Student-Athlete Handbook

Introduction

Student-Athletes,

On behalf of the Department of Athletics at Vermont State University, I would like to congratulate you on becoming a member of our sports program and welcome you to the Vermont State University family of Intercollegiate Athletics. We are a university with established traditions of academic and athletic goals. Our hope is that your experience will be one of personal growth, academic achievement, and athletic success.

This handbook has been prepared by the athletics department staff for your benefit. It contains statements from the NCAA, USCAA, and Vermont State University policies concerning the responsibilities of student-athletes who participate in intercollegiate athletics. Please remember that you are held responsible for knowing and understanding the information contained within this document. Prior to any team competition, each student-athlete is required to sign the knowledge of receipt form that is enclosed in this document. The form is to be handed into the athletic office where it will be kept on file. If you have a particular question concerning the material within this handbook, please talk to your coach or to a member of the athletic department.

While we are here to support you, ultimately, you are responsible for your personal well-being, academic progress, and athletic success. You are subject to Vermont State University policies and regulations that pertain to all students. As an athlete, you are subject to time commitments, physical demands, and public visibility that are unique to the student-athlete experience.

If at any time I can be of assistance to you, please do not hesitate to contact me. Best wishes for a successful academic and athletic career at Vermont State University.

Sincerely,
Deanna Tyson
Assistant Vice President for Athletics and Fitness

Preamble

Vermont State University’s student-athletes are exposed through the athletics program to the philosophy of the University, which is richly imbued with people helping, directing, and emphasizing the equilateral development of the whole person. This disciplined interaction between athletics and academics contributes to this development. Athletics participation for the student-athlete depends on understanding and concern for others. This regard for others leads to team unity, cohesiveness, and better human relations, which are important for ultimate success. Furthermore, coaches are committed to the holistic support of student-athletes. This equilateral development occurs during practice sessions and is displayed publicly during competitive athletics events. The University also believes that a quality athletics program supports success of student-athletes, enhances job placement opportunities, and creates positive alumni relationships.

Program Overview

Vermont State University has established and supports broad-based athletics programs. Equal emphasis is given to men’s and women’s sports and the quality of competition is similar. The University supports student-athletes in their efforts to attain high levels of competitive performance and excellence. While the University places primary emphasis on in-season or traditional competition, it encourages exceptional teams and individuals to compete in postseason championships. The operational objectives for the athletic program are:

1. To embody and implement the mission and vision of Vermont State University and the administrative and operational by-laws of the NCAA and USCAA.
2. To provide safe, functional facilities for athletic competition.
3. To provide each sport with the necessary equipment for success, which includes consideration of proper safety and protection.
4. To provide the funds necessary for the restoration and repair of protective and safety equipment so they meet appropriate standards for future use.
5. To have funds available for professional memberships which in turn benefit the University through the:
   • Assignment of certified officials.
   • Scheduling events with member institutions.
   • Team, individual, and coach recognition on the conference, regional, and national levels.
6. To have available the necessary supplies for office management, office services, and the recruitment of prospective student-athletes.
7. To provide funds for contest management of each sport, including entry fees, transportation, meals, lodging (when applicable), certified officials for home events, and operation costs for between seasons.
8. To have funds available for conference, regional, and national championships, which provide competitive opportunities with student-athletes from similar institutions.
9. To provide the staffing necessary to assist the coaches and to facilitate the administrative contest management of each sporting event.
10. To provide funds for the active recruitment of student-athletes, including funds for travel, meals, lodging, and sport-related publications.
11. To make available health and wellness services associated with the athlete’s physical, social, academic, and mental well-being.
12. To maintain a staff of coaches who provide quality athletics instruction and promote a healthy interest in athletics.
13. To have funds available to produce web streaming and social media engagement for teams participating in their traditional season.

The University also supports spectator opportunities for the student body. Spectator participation enables the student body to identify with the University and develop a sense of belonging and connection with the University community. The spectators who attend the University’s athletic events are expected to provide an environment of respect, dignity, and civility for the guests of the University. The University believes in providing a positive, meaningful, and educational atmosphere for the conduct of its athletics events, and behavior contrary to this intent will not be condoned. The University does not accept the use of profane and vulgar language or any form of disrespectful treatment of our guests (visiting teams, officials, etc.).

Alcoholic beverages will not be sold or otherwise made available for public consumption at any athletics event sponsored or administered by the University. Nor will any such beverages be brought to the site during such an event (i.e., during the period from when access to the site is available to spectators until all patrons have left the facility or area used for competition).

The sale or distribution of newspapers, candy, food, raffles, flyers, memorabilia, or promotional materials at the site of a Vermont State University athletic event without the advanced written approval of the respective Athletics Office is prohibited.

The Student Athlete

Student-athletes attend Vermont State University for the primary purpose of receiving an education. A student’s grades should not suffer because of athletics. At times, participation in athletics requires great personal commitment. Consequently, the University expects student-athletes to organize and discipline themselves, so their educational endeavors and athletic pursuits do not suffer.

The requirement to being an athlete is accepting the full responsibility of being a student. To have a smoothly functioning athletics program, strict adherence to the following is required:

1. Attendance at all academic classes is mandatory. Failure to attend classes invariably reflects poorly on the team and its purposes. Away and home games can, at times, result in a loss of classroom time. Consequently, unnecessary class absences should be avoided at all costs.
2. If your academics are negatively impacted, you should notify your coaches and you are expected to accept the responsibility for seeking extra individual attention from your professors or other support services.
3. The Athletics Department expects that you will let your professors know about your team’s schedule of away games. This should be conducted well in advance so that it does not interfere with the professor’s organized schedule of instruction. The responsibility also includes making up any missed exams. As soon as you are aware of a scheduled exam that may conflict with a competition, you should immediately notify the professor that a conflict may exist, so the proper steps can be taken to rectify the matter. In general, professors are extremely supportive of making such arrangements. However, cooperation depends upon your acceptance of the responsibilities of being a student-athlete.
4. When establishing an academic schedule, student-athletes should consider their involvement in athletics but should never avoid scheduling a course of importance or interest simply to avoid conflicts with athletics responsibilities.

Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Statement

The Vermont State University athletic department embraces the unique experiences of every student and is here to help build healthy relationships and healthy communities. Collaborative internal and external partnerships support the emerging needs of the students, staff, faculty, and Vermont State University community and all communities in which we live and work.

As an athletic department, we look to be effective leaders for our student-athletes so we can access and provide an intentional range of programs and services to promote diversity and establish an inclusive environment for all. Vermont State University sets a goal of creating and maintaining opportunities for engagement, education, and athletics to enhance discussions related to creating and maintaining a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Academic Expectations

To be eligible to represent an institution in intercollegiate athletics competition, a student-athlete shall be enrolled in at least a minimum full-time program of studies, be in good academic standing, and maintain satisfactory progress toward a baccalaureate or equivalent degree. A waiver of the minimum full-time enrollment requirement may be granted for a student enrolled in the final term of the baccalaureate program. Also, a student may represent the institution while enrolled as a graduate or professional student or while enrolled and seeking a second baccalaureate degree.

Full-time undergraduate student-athletes must maintain at least 12 credit hours per semester while graduate student-athletes must maintain at least 6 credit hours per semester to maintain eligibility. Should student-athletes fall below the 12/6 credit hour threshold, they will become immediately ineligible for practice and competition.

Good Academic Standing

Academic standing is based on the student’s GPA, determined exclusively on grades achieved in courses taken at Vermont State University. The requirements change as students advance through their studies. The minimum cumulative GPA required for good standing depends on the cumulative total of “credits earned” or “GPA credits,” whichever is higher. Each of these totals appears on the academic transcript that students may review online at any time.

Student-athletes competing in the NCAA are required to meet the following requirements:

• Less than 30 credit hours minimum 1.75 Cumulative GPA
• More than 30 credit hours minimum 2.00 Cumulative GPA
• Continuing graduate students must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA

At the conclusion of each semester, a review will be conducted to determine whether the student-athlete has met satisfactory academic progress standards.

At the end of each year, a student must have earned the credits listed below:

Years	Credits Earned
1	24
2	50
3	76
4	102

USCAA Eligibility Guidelines

The guidelines below are intended as a summary. The complete USCAA Eligibility Guidelines are included in Article 24.

1. All student-athletes must be enrolled full-time in a recognized academic program, with a minimum of 12 credits, and be making progress toward a 2-year or4-year degree or certificate.
2. If a student drops below 12 credits they become immediately ineligible.
3. After the first two semesters, a student-athlete must pass 24 credit hours from the previous academic year. This applies to every academic year.
4. Second-semester student-athletes must have achieved a 1.6 GPA.
5. After accumulating 24-47 credit hours, the student must have achieved a 1.75 cumulative GPA.

After accumulating 48 credit hours or more, the student-athlete must have achieved a 2.0 cumulative GPA.

Vermont State University Athletic Training Services

Research and experience confirm that participation in intercollegiate athletics places participants at risk of injury. Athletes competing at Vermont State University are no different and must be concerned about being injured while participating. Vermont State University employs athletic training staff or per diem medical professionals who work closely with coaches and athletes. Responsibilities of the athletic training staff include implementing an athletic health care program with the objectives of:

1. Risk management and injury prevention.
2. Evaluating and managing athletic injuries.
3. Acute care of injury and illness.
4. Rehabilitating injured athletes and establishing a readiness to return to participation.
5. Management of injury and illness conditions.

Quality athletic health care requires cooperation and communication between the athletes, coaches, physicians, and athletics training staff. These athletic healthcare professionals implement athletic training objectives and services.

Clearance for Participation (Beginning of the Season)

All athletes must have a physical when they begin their athletic career at Vermont State University. This physical must be on file prior to any participation, either in practice or games. All student-athletes must complete and turn in all required medical paperwork before they may begin participating in their sport.

Clearance for Participation (Following Registration for Injury/Illness)

An athlete who has been restricted by a physician from participation because of a major injury or illness must be cleared in writing by a physician before returning to participation. The clearance should be provided by the original physician. The Athletic Training staff has the authority to clear student-athletes with minor injuries for participation.

The Athletic Training staff reserves the right to restrict an athlete’s participation even with medical clearance if in their professional opinion, the athlete remains at risk of further injury or re-injury.

Insurance

All student-athletes must maintain their own insurance or enroll in insurance provided by Vermont State University. The student-athlete must show proof of insurance ID before participating in any practice or competition.

Treatment Procedure

All athletes must shower prior to receiving treatments (specifically after games and practices). This complies with OSHA standards and prevents the transmission of various communicable diseases.

Treatments scheduled individually with an ATC or an ATS, outside of practice/game times, are made based on the athletic trainer’s availability and are expected to be adhered to. If you are unable to keep a scheduled appointment, contact the athletic training room or the person with whom you are scheduled to meet.

Travel Policy

Vermont State University adheres to a policy whereby student-athletes, coaches, and staff, will be transported as a group to and from all scheduled intercollegiate events. Individual student travel is strongly discouraged. The student must have prior approval from the head coach and the Director of Athletics.

Team Travel

The same code of ethics applies to all games played at institutions other than Vermont State University and at which you represent this athletic department. The guidelines for team travel are as follows:

• The student-athlete must always remember they are a representative of Vermont State University. Consideration for the public, employees and property of the companies serving the University (charter buses, hotels, restaurants) should be of the highest standard, particularly regarding dress, hygiene, language, and basic courtesy.
• Coaches may have specific regulations that they expect from student-athletes while on the road.
• The respective Vermont State University Drug Free Policy also applies to away trips. Under NO circumstances should a student-athlete be in possession of alcohol, regardless of their age (i.e. at a bar or a party where alcohol is present). This includes during travel in any college vehicle or any vehicles used in transporting student-athletes to or from any athletic event. Any abuse will result in serious repercussions.
• When traveling to another school, the student-athlete should be prepared to be on time.
• Student-athletes are responsible for their own uniform and equipment on away trips.
• Teams staying at hotels are responsible for paying for all charges not specifically approved for lodging. This includes room service, pay TV, phone calls, etc. The coach or student-athlete is responsible for paying the bill at the hotel prior to departure. 

Equipment and Uniforms

All student-athletes in Vermont State University are responsible for the protection and security of all athletic apparel and equipment provided to them for practice and competition. Student-athletes are responsible for their own uniform and equipment on away trips. Student-athletes are responsible for returning all issued equipment and apparel to the Vermont State University Athletics Department at the end of their competition or non-traditional season.

Practice gear is for official athletic practice and not for personal use. The athlete agrees not to cut, alter, tear, trade, sell, or barter, any equipment or garment the University has issued them. Failure to return equipment or returning equipment that is damaged beyond considerable expectations will result in a charge to the student-athlete for replacement. These charges will appear on student-athletes’ school account, and they will not be able to register for classes or school functions until the item is returned or the charge is paid in full. If a student-athlete voluntarily leaves a team or is asked to leave by the coach, the student-athlete must return all Vermont State University athletic equipment within 2 days. All personal items are to be removed from the locker room within that time as well or they will be permanently removed by the athletics staff.

Name, Image, and Likeness

It is permissible for enrolled student-athletes to benefit from their name, image, and likeness (NIL). Before entering any NIL agreement, student-athletes must disclose their activities by completing an NIL Activity Reporting Form. This applies to written or verbal agreements, as well as fees for service work. Failure to disclose activities promptly may be considered a violation of the Student-Athlete Handbook. Additionally, where activities are not properly disclosed, student-athletes face a greater risk of running afoul of NCAA or USCAA rules should the activities be impermissible.

Alcohol and Drug Policy

The Athletics Department at Vermont State University is committed to enhancing the quality of life of every student-athlete in our program. The following rules and regulations exist for this purpose. Consumption of alcohol or other drugs by student-athletes is prohibited in connection with any team function. An official team function, for purposes of this policy, is defined as any activity held at the direction of or under the supervision of the team’s coaching staff.

The Athletics Department prohibits the purchase of alcohol or other drugs to be used by any prospective student-athletes or their hosts while they are visiting Vermont State University. Regardless of whether the student host has reached the legal drinking age, there is to be no purchase or consumption of alcohol. The consumption of alcohol by a person under the legal drinking age is a violation of state law and Vermont State University policy.

Student-athletes who consumes alcohol or other drugs will be held accountable for any alcohol or drug-related incident in which they are involved. In such cases, student-athletes are subject to University, Athletics Department and/or team disciplinary actions for violations of Team Expectations in accordance with the following schedule:

Regardless of legal implications, if student-athletes are involved in an alcohol or other drug-related incident where there is a violation of Vermont State University policy, a notice of violation will be forwarded to the respective Dean of Students and the Director of Athletics. In addition, University disciplinary action may be imposed by the Dean of Students, the head coach of the team, and the Director of Athletics can also determine if the circumstances warrant suspension of student-athletes from practice and/or game competition. It is possible that student-athletes may be suspended from practice and competition until they have initiated and shown satisfactory progress in an alcohol and drug use/abuse program at the discretion of the coach and Director of Athletics or the Dean of Students. To rejoin or continue with the team, student-athletes may be required to provide evidence of this counseling to the Director of Athletics.

Prescription Drugs

In agreement with the policies of Vermont State University, the NCAA, and the USCAA, the Athletic Department expressly prohibits the use, sale, or distribution of all illegal substances by its athletes. This includes the use of prescription drugs not prescribed to you by a doctor or taking prescription drugs for purposes other than their intended use.

Student-athletes must have a current, valid prescription from a licensed physician to take prescription medications. Students with a valid prescription who must take medication during game or practice times must inform the athletic trainer. Failure to declare all prescriptions may result in a violation of the Vermont State University Drug Free Policy.

Student-athletes are prohibited from:

1. Taking another person’s prescription medication.
2. Taking prescription medications without a valid prescription.
3. Taking prescription medications without a current prescription.
4. Selling or distributing prescription drugs.
5. Having or possessing prescription drugs in the locker rooms.

Gambling Policy

The Athletics Department does not condone the participation of any student-athlete in organized gambling. In accordance with NCAA and USCAA regulations, anyone in the Athletics Department or student-athletes shall not knowingly:

1. Provide information to individuals involved in organized gambling activities concerning intercollegiate athletics competitions.
2.  Solicit a bet with respect to any intercollegiate team.
3. Accept a bet with respect to any team representing the institution.
4. Participate in any gambling activity, the subject of which involves intercollegiate or professional athletics through a bookmaker, a parlay card, or any other method.

All violations of this policy will result in disciplinary action by the Athletics Department.

Harassment Policy

The following is a synopsis of Vermont State University’s Harassment Policy, contained in the Student Handbook. Students are expected to review the Student Handbook in detail, as harassment will not be tolerated.

Harassment is defined as verbal and physical conduct interfering with an individual’s performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work, education, or living environment. Harassment includes but is not limited to slurs, and verbal or physical conduct. The University prohibits harassment of any kind based on, but not limited to, race, color, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, or disability.

Sexual harassment is defined as sexual advances, requests for sexual favors or other verbal or physical conduct of sexual nature when (1) submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a condition of the individual’s employment or academic work, (2) submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for employment or academic decisions affecting such individuals, or (3) such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working, academic, athletic or living environment.

All types of harassment which hinder access to employment or educational services, opportunities, or programs are covered by this policy. Students found in violation of this policy will be subject to disciplinary action.

What is Policy 311?

Policy 311 prohibits discrimination and harassment on the basis of a protected category.  Protected categories include a person’s race, color, ancestry, ethnicity, national origin, place of birth, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, creed, religion, disability, age, veteran status, marital status, genetic information, positive HIV-related blood test results, and any other status protected by state or federal law.  In addition, inappropriate amorous or sexual relationships between VSCS employees and students, including those that may not otherwise rise to the level of sexual harassment, are prohibited. 

What is Policy 311-A?

Policy 311-A prohibits sexual misconduct, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking in the VSC’s educational, extracurricular, athletic, and other programs and activities, as well as in the employment setting. 

Notice of POLICY 311-A: NCAA SEXUAL VIOLENCE PROCEDURES

All incoming, continuing and transfer student-athletes shall complete an annual disclosure identifying any conduct that resulted in discipline being imposed upon them through a Title IX proceeding or a criminal conviction for sexual, interpersonal or other acts of violence. Transfer student-athletes also must disclose whether they were the subject of a Title IX proceeding at the time of transfer, including any incomplete or otherwise unresolved proceedings.

What is Title IX and how does it relate to our policies?

Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972 is a federal law that states, “No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. As a recipient of federal funds, each member College of the Vermont State Colleges System (collectively “the VSCS”) is required to comply with Title IX of the Higher Education Amendments Act of 1972 (“Title IX”).

In these cases if students feel 311 or Title IX have been violated they may file a complaint:

Amy Daviarz (she/her/hers)
Title IX and Protected Rights Coordinator  
Vermont State University 
P.O. Box 500, Randolph Center, VT 05061   
Amy.Daviarz@vsc.edu  
802.279.2808 

Hazing Policy

See VSC Policy 313.  It is the policy of Vermont State University that no member of the Vermont State University community may participate or be involved in hazing. A student or employee will be subject to disciplinary action for (1) engaging in hazing; (2) soliciting, directing, aiding, or abetting, or attempting to aid or abet another person engaged in hazing; and (3) knowingly failing to take reasonable measures within the scope of the person’s authority to prevent hazing. It is not a valid defense against charges of hazing that the student against whom the hazing was directed consented to or acquiesced in the hazing activity.

Definitions

“Hazing” means any act committed by a person, whether individually or in concert with others, against a student in connection with pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization which is affiliated with the Vermont State University or any member University thereof; and which is intended to have the effect of, or should reasonably be expected to have the effect of, humiliating, intimidating or demeaning the student or endangering the mental or physical health of a student. Hazing also includes soliciting, directing, aiding, or otherwise participating actively or passively in the above acts. Hazing occurs regardless of the consent or willingness of a person to participate in the activity. Hazing may occur on or off the campus of a member school of Vermont State University. Hazing shall not include any activity or conduct that furthers legitimate curricular, extracurricular, or military training program goals, provided that:

1. the goals are approved by the member school; and
2. the activity or conduct furthers the goals in a manner that is appropriate, contemplated by the member of the Vermont State University, and normal and customary for similar programs at other educational institutions.

Social Media Policy

Student-athletes are prohibited from posting the following on their social media sites:

• Items including comments, picture, videos, or other posts that could reflect negatively on Vermont State University or your specific team and which violate the Code of Conduct.
• Posts and photos depicting or describing unlawful assault, abuse, hazing, drug or alcohol abuse,
• and selling or possession of illegal drugs.
• The use of ethnic slurs, personal insults, obscenities, or inappropriate sexual references which violate the Code of Conduct.
• Posts that create a danger to the safety of another person or threats of serious physical or emotional injury to another person.
• Pictures about Vermont State University coaches, support staff, or others associated with the Athletic Department without their consent.
• Photos depicting the unauthorized or inappropriate use of team equipment or uniforms.

Student-athletes are encouraged to follow these guidelines when posting on their social media sites:

• Respect all diversity of opinions.
• Conduct yourself in a professional manner at all times.
• Do not post opinions that could be inflammatory.
• Do not post home or local addresses, phone numbers, birthdates, personal information or current locations of yourself, coaches, staff, or students.

Consider that anything you post on the internet is public and available to anyone in the world, even if you set privacy restrictions on your account. Coaches and Athletic Department administrators reserve the right to monitor these websites and social media outlets for violations.

The Athletic Department reserves the right to take action against any student-athlete engaged in any prohibited behavior that violates University, Athletic Department, or team rules. Ignorance of Vermont State University Internet policy and regulations is not an excuse from adhering to them.

In the instance of a violation of the Social Media Policy, a notice of violation will be forwarded to the Director of Athletics. The head coach of the team and the Director of Athletics will determine if there are athletic-specific consequences and/or forward the matter to be handled under the Code of Conduct, VSC Policy 311, or VSC Policy 311A.

Multi-Sport Athletes

The Department of Athletics champions the learning opportunities provided through intercollegiate activity. We encourage our students to discover, develop and dedicate themselves while promoting the NCAA’s and USCAA’s core principles of proportion and responsibility. Student-athletes reserve the right to try out for any intercollegiate or club sports they feel meet their educational, physical, and social goals. Coaches shall not discourage athletes on their roster or potential recruits from competing on the rosters of other programs. Student-Athletes interested in competing in more than one sport must communicate this to both/all head coaches and the Director of Athletics at the beginning of each season.

Please take note of the following points of emphasis:

• Student-athletes at Vermont State University have the option to participate in up to three varsity teams during one academic year (provided they meet the eligibility requirements)
• Teams in season always take priority over non-traditional or pre-season training.
  • Non-traditional training includes all games, practices, workouts, and scrimmages.
• Student-athletes are not required to participate in, and will not be penalized for missing, any non-traditional or pre-season training while participating with their in-season team throughout the regular season, conference championship, and/or extended tournament play.
• Student-athletes may NOT participate in two practices on the same day without permission from the in-season coach.
• In-season student-athletes may participate with non-traditional teams for fundraising, community service, team meetings, and observing practices.
• Student-athletes may NOT participate in a game and practice on the same day.
• Student-athletes must have one day off from all athletic activities each calendar week.
• The Athletic Training staff, Director of Athletics, and/or head coach may require student-athletes to take time off between seasons for their overall health and well-being.
• If the sports are in the same season, student-athletes shall declare to both head coaches which sport is their primary sport, for which participation in games and practices shall be the priority.
• Athletes who is participating in one sport should notify their head coach that they intend to participate on another team.

Student Athlete Advisory Committee

The purpose of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee is to act as a liaison between your respective Athletic Department and the student-athletes; to enhance the overall experience of student-athletes; to promote the involvement of student-athletes in the campus and local communities; and to serve as the voice of the student-athletes at each campus.  

The SAAC shall communicate, review, and advise the Athletics Department on any concern which directly or indirectly affects student-athletes’ welfare. The committee shall meet regularly. However, any committee member can call for a special meeting. Scheduled and special meetings will be convened by the SAAC Director. The Director of Athletics will be responsible for informing the committee of matters influencing their athletics participation.

Recruiting Guidelines

The following is the recruiting policy. All student-athletes who assist in recruiting must strictly adhere to the following:

1. To conduct oneself in a responsible manner at all times.
2. To be an effective representative, respect worthy of the University and its athletics program.
3. To ensure that the prospect is not taken to any location where drugs or alcohol are available.
4. To be concerned about the safety and welfare of the recruit. This includes comfort, food, sleeping quarters, and staying with the prospect.
5. To take the prospect to academic classes and talk with professors and fellow University students.
6. To discuss and plan activities with the head coach prior to all recruit visits. The coach should be available for suggestions.
7. To call their head coach immediately if a problem arises with a prospect. For example: If the prospect insists on going off campus with friends not associated with your team; an emergency arises with the prospect or the student host. The issue of liability is a major concern.
   • Please note: you may be personally liable for the welfare of any recruit brought on campus.
8. IF A PERSONAL VEHICLE IS USED FOR OFF-CAMPUS ACTIVITIES, BE ADVISED THAT THE OWNER’S INSURANCE IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL COVERAGE. THE STUDENT HOST HEREBY AGREES TO DEFEND, INDEMNIFY AND HOLD THE UNIVERSITY HARMLESS FROM ANY AND ALL CLAIMS, DAMAGES, OR OTHER ACTIONS RELATED TO ANY TYPE OF AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENT, INCLUDING PERSONAL INJURY, PROPERTY DAMAGE, OR DEATH.