Educational institutions publish and enforce policies governing student participation in athletics for a variety of reasons. Student athlete policies provide guidelines and expectations for staff, teachers, students and parents. The policies typically cover a few standard areas related to eligibility for continued participation and requirements for protecting students and maintaining the integrity of athletic programs.
Obligations and Penalties
The University of California Davis prefaces its policies and procedures with the reminder that participation in athletics is a privilege that imposes obligations on students in all areas of their lives and also obligates the school to protect student athletes. Athlete policies inform students of the penalties for violation of the policies, which may include suspension and expulsion. The policies also inform students of their rights and provide information about appeal processes.
Academics
Student athlete policies stress the importance of academic performance. Policies require students to attend classes regularly and make arrangements to keep up with those classes when athletic participation interferes with academics. Policies usually provide specific eligibility requirements, such as full-time enrollment, good academic standing as evidenced by a required minimum grade point average and satisfactory academic progress.
Behavior and Ethics
Athlete policies require students to behave appropriately at school and in the community as representatives of their schools. Policies forbid wagering on sports events by students and coaching staff. Other prohibited behaviors are cheating, hazing, verbal or physical abuse, harassment, discrimination and failure to support teammates. Policies require good sportsmanship and appropriate treatment of fans, teammates and competing teams. Athlete policies forbid student athletes to accept illegal or inappropriate benefits, such as cash or gifts.
Alcohol and Drugs
Alcohol and drug policies for student athletes include recreational use of the substances and use of performance-enhancing substances. University of California Davis prohibits the use of alcohol, drugs or tobacco by students and coaching staff at school-sponsored sports events. The policies also establishes a list of banned substances and details drug-testing requirements. Schools might prohibit use of alcohol for a period before sports events and enforce strict penalties for use of illegal drugs and underage drinking.
Social Networking Websites
Many educational institutions add policies for participation in social networking websites. Presence on such websites is an extension of the student athlete's representation of his school. Policies prohibit student athletes from engaging in unlawful activity or in activities that compromise student safety or violate school policies, including posting of inappropriate photos or sharing personal information that reflects poorly on students or the institution.
Tips
High school student athlete policies usually include the same general areas and penalties. For instance, Lincoln High School in Nebraska publishes a student athlete expectation document that provides policy concerning academic eligibility, citizenship violations, which include drug use and other inappropriate behaviors, penalties and the appeal process. Student athlete policies at colleges often include statements in each section prohibiting the violation of rules and policies established by the National Collegiate Athletic Association.
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