuse counseling/rehabilitation program will be required of any SA found to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs when resultant social misbehavior occurs (e.g., DWI, destruction of property, assault).Clean Slate: SAs with an alcohol related incident that remains incident free for twelve (12) months would be considered to have a clean record. However, all subsequent incidents, regardless of the length of time between incidents, will be treated in a cumulative manner. TOBACCO POLICY The Department of Athletics does not condone the use of tobacco products. The use of tobacco is prohibited in connection with any intercollegiate team function. NCAA legislation prohibits use of tobacco products by SAs, coaches and staff during practices or competition. SAFE HARBOR POLICY On exactly one (1) occasion during a student’s term at the University, a SA may, on a voluntary basis, report their use/abuse of alcohol, Controlled, Legally Obtained Medication, and/or Banned Substances to their Head Coach, the Associate Athletic Director of Sports Medicine, Staff Athletic Trainer, or a team physician for the purpose of seeking evaluation for addiction and/or treatment for chemical dependency. At that time, the SA will be evaluated and/or tested and the result will be used in a treatment plan which will be provided to the SA in writing and they will not be subject to the sanctions which ordinarily accompany a first positive test or alcohol related incident. If, at any time, it is determined that the SA has violated the prescribed treatment plan they will be immediately removed from the Safe Harbor program and the initial safe harbor positive test will be treated consistently with any other first positive test. A SA is not eligible for the Safe Harbor program thirty (30) days prior to NCAA or Conference post-season competition, once he or she has been informed of an impending test, or after having received notification of a positive test from either the University or the NCAA. AT NO TIME DOES THE DEPARTMENT OF ATHLETICS HOLD THE ABILITY TO REMOVE OR PROHIBIT ANY STUDENT-ATHLETE FROM AN NCAA REQUIRED DRUG TEST
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MENTAL HEALTH The University of Cincinnati Athletics, Sports Medicine Department wishes to inform you, the student-athlete, of the psychological services and resources available to you. Please be aware that all conversations and correspondence between these individuals and you, the student-athlete, remain confidential. Any information discussed with you will not be shared with coaches, sports information, the media, or any other member of the medical staff, without your consent. UC Sports Medicine has established a relationship with Clinical Psychologist, Dr. Pete Ganshirt; the University of Cincinnati Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS); University Health Services; and the UC Psychiatric Emergency Services/Mobile Crisis Team to provide counseling and psychological services to our student-athletes. Referrals for these services can be made directly by the student-athlete, athletic trainer, or team physician. You are encouraged to contact your team athletic trainer to obtain this information privately. Contact information for the aforementioned medical providers is located below: Associate AD/Sports Medicine, Bob Mangine • (859) 802-2524 University of Cincinnati Clinical Psychologist, Dr. Pete Ganshirt • (859) 630-1067 University of Cincinnati Counseling and Psychological Services • Onsite Emergent services Monday through Friday 1-4pm • 225 Calhoun Street, Suite 200; (513) 556-0648 University Health Services • Onsite Emergent services Monday through Friday 8:30-5pm • Richard E Lindner Center, 3rd Floor, UC Health; (513) 556-2564 UC Psychiatric Emergency Services/ Mobile Crisis Team • Emergency Care for suicidal or homicidal patients (24/7) • 311 Straight Street, 5th Floor; (513) 584-8577 Crisis Hotline (24/7) • (513) 281-2273 Suicide Hotline (24/7) • 1-800-SUICIDE THE UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI DEPARTMENT OF ATHLETICS SPORTS MEDICINE STAFF IS FULLY INVESTED IN THE HEALTH, SAFETY AND WELL BEING OF EACH STUDENT-ATHLETE. IT IS OUR RESPONSIBILITY TO HELP ALL STUDENTATHLETES, PHYSICALLY, MENTALLY, AND EMOTIONALLY IN PREPARATION FOR INTERCOLLEGIATE ACTIVITIES.
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NCAA COMPLIANCE TABLE OF CONTENTS I. What is Compliance? II. Complimentary Admissions III. Employment Procedures IV. Gambling & Bribery V. Extra Benefits VI. Transfer Request Procedures VII. Countable Athletically Related Activities VIII. Outside Team Participation IX. Promotional Activities X. Amateurism XI. Agents XII. Professional Draft XIII. Visits by Prospects XIV. Student-Athlete Opportunity Fund XV. Unethical Conduct XVI. Housing XVII. Athletic Scholarship Hearing Process
Maggie McKinley Senior Associate AD/SWA
I. WHAT IS COMPLIANCE? The role of the Compliance office is to avoid violations of the university, NCAA, and American Athletic Conference rules and regulations through the administration of a comprehensive compliance program. We do this by: • Being committed to proactive rules education that targets every individual involved in our athletics programs. • Monitoring and tracking several aspects throughout the athletic department and the university, including, but not limited to student-athlete eligibility, playing and practice hours, and recruiting. We are located on the 8th floor of the Richard E. Lindner Center. To learn more about the full Compliance staff, visit our staff directory II. COMPLIMENTARY ADMISSIONS According to NCAA regulations, each student-athlete who is eligible is allowed a maximum of four (4) complimentary admissions per event in his/her designated sport. Guests are to be signed up in admitted by pass list with only a ticket stub indicating seat location or directions to a general admission section. This is issued at the time of entrance. These complimentary admissions do not receive a hard ticket, but they are admitted by pass list with only a ticket stub indicating seat location or directions to a general admission section. This is issued at the time of entrance. Photo identification must be presented by the individual receiving the admission and a signature is required for admission. Student-athletes may also be admitted to varsity athletic contests involving sports in which they do not personally participate on a game by game basis. You are prohibited from selling or trading your complimentary tickets. If you do, your future eligibility will be compromised. In the event of a post-season competition, the Director of Athletics reserves the right to determine complimentary ticket distribution within guidelines established by the conference and the NCAA.
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NCAA COMPLIANCE III. EMPLOYMENT PROCEDURES Student-athletes may be employed and receive compensation, provided he/she is paid only for actual work performed and at a rate commensurate with the going rate in that locality; work salary cannot be based a student-athlete’s athletics ability or the publicity, reputation, fame or personal following he/she has obtained as a student-athlete. There are no limitations to the amount of money a studentathlete may earn. Any student-athlete interested in obtaining employment must come to the Athletics Compliance office to get an employment verification form. The form is to be filled out by the studentathlete and signed by the employer IV. GAMBLING & BRIBERY Student-athletes shall not knowingly participate in any gambling activity that involves intercollegiate athletics or professional athletics, through a bookmaker, parlay card or any other method employed by organized gambling. Student-athletes are also responsible for reporting any offers of gifts, money, or favors in supplying team information or attempting to alter the outcome of any contest they may receive. They are to contact their coach or the Sports Information office staff when questions concerning appropriate release of team information occur V. EXTRA BENEFITS An institutional employee or representative of the institution’s athletics interests may not provide a student-athlete with extra benefits or services, including, but not limited to • An employment arrangement for a prospect’s relatives • A gift of clothing or equipment • Co-signing of loans • Providing loans to a prospect’s relatives or friend • Cash or like items • Tangible items, including merchandise • Free or reduced cost, services, rentals, or purchase of any type • Free or reduced cost housing • Use of athletic equipment • Sponsorship of an awards banquet • Presentations of awards to prospect(s) for athletic accomplishments VI. TRANSFER REQUEST PROCEDURES Student-athletes who would like to request a release to transfer to another school must first speak to their head coach and then to their sport oversight. After the head coach and sport oversight have approved the transfer, the Athletics Compliance office should be informed; the Athletics Compliance office can send a release to the colleges that the student requests. The student also needs to be aware that he/she is still held responsible for his/ her academic and athletic eligibility while enrolled at UC. A release simply allows the student-athlete to speak to another school about transferring, but does not automatically mean that the student-athlete is eligible to 26
NCAA COMPLIANCE participate at the new school. If a student-athlete is denied permission to transfer, they can appeal to the Transfer Hearing Board. Contact information is available in the Athletics Compliance Office. Intra-Conference Transfer Policy Student-athletes in all sports may transfer from one AAC institution to another AAC institution and participate in any sport provided that: • Prior to competing for or receiving athletically related financial aid from the second institution the student-athlete serves a year in residency [two full semesters or three full quarters (which shall be determined in accordance with NCAA rules associated with transfers)] at the second Conference institution. During which the student-athlete is permitted to practice pursuant to NCAA practice eligibility rules. • During the year in residency the student-athlete will lose one (1) year of eligibility in all sports. There are no exceptions or waivers to this rule. The Intra-Conference Transfer Policy does not apply to: • Student-athletes who participate in sports in which the AAC does not sponsor (e.g., women’s lacrosse). • Student-athletes who compete in sports in which the Conference does sponsor a championship, but which a member institution does not participate as a member of the Conference for that sport. SPECIAL NOTES • A student-athlete who signs a valid National Letter of Intent with an AAC institution, and is subsequently granted a complete release to said NLI or is granted a release by the NLI Steering Committee, is not subject to the aforementioned transfer policy for the sport in which they signed the NLI unless said student-athlete triggers transfer status (as defined by NCAA bylaws). • A student-athlete who signs a valid National Letter of Intent with an AAC institution that is subsequently declared null and void (as set forth in Section 7 of the NLI), is not subject to the above-mentioned transfer policy as long as said student-athlete did not trigger transfer status (as defined by NCAA bylaws) prior to the NLI being declared null and void. • A s noted in each section, the above- mentioned policy is applicable to all studentathletes who have ever enrolled full-time at an AAC institution (e.g., four-twofour transfers, four-four-four transfers). However, a four-two-four transfer is not subject to the above-mentioned transfer policy as long as said student-athlete graduates from the two-year institution. A Four-Four-Four transfer is also not subject to the above-mentioned transfer policy as long as the transfer graduates from a non-American institution and then goes on to attend graduate school at another American institution to finish their athletic eligibility. • Institutions are not permitted to enter into separate arrangements that would in any way alter the terms and conditions of the above-stated policy (e.g., allowing a student- athlete to transfer but to not compete against the institution that they transferred from). • In all sports, non-recruited students that never received athletically related financial aid and were never a student-athlete (per NCAA definition) are not subject to terms and conditions of the above-stated policy. • In all sports, non-recruited student-athletes that never received athletically related financial aid are not subject to terms and conditions of the above-stated policy.
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NCAA COMPLIANCE VII. COUNTABLE ATHLETICALLY RELATED ACTIVITIES Countable athletically related activities include any required activity with an athletics purpose involving student-athletes and at the direction of, or supervised by one or more of an institution’s coaching staff (including strength and conditioning coaches) and must be counted within the weekly and daily limitations.
VIII. OUTSIDE TEAM PARTICIPATION Student-athletes are encouraged to obtain approval from their head coach and the Athletics Compliance Office prior to participation. A student-athlete in any sport other than basketball is prohibited from participating during the academic year as a member of any outside team in any non-collegiate, amateur competition. Soccer and women’s volleyball student- athletes may begin participation on an outside team as of May 1 (as long as it falls outside of the declared playing and practice season); no class time may be missed for practice or competition. A student-athlete can compete on an outside team during any official vacation period if it falls outside of his/her sport’s declared playing and practice season. A basketball student-athlete is prohibited from participating in any organized basketball competition. • However, a student-athlete may compete between June 15 and August 31 (or the first day of classes, whichever comes first) on a team in a certified league. PRIZE MONEY FROM OUTSIDE TEAM PARTICIPATION • In individual sports (cross country, golf, swimming/diving, tennis, track and field), a student-athlete may accept prize money based on his/her finish in an athletics 28
NCAA COMPLIANCE event provided the competition occurs outside the declared playing and practice season during the summer vacation period. • Such prize money cannot exceed actual and necessary expenses. IX. PROMOTIONAL ACTIVITIES Prior to participating in any promotional activity, all student-athletes and/or staff members must fill out the “Promotional Activities Form”. MEMORABILIA/AUTOGRAPH REQUESTS In an effort to satisfy the increasing number of requests, the University of Cincinnati has a policy whereby individuals and organizations have the opportunity to request autographed memorabilia and/or tickets for use for charitable purposes only. Because of the high demand for these items, requests for personal use, which includes requests for items to be used as gifts, cannot be honored at this time. AVAILABLE ITEMS ARE AS FOLLOWS: • Head Coach autographed balls (balls to be supplied by requestor); • Promotional Items • Game tickets (subject to availability). Requests are filled on a first come, first served basis. Once the annual supply is depleted, additional items will not be available until the following academic year. All requests will be reviewed and either approved or denied by the Athletics Compliance Office in accordance with NCAA rules. If your request is approved, you will be contacted to arrange payment and pickup. If your request is denied, you will receive an email notifying you why the request may not be fulfilled. The online donation request portal can be found by accessing this website: http://www.gobearcats.com/ot/request-donation.html APPEARANCE POLICY NCAA rules permit UC coaches and student- athletes to make appearances and/or participate in certain community events. Availability is limited due to class, travel, and competition schedules. Student-athlete participation is subject to the approval of the coaching staff and the Athletics Compliance Department. The academic and athletic obligations of UC student-athletes take precedence and NCAA rules do not permit student-athletes to miss class to participate in promotional activities. As such, there is no guarantee that an appearance request can be filled. Studentathletes are also unavailable during certain times of the year, including but not limited to: Thanksgiving Break, Fall Finals Week, Winter Break, Spring Break, and Spring Finals Week. Availability during summer school is also limited. Due to safety concerns, student-athletes typically are not available to make appearances outside a 30-mile radius from campus. EVENT PROMOTION NCAA rules restrict the use of the name or image of a student-athlete to promote an event. Therefore, any use of a name, photo, or likeness of a student-athlete must receive prior approval by the Athletics Compliance Office. APPROVAL PROCESS All appearance requests will be reviewed and either approved or denied by the Athletics Compliance Office in accordance with NCAA rules. Student-athlete appearances will be coordinated by the Director of Student- Athlete Development. Coaching staff appearances will be coordinated by the individual sport office. 2017-18 STUDENT-ATHLETE HANDBOOK
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NCAA COMPLAINCE If your request is denied, you will receive an email notifying you why the request may not be fulfilled. All inquiries related to donation requests can be directed to Niki Cianciola at nikol. cianciola@uc.edu or 513-556-0558. X. AMATEURISM Only amateur student-athletes are eligible for athletics participation in a particular sport. Student-athletes are prohibited from receiving funds, awards or benefits that would make him/her a professional athletes. The following activities may impact one’s amateur status: • Signing a contract with a professional team • Playing with professionals • Participating in tryouts or practices with a professional team • Accepting payments or preferential benefits for playing sports • Accepting prize money above their expenses • Accepting benefits from an agent or prospective agent • Agreeing to be represented by an agent • Delaying their full-time college enrollment to play in organized sports competitions XI. AGENTS NCAA RULES REGARDING AGENTS: PERMISSIBLE Student-athletes speaking with Compliance officers about possible communication with an agent, representative of an agent, sports management firm, or financial advisor. PERMISSIBLE A student-athlete requesting a list of registered agents/firms and information contained in their registration files from the Compliance office. NOT PERMISSIBLE A student-athlete agreeing, either orally or in writing, to be represented by an agent or organization in the marketing of his or her athletic abilities or reputation until after the completion of their last intercollegiate contest, including post-season games. NOT PERMISSIBLE A student-athlete or his/her representative negotiating or signing a playing contract in any sport in which the student-athlete intends to compete, or to market the name or image of the student-athlete. NOT PERMISSIBLE A student-athlete and his or her relatives or friends accepting expenses or gifts of any kind (including meals and transportation) from an agent (or anyone else) who wishes to provide services to the studentathlete. Such payment is not allowed because it would be compensation based on athletic skills and a preferential benefit not available to other students. NOT PERMISSIBLE A student-athlete receiving preferential benefits or treatment (for example, loans with deferred pay-back basis) because of the student-athlete’s reputation, skill or potential as a professional athlete. REQUIRED Any agent who contacts a student-athlete or the institution about representing a student-athlete must be registered with the Athletics Compliance Department, the state of Ohio, and their respective players associations or unions.
ANY FURTHER QUESTIONS REGARDING AGENTS AND AMATEURISM CAN BE DIRECTED TO TREVER WRIGHT AT 513-556-0557 OR TREVER.WRIGHT@UC.EDU 30
NCAA COMPLIANCE XII. PROFESSIONAL DRAFT
BOWL SUBDIVISION STUDENT ATHLETES May enter the National Football League draft one time during their collegiate career without jeopardizing eligibility in that sport provided the student-athlete is not drafted by any team in that league and the student-athlete declares his intention to resume intercollegiate football participation within 72 hours following the NFL draft declaration date (the student-athlete’s declaration of intent shall be in writing to the institution’s athletic director). MEN’S BASKETBALL STUDENT-ATHLETES May enter a pro league’s draft each year during his collegiate career without jeopardizing eligibility in that sport, provided he is not drafted and requests that his name be removed from the draft list and declares his intent to resume intercollegiate participation no later than 10 days after the conclusion of the pro league’s draft combine. If the league does not conduct a draft combine, the student-athlete must request that his name be removed from the draft list no later than the end of the day before the first day of the spring National Letter of Intent signing period for the applicable year (the student-athlete’s declaration of intent shall be in writing to the institution’s athletic director). WOMEN’S BASKETBALL STUDENT-ATHLETES May enter a pro league’s draft one time during her collegiate career without jeopardizing eligibility in that sport, provided she is not drafted by any team in that league and declares her intention to resume intercollegiate participation within 30 days after the draft (the studentathlete’s declaration of intent shall be in writing to the institution’s athletic director). SPORTS OTHER THAN FOOTBALL AND BASKETBALL May enter a pro league’s draft one time during his or her collegiate career without jeopardizing his or her eligibility in the applicable sport, provided they are not drafted and within 72 hours following the draft declares intention to resume participation in intercollegiate athletics. (the student-athlete’s declaration of intent shall be in writing to the institution’s athletic director).
XIII. VISITS BY PROSPECTS As a current student-athlete, you are a valuable University resource and have an important role in recruiting. You should share your positive experience as a student- athlete at UC. To ensure fairness, the NCAA carefully defines the conditions under which prospective athletes may be recruited by member institutions. If you are asked by your coach or any member of the athletic department staff to host a prospective student-athlete, it is essential that you carefully adhere to the rules. The following is a guide of selected basic NCAA rules for you to use when you are asked to be a student-host or to participate in the 2017-18 STUDENT-ATHLETE HANDBOOK
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NCAA COMPLIANCE recruitment of prospective student- athletes. DEFINING THE PSA A prospective student-athlete is a student in the ninth grade or above (or in the seventh grade or above in men’s basketball), including students in junior colleges and individuals who have officially withdrawn from four-year schools. A National Letter of Intent signee is still a prospect until the first official practice or the first day of class, whichever occurs first. OFFICIAL VISITS An official visit by a prospect to the campus is a visit financed by the university. Please note the following: • A prospect may be provided lodging and meals just like regular students. Local hotels and restaurants may be used but at a scale comparable to that of normal student life and only within a 30-mile radius of campus. • Entertainment for the prospect and his or her parents (or legal guardians) or spouse may be provided if it is not excessive and is within a 30-mile radius of campus. It is not permissible to entertain other relatives or friends of the prospect at any time. • A prospect may receive complimentary admissions to a campus athletic event. The admissions must be issued through a pass list. • It is not permissible for the institution to provide cash to the prospect for entertainment purposes. STUDENT HOST A student host may be provided a maximum of $40 for each day of a prospect’s official visit to cover the actual costs of entertaining the prospect. (Maximum $80 for a 48-hour visit). The entertainment money must not be used to purchase souvenirs (e.g; T-shirts, hats). Unused money along with itemized receipts must be turned in after the visit. A student host may be provided with an additional $20 per day for each additional prospect she/he entertains. A student host may be provided a complimentary admission to accompany a prospect to a campus athletic event. Several students may host a prospect, but the institution may only provide one student with entertainment money. The other student hosts shall pay for their own entertainment and meals. The institution, coach, or any booster may not provide a car for use by a prospect or student host. UNOFFICIAL VISITS An unofficial visit to a member institution’s campus is made at the prospect’s expense. The provision of any expenses beyond complimentary admissions to a campus athletic event would require the visit to become an official visit. PUBLICITY OF PROSPECTS A member institution shall not publicize a prospect’s visit to campus. This includes use of social media (e.g. Tweeting) to publicize the visit. Visiting prospects may not be introduced at a game, banquet, or function that is open to the public or attended by the media representatives. ENROLLED SA’S AS RECRUITERS Off-campus, in person contacts between enrolled students or student-athletes and a prospect are permissible as long as such contacts are incidental and do not occur at 32
NCAA COMPLIANCE the direction of a coaching staff member for recruiting purposes. An institution may not provide an enrolled student-athlete with transportation or expenses to recruit a prospect except for those permitted when the student-athlete serves as the student host. A current student-athlete may write letters to prospects provided that it is not done at the direction or expense of the member institution. Student-athletes cannot make telephone calls to prospects if the calls are made at the direction of a coaching staff member or financed by the University or its boosters. XIV. STUDENT-ATHLETE OPPORTUNITY FUND The NCAA Student-Athlete Opportunity Fund was established by the NCAA in 2003 to provide benefits to student-athletes or their families as determined by the compliance office. As a guiding principle, the fund shall be used to assist student-athletes in meeting financial needs that arise in conjunction with participation in intercollegiate athletics, enrollment in an academic curriculum or that recognizes academic achievement. Requests for the fund must be approved in advance by the Senior Associate Athletic Director/CFO. XV. UNETHICAL CONDUCT Enrolled student-athletes found in violation of NCAA rules or unethical conduct will be ineligible for further intercollegiate competition and subject to an appeal to the NCAA Eligibility Committee for restoration of eligibility.
Unethical conduct may include but is not limited to the following: • Refusal to furnish information or knowingly furnishing the NCAA or the University of Cincinnati false or misleading information concerning an investigation of possible NCAA rules violations. • Having knowledge of involvement in arranging fraudulent academic credit or false transcripts. • Having knowledge of involvement in receiving any improper recruiting inducement or extra benefits. VIOLATIONS All actual and potential violations of NCAA rules should be reported to the Athletics Compliance Office as soon as the staff member or athlete is made aware of the situation. The Athletics Compliance Office staff will determine if a violation has occurred, process the violation, and self-report the violation to the NCAA. Level III and IV violations will be investigated by the Athletics Compliance Office staff at the discretion of the Senior Associate Athletic Director before a self-report is sent to the NCAA. This process will also be followed for repeated violations in a given sport under Bylaw 32.4. If a potential or actual violation is believed to be major, after a preliminary investigation is done by the Athletics Compliance Office staff and Senior Associate Athletic Director, it will be forwarded to the Athletic Director, Faculty Athletics Representative and University Legal Counsel for further review and institutional control considerations.
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NCAA COMPLIANCE The President of the University will then be advised about how to proceed. If a preliminary investigation determ ines a violation or potential violation to be major and/ or has institutional control ramifications, all further investigation and interviews will be conducted by either the Faculty Athletics Representative, University Legal Counsel, or an outside investigative individual or firm. The Athletics Compliance Office staff and Senior Associate Athletic Director will be involved in coordinating interviews and gathering information for the investigative team and be present during any interviews with student- athletes, coaches, or staff to insure due process and ethical conduct obligations. Violations involving another member institution will be forwarded to the Athletic Director of that institution for a follow- up investigation and report and vice versa if another institution alleges a violation involving the University of Cincinnati. XVI. HOUSING LIVING ON-CAMPUS All unmarried first-year students, or transfer students not transferring 30 credit hours or more, who are not residing with their parents inside a 50-mile radius of the main campus are required to live in the residence halls during their first academic year. All residence halls are locked 24 hours a day and require a valid school ID (Bearcat card) to enter. - Your Bearcat card will be programed to your specific building To apply for housing, click here To cancel your housing assignment, fill out the cancellation form, or send a written notice to the Office of Housing & Food Services via mail, email, or fax by the dates and under the conditions identified in your housing agreement. Written notice must include your full name, student ID number, permanent address and reason for cancellation. It must also indicate whether you will still be attending UC.
Guests Guests are permitted 24 hours a day in the halls. In some buildings, guests must be checked-in with a valid form of identification; you will find out if this is true for your hall once you have your floor meeting with your Resident Advisor. Guests are limited to staying three nights (consecutive or non-consecutive) in any seven-day period. The number of guests that can be checked in at a particular time varies from hall to hall based on room size and fire safety regulations. While hosting guests is a right, you have a responsibility to make sure your guest adheres to all rules and is considerate of your roommates’ rights to privacy and security.
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NCAA COMPLIANCE Check out When leaving the dorm after a semester is over, be sure that your room has been cleaned and inspected by your Resident Advisor. You must turn your keys into the front desk and complete a check-out form. Failure to return keys or complete a check out form can result in an improper check out fee and loss of your housing deposit. LIVING OFF-CAMPUS If you are living off-campus in an apartment, you must get a Landlord Form from the Compliance office. This is to be filled out and signed by both you and your landlord and returned to the Compliance office as soon as possible. When it’s time to check out at the end of the year, your room must be cleaned completely and inspected by your Resident Advisor. Once this happens, you must return your room keys to the front desk and complete a check-out form. Failure to return keys or complete a check-out form can result in a check-out fee and loss of your housing deposit. All questions, inquires, and concerned pertaining to housing can be directed to Lindsay Jaffe by email at lindsay.jaffe@uc.edu, or phone at 513-556-4835.
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HOUSING
T
he residence halls provide a safe, convenient home-away-from-home, and a low- stress environment that encourages students academically, socially, and personally. A helping hand can always be found from the staff such as resident advisors (RAs), who are experienced students who know what coming to college is really like. Every hall also has a full-time resource person, the residence coordinator (RC), who is available to students. All unmarried first-year students, or transfer students not transferring 30 credit hours or more, who are not residing with their parents inside a 50-mile radius of the main campus, are required to live in the residence halls during their first academic year. GUESTS • Visitation is permitted 24 hours per day in all the halls by both family and non-family guests. • Guestsmustbechecked-inandescorted.Ifyouhaveaguestwhoisanimmediatefamilymemberandistoo youngtohaveadriver’slicenseforcheck-inpurposes,aguestpasscanbepreparedforthatperson. • Guests are limited to staying three nights (consecutive or non-consecutive) in any seven-day period, and the number of guests that can be checked in varies from hall to hall based on room size and fire safety regulations. • While hosting guests is a right, you have a responsibility to make sure your guest adheres to all rules and is considerate of your roommates’ rights to privacy and security. CANCELLING YOUR HOUSING AGREEMENT • Prior to Occupancy: You may cancel your Housing Agreement by filling out the Cancellation form online at the Housing website (www.uc.edu/housing) or by providing the Offi of Housing & Food Services a written notice via mail, fax, or email by the dates and under the conditions identifi in your Housing Agreement. Written notice must include your full name, student ID number, permanent address and reason for cancellation. It must also indicate whether you will still be attending UC. • After Occupancy: Although all residents are expected to fulfill the terms of the Housing Agreement for the full academic year or the portion remaining at the time of assignment. IF REQUIRED TO LIVE ON CAMPUS: Complete the Petition for Release form found on the Resident Self-Service section of the HFS website http://www.uc.edu/uchousing.html or from the Housing Office in Scioto Hall. You should be prepared to document and then to discuss in specific terms the reason(s) you are unable to fulfill your contractual responsibilities. All petitions must be received by the appropriate deadline, as indicated in your Housing Agreement. After the deadline, only those petitions submitted for the next semester or for a condition that has occurred since the deadline will be considered for release. IF NOT REQUIRED TO LIVE ON CAMPUS: You may terminate your contract for subsequent semesters without cause upon payment of a termination fee of 50% of room price for each semester remaining in your agreement and forfeiture of your $100 security deposit. ACCESS CARDS • All halls are locked 24 hours per day and require a key and key card to enter. • Residents must show ID with a valid security sticker (issued upon arrival) affixed to it. CHECK-OUT • Access to assigned rooms is only permitted while a student is attending classes. • When leaving the dorm after a semester is over, be sure that your room has been cleaned and is ready for inspection by an RA. • You must turn your keys into the front desk and complete a check-out form. • Failure to return keys or complete a check out form can result in an improper check out fee and loss of your housing deposit.
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FINANCIAL AID GUIDELINES As a student-athlete, you cannot compete in intercollegiate sports if you receive financial aid based on athletics that exceeds the value of a full scholarship. You may receive financial aid not based on athletics as long as it does not exceed the amounts indicated in the University Financial Aid Policy or cost of attendance. ATHLETIC-RELATED AID If you are entering your final year of athletic eligibility and it appears that you may not meet all graduation requirements, you may be eligible for Exhausted Eligibility Aid. To be eligible to receive exhausted eligibility aid you must: Have exhausted all athletic eligibility in your sport; Have received an athletic grant-in-aid during your final year of athletic eligibility. Please note that your exhausted eligibility aid cannot exceed the equivalent value of the athletic grant-in-aid you received during your final year of eligibility. The aid can only be received to meet requirements to earn your first baccalaureate degree; Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00 and be in good academic standing in your college. You will need to complete the Exhausted Eligibility Aid Application Form, have your Graduation Plan certified by your college advisor and submit these and all necessary attachments to your head coach prior to established deadline for review and approval. You will need to be enrolled in a minimum of 12 hours unless enrolled in a required professional practice program. Please note that you may carry less than 12 hours if your college office has certified that those hours are all that are required for graduation; You will need to be a team member in good standing relative to team rules, personal conduct and general good citizenship; and agree to perform work assigned to you by the Athletic Department. To apply, you must pick up application materials from the SASS Office after the first day of spring semester. All application materials must be accurately completed and submitted to be considered. In order to be eligible for consideration to receive Summer School Aid, you must have received an athletics scholarship during the current academic year or will be awarded aid
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in the subsequent year; be a team member in good standing relative to team rules, personal conduct, and general good citizenship and complete the Application Packet with the help of an Athletic Department academic advisor by April 15. Receiving Books via Scholarship The Compliance office sends a list of book scholarship student-athletes to academic services. The Student-Athlete Support Services office (SASS) then orders the books and required materials from the UC bookstore. To pick up books, student-athletes must see their academic counselor who confirm the student-athletes’ eligibility to receive books under their scholarships and check the books and/or materials out to the studentathlete. At the end of each semester, studentathletes must return their books to the SASS office. If a student-athlete drops a class, they must immediately return the book for that class to the SASS office. If a book is lost or stolen, the studentathlete must go to public safety and file a police report; a copy of the report must be turned into the academic services office to document the lost/stolen book.
Non-Athletic Aid You may apply for outside scholarships and grants. - Federal Pell Grants - Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG) - All outside scholarships should be distributed through the University’s Student Financial Aid office. You may also take out loans
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FINANCIAL AID - Federal Perkins Loan - U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens enrolled at least half-time and have financial need - Loans can range from $2,100 to $4,000 per academic year for undergraduate and graduate students Federal Stafford Loan - Subsidized- Based on need, and the federal government pays the interest while you are enrolled as a student at least halftime. - Based on your need, you may receive part of your Federal Stafford Loan as subsidized and the rest as unsubsidized. - Freshmen may borrow up to $9,500 (max of $3,500 in subsidized), sophomores may borrow up to $10,500 (max of $4,500 in subsidized) while juniors and seniors may borrow up to $12,500 (max of $5,500 in subsidized). Unsubsidized- Not based on need, and the federal government will not pay interest during the period in which you are enrolled. - Dependent freshmen may receive up to $3,500 (plus $2,000 unsubsidized), sophomores $4,500 (plus $2,000 unsubsidized), juniors and seniors $5,500 (plus $2,000 unsubsidized). - Independent undergraduate students may borrow an additional amount through this loan. Federal Parent PLUS Loan - This loan enables parents of dependent students to borrow up to the cost of education minus other financial aid received. The interest rate is fixed at 8.5%. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid does not have to be filed if the family is only seeking a PLUS Loan. To learn more about types of financial aid, visit https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/types HOW TO APPLY FOR FINANCIAL AID All UC applicants must complete a form from which financial need is calculated. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is required by UC and is available from the One Stop Student Service Center in University Pavilion or online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Priority consideration for campusbased aid, such as Federal College Work
Study, Federal Perkins Loans and Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants is given on a first-come, first-served basis. Thereafter, funds are limited to Federal Pell Grants, Federal Stafford Loans and Federal Plus Loans. Students are encouraged to complete their annual application as soon as possible after January 1st.
XVII. ATHLETIC SCHOLARSHIP HEARING PROCESS The Athletic Scholarship Hearing Board shall be comprised of the Director of Student Financial Aid, who shall serve as chair of the committee, and two other voting members as appointed by the Vice President for Student Affairs and Human Resources. The Athletic Scholarship Hearing Board shall convene to hold hearings relative to the termination or reduction of athletic financial aid. Student athletes who have received written notification of termination or reduction of aid and who wish to use the appeal procedure shall give written notice to the Director of Student Financial Aid of their request for a hearing. Written notice of appeal must be received within fifteen business days of the notification of termination. The Director of Student Financial Aid shall promptly schedule the hearing and shall send the athlete notice of same. Such notice shall include the date, time and location of the hearing. The hearing shall be conducted as follows: - The student-athlete shall appear first and shall put forward his/her case. - The student-athlete has the right to representation in an advisory capacity and the right to produce evidence. - The student-athlete may choose to have an open hearing. If so chosen, the student-athlete must request the open hearing, in writing, to the Director of Student Financial Aid. If no request is made, the hearing will be closed. The student-athlete may introduce written statements, produce witnesses, and/or testify personally. A list of witnesses and their relevance must be presented to the chair of the Hearing Board
THE FREE APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL STUDENT AID IS AVAILABLE AT WWW. FAFSA.ED.GOV. 38
FINANCIAL AID at least one working day prior to the hearing. - Testimony of the witnesses may be by question and answer or narrative. - After the student-athlete has finished presenting each witness, members of the Athletic Scholarship Hearing Board may question that witness and/or the student athlete if he/she chooses to testify. - The representative of the Department of Athletics may also ask questions but the questions must be directed through the chair of the Hearing Board. - The Department of Athletics shall put forward its case after the student athlete has concluded his/her case. The presentation shall be in the presence of the student athlete. - The presentation shall be made by the coach if possible. An advisor may be present but can only participate in an advisory capacity. If the coach cannot present the case, the name of the replacement shall be submitted to the chair of the Hearing Board with an explanation of why the coach could not present the case. - The Department of Athletics may present witnesses in support of its case or, with the approval of the chair of the Athletic Scholarship Hearing Board, written statements may be submitted. The testimony of witnesses may be question and answer or narrative. - A written list of witnesses and their relevance must be given to the chair of the Hearing Board at least one day prior to the hearing. - At the completion of testimony, members of the Athletic Scholarship Hearing Board may ask questions, and the student
athlete may also ask questions but the questions must be directed through the chair of the Hearing Board. - The chair of the Athletic Scholarship Hearing Board shall have the right to exclude evidence if determined to be irrelevant to the issue at hand or merely cumulative. The number of witnesses may be restricted if it appears that participation is irrelevant or merely cumulative. - After consultation with members of the Hearing Board, the Director of Student Financial Aid, as chair of the Hearing Board, shall render a decision as the University of Cincinnati regular scholarship awards authority. The decision shall be final.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ANY POLICIES AND PROCEDURES LISTED IN THIS SECTION, PLEASE CONTACT THE COMPLIANCE OFFICE AT 513-556-0558 OR IN PERSON ON THE 8TH FLOOR OF THE RICHARD E. LINDNER CENTER.
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ACTIVITIES CHART Student Athlete Activities Chart Activity
Category
Can be Voluntary?
Must be in TMP?
Allowed on Day off?
Academic Advisor Meetings
Academic
N/A
No
Yes
Academic Assessments
Academic
N/A
No
Yes
Learning disability assessments, etc.
General Academic
Academic
N/A
No
Yes
Includes professor meetings, class, review sessions, class group meetings, tutor/mentor/learning specialist meetings
Study Hall
Description Including meetings with athletic-specific academic counselors/advisors or those who work with the general student population
Academic
N/A
No
Yes
Could include individual or team mandatory study hours
Competition
CARA
No
Yes
No
Includes regular season, post-season, exhibition, scrimmages, and alumni games
Cross Training
CARA
Yes
Yes
No
Yoga, Swimming, Zumba, etc.
Film
CARA
Yes
Yes
No
Individual or team required film sessions with a coach
Foreign Tour Practices
CARA
No
Yes
No
The answers to time management questions may be dependent on when the foreign tour and practices occur and teams should consult the Compliance Office
Mental Performance Sessions
CARA
Yes
Yes
No
Golf swing coaches, visualization, etc. CARA if they are part of practice or otherwise required
Practice
CARA
No
Yes
No
This includes Summer Access practices for those sports allowed to do so
Skill Instruction
CARA
No
Yes
No
As defined by NCAA rules
Team Meetings
CARA
No
Yes
No
Entire team meets for athletically-related purpose, such as chalk talk, discuss practice, competition with coaches present
Tryouts
CARA
No
Yes
No
Tryouts are likely to take place as part of a regular practice (CARA); for those who have special events only for non-team members (e.g., tennis tournament), NCAA rules would not yet apply to non-student-athletes
Strength & Conditioning
CARA
Yes
Yes
No
Activities performed by a certified strength coach
Employment
N/A
N/A
N/A
If a student-athlete is paid to work summer camp, she/he is an employee and the employment status trumps her/his student-athlete status; therefore the activity is not CARA, RARA, or VARA. However, if a student-athlete is required to be at summer camp but is not being paid, that activity could be considered CARA
Drug Testing
Medical
No
No
Yes
Institutional or NCAA drug tests
Individual Nutrition Meetings
Medical
Yes
No
Yes
This category includes individual student-athlete meetings with a nutritionist whether required for medical purposes or voluntary
Medical Appointments
Medical
N/A
No
Yes
Orthopedic or GP appointment
Medical Diagnostics
Medical
N/A
No
Yes
X-rays, MRIs, ADHD testing
Medical Procedures
Medical
N/A
No
Yes
Surgery
Mental Health Appointments
Medical
Yes
No
Yes
Any individual mental health appointment whether related in any way to athletics or not
Physical Assessments
Medical
No
No
Yes
Baseline concussion testing, DARI, sleep/wellness surveys, etc. This might also include sport specific medical assessments, such as pitching, golf swing, etc. but such testing is CARA if performed during practice
Physicals
Medical
No
No
Yes
Pre-participation physicals
Preventative Medicine
Medical
N/A
No
Yes
Tape, stim, ice baths, ultra sounds, etc.
Recovery
Medical
No
No
Yes
Stretching, ice baths, Normatech, foam rolling, massages under the direction of athletic trainer, strength coach; recovery practices and other activities with coaches are CARA
Rehabilitation
Medical
N/A
No
Yes
Performed by Athletic Trainer and/or rehabilitation specialist; easing a student-athlete back into practice is CARA
Academic Team Meetings
RARA
No
Yes
No
Only RARA if these are required team meetings to discuss academics and include coaches
Ceremonies and Banquets
RARA
Yes
Yes
No
End of year team banquets or award ceremonies are generally mandatory; departmental-wide celebrations are more likely to be voluntary
Community Service
RARA
Yes
Yes
No
Community service can be categorized in many ways and institutional policy should address various scenarios. For example, a coach who requires a certain number of community service hours could convert a voluntary activity to required
Compliance Forms Completion
RARA
No
Yes
Yes
Beginning of the year forms completion; if these are done online and student-athletes can complete at their discretion, completion can occur any time (including a day off)
Compliance Meetings
RARA
No
Yes
No
"Any meeting conducted by an institution's compliance staff in which the primary purpose is to complete required forms and/or provide education on NCAA, conference and institutional rules." (Per Q&A). Multi-sport Compliance Meetings can be treated as a Life Skills activity for purposes of the multi-sport exception
Hosting PSAs
RARA
No
Yes
No
A student-athlete assigned to host a PSA as defined by NCAA rules.
Individual Meetings with Coach/ Student-Athlete
RARA
Yes
No
No (*but yes during 7 days)
Leadership Programming - Coach/ Team
RARA
Yes
Yes
No
Programming required by coaches and generally involving the entire team
Life Skills for Multiple Sports
RARA
N/A
Yes
Yes
"Option 1: For this purpose, for an activity to be considered to involve “multiple sports,” the involved sports must have two or more different head coaches (e.g., an activity including only men’s & women’s swimming would not be considered “multiple sports.” Option 2: For this purpose, for an activity to be considered to involve “multiple sports,” the involved sports must have two or more distinct NCAA championship segments.””
Marketing and Promotions
RARA
Yes
Yes
No
Photo shoot, video shoot, fan events, signing autographs or other community appearances, halftime appearances at other games, etc.
Media Interviews
RARA
No
Yes
No
Radio, television, institutional media interviews; institutional, conference or NCAA media days
Other Educational Programming
RARA
Yes
Yes
No
Sexual misconduct, drug and alcohol, time management, etc.
Other Recruiting Activities
RARA
Yes
Yes
No
Team meals, activities, meetings with PSAs only if they are required
Pep Rallies
RARA
No
Yes
No
Attendance at pep rallies is often mandatory for the selected student-athletes but not the entire team
Reporting Before Competition
RARA
No
Yes
No
Various teams have different pre-game routines - may include wait time and activities that fall into different categories - including meals, meetings, warm up, and medical
Team Building
RARA
No
Yes
No (*but yes overnight)
Required ropes course, the Program, etc. in the presence of coaches
Team Entertainment
RARA
Yes
Yes
No (*but yes overnight)
Bowling, movie, concert, attending other teams sports if coaches require
Team Fundraising
RARA
Yes
Yes
No
Working a fundraising stand or booth, selling raffle tickets, phone a thons; note that if making calls or selling raffle tickets can be done on the student-athletes own time, they do not have to occur on a day off
Team Nutrition Meetings
RARA
No
Yes
No
This category includes required educational team meetings with a nutritionist at any time during the year.
Meals Incidental to Participation
RARA/Medical*
Yes
No
Yes
Student-athletes can be required to eat “training table,” performance dining, or other meals on days off, but no additional RARA (e.g., programming or team meetings) can take place during the meals that occur on days off.
Athletics Department Community Building Events
VARA
N/A
No
Yes
Welcome Back BBQ, mass/spiritual service, summer outings
Career Events
VARA
N/A
No
Yes
Career fairs or panels, networking opportunities, educational sessions regarding resumes, etc.
Individual Compliance Meetings
VARA
Yes
No
Yes
"Meetings that occur with student-athletes on a case-by-case basis in which the primary purpose is to monitor or resolve compliance-related issues (e.g., high-profile student-athletes, waivers, NCAA Division I reinstatement cases, investigations) are not 'compliance meetings' for purposes of the legislation." (Per Q&A)
Leadership Programming
VARA
N/A
No
Yes
Departmental programming often involving student-athletes from multiple sports
Outside Competition
VARA
N/A
No
Yes
National or international events such as those sponsored by a NGB or charity events
Pick Up / Captain's Practices
VARA
N/A
No
Yes
Practices or team athletic activity with no coaches present
SAAC
VARA
N/A
No
Yes
Per institutional policy, SAAC is considered a voluntary activity; student-athletes are encouraged to engage but are not required to attend meetings or any other SAAC-sponsored activities
Safety Exception Practices
VARA
N/A
Yes
Yes
Practices or team athletic activity where no coaches would be present but for the safety exception
Summer Camp Employment
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Student-athlete must initiate; no chalk talk or game talk can take place. If initialed by a coach, it would fall under CARA.
EQUIPMENT ROOM EQUIPMENT ISSUANCE POLICY STUDENT-ATHLETES AND COACHES All Equipment is the property of the UC Department of Athletics and it reserves the right to collect any and all athletic equipment and or apparel at any time. No equipment is to be removed from the facility for personal use. The student-athlete must have clearance from the athletic department team doctor, head coach, director of compliance and the director of academics before any equipment or apparel is issued. It is the responsibility of the coach to ensure the athlete is in good standing throughout the course of the year. Any equipment or apparel altered or damaged by the student-athlete will result in the athlete being invoiced for the replacement. Only official members of the team roster will be issued apparel and equipment. The official roster is determined by compliance. EQUIPMENT ISSUANCE TO ATHLETES Before a student-athlete receives equipment or apparel they must have the following: Coach’s Approval; Eligibility Clearance through the Compliance Office and an Academic Advisor; Medical Clearance from the Sports Medicine Staff; and Sign Issue/ Return Policy Form. Game/Travel uniforms and equipment will be issued to members of the travel party only. Upon return, student athletes will have a maximum of 12 hours to return all uniforms and equipment following an away game or competition. Student-athletes are not permitted to exchange, return, or sell any athletic equipment, shoes, or apparel supplied by the athletic department nor may they accept equipment, shoes or clothing from any manufacturer or commercial enterprise in direct competition with Under Armour (e.g. adidas, Nike, Oakley). 2017-18 STUDENT-ATHLETE HANDBOOK
FOOTBALL EQUIPMENT OPERATION The equipment room will open no less than one hour prior to all scheduled NCAA- counted practices. The equipment room will close 1.5 hours following the last practice drill. All doors will be locked and the building will be made secure at this time. During scheduled film-only sessions, the locker room and film room will be opened one hour prior to start time. The locker room will be made secure following the last film session. Appointments must be made with the equipment staff for personal, nonscheduled, film room access. During weight lifting only sessions, the same schedule as a scheduled practice will be followed. Each player may use their last six digits of their Bearcat Card badge number or swipe their Bearcat Card to access the locker room. No personal items are to be left in the locker room as the football program is not responsible for any items that are missing/ lost. OLYMPIC SPORTS EQUIP. OPERATION The equipment room will open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday-Friday. Saturday and Sunday operations will be on a need only basis. Hours of operation can be extended or changed by making arrangements with the assigned Equipment Manager. Additional access can be accomplished by arranging it through your coach. The equipment room hours of operation are subject to change during university recognized holidays and breaks. LAUNDRY All student-athletes have access to a laundry service. Laundry for UC Athletics is done in-house, and on a daily basis (excluding weekends). Laundry turned in over the weekend should not be expected to be returned 41
EQUIPMENT ROOM until noon on the following regular work day unless previous arrangements have been made with the full- time equipment manager. The Equipment Room is not responsible for lost or stolen laundry that has not been secured in the proper area, i.e. valuables should be stored in the valuable lock box in your assigned locker. The Equipment Room is not responsible for the laundering of any personal items and reserves the right to discard or return any and all personal items turned into the daily laundry. Upon completion of a home game or return from an away game all game issued equipment should be returned to the equipment room or designated area. END OF SEASON OR SEMESTER All issued equipment must be returned to the Equipment Staff at the completion of the season or at the end of the semester. Apparel items which present a potential health risk shall be considered expendable/ non-reusable and disposed of by Equipment Staff. Every student-athlete must return their uniforms and equipment within seven working days following the completion of their season. The equipment room will place an academic hold on the eighth working day of any athlete with outstanding equipment or apparel. It is important to remember that all equipment and apparel issued is the property of the University of Cincinnati. ROSTER CHANGES Coaches should notify their sport administrator or equipment staff immediately when an athlete leaves the team. Any student-athlete who is cut, quits, completes eligibility, or becomes ineligible will be responsible for returning all issued equipment and apparel to the Equipment Room immediately. 42
PENALTIES Each student-athlete is responsible for lost or stolen equipment. Student-athletes will be placed on the Bursar’s Checklist for all costs of missing equipment. Failure to return equipment or pay outstanding charges will result in the student’s account being place on an administrative hold which will prevent the student athlete from obtaining transcripts, bills, or registering for classes until all obligations are met. INSTITUTIONALLY-ISSUED ITEMS Student-athletes are PROHIBITED from selling, returning, or exchanging for value ANY institutionally-issued items. This includes, but is not limited to, equipment, apparel, awards, shoes, or uniforms. DEFINITION OF EQUIPMENT Any ‘high value’ or issued item that will be reused over the course of multiple competition or practice seasons. Examples: helmets, shin guards, lacrosse sticks, shoulder pads, winter jackets, travel bags, sport specific ball, competition uniforms, etc. DEFINITION OF APPAREL Any item issued on a year by year basis that does not need to be reused. These items can be used over the course of the practice season, competition season, and off-season before having a new item replace the product. Examples: t-shirt, climalites, compression shirts, compression shorts, shorts, socks, shoes, cleats, sweat suits, travel suits, etc. *These definitions may vary from sport to sport. Please contact your assigned equipment manager for any details regarding how the classifications fit within your sports program.
STUDENT-ATHLETE SUPPORT SERVICES
T
he University of Cincinnati Student-Athlete Support Services (SASS) staff strives to provide the support necessary to assist student-athletes in reaching their full potential academically, personally, athletically, and professionally during their college career. The student-athlete support program works cooperatively with university staff and services to aid student-athletes as they transition into the university, progress through their coursework, receive their diploma and move on to succeed in graduate school, the work force or to compete after their collegiate career.
SASS CODE OF CONDUCT SASS Staff is responsible for providing a productive learning environment for all student-athletes, allowing them to take advantage of the services and programming provided by SASS. It is also the responsibility of each student-athlete to respect the policies and procedures established and administered by SASS staff in order to succeed and achieve academically. For any student-athlete who is unable to meet the policies and procedures outlined by SASS, the individual student will face appropriate disciplinary actions by the head coach of his/her respective sport as well as the actions outlined below by SASS. EXPECTATIONS OF STUDENT-ATHLETES ON THE 5th FLOOR • Respect all student-athletes (appropriate language, dress, and noise) • Log into Athlete Hall at the front desk of computer labs (rooms 570 and 574) even if not required for an academic commitment • Student-athletes in the academic center must be studying for their courses or meeting with a SASS Staff member • Cell phones (phone calls and text messages) will not be tolerated once students enter the labs and study/tutor suites • Personal laptops and iPads are for academic use only—anything else will not be tolerated • Absolutely NO food will be permitted near computer area. Sport drinks and water bottles with screw on tops are permitted. • Actions will be taken by SASS if students do not comply with expectations • Student-athletes will be asked to leave the academic center if negative behavior persists FACILITY LOCATION & HOURS Richard E. Lindner Center 5th Floor Hours of operation - Fall and Spring Phone: 513-556-3388 Semesters: Monday–Thursday: Friday: Sunday:
8 a.m. to 9 p.m. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
2017-18 STUDENT-ATHLETE HANDBOOK
All mandatory study hall hours must be completed by Thursday at 9:00 p.m. (Study Hall Cycle: Fri. – Thurs.). Hours of operation for Summer Sessions: Monday– Friday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CLASS ATTENDANCE Class attendance is mandatory no matter what the syllabi indicates. Personal illness must be validated by the UC sports medicine staff and communicated to your coaching staff and SASS counselor. Please note that if you miss class because of personal illness, you may not be able to participate in practice that day. In the event a student-athlete needs to take a test/exam on the road due to missing for travel purposes, SASS counselors will collaborate with the faculty member and student-athlete. SASS counselors are to follow all procedures for proctoring the test/exam as outlined by the faculty member. Athletic department staff who do not work in SASS, including coaches, are not permitted to serve as the actual exam proctor. TRAVEL POLICY Student-Athlete Support Services will assist student-athletes in notifying instructors of official team travel. SASS counselors will provide each studentathlete with a letter indicating the dates that official travel will occur. The student-athlete is required to give the letter to each of his/her instructors during the first class session and remind the instructor of each travel date prior to departure. The student-athlete is responsible for understand the importance of the professor’s travel absence policy. A travel letter does not equate to an excused absence. ACADEMIC COUNSELORS SASS counselors work with student-athletes in various capacities throughout the year to provide academic, personal and career advising. Counselors conscientiously strive to ensure that all
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STUDENT-ATHLETE SUPPORT SERVICES student-athletes receive the assistance and guidance necessary to succeed in the classroom. The responsibilities of SASS counselors include, but are not limited to: - Weekly meetings with student-athletes to monitor their progress in courses - Assist with class scheduling and major selection - Work with faculty and college counselors to track academic and degree progress of each student-athlete - Monitor NCAA continuing eligibility regulations - Refer student-athletes to tutors, Academic Coaches, and on campus services (i.e., Career Development Center, Counseling Center) - Monitor study hall attendance and productivity ACADEMIC COMMITMENTS/MONITORING Policy Student-Athlete Support Services (SASS) seeks to provide student-athletes with the academic support needed to excel in the classroom. Standards of support known as academic commitments include: - Weekly academic meeting - Academic club - Academic coaching - Study hall (objective-based/hours based) - Tutoring - Learning Specialist meetings Regardless of whether commitments are assigned or requested, student-athletes are responsible for meeting all defined academic commitments. In addition, SASS staff are responsible for monitoring the academic progress of all student-athletes. In conjunction with the Head Coach, the SASS counselors will finalize a list, prior to each semester, of student-athletes and their academic commitments. Counselors will communicate regularly (daily/weekly) with Coaches regarding students’ attendance/participation. Students are notified in advance by the Counselor of any academic commitments and are provided with expectations regarding attendance and participation. ACADEMIC ADVISING/PRIORITY REGISTRATION One of the most important functions of SASS is to advise student-athletes for course selection and assist in the selection of an academic major. Academic advising requires a partnership between the student-athlete and the counselor to ensure the best decisions are made for the benefit of the student-athlete. The partnership also exists as each student athlete also is assigned an academic advisor through their designated major. Priority registration is available for all student-athletes and allows them to register early each semester. DROPPING/WITHDRAWING FROM COURSES Student-Athletes must abide by a certain procedure before dropping or withdrawing from any class. Failure to do so could result in ineligibility. The steps include: - See SASS counselor - Complete an Approval to Drop Form, signed by SASS counselor and student-athlete - Give signed form to head coach for their signature - Return form to SASS counselor - Drop/Withdraw from course via Catalyst once given the okay from your SASS counselor CHANGING MAJORS When a student-athlete is considering changing majors, he/she must consult with his/her SASS
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STUDENT-ATHLETE SUPPORT SERVICES counselor, as changing majors and colleges may affect your academic eligibility. ONLINE COURSES Online courses present a unique challenge to students. If a student-athlete is enrolled in an online course, it is his/her responsibility to read the course syllabus, know the expectations of the course, and complete and submit required assignments in a thorough and timely manner. Academic integrity is a core value of the University of Cincinnati, its Athletic Department and SASS. Academic fraud of any kind, intentional or unintentional, will not be tolerated. Student-athletes are expected to take responsibility for their own work, while properly reviewing and citing work before submission. BOOK POLICY Student-athletes who are eligible to receive books as a part of their athletic scholarship sign an agreement form that outlines all policies related to textbooks and course materials. Per the policy, students who do not return all items received by each semester’s deadline will be charged accordingly. Students sign the agreement when completing all semester paperwork. IPADS University of Cincinnati Athletics has contracted a rental agreement with Apple to provide iPads to UC student-athletes. Student-athletes are responsible for the iPads, cases, and any additional equipment (i.e. cords, wall charger). Each student-athlete is financially responsible for any damage caused and/or replacement received. iPads will be collected at the time the lease agreement is complete, when the student-athlete is no longer an active member of the team, and whenever necessary for book/application updates. TECHNOLOGY POLICY Laptops/Calculators Student-Athlete Support Services gives student-athletes and coaches the privilege to borrow laptops/calculators for academic use when traveling. Preference will be given to traveling teams on a first come, first served basis. All equipment must be returned on time. Failure to do so will result in a loss of privileges. In order to borrow a laptop/calculator, the studentathlete or coach must comply with the following terms: - Ask your SASS counselor for use of the laptop/calculator in advance. - Assume sole responsibility for the laptop/calculator (and any related equipment). - Lost or damaged equipment will be the sole responsibility of the student-athlete. - Return the laptop/calculator and additional materials on the date agreed upon at time of check-out. Copy/Fax Machine Use The copy/fax machine is to be used solely for academic purposes. Student-athletes must see a SASS staff member first to have their copies and/or fax approved. Student workers will only copy/ fax if given permission by a SASS staff member. LEARNING SERVICES The Director of Learning Services works directly with student-athletes in need of instruction outside the classroom in order to achieve academic success as well as developing learning interventions and study strategies in the areas of time management, critical reading, note taking, test taking, organization skills, and study skills. Student-athletes with questions regarding their learning abilities, or those who need to register with Disability Services, may consult with the Director of Learning Services. For a complete review of all services available from SASS, please see the SASS Policies and Procedures manual or SASS website on gobearcats.com.
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STUDENT-ATHLETE SUPPORT SERVICES TUTORING The Tutor Program provides subject-specific assistance to student-athletes as a supplement to the classroom learning experience. The primary responsibility of a tutor is to understand and clearly communicate course content and study skills to the tutees. One-on-one and group tutoring is available in a broad array of courses. Student-athletes are encouraged to see their SASS Counselor if they would like tutoring services Student-athletes will be required to sign a Tutor Contract agreement outlining all policies and procedures, prior to receiving tutoring services from SASS ACADEMIC COACHING The academic coaching program offers academic support to student-athletes as they learn to function effectively in the college environment. The primary responsibility of an academic coach is to provide one-on-one guidance on study and organizational skills, time management, and goal setting. Student-athletes are encouraged to contact their SASS counselor if they would like to be considered for the academic coaching program. ACADEMIC INTEGRITY Policy SASS, a support unit functioning within the Athletic Department of the University of Cincinnati, abides by the UC Code of Conduct. At the foundation of the Code of Conduct is the shared commitment for a just community, as outlined in the Bearcat Bond. For more information, pertaining to Academic Integrity, visit the Judicial Affairs Website at: http://www.uc.edu/conduct/ Code_of_Conduct.html or contact SASS at 513-556-3388. UC student-athletes are also held responsible for complying with NCAA Bylaw 10.1~ Unethical Conduct. Student-athletes must adhere to the University’s Student Code of Conduct which defines academic misconduct as all acts of cheating, plagiarism, forgery and falsification. The Policy is available at http://www.uc.edu/conduct/Academic_Integrity.html Any inadvertent or intentional violation of UC’s Student Code of Conduct may result in a student-athlete being declared ineligible. The following is prohibited: working or discussing with another student, any academic activity including any type of examination (including take-home tests), writing project or assignment, and/or graded online coursework without the express written authorization of the instructor of record. ACADEMIC STANDARDS FOR ELIGIBILITY In order for a student-athlete to continue to be academically eligible for competition, he/she must fulfill the following three requirements: - Continuing Eligibility Standards - Good academic standing - Enrollment as a full-time student (12 hours undergraduate/10 graduate) CONTINUING ELIGIBILITY STANDARDS The following information indicates year-by-year requirements to remain academically eligible to participate in intercollegiate competition. Academic Standards In order to meet academic eligibility requirements for athletic participation, student-athletes must: • Earn 6 hours of academic credit per term toward their designated degree program. Football S/A’s must pass 9 credits in the Fall semester toward their designated major. • Failure to do so will result in ineligibility for the first four contests in the following playing season); and • Earn 18 semester hours each academic year (Fall & Spring semesters) toward your designated degree program; and • Earn 24 semester hours of academic credit prior to your second year of collegiate enrollment.
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STUDENT-ATHLETE SUPPORT SERVICES Progress Toward Degree Requirements This rule dictates that a percentage of courses are necessary to be completed by the beginning of the second, third, fourth, and fifth years of enrollment, in order to maintain academic eligibility. A minimum percentage of the GPA necessary to graduate from the student’s college and the University of Cincinnati is also required.In order for a student-athlete to be eligible for intercollegiate competition at the University of Cincinnati, you must meet all NCAA, conference and UC academic requirements. The chart below illustrates this rule: Entering Year of Enrollment
Required Percentage of Degree Completed
NCAA GPA Requirement
2nd
N/A
1.80
3rd
40% (33% in 5yr program)
1.90
4th
60% (50% in 5yr program)
2.00
5th
80% (67% in 5yr program)
2.00
DESIGNATION OF DEGREE The NCAA mandates that a student-athlete must designate a program of study leading toward a specific baccalaureate degree by the beginning of your third year of enrollment (fifth semester), and thereafter, you should make satisfactory progress toward that specific degree. Should you fail to progress toward a degree, you will be ineligible for practice or competition until the deficit has been made up and the total hours earned meet minimum number of credits required at that particular stage of his/her academic career. Student-athletes must be enrolled in a baccalaureate college with a declared major by the completion of their second year. Student-athletes enrolled in a pre-program must complete the Designation of Degree form (DOD), declaring an anticipated major by the end of their second year of enrollment. Failure to complete the DOD will result in the student-athlete being declared ineligible to compete in intercollegiate athletic competition. If you have questions regarding number of credit hours needed for eligibility, please contact your SASS academic counselor. GOOD ACADEMIC STANDING For information regarding the University’s Satisfactory Academic Good Standing Policy, please visit the following website: http://www.uc.edu/content/dam/uc/trustees/docs/rules_50/50-1-06.pdf FULL-TIME ENROLLMENT It is strongly recommended that student-athletes, while in season, enroll in 15 credit hours per semester. Some elements that determine the number of hours a student-athlete should carry include, but are not limited to, the following: difficulty of courses selected, length of competitive season, number of away contests and availability of degree required courses. All undergraduate student-athletes must be enrolled at all times in a minimum twelve (12) hours (ten for graduate student-athletes) in order to practice or compete. Dropping below full-time enrollment without administrative approval could affect your eligibility and athletic scholarship.
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STUDENT-ATHLETE SUPPORT SERVICES UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI AWARDS TopCAT Student-Athletes who earned a 4.0 term GPA and at least 12 credit hours Dean’s List Student-Athletes who earned a 3.4 term GPA and at least 12 credit hours Bearcats Honor Roll Student-Athletes who earned a 3.0 term GPA and at least 12 credit hours Nancy Hamant Scholar-Athlete of the Year Awarded to the top male and female student-athlete who has exhausted his/her eligibility and who has attained the highest University GPA during their Academic career at the University. UC Scholar-Athlete of the Month University sponsored award given to one student-athlete each month. Recipients must have a minimum 3.25 cumulative GPA and show leadership within their team and the community. CoSIDA Academic All-America To be eligible for Academic All-AmericaŽ consideration, a student-athlete must be a varsity starter or key reserve, maintain a cumulative G.P.A. of 3.30 on a scale of 4.00, have reached sophomore athletic and academic standings at his/her current institution and be nominated by his/her sports information director. Conference Academic Awards Student-athletes are eligible for conference awards on an individual and team basis. Legion of Excellence Legion of Excellence recognizes one student-athlete from each team who has the highest GPA during the previous academic year. Others that are also recognized at this event are the Order of the Black Blazer, the Strubbe Distinguished Service Award and James P. Kelly Hall of Fame Inductees.
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STUDENT-ATHLETE SUPPORT SERVICES BEARCATS STRONG Student-Athletes who demonstrate their desire to be strong in mind, strong in body and strong in character based off of the following characteristics STRONG IN MIND: • 3.0 GPA during the preceding Fall and Spring semesters • Passed 12 credit hours each term during the preceding academic year • (exceptions: final term, graduate school and mandatory co-op) • Must have earned the eligibility point for each term during the preceding academic year STRONG IN CHARACTER: • 4 community engagement events or 10 outreach hours per academic year • 5 CPAWS personal development sessions per academic year STRONG IN BODY: • Good standing with coaching staff and strength and conditioning staff • Attend 100% of workouts • Attend 100% of Drug and Alcohol Wellness Education Sessions JIMMY NIPPERT & HELEN NORMAN SMITH AWARDS Each award goes to a senior student-athlete having exhausted his/her eligibility who has demonstrated over the course of his/her career the following characteristics: • • •
Academic achievement Outstanding contributions and/or excellence in athletic performance Documented community service
The Jimmy Nippert Award goes to one male and the Helen Norman Smith Award goes to one female annually.
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C.P.A.W.S.
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he University of Cincinnati Athletics Department has implemented a comprehensive model of student-athlete development, known as CPAWS (Cincinnati Promoting Athlete Wellness and Success). The developmental model focuses on the student-athlete’s academic, athletic, and personal development. CPAWS is our commitment to assist student-athletes to increase their quality of life and prepare them for a professional life after UC. A curriculum of programming is developed and analyzed on an annual basis by the CPAWS Advisory Board. In order for CPAWS to maximize student-athlete success in and out of sport, a collaborative effort of people and resources exists amongst athletics, the university, and the Cincinnati community. CPAWS ANNUAL CORE LEADERSHIP -SASS Orientation -Leadership Activity CAREER ENGAGEMENT -Resume Creation/Update -Forever Bearcats Networking Event COMMUNITY OUTREACH -4 Community Outreach Events OR 10 hours of Community Outreach PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT -Sports Medicine Sessions -Team Specific Personal Development Session -2 Additional Personal Development Sessions MAJOR STUDENT-ATHLETE EVENTS ONE TEAM KICK OFF The One Team Kick Off is a time to come together as a Bearcat family and kickoff the academic and athletic year.
LEGION OF EXCELLENCE Legion of Excellence recognizes one student-athlete from each team who has the highest GPA during the previous academic year. Others that are also recognized at this event are the Order of the Black Blazer, the Strubbe Distinguished Service Award and James P. Kelly Hall of Fame Inductees.
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C.P.A.W.S. ALL SPORTS NIGHT Each team chooses a home competition for other student-athletes and athletic department staff to specifically attend and support their team. It is an opportunity for teams to get to know and support each other in a fun filled environment. StudentAthletes also earn Bearcats Cup points for their attendance. GATORADE PONG Each year our Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) hosts a Gatorade Pong tournament. This event invites the entire UC community to participate in the tournament, play additional games, have dinner and enter their name into the drawing for raffle prizes. All of the proceeds of this event go to Mothers Against Drunk Driving.
BEARCATS CUP This competition goes all year long. Each team competes against each other to earn points by attending various sessions and attaining specific benchmarks which include: CPAWS session attendance, All Sports Night attendance, being on the Bearcat Honor Roll, being Bearcats STRONG, attendance at SAAC meetings (SAAC members only), team community outreach and attendance at personal development sessions. ONE TEAM HONORS An event to close out the academic year with a celebration of athletic, academic and community accomplishments. This event is fun, exciting and full of student-athlete involvement and interaction. One Team Honors is also a way to celebrate National Student-Athlete Day. FOREVER BEARCATS NIGHT This event highlights the SASS and CPAWS Mission of “Preparing to be a Professional� by giving studentathletes the opportunity to engage with employers and graduate/professional school representatives. Concurrent workshops are offered to prepare student-athletes for their professional life after UC.
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C.P.A.W.S. INTERNATIONAL EXTRAVAGANZA This event celebrates UC’s international student-athletes and the countries they represent. It provides UC international student-athletes with an opportunity to show the pride they have for their country while connecting with UC staff members and other international student-athletes.
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SPORTS MEDICINE
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he University of Cincinnati Athletics Sports Medicine Department is devoted to providing the best possible medical care to every athlete independent of gender, scholarship status, or sport. A diversified program of prevention, evaluation, treatment and rehabilitation will ensure a positive, healthy recovery experience, an improved quality of life, a safe return to full athletic participation and continued athletic success. The Sports Medicine Staff will strive to provide every student-athlete with the most comprehensive, highest quality, individualized sports medicine health care available in a professional, efficient, compassionate and service- oriented manner. As a staff, our main priority is the health and safety of the student- athlete and therefore we will strive to return the student- athlete to activity in the shortest, but safest amount of time possible. It is with the highest integrity and professionalism that we will support of the University of Cincinnati’s, NCAA’s, the American Athletic Conference’s and the National Athletic Trainers’ Association’s mission statements. GENERAL RULES • All injuries and illnesses must be communicated and coordinated through your sport athletic trainer • Care rendered in the Athletic Training Room and by the Sports Medicine staff is a privilege; treat all staff members and facilities with respect. • All team rules apply within our facilities (behavior, attire, punctuality/attendance) ATTIRE • Must be appropriate for a coeducational facility. Be prideful of the University of Cincinnati! No other sports team/college is acceptable. • Shirts and shorts/pants required • No spandex, compression shorts, sports bras • No cleats in facility or hallways • No shoes on taping or treatment tables • Team rules for jewelry and hats HYGIENE • The athletic training room is a medical facility, please prevent infection by taking a shower and wearing clean clothes BEHAVIOR • This is a shared facility, be respectful and mindful of the people surrounding you (yelling, profanity, etc.) POOL • Must rinse off in shower prior to using hot/cold/therapy pools. No white clothing! Bring your own towel and dry off yourself and pool woodwork completely. CELL PHONES • Must not distract from your treatment/rehab. Must wear headphones, no music playing out loud.
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MEDICAL COVERAGE & INSURANCE
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he Department of Athletics has developed a self-funded medical coverage program, which provides financial assistance with medical expenses “in-excess” to any personal health insurance of the student-athlete. This coverage is available for injuries that occur as a direct result of athletic performance at the University of Cincinnati, under the supervision of a Department of Athletics staff member. The University of Cincinnati requires that EACH student, including non-athletes, be enrolled in a primary health insurance program that meets certain requirements (Institutional regulation) These requirements can be found at http://www.uc.edu/uhs/student_health_insurance.html. THE SPORTS MEDICINE STAFF HAS ESTABLISHED THE FOLLOWING POLICIES IN THE EVENT A STUDENT-ATHLETE IS INJURED DURING SPORT PARTICIPATION: All injuries/illnesses should be reported to the Sports Medicine staff. They will provide medical care as deemed appropriate for the reported illness or injury. The Department provides self-funded medical “excess” coverage for injuries sustained while participating in a university-sponsored intercollegiate activity. The Department’s coverage is “in-excess” to any personal, primary medical insurance (typically provided through parent(s) or purchased for the individual studentathlete) and does not come into effect until payment is processed/filed through any primary coverage. Each student-athlete is required to provide current insurance information. For student-athletes who do not have medical insurance, an individual policy can be obtained through the University or privately and is the responsibility of the student-athlete. Second Opinions: Student-athletes must consult with the team physician before seeking a second opinion from a specialist. If a student-athlete seeks the services of another specialist without consultation and referral by the team physician and the Associate Athletic Director of Sports Medicine, the Department of Athletics will not be financially responsible. Regardless of approved/non-approved second opinion, the student-athlete must report back to the University of Cincinnati Athletics Sports Medicine Department following examination by an outside specialist (all records, reports, images, etc.) The University of Cincinnati Team Physician has final authorization on clearance and participation. Student-athletes requiring corrective contact lenses or glasses for general use will not be paid for by the Department of Athletics. Replacement contact lenses beyond what may be supplied by the Sports Medicine staff is the student-athlete’s financial responsibility. The athletic department is only responsible for any corrective device if there is a direct athletic injury. Dental injuries incurred by a student-athlete while participating in an organized practice or intercollegiate competition will be covered under the Department of Athletics Insurance Policy Procedures. Any charges related to filling cavities, annual checkups, or routine dental work will not be covered by the Department of Athletics. FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, CONTACT THE SPORTS MEDICINE STAFF AT 513-556-4352
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ATHLETICS COMMUNICATIONS
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he UC Athletics Communications Office serves as a liaison between the media and student-athletes, coaches and administrators. Among its responsibilities, staff tells the story of Bearcats Athletics using a multifaceted approach: creating content, coordinating interviews, compiling statistics and historical information, nominating and promoting studentathletes for athletic awards and coordinating our multimedia resources. UC Athletics Communications is located in the Richard E. Lindner Center, Suite 860. Contact us by phone at 513-556-5182 or visit GoBEARCATS.com. Follow us on Twitter @GoBEARCATS.
ATHLETICS COMMUNICATIONS STAFF
RYAN KOSLEN
ANDRE FOUSHEE
CARL SCHMID
ALEX RYAN
DREW WEBER
TBA
Associate AD/Football 513-497-3132 ryan.koslen@uc.edu @Koz_UC
Assistant AD/MBB/M-Golf 513-556-5182 andre.foushee@uc.edu @Andre_UCSID
Digital Media/W-Tennis 513-556-5191 carl.schmid@uc.edu @CarlSchmid
XC/Track & Field/W-Soc 513-556-0618 alex.ryan@uc.edu @al3xryan
M-Soc/WBB/W-Golf 513-556-0667 drew.weber@uc.edu
Baseball/Volleyball/ Swimming & Diving
WHY ACCOMMODATE THE MEDIA? 1. 2. 3.
Talking with the media helps student-athletes develop communication skills that will be useful throughout college as well as future professional and business careers. You gain the opportunity to communicate to your fans and supporters who attend your sporting events or follow you back at home. Our program receives publicity and you build the reputation as an approachable, credible and honest source for media stories.
12 THINGS TO REMEMBER 1.
2.
3.
4.
If a media member contacts you for an interviewpleasedirectthemtoyourSports Communications office contact. Media membersareaskedtogothroughtheSports Communications office to coordinate all interviews. You are the expert. Most questions relate to your sport and your role. Consequently, the questions should be easy to answer. You control the interview and what answers are provided. Direct the conversation to what you want to talk about. Remember, you are not obligated to answer any question with which you are not comfortable. Be prompt. Reporters are usually on a tight deadline and appreciate the extra effort you make to be available on time.
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Be available for interviews after a bad game or bad performance. How a coach or athlete behaves after a loss often makes a bigger impression than after a win. 6. Think ahead. Have a game plan -identify the two or three main points that you want to get across. 7. Relax -- and think positively. 8. Keep direct eye contact and stay focused. 9. Praise your teammates, credit your coaches, be gracious to opponents. 10. Talk in short, complete sentences. 11. Represent the C – put your best self forward when being interviewed. 12. Always end the interview with a simple thank you.
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SOCIAL MEDIA
R.A.I.S.E.
When using social media for personal or professional use, be sure to utilize the R.A.I.S.E. principle:
RESPECTFUL | AUTHENTIC | INTENTIONAL | SMART | ENGAGING IF ATHLETICS IS THE FRONT PORCH OF A UNIVERSITY, SOCIAL MEDIA IS THE FRONT LAWN – KEEP IT CLEAN
SOCIAL MEDIA BAKERS DOZEN 1.
EVERY DAY IS A JOB INTERVIEW Be respectful. Anything you post in your role as a UC student-athlete reflects either positively or negatively on the University. Be professional and respectful.
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PRIDE Take pride in who/what you represent. The University of Cincinnati, the Department, of Athletics, family, church, organization, etc.
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FAMILY RULE If you can’t say it in front of your mother, grandmother, pastor or another family member, then don’t say it.
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LANGUAGE PLEASE Don’t use slang/bad language. Don’t reference parties, gambling, drugs, alcohol, etc.
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DON’T BE CRITICAL Never criticize an opposing team, referee, coach, fans or teammate.
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LISTEN “Listen” to online conversations on your preferred tools to maintain a clear and current understanding of what is relevant and of interest to the community.
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BE ACTIVE Engage and be active on social media. Don’t go weeks without a post.
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IT’S NOT A MEGAPHONE Don’t use social media as a megaphone, or an outlet to complain about your life, teammates, school, etc. Use it as a megaphone to build your brand and speak to a larger audience.
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HAVE SOME COMMON SENSE Think before you post, remembering that anything you share within social media, even within a closed network, is not private.
10. DON’T ENGAGE IN TWITTER ARGUMENTS No one wins. Ignore them. 11. KEEP PRIVATE PRIVATE Don’t tweet or post something about a heated argument or what happened in the locker room. Things said in private settings should never see the light of the internet. 12. SAY THANKS Thank your teammates and fans every day. 13. HAVE FUN Self explanatory. 56
THE ONE TEAM CREED WE ARE ONE TEAM. WE ARE STUDENT-ATHLETES FROM ACROSS THE COUNTRY AND AROUND THE WORLD. WE ARE HARD-WORKING. WE ARE EDUCATED. WE ARE HONEST. WE ARE PUSHING TOWARDS A COMMON GOAL. WE COMPETE AT THE HIGHEST LEVELS. WE ARE TEAMMATES WHO RESPECT AND CELEBRATE DIVERSITY IN TERMS OF CULTURE, BACKGROUND, RACE, RELIGION, GENDER AND SEXUAL ORIENTATION. WE RESPECT OUR OPPONENTS BUT FEAR NO ONE. WE ARE HUMBLE. WE ARE HUNGRY. WE SWEAT AS ONE. WE BLEED AS ONE. WE BREATHE AS ONE. WE ACHIEVE AS ONE. WE WILL STRIVE FOR PERFECTION AND SETTLE FOR NOTHING LESS THAN EXCELLENCE. WE ARE THE TOWER OF STRENGTH. WE ARE THE ROCK OF TRUTH. WE ARE THE FOUNTAIN OF ETERNAL YOUTH. WE CHOOSE TO WEAR THE NAME OF OUR CITY ... OF YOUR CITY ... WITH PRIDE. WE ARE CLIFTON AVENUE AND CORRY BOULEVARD. WE ARE DOWN THE DRIVE. WE ARE THE QUEEN CITY. WE ARE CINCINNATI. WE ARE BEARCATS. WE ARE ONE TEAM.