2004-05 Student-Athlete Handbook

(Copies available in the athletics office)

MESSAGE FROM THE THE ATHLETICS DIRECTOR

Dear Student-Athlete:

Athletics is an integral part of Assumption College and its mission is to compliment and support the overall College mission. The department will achieve its mission by providing the opportunity, inspiration and resources for students to strive to reach their fullest potential.

This will be accomplished with emphasis on the wellness model in an environment that promotes learning, integrity, leadership and sportsmanship.

Academic success, community involvement, and a dedication to excellence in the athletics programs are critical to the successful performance of our department's mission.

A successful program should create an environment in which students can succeed in their academic work as well as in their athletic competition. The program best serves the College and the well-being of its the students when it encourages and helps to develop a sound academic plan leading towards graduation.

Athletics, like other extracurricular activities, should offer opportunity to experience and develop personal skills and values such as dedication, perseverance, responsibility, team effort and cooperation, discipline, self confidence, leadership, and other attributes of human development and citizenship.

We will offer our students an opportunity to compete at the highest competitive level in intercollegiate athletics. Competition at this level should serve the College's overall commitment to excellence, provide participants the opportunities to develop their physical skills to the highest level of development.

We will try to enhance the experience of all students, participants and non participants alike, by developing school spirit and creating a sense of community.

Athletics provides spectator entertainment for the college and neighboring communities. It is also the single best source of repeated publicity for the College. And, it should foster a positive identification with and good will for the city and its College among graduates and area residents.

Our immediate goals and vision include:

a. being competitive within the Northeast-10 Conference . . . the College has made a commitment to the conference and should make every effort to commit itself back to its student-athletes, recruited under that guise.

b. striving to reach regional and national goals either in Northeast-10, E.C.A.C. or N.C.A.A. post-season team activities and on an individual level, conference, regional and all-American honors.

c. provide all essentials with respect to a varsity athletics program . . . i.e. adequate sports medicine, sports information, the most modern and up-to-date equipment, the most qualified coaching personnel available, able support staff in all advisory and associated areas . . . i.e. academics, psychological, spiritual, financial.

We are dedicated to formulating a recognized program aimed at encouraging the development of character, faith and ethical leadership of our student-athletes.

Sincerely,

THEODORE S. PAULAUSKAS '67

Director of Athletics

II. STUDENT-ATHLETE POLICIES

HAZING POLICY

Hazing of any sort is forbidden at Assumption College. The law of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts defines hazing as "...any conduct or method of initiation into any student organization, whether on private or public property, which willfully or recklessly endangers the physical or mental health of any student or other person.

Such conduct shall include whipping, beating, branding, forced calisthenics, exposure to the weather, forced consumption of any food, liquor, beverage, drug or other substance, or any other brutal treatment or forced physical activity which is likely to adversely affect the physical health or safety of any such student or other person, or which subjects such student or other person to extreme mental stress, including extended deprivation of sleep or rest or extended isolation."

Notwithstanding any other provisions of this section to the contrary, consent shall not be available as a defense to any prosecution under this action.

The law goes on to say that "Whoever is a principal organizer in the crime of hazing...shall be punished by a fine of not more than $3,000 or by imprisonment‹ for not more than one year or both; whoever knows that another person is the victim of hazing‹and is at the scene of such (a) crime, shall to the extent that such person can do so without danger or peril himself or others, report such crime to an appropriate law enforcement official as soon as reasonably practical; whoever fails to report such a crime shall be punished by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars."

ALCOHOL POLICY

The Assumption College Athletic Administration recognizes that student-athletes are highly visible people on our campus and in our community. We feel there is a responsibility that comes with being a member of an athletic team. As a result, the way a student-athlete conducts him/herself is a direct reflection on themselves, as well as on Assumption College and its Athletics Department.

Assumption College is committed to providing each student-athlete with a positive experience both in the classroom and within the athletic arena. With this is mind, the Athletic Department, along with the Student Athlete Advisory Committee, have put together policies and procedures for the use and abuse of alcohol, drugs, and tobacco. As coaches and administrators, we are committed to providing a healthy and safe environment for competition. Therefore, there have been mandatory counseling sessions and sanctions put into place for any student-athlete who abuses or misuses any substances.

The unauthorized use of any NCAA banned substance or the abuse of alcohol by any member of an intercollegiate athletic team at Assumption College is strictly prohibited at any time during the academic year (including pre and post season).

The unauthorized use of any NCAA banned substances or abuse of alcohol will result in sanctions, including, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, suspensions from intercollegiate participation, mandatory counseling sessions, loss of scholarship (where applicable), permanent prohibition against competing in athletics at Assumption College as well as other disciplinary actions as stated in the Student Handbook.

The Director of Athletics and/or the Athletic Appeals Committee will use the following policies as guidelines to invoke sanctions regarding alcohol, drug, and tobacco and gambling. The Athletics Director and/or the Athletic Appeals Committee have the authority to impose greater or lesser sanctions based on individual incidents.

IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE STUDENT-ATHLETE TO BE FAMILIAR WITH ALL ALCOHOL, DRUG, TOBACCO AND GAMBLING POLICIES STATED IN THE STUDENT-ATHLETE HANDBOOK. IF YOU DO NOT UNDERSTAND ANY OR ALL PARTS OF THESE POLICIES, IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO ASK FOR CLARIFICATION FROM THE ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT.

Alcohol Policy Sanctions

CLASS A OFFENSE

arrest with possible conviction of Driving While Impaired (DWI)

arrest with possible conviction for any other offense with legally defined intoxication as one of the charges.

Any student-athlete who is found responsible for committing an offense, which is considered Class A, may be suspended form participation in athletics for 6 months from the date of the infraction. The Athletics Department reserves the right to interimly suspend a student-athlete until the completion of the judicial process.

His/her parents, coaches and head athletic trainer will be notified of the offense by the Director of Athletics. The student will be also referred to counseling on campus.

If the student athlete would like to seek off-campus counseling, an outside referral will be made. Scholarship money will be reviewed at the end of the school year based on compliance with counseling sessions. If a second Class A Offense is committed, all parties will be notified and the student-athlete will be permanently banned from athletics competition at Assumption College and will lose all scholarship aid (if applicable).

CLASS B OFFENSE

drunken and disorderly conduct (i.e. destruction of property) including public intoxication

purchasing, selling or supplying a prospective student-athlete with alcohol

drinking in the presence of a prospective student-athlete as a student host

assault while under the influence

use of alcohol in hotels or vehicles while on an athletics dept. sponsored trip

alcohol poisoning

Any student-athlete who commits a CLASS B OFFENSE will be suspended for a minimum of one game in the traditional season immediately following the offense. The coaches and head trainer will be notified of the offense. The student-athlete will also be subject to sanctions through the college disciplinary judicial process, as well as the Athletic Appeals Committee.

Any student-athlete who commits a second CLASS B OFFENSE will be suspended for a minimum of one week of practices and games in the traditional season immediately following the offense.

Three CLASS B OFFENSES will be equivalent to ONE CLASS A OFFENSE

Four CLASS B OFFENSES will be equivalent to TWO CLASS A OFFENSES

BE AWARE: all offenses are cumulative during one's entire college career.

NOTE: the sanctions for alcohol offenses not clearly defined above as a Class A or Class B offense and for repetitive minor offenses by a student-athlete will be determined by the Athletics Director and/or Athletic Appeals Committee.

CLASS C OFFENSE: Other Alcohol Offenses

There are some alcohol related offenses that are best handled on an individual basis by the coach and student-athlete. These cases include, but are not limited to, being in the presence of alcohol (whether drinking or not), drinking on the night before a game, intoxicated at a practice or game, etc. These are by no means any less important than Class A and Class B offenses, but should be handled by the coaching staff, in accordance with team rules and Assumption College standards.

THESE SANCTIONS WILL CARRY OVER TO YOUR TRADITIONAL SEASON IF YOU ARE GUILTY OF ANY OF THESE OFFENSES DURING YOUR OFF-SEASON!

DRUG POLICY

Assumption College student-athletes are expected to use good judgment at all times to ensure a positive educational and athletics atmosphere. You must understand the importance of your personal choices and responsible behavior with regard to drugs.

Violations of the College Drug Policy will be subject to sanctions consistent with a Class A offense.

In the event that this offense occurs, sanctions will be deemed according to the specific incident. Good judgment would dictate that the student-athlete remove themselves from such a situation to avoid possible sanctions.

N.C.A.A. Regulations

In the event of N.C.A.A. drug testing, the head athletics trainer will notify you of the time, date, and location and what is required of you at that time. Student-athletes are tested randomly, both in- and out-of-season.

In the event you test positive on your first test, you will be immediately suspended from further intercollegiate competition for the remainder of the year. Additionally, your parents and coaches will be notified of the results of the test. Any financial aid will be reviewed at the end of the school year.

If you test positive, your specimen will be rechecked for confirmation. If it is confirmed positive, the director of athletics will inform the student-athlete, your parents, head coach and the head athletics trainer. Testing may continue, and the student-athlete will be referred to counseling.

A second positive test will result in immediate and permanent suspension from all Assumption College athletics participation with no opportunity for further participation. After the second positive, the same personnel will be notified as earlier stated and the student-athlete will lose all athletically related financial aid.

If you refuse to take the N.C.A.A. drug test, you will no longer be eligible to participate in intercollegiate athletics and will forfeit any athletically related financial aid. In addition, positive tests are cumulative throughout your athletics career at Assumption College.

For purposes of determining the appropriate sanctions, a mandatory counseling session is required of any student-athlete in violation of the policies stated above.

TOBACCO

Assumption College does not condone the use of tobacco. Tobacco use has many negative effects and is prohibited in connection with any intercollegiate team function. Smokeless tobacco is included in this prohibition.

Tobacco use is prohibited at any N.C.A.A. sanctioned event. If found using tobacco (smokeless or otherwise), you will be immediately suspended for the remainder of the practice or game. Per NCAA Division II - Bylaw - 17.1.8.

Tobacco use violations will be deemed a Class C Offense as stated in the alcohol policy and sanctions will be handled on an individual basis by your coach.

GAMBLING

It is hoped that Assumption College students will not be involved in any type of gambling. However, since gambling is a rising problem on most college campuses, we feel we must address the issue. The results of organized gambling can be both severe and tragic for both the individual and College.

The College and Athletics Department are committed to combating all forms of gambling. You should keep in mind that your participation in any type of gambling puts your eligibility in intercollegiate sports in jeopardy.

Athletics Department staff members and Student-Athletes shall not knowingly:

1. Provide information to individuals involved in organized gambling activities concerning intercollegiate athletic competition.

2. Solicit a bet on any intercollegiate team.

3. Accept a bet on any intercollegiate team.

4. Participate in any gambling activity that involves professional and/or intercollegiate athletics through a bookmaker, a parlay card or any other method employed by organized gambling.

Be aware of the illegalities of gambling at an institutional and state level. Understand that at the college level the consequences may be expulsion. The College will also assist with the enforcement of federal, state and local anti-bribery laws.

Disciplinary Action as per the N.C.A.A.

1. Students are required to report any solicitations they might receive to partake in sport gambling. Failure to do so, if determined after due process, will result in expulsion as recommended by the N.C.A.A.

2. Students found guilty of handling bets, distributing handicap information, or otherwise serving as an agent of the gambling industry, are subject to immediate expulsion as per the NCAA.

3. Any student-athlete found guilty of any of the above mentioned rules is subject to ineligibility from further intercollegiate competition.

APPEAL PROCESS

Once the Athletics Department, in writing, has rendered a sanction the student athlete, the student-athlete has the right to an appeal. The student-athlete may do so if he/she believes the facts on which the decision is based are erroneous or that the sanctions should be lessened or not imposed at all.

The student-athlete may file a written appeal with the Director of Athletics or designee within 24 HOURS after receipt of the letter from the Director or designee regarding the decision. The appeal must include any information which might give a different consideration of the sanction. The Director of Athletics or designee will forward the appeal to the Athletics Appeals Committee (AAC) to review. The (AAC) will review the information submitted by the student-athlete and render a decision as to whether there exists a basis for appeal. The committee will make the final decision regarding the appeal and will notify the student-athlete of the decision in writing. If warranted, the student-athlete would be asked to attend an appeal hearing to state his/her case. The decision to hear an appeal rests solely with the authority of the committee. If a student-athlete chooses to appeal the College's sanction the student athlete needs to notify the Director of Athletics or designee in writing. The athletics department appeals process will be subsequent to the College judicial appeals process. Please be advised that the appeals process only reviews the sanctions imposed by the athletics department.

CONDUCT CODE

Individuals who participate in Assumption College intercollegiate athletics shall conduct themselves with honesty, integrity and sportsmanship at all times, so that intercollegiate athletics as a whole, the Institutions and they, as individuals, shall be representative of the values of fair play and generally recognized high standards associated with wholesome competitive sports. The use of language, gestures or acts that provoke ill will or incite spectators or any opponent, or are demeaning to the game, shall be penalized.

DRESS CODE

Whenever you travel or congregate as a team in public, you are expected to dress appropriately and/or according to the coach's request. You are the image by which our program will be judged. Take pride in how you look and act.

EXIT INTERVIEW

The N.C.A.A. requires each institution's director of athletics, or a designated administrator, to conduct an exit interview in each sport with a sample of student athletes whose eligibility has expired. The interview "Shall include questions regarding the value of the student's athletic experience, the extent of the athletics time demands encountered by the student-athlete, proposed changes in intercollegiate athletics and concerns related to the administration of the student athlete's specific sports."

The College's Athletics Administrator will also request an interview of every scholarship athlete who has left a team prior to expiration of eligibility.

Grievance Procedure For Non-Renewal

Or Graduation Of Athletic Aid

According to N.C.A.A. regulations, an athletics grant-in-aid (athletics scholarship) may only be granted for a one-year period. It is generally renewed at the end of each year unless the student has become academically ineligible for competition, has not adhered to the provisions of the College's Letter of Intent, has violated the rules of conduct for student behavior cited in this handbook and the College's Student Handbook, has participated in an illegal activity, has severed ties with the program, has failed to follow the specific sport team rules, or no longer demonstrates a full commitment to the program.

The number of years a student can receive an athletic scholarship generally will not exceed a total of four years. Athletics scholarships are granted by the office of financial aid upon the recommendation of the coach and the director of athletics.

Should an athlete's aid not be recommended for renewal, or be lowered in value, the athlete shall receive written notification by the coach, with a copy to the administration. If athletes feel they have been unfairly treated in the process, or that the reason for non-renewal or cancellation or graduation is unjustified, they may request a review of the recommendation by a committee of the College's staff, including athletics personnel, and chaired by the dean of the office of financial aid. The request for the appeal must be in writing and must be received by the director of athletics and the dean within two weeks of the date of the notice of non-renewal or graduation.

Procedure For Corrective Actions

Regarding Coach/Staff Decisions

Should athletes feel that they have not been given due process in a team or individual disciplinary action, or that they have been treated unfairly in any procedure, they should first discuss their concern with the head coach. The next avenue of appeal in this process is to discuss their concern with the Director of Athletics or designee.

Team Selection Process

The number of students selected to a team is limited by the N.C.A.A. travel-squad maximum. Coaches select players on the basis of their talent, attitude, coach-ability, commitment, leadership, and potential contribution to the goals of the program.

Sport Agents

An individual shall be ineligible for participation in an intercollegiate sport if he or she has ever agreed (oral/in writing) to be represented by an agent for the purpose of marketing his/her athletic ability or reputation in that sport. Further, an agency contract not specifically limited in writing to a sport or particular sport shall be deemed applicable to all sports and the individual shall be ineligible to play in any sport.

Time Limits On Athletics-Related Activity

N.C.A.A. regulations mandate that student-athletes spend no more than twenty (20) hours-per-week in required athletically-related activities, which include practices, meetings, viewing of tapes, conditioning, weight training and competition. All activities, including travel connected with competition on the day of the event, shall be counted as a maximum of three hours regardless of the actual time involved.

In addition to maximum hours per week, student-athletes shall have at least one day per week in which no required C.A.R.A (Countable Athletically-Related Activities) is conducted.

Activities and/or meetings initiated by the student-athlete shall be deemed as voluntary and shall not be limited. NCAA regulations require the coach to record each student's C.A.R.A on a daily, weekly and monthly basis. Please cooperate by recording any individual deviations to the team's activities on the appropriate form and by signing off at the end of the period.

All athletes must be eligible according to the N.C.A.A. Division II regulations. A copy of the N.C.A.A. manual is located in the director's office. It is the coach's responsibility to be aware of the regulations in order to prevent cases of ineligibility to teams or individual student athletes. All coaches and student-athletes should be aware that violations by one team member can affect the entire team, and violations by one team can affect all teams at the College.

Before the sport season begins, all athletes will be checked on their academic standing.If these students are aware of these policies there should be no problems and coaches will not be losing players from their squads.

Additionally, the N.C.A.A. requires annually that all athletes sign a statement in which the student-athlete submits information related to eligibility, recruitment, financial aid and amateur status under the governing legislation. This statement must be administered by the Chief Athletic Administrator or designee prior to the students' participation in intercollegiate competition each academic year.

These statements must be signed by both the chief administrator and the head coach. These statements should be kept on file in the office of the director, and administered at the first meeting of the athletes.

Academic Eligibility

Academic policy as it affects athletic eligibility can be a difficult thing to understand. Unfortunately, the language of some N.C.A.A. rules does not make it any less confusing. To help you better comprehend some of the major academic compo nents for athletic eligibility, we have compiled a short list of N.C.A.A. and College rules.

Rule 14.4.1: GOOD ACADEMIC STANDING

AND SATISFACTORY PROGRESS

The phrases "good academic standing" and" "academic progress" are to be inter preted at each member institution by the academic officials who determine the meaning and application of such phrases for all students, the conference(s) (or similar associations), if any, of which the institution is a member and applicable N.C.A.A. legislation.

N.C.A.A. Manual, 2004-2005

I. A student-athlete becomes academically ineligible to compete in intercollegiate athletics in the semester following either one of these academic situations:

the student is placed on academic probation by the college

the student is placed on conditional enrollment status by the college

II. A student-athlete becomes academically ineligible to compete in intercollegiate athletics during any semester in which any of the following occurs:

they are not officially registered

they are enrolled in fewer than 12 credit hours (see footnote 1)

they are requested to withdraw

they officially withdraw from the college

III. A student-athlete becomes academically ineligible to compete in intercollegiate athletics if they fall more than six (6) credits behind their total graduation requirements at the conclusion of any Assumption College semester. (College rule) (see footnote 2)

IV. A student-athlete becomes academically ineligible to compete in intercollegiate athletics if they fail to achieve a minimum GPA (grade point average) of 2.00 at the completion of each semester.

FOOTNOTES

1. Rule 14.5.2.21 allows for an exception to taking less than 12 credits if it is the student-athlete's final semester as an undergraduate. This also allows for not fewer than eight (8) credits if the student-athlete is enrolled as a full-time graduate student at the College.

2. This review will be made each July to determine eligibility for the fall semester. Also in January to determine eligibility for the spring. Exceptions will be made for the half-year transfers who will not be reviewed until completion of their 2nd semester at Assumption College. Students already at the maximum credits behind will be reviewed each semester.

Remedies to Eligibility

Should a student-athlete find himself/herself in jeopardy of being declared academically ineligible there are things they can do. Unfortunately, due to time constraints of these remedies, such solutions will almost always be available only during the summer.

an F grade can be removed by the completion of a summer course with a C- or better. See registrar's office for specific details.

low grades can be removed by the completion of a summer course with a C- or better. See registrar's office for specific details.

credit can be gained by the completion of summer courses (a limit of four (4) courses within four (4) years of admission with C- or better.)

a low grade can be replaced by a higher grade if the course is repeated during the regular academic year at the College or consortium or during the summer at Assumption College.

probation can be changed in consultation with the academic dean's office with the successful completion of a summer course(s).

please note that the student-athletes will receive credit and/or remove a low grade but the summer grade will not be averaged into their CPA (cumulative point average) at the College unless it is taken at Assumption College. All courses must be approved by the department chair of the discipline in which the student needs to receive credit, prior to it being taken.

Please contact Professor Kevin Hickey prior to registration for any summer or intercession course(s). (508-767-7296).

Declaring A Major

N.C.A.A. regulations require that a student-athlete declare a major prior to the fifth semester of study.

Satisfactory Progress

Student-athletes must be registered for a minimum of twelve (12) credits each semester in order to be eligible for athletic aid, practice and competition. In addition, they must earn a minimum of twenty-four (24) credits-per-year which count toward a degree in their program. Refer to the memorandum Appendix No. 3, for the various situations which could cause a student-athlete to be ineligible.

Student Statements

Student-athletes should carefully read all items on the N.C.A.A. student statement forms. They should question any section which they do not understand before signing. See Appendix #4.

Summer School

Student-athletes who are attending summer school at another institution are responsible for having verification of their grades, credits and their transcript sent to our registrar prior to September 1.

Transferring

Should a student-athlete wish to transfer to another institution, they should seek a permission waiver from the compliance coordinator from that institution. Once the present institution issues the permission waiver, the student-athlete will be able to communicate with any of the desired institutions. The student-athlete should also inform their present head coach that they are considering transferring as soon as that decision has been made.

Should a student transfer to the College and wish to participate in intercollegiate athletics, they should notify the head coach immediately. Eligibility for participation in varsity athletics is rather complex and it should not be assumed that each student will be cleared for immediate participation, athletic aid and competition.

IV. MISSED CLASSES

The following attendance policy has been in place since the 1997-98 academic year for student-athletes participating in college-sponsored athletic contests.

During the first week of every semester, the student-athletes must inform their professors that they are in-season varsity student-athletes. The dean of studies will likewise be informed by the athletics office.

Student-athletes are expected to attend their classes and abide by the attendance policies written in class syllabi by their professors. A maximum of five (5) excused absences will be granted per semester (not per course) by the Dean of Studies for each student. These five absences for an athletic contest are excused absences. For any one course, the maximum number of excused absences equivalent to one week's worth of classes will be allowed.

This policy varies by professor; for some it is less. Also, student-athletes must be both on the roster and fully able to compete in order to receive an excused absence. Violation of this policy by student-athletes, through intentional misrepresentation of the facts, is handled as directed by the honor code as published in the Assumption College Handbook. Note that this policy applies only to athletic contests and not practices. The College policy continues to be that students will not be excused from classes or exams to take part in practice for sports.

Student-athletes will be allowed to miss a class to participate in a scheduled competition according to college policy of five per semester (not per course). Student-athletes must consult with their professors prior to participating in scheduled contests to make arrangements to minimize the effects of lost classroom time. This policy may apply to classes in which the scheduled exams are administered, including final exams. Student-athletes are expected to make alternate arrangements with their professors as much in advance as possible. If no arrangements are made prior to the event, the student faces academic and athletic consequences.

V. STUDENT-ATHLETE ADVISORY COMMITTEE

The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) shall have the responsibility of communicating, reviewing, and advising the athletics department on any concern which directly or indirectly affects the welfare of their academic or athletic involvement. Each team will have a representative who is selected by the head coach. The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee shall meet at the discretion of the associate director of athletics. However, any committee member can call for a special meeting. The associate director of athletics will convene a scheduled or special meeting of the Advisory Committee. The associate director of athletics will have the responsibility of informing the committee members of matters which influence their athletics participation. Further, the responsibility of the (SAAC) is to organize and participate in community service opportunities within the greater Worcester community.

VI. SPORTS MEDICINE POLICY

Medical Requirements Form

Medical report for all candidates accepted for admission

1. This required form is a complete medical history and physical examination of the student applying for admission to the College.

2. This form is normally sent to the Student Health Services office prior to the first day of classes.

Annual health-status questionnaire

1. Part of this form is to notify the student-athlete of shared responsibility for sport safety.

2. Another part of this form provides information as to the current health status of the student since his/her last medical examination.

3. This form is completed during the first meeting between the coach and the student-athlete.

4. In order to allow enough time for processing the information gathered, this meeting should take place approximately one week prior to the first practice.

These forms must be completed, returned and processed before the student-athlete is permitted to practice or play.

Official Team Rosters

1. Once medical forms are processed, the coach will receive an official roster of student athletes who are medically cleared for practices and games.

2. A student not listed on this roster is lacking all or part of the necessary requirements of the department policies and guidelines and should be referred to the trainer for clarification of his/her medical status.

3. If the student-athlete meets all the necessary requirements, the trainer will issue a signed statement to be presented to the coach, and the student-athlete will then be added to the official roster.

Student Insurance Program

1. All full-time students enrolled at the College are protected for medical expenses due to accident or injury. This coverage is fully explained in the Student Insurance Program for Assumption College brochure. Insurance information may be obtained at the Student Health Service Office.

2. Football, Lacrosse and Hockey: Insurance provides dental coverage to sound natural teeth. No coverage is provided unless a mouth protector is worn. No coverage is provided when issued equipment is cut or altered in any way.

3. Athletes should not be allowed to practice/ play unless a mouth protector is worn. It is the coach's responsibility to see that the athletes comply.

Insurance Claim Form

1. If a student-athlete is seen by a physician or is hospitalized, it is the student's responsibility to obtain and complete the necessary form for coverage and payment as soon as possible.

2. Claim forms are obtained at the student health-services office.

3. Assistance in completing a claim form will be provided (if requested) by the trainer or by the personnel at the student health-services office.

Arrangements For Services

1. Coaches must notify the trainer as soon as an official starting date for practice and a schedule of games is determined.

2. The trainer must be informed of any changes in schedules, practices, games, and/or departure time for away games as soon as possible.

Injury Management Policy

1. Coaches are reminded that all medical needs of the athlete must be processed through the trainer.

2. All new injuries and illnesses should be reported by the coach and athlete as soon as possible so that a treatment program can be initiated.

3. Once an athlete is injured and treatment is initiated, it is the athlete's responsibility to make arrangements with the trainer for treatment. Once rehabilitation is complete, the trainer will issue a signed form which will be given to the coach.

4. Evaluations and treatments of non-emergency situations (except for pre-practice and pre-game taping) are made by appointment (by the athlete) with the trainer.

Injury Information

1. The coach will direct all concerns about athletic health care to the trainer.

2. Referral to another physician, clinic, etc., should be handled by the trainer.

3. The coach is encouraged to keep informed of the injury or illness status of the athletes on a daily basis.

4. If a student-athlete is unable to participate in practices or games because of health reasons, the trainer will notify the coach as soon as possible.

5. To protect the rights of privacy, any injury or illness information to be released (i.e. media) for any reason must receive the approval of the trainer.

6. Coaches and personnel informed about the health-status of an athlete are to use discretion.

Emergency Policy

1. When a trainer is present allow the trainer to handle the injury. The coach should manage the staff and other team members so an optimal environment is maintained for good emergency care.

2. When no trainer is present: he coach should permit the student trainer to render care and assist in any way possible. If no trainer or student trainer is present, the coach must render emergency care and send for help (trainer, school health services, campus security, ambulance, etc.) If an athlete is transported to a hospital during or after a practice or game: a.) the coach should inform himself/herself of the condition and status of the athlete and notify the trainer as soon as possible; b.) if the athlete is not admitted to a hospital, the coach should make arrangements for the transportation of the student-athlete back to the College or home.

Return To Practice And Play

The trainer (with the physician when necessary) will clear the student-athlete for return to the appropriate level of physical activity. Once the student-athlete is cleared for practices or games, the trainer will issue (him/her) a clearance form that is to be presented to the coach.

VII. EQUIPMENT POLICY

All intercollegiate athletics teams will be wearing Nike apparel for practice or competition while representing the College. Practice gear including t-shirts and shorts will be regularly laundered throughout the traditional season, but the gear will be yours to keep and will not be collected by the athletics department at the end of the year.

Responsibilities

Each student-athlete is responsible for the equipment he/she is allocated. When being issued or turning in clothing and equipment, the athlete is responsible for seeing that the equipment personnel checks off or deletes the items on his/her equipment card. The card is filled out and signed by the athlete. If the athlete turns in items and they are not deleted on the card, the student-athlete will be held responsible!

Equipment and uniforms should be turned in directly to the equipment room following a home event. In the case of an away contest, uniform bags will be collected at a designated area.

In any event, uniform bags must be returned to the equipment room the morning after you arrive back on campus. The athlete must turn in his/her own equipment. Do not give it to someone else to turn in for you.

Inventory Policy

All clothing and equipment will be turned in immediately after the season ends. This includes all items signed for practice, uniform clothing, towels and locks.

Failure to return equipment will result in a sanction: this sanction will prohibit the student-athlete from registering for classes, receiving grades, transcripts and diplomas. The sanction will be removed only after all equipment has been returned or paid for.

SPECIAL POINTS

1. If you are cut from or quit a squad, you still have the responsibility of turning in your equipment. Protect yourself from sanction.

2. The equipment room will set special days for team equipment return at the end of the season.

3. Be advised that stolen equipment is your responsibility Do not leave lockers open when you go to the shower.

4. Any individual who intentionally abuses equipment, locker room, or facilities will be held liable for costs incurred for repair.

5. When exchanging dirty clothing for clean clothing at the equipment room window, only items you have will be exchanged. If you do not have a shirt to turn in, you will not receive an extra one.

6. The equipment room needs to have uniforms returned within a reasonable time after a game. We need to launder uniforms and like together.

7. No extra equipment/clothing will be given out by the equipment staff. Worn out or ripped items will be replaced if returned.

8. If you are an underclassman and do not return the clothing and/or equipment or do not pay for the missing clothing and/or equipment that has been issued to you, then your athletic eligibility may be in jeopardy for your future at Assumption College. In addition, if you are a senior and do not return the clothing and/or equipment then your grades may be held before graduation.

VIII. SCHOLARSHIP & FINANCIAL AID

To be considered for financial aid, it is imperative that the student submit the F.A.F. (Financial Aid Form) to Princeton, N.J. with Assumption College listed as a recipient (#3009) by February 1.

If the information on this form indicates that a student is in need of funds to attend the College, he/she will be considered. Simply stated, the awarding of financial aid is very similar to the admissions process but with even higher requirements.

Scholarship, grant, work-study funds are very limited. Only the strongest academic candidates with high degrees of interest in attending the College normally receive financial aid packages consistent with the established need. The F.A.F. also determines eligibility for Pell Grants, guaranteed student loans and state scholarships if applicable.

PRIORITY ONE: eligibility for funds as established by the F.A.F.;

PRIORITY TWO: strength of academic credentials relative to the pool of accepted candidates;

PRIORITY THREE: is the student likely to make a social contribution to the campus as well as an academic contribution?

Athletic grant-in-aids (scholarships) are awarded to student-athletics based upon athletic talent, commitment to the program, potential for growth, and a positive attitude.

Students may apply for aid based upon need with the Financial Aid office. All athletic scholarship recipients should file an FAF form. The only other institutional aid a "full-ride" athlete may receive or earn is a Pell Grant and that amount is limited.

IX. SPORTS INFORMATION

Sports Information Forms

Forms should be completed by each student-athlete every time he/she tries out for a sport. The forms are to be filled out completely and signed by the student-athlete at the bottom. All information contained on the biographical forms can be utilized in the daily promotion of an individual athlete and/or team. Information as to an athlete's academic background can only be used with his/her written consent.

Role Of Sports Information

The role of the sports information office is to publicize and promote the 23 varsity teams at the College. The sports information office acts as a liaison between the College and the media in a number of varying capacities. One of the more important functions is to assist the student-athlete in dealing with the media.

Other functions include writing, editing, publishing of guides, books and pamphlets, programs and press releases, as well as radio-television relations, photography and overall public relations. The office also keeps statistics, maintains records and, in general, coordinates the department publicity.

As an important part of the overall responsibilities, the office sends out news releases to your home town, reports scores and results including honors for athletes to the general news media on a nationwide scale and in a general sense makes an effort to gain overall exposure for the entire program.

With the assistance of your coaches, you will be asked by this office to complete a questionnaire detailing your personal and athletic history. This will be used to gain valuable background information for the writing of biographical materials and serves as a reference for your four years of competition at the College. We ask that you provide us with complete and accurate information.

With respect to dealing with the media, you should be aware that the acceptance of the individual athlete, your team and the College is developed by the way you conduct yourself during interviews. While here, you have an obligation to portray yourself and the institution in the best possible way and are encouraged to cooperate fully with the media.

You have a unique opportunity for a learning experience which will help to develop your communications skills which can prove helpful not only during your intercollegiate days, but also in future professional and business situations. We stand ready at any time to assist you in any way possible in your dealings with media persons.

A few "rules of thumb" which you should consider: never agree to an interview either in person or by telephone unless your coach and/or the sports information office has either knowledge of same or has arranged for you to talk to a media person. This will serve to avoid contact by unauthorized persons who may attempt to gain and use information for varied negative purposes.

Be aware of the importance of time in a scheduled interview and/or in returning telephone calls to legitimate media persons. If you encounter problems in fulfilling a commitment, please notify your coach and/or Sports Information Office immediately.

Do not answer a question if you do not wish to respond to same. An appropriate response would be "I'd rather not discuss the subject." If you are pressed for a reply, repeat the phrase until the media person is satisfied that you do not wish to answer the question. Be polite, but firm. The interviewer will respect you for your honesty, and you are not obliged to tell him/her why you do not wish to reply.

If you feel uncomfortable after an interview with respect to the questions, your answers or the general tone of the meeting with the media person(s), summarize the interview in your mind and seek counsel with sports information personnel. Bear in mind that a media person is trying to do his/her job to the best of their ability in a highly competitive profession.

Please feel free to contact the sports information office at any time for assistance in any matter for which we have responsibility. We are here to assist and serve you and your team through your athletics career here at the College.

X. AWARDS & BANQUETS

Yearly Awards and Criteria

Participants from each sport and in each year of participation are eligible for an award. The athletic administration shall determine the type of award given and the guidelines for presentation. The custom of giving these awards is a privilege; it isn't a mandatory obligation of the department or institution. As long as it remains financially feasible, it shall continue. The customary awards are: freshman year...lapel pin; sophomore year...key chain; junior year...varsity wind breaker; senior year...watch with logo

The guidelines for earning an award are as follows:

1. A student athlete must participate on a varsity team, whether practice or actual game competition until the final day of formal practice and/or competition.

2. Transfer student-athletes may be eligible as long as proof of participation at another institution is evident.

3. The sports information director will confirm all award recipients.

4. One-, two- and three-year awards will be presented at individual team break-up dinners.

5. Fourth-year awards will be presented at an athletics department sponsored banquet.

ANNUAL AWARDS/CRITERIA

REV. ARMAND DESAUTELS, A.A. AWARDS: presented in the name of the former President of the College to the premier senior male AND female student athletes. A candidate must have a CPA of better than 2.75, have performed at a regional and/or national level in his/her sport, and also impeccable character.

ANDREW LASKA AWARDS: presented in the name of, and by, the Director Emeritus, to the student-athletes, both male AND female, who are determined to be the most dominant at the College for the year. Athletic ability and character are the major determinants. Recipients need not be seniors.

REV. ALFRED BERTHIAUME, A.A.' 32 MEMORIAL AWARDS: presented in memory of Fr. Freddie, one of the staunchest supporters of athletics in his long association with the College. It is presented to the student-athletes, both male AND female, who best exhibit the personality of Fr. Freddie and "go above and beyond" in all areas of competition and leadership. The recipients need not be seniors.

WILLIAM CATING '64 MEMORIAL AWARDS: presented in memory of the former baseball/soccer manager who passed away during the 1964 season. It is presented to the student-athletes, both male AND female, who best exemplify the enthusiasm of Bill Cating and are considered "most coachable" by their coach. The recipients need not be seniors.

FRANCIS J. GRIMALDI '70 MEMORIAL AWARD: presented in memory of the former baseball coach who passed away during the 1993 season, it is presented to the student-athlete, male or female (just one award) who best exemplifies the courage and spirit of Mr. Grimaldi. The recipient need not be a senior.

REV. JOSEPH PELLETIER, A.A. '32 MEMORIAL AWARDS: presented in memory of the former director. It is presented to a person outside of the department for service to the department above and beyond. The recipients are usually not from the student body.

AL BANX MEMORIAL AWARD: presented in memory of the former world renowned cartoonist and journalist for the Worcester Telegram & Gazette, the person most responsible for the development of the "greyhound" as the athletic mascot. It is presented to a student for outstanding service to the department.

MOST VALUABLE PLAYERS: presented to the Most Valuable Player of each individual team as selected by the head coach or in a vote of the entire team.

SENIOR ATHLETE AWARDS: presented to each senior student-athlete who has completed four years of participation within the program. The athlete need not have been on the same team and can apply roster time with other institutions (with appropriate certification from opponent sports information offices).

SPECIAL AWARDS: presented on a one-time basis in recognition of accomplishment as specified by the athletic administration.