2010-11 Student-Athlete Handbook

Dear Eagle Student-Athletes, Welcome back for the 2010 – 2011 academic year. Last year there were many outstanding accomplishments on the field and in the classroom. Hopefully this year will be even more successful than last year. I am so honored to be your director of athletes. American University is such a special place and each of us cherishes the opportunity we have to make positive contributions to this wonderful community. . Let’s make the 2010-11 academic year the most successful in our history. Last year the Eagles excelled in the Patriot League and beyond with League titles, trips to the NCAA Championships, and numerous team and individual honors. Equally outstanding was our excellence in the classroom with a new high mark of 3.31 as our department grade point average. We also have continued to contribute to the campus and provide leadership beyond the athletic arenas and we will continue these efforts this academic year. The enclosed manual is provided to you as a starting point to understand your opportunities and responsibilities as an American University student-athlete. We provide this manual as a quick reference to answer any questions that you may have. However, at any time you should feel free to contact myself or a member of the staff for assistance. The staff is here to support your athletic, academic and personal achievement; thus please do not hesitate to contact us if we can be helpful. Welcome back to the campus. I am looking forward to another exciting and successful year. Warm Regards, Keith Gill Director of Athletics

ATHLETIC POLICIES & INFORMATION

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

AU ATHLETICS DEPARTMENT DIRECTORY.......................................................................................... 5 THE ACADEMIC SUPPORT PROGRAM FOR STUDENT-ATHLETES .................................................. 7

Services Provided by the Academic Support Program ........................................................................................7 Priority Registration ......................................................................................................................................................7 Individual Tutoring .......................................................................................................................................................8 Excusal Letters for Team Competition ...................................................................................................................8 Freshman and Transfer Orientation Program (TALONS)................................................................................9 Guided Study (Proactive Monitoring Program) ....................................................................................................9 Mandatory Study Hall...................................................................................................................................................9 Referral to University Services..................................................................................................................................10 Academic Integrity Code ...........................................................................................................................................11 Breaches of Academic Integrity...............................................................................................................................11 Other Important Academic Information...............................................................................................................12 Academic Honors ........................................................................................................................................................12 Dean’s List .....................................................................................................................................................................12 Freshman Forgiveness................................................................................................................................................12 Academic Probation and Dismissal........................................................................................................................12 Calculating Your GPA...............................................................................................................................................123

NCAA ELIGIBILITY GUIDE.........................................................................................................................14 NCAA Guidelines.........................................................................................................................................................14 NCAA Academic Standards ......................................................................................................................................15 Ethical Conduct ............................................................................................................................................................15 Responsible Conduct ..................................................................................................................................................16

PATRIOT LEAGUE ACADEMIC STANDARDS & CODE OF CONDUCT..............................................18 PATRIOT LEAGUE CODE OF CONDUCT ................................................................................................18

Purpose............................................................................................................................................................................18 Institutional Responsibilities....................................................................................................................................18 Patriot League Responsibilities and Procedures ................................................................................................20 Patriot League Standards...........................................................................................................................................20 Specific Requirements of Coaches..........................................................................................................................21 Contest Statement ........................................................................................................................................................21

RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF STUDENT-ATHLETES........................................................... 23 Responsible Conduct ..................................................................................................................................................23 General Responsibilities.............................................................................................................................................23 Athletic Conduct Responsibilities ...........................................................................................................................24

DEPARTMENT OF INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETICS AND RECREATION GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES FOR STUDENT-ATHLETES.................................................................................... 25

Cancellation/Gradation of Financial Aid .............................................................................................................25 Designated Sport Administrators ............................................................................................................................25 Refusal to Grant a Transfer Release .......................................................................................................................26 Sexual Harassment ......................................................................................................................................................26 What is Sexual Harassment?.....................................................................................................................................26 Examples of Sexual Harassment .............................................................................................................................26 Sexual Harassment Project Team ...........................................................................................................................26 Complaint Procedures ................................................................................................................................................27 Information and Referral ...........................................................................................................................................27 Informal Complaint .....................................................................................................................................................25


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Formal Complaint ........................................................................................................................................................27 Records............................................................................................................................................................................28 Retaliation ......................................................................................................................................................................28 False or Frivolous Charges ........................................................................................................................................28 Confidentiality...............................................................................................................................................................28 Student-Athlete Conduct Policy...............................................................................................................................28 Other Decisions Made/Actions Taken by Intercollegiate Athletics Coaches and/or Staff ..................29 Availability of Outside Assistance ...........................................................................................................................29

ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT LIFE SKILLS PROGRAMS.......................................................................... 30 CHAMPS/Life Skills Program Commitment Statements ...............................................................................30 SAAC – Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.....................................................................................................31

American University SAAC Mission Statement: ..............................................................................................31 American University SAAC Bylaws: .................................................................................................................31 OFFICE OF STUDENT-ATHLETE DEVELOPMENT ............................................................................ 34

The Promise Program.................................................................................................................................................34 Promise Components..................................................................................................................................................34 Personal Development ................................................................................................................................................34 Community Outreach and Leadership ..................................................................................................................34 The American University Department of Athletics Promise...........................................................................34 The Student-Athlete Promise ...................................................................................................................................34

STUDENT-ATHLETE WELFARE .............................................................................................................. 36 Commitment to Student-Athlete Welfare..............................................................................................................36 Expectations of American University Student-Athletes ...................................................................................36

Student-Athlete Exit Interview ....................................................................................................................37 ATHLETIC GRANT-IN-AIDS ...................................................................................................................... 39

Tuition .............................................................................................................................................................................39 Room (housing) ..............................................................................................................................................................39 Board (meal plan) ...........................................................................................................................................................39 Fees ..................................................................................................................................................................................39 Special Course and Fees (i.e. science lab, photography, etc.): .......................................................................39 Books ...............................................................................................................................................................................39 Athletic Financial Aid Awarding Process..............................................................................................................39 Decision to Not Renew Athletic Financial Aid ...................................................................................................41 Athletic Financial Aid Appeal Process...................................................................................................................41 Scholarship Opportunities for Student-Athletes Unable to Continue Competing....................................43

IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS: SCHOLARSHIP RENEWAL.................................................43 Commercial Endorsements.......................................................................................................................................43 Extra Benefits................................................................................................................................................................43

Athletics Grant-In-Aid Agreement..............................................................................................................44 STUDENT-ATHLETE EMPLOYMENT..................................................................................................... 47

IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS: STUDENT-ATHLETE ...........................................................47 EMPLOYMENT/ENDORSEMENT/EXTRA BENEFITS ..............................................................47

OFFICE OF ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS POLICY & PROCEDURE GUIDELINES ................. 47 Mission Statement...................................................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined. Athletics Website: www.aueagles.com..............................................................Error! Bookmark not defined. Publications ..............................................................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined. Statistics Policy ........................................................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined. Interview Policy .......................................................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined. Crisis Policy ..............................................................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined. Rules of the Media Game .....................................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.


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IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS: ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS.Error! Bookmark not defined.

SPORTS MEDICINE DEPARTMENT GENERAL PROCEDURES ........................................................ 52 Athletic Training Facilities ......................................................................................................................................52 Athletic Training Room Hours (Academic Year) .............................................................................................52 Student-Athlete Responsibilities ............................................................................................................................53 Athletic Injury Insurance Policy .............................................................................................................................54 Request for an Outside Provider / 2nd Opinions .............................................................................................57 Travel Procedures .......................................................................................................................................................58 Intentional Overdose..................................................................................................................................................59 Eating Disorders / Disordered Eating .................................................................................................................62 Suicide ............................................................................................................................................................................66 Pregnancy ......................................................................................................................................................................68 Pre-existing Psychological Disorders ...................................................................................................................71 Heat Management Strategies ..................................................................................................................................73 LIGHTNING POLICY.....................................................................................................................................................77 Athletic Training Room Rules ..............................................................................................................................778 Emergency Action Plan.............................................................................................................................................81 COMPONENTS OF THE EMERGENCY PLAN: ..........................................................................................81

1. EMERGENCY PLAN PERSONNEL............................................................................................................81 2. EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT RETRIEVAL..................................................................................................82 3. COMMNICATION-EMS ACTIVATION .....................................................................................................82 4. DIRCTING EMS TO THE SCENE..............................................................................................................82 5. TRANSPORTATION ....................................................................................................................................83

Banned Stimulant Medication Reporting Guidelines Concussions Management Plan Drug Awareness Testing and Education Program

EQUIPMENT ISSUES, CARE, AND COLLECTION........................................ Error! Bookmark not defined. Department-Issued Attire Operational Overview..........................................Error! Bookmark not defined. Department-Issued Apparel Basic Practice Apparel ....................................Error! Bookmark not defined. Department-Issued Sweat suit ............................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined. Sport-Specific Apparel ...........................................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined. Return of Apparel ....................................................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined. Out-Of-Season Practice.........................................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined. Non-Traditional Season ........................................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined. Shoes ...........................................................................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined. Retention of Apparel & Equipment by Student-Athletes Who Voluntarily Leave a Team............ Error!

Bookmark not defined. Departure During a Season ....................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined. Decision Not to Return for the Next Season......................................Error! Bookmark not defined. Retention of Apparel and Equipment at the End of Collegiate Participation.Error! Bookmark not defined. Bill for Equipment and Apparel ............................................................Error! Bookmark not defined. Purchase of Equipment ..........................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.

Athletic Laundry Procedures ...............................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined. American University Athletic Equipment Operations .....................Error! Bookmark not defined.3 IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS: EQUIPMENT ROOM ....Error! Bookmark not defined.5

STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING.........................................................................................................124 Top 10 Rules and Expectations..............................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.6


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IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS: STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING Error! Bookmark not defined.6

ATHLETIC AWARDS ...................................................................................................................................125 Varsity Letters .............................................................................................................................................................125 Senior Student-Athlete Award ................................................................................................................................125 Barbara J. Reimann Post Graduate Scholarship ...............................................................................................125

DEPARTMENT OF INTRAMURAL and CLUB SPORTS ...................................................................... 1259


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AU ATHLETICS DEPARTMENT DIRECTORY

Administrative Staff TITLE NAME E-MAIL PHONE Director of Athletics Keith Gill mailto:[email protected] (202) 885-3001

Associate AD / SWA Athena Argyropoulos [email protected] (202) 885-3024 Associate AD / Business Operations & Administration Josephine Finamore [email protected] (202) 885-3006 Sr, Associate AD / External Affairs David Bierwirth [email protected] (202) 885-3025 Administrative Assistant Jaimie Marks [email protected] (202) 885-3001 Senior Administrative Assistant Kathyrn Tortorici [email protected] (202) 885-3043 Business Coordinator Firku Dinka [email protected] (202) 885-3086

Compliance Associate AD / Compliance Jessica Hegmann [email protected] (202) 885-3046 Compliance Assistant @american.edu (202) 885-3039

Sports Communications Associate AD / Communications Nancy Yasharoff [email protected] (202) 885-3079 Assist Director/Communications Andy Chesebro [email protected] (202) 885-3030 Athletic Communications Assistant Howard Smith [email protected] (202) 885-3032

Sales, Marketing, & Promotions Assistant AD/ Marketing, & Corp Partnerships Robert Sherman [email protected] (202) 885-3075 External Affairs Assistant Assistant Director of Marketing

Megan Sturges Andrew Bashuk

[email protected] [email protected]

(202) 885-3104 (202)885-2617

Academic Support Coordinator for Academic Support Maureen Breslin [email protected] (202) 885-3890 Academic Support Counselor (202) 885-3057

Equipment & Facility Operations Head Equipment Manager Johnathan Katona [email protected] (202) 885-3061 Facilities Manager James Stevens [email protected] (202) 885-3070 Director of Athletic Facilities & Operations Jordan Tobin [email protected] (202) 885-3074 Operations Manager Brendan Dwyer @american.edu (202) 885-3071

Coaching Staff TITLE NAME E-MAIL PHONE Men's Basketball Head Coach Jeff Jones [email protected] (202) 885-3009 Assistant Coach Eddie Jackson [email protected] (202) 885-3011 Assistant Coach Kieran Donohue [email protected] (202) 885-3012 Assistant Coach TBA @american.edu (202) 885-3209 Assistant Coach TBA @american.edu (202) 885-3010

Women's Basketball Head Coach Matt Corkery [email protected] (202) 885-3023

Assistant Head Coach LaTonya Watson [email protected] (202) 885-3019

Assistant Coach Erin Lindroth [email protected] (202) 885-3051

Assistant Coach Ohema Nyanin (202) 885-3013

Graduate Manager TBA (202) 885-3083 Cross Country/Track & Field Head Coach Matt Centrowitz [email protected] (202) 885-3026 Assistant Coach Bridget Bowers [email protected] (202) 885-3077 Field Hockey Head Coach Steve Jennings [email protected] (202) 885-3018 Assistant Coach Sarah Thorn [email protected] (202) 885-3085


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Assistant Coach Katie Ridd [email protected] (202) 885-3084 Women's Lacrosse Head Coach Katie Woods [email protected] (202) 885-3072 Assistant Coach Kelly Munroe [email protected] (202) 885-3087 Men's Soccer Head Coach Todd West [email protected] (202) 885-3014 Assistant Coach Jeff Kinney [email protected] (202) 885-3183 Assistant Coach Kris Hazard [email protected] (202) 885-3044

Women's Soccer Head Coach David Bucciero [email protected] (202) 885-3047 Assistant Coach Valerie Rauenzahn [email protected] (202) 885-3112 Swimming and Diving Head Coach Mark Davin [email protected] (202) 885-3080

Assistant Coach Mark Liscinsky [email protected] (202) 885-3081

Diving Coach John Barry [email protected] 703 328 4120

Volleyball Head Coach Barry Goldberg [email protected] (202) 885-3031 Assistant Coach Assistant Coach @american.edu

@american.edu (202) 885-3036 (202 )885-3647

Wrestling Head Coach Mark Cody [email protected] (202) 885-3066 Assistant Coach Assistant Coach

Mike Rogers Jerrod Elwell


(202) 885-3052 (202) 885 - 3007

Strength & Conditioning

Strength & Conditioning Coach Asst. Strength & Conditioning Coach

Jason Riddell Jake Patton


(202) 885-3056 (202)885-3091

Sports Medicine

Head Athletic Trainer Sean Dash [email protected] (202) 885-3040 Assistant Athletic Trainer Jason Hand [email protected] (202) 885-3034 Assistant Athletic Trainer Chris Schultheiss [email protected] (202) 885-3041 Assistant Athletic Trainer Holly Hewitt [email protected] (202) 885-3101 Assistant Athletic Trainer TBA (202) 885-3064

Cheerleading

Spirit Coordinator Brett Hysinger [email protected] (202) 885-3043


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THE ACADEMIC SUPPORT PROGRAM FOR STUDENT-ATHLETES The term “student-athlete” embodies the vision of the Department of Athletics at American University. Each student-athlete is a student first and an athlete second. Integrating achievements in the athletic arena with high academic standards is fundamental to the mission of the Department. The Academic Support Program (ASP) shares in this mission by fostering an atmosphere of motivation and academic achievement for all student-athletes. The ASP is a service of the Academic Support Center. It is designed to assist student-athletes in successfully attaining their academic goals by supporting them in the process of exploring their interests and abilities and in developing a broad academic experience. It promotes excellence, responsibility and initiative in achieving educational, athletic, personal and social goals. The emphasis is on the development of the total person. The support program is operated in such a manner as to take advantage of the rich resources and facilities provided by American University in pursuit of excellence. Services Provided by the Academic Support Program The Academic Support Program (ASP) staff works toward the academic progress and eligibility of student-athletes and is available to assist them in academic affairs or other concerns not related directly to academics. The staff in the ASP offers general academic support for all student-athletes including assistance with writing assignments, development of time management and organizational skills, as well as advice on speaking with professors. In addition, ASP provides referrals to other campus offices regarding any issues that may be affecting the success of student-athletes both in academics and athletics. Priority Registration American University recognizes that student-athletes have many time restrictions and considerations when planning their academic schedules. Therefore, student-athletes are permitted to register on the first day of registration provided they have no financial or other university restrictions. This privilege has been granted in order to allow student-athletes to set their academic schedules and eliminate any conflict with team practices and competitions. American University requires that all students meet with their assigned academic advisors in their schools and colleges at least once a semester. Academic advisors assist students in obtaining a well-balanced education and in interpreting university policies and procedures. CAS and SPA each have an advisor who acts as a liaison to the Department of Athletics.

School Academic Advisor Extension College of Arts and Sciences Anne Kaiser X1144 School of Public Affairs: Government Nat Williamson X6205 School of Public Affairs: Justice Carl Cook X2936 Kogod School of Business varies by students’ last name X1914 School of Communication varies by students’ last name X2060 School of International Studies varies by students’ last name X1600 Advisors provide assistance with the following: class selection, class scheduling, priority registration, monitoring degree completion and university requirements. Students are responsible for scheduling an appointment with their designated Academic Advisors before priority registration begins. The ASP frequently acts as a consultant to the process of academic advising by providing support for priority registration, reminding student-athletes of important dates, keeping academic advisors informed of practice


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schedules, and aiding student-athletes in reviewing the schedule of classes. In addition, the ASP staff is responsible for monitoring the academic progress of student-athletes throughout the semester, and initial and continuing eligibility. It is important for student-athletes to prepare for priority registration before it begins by meeting with their advisor and removing any stops on their account. Student-athletes who wait to register may face academic and athletic conflicts due to closed courses. Individual Tutoring Whether you are an “A” or “C” student, it may be necessary, at times, to receive some additional instruction in the form of tutoring. Requesting a tutor: To request a tutor in a particular subject matter, a student athlete must contact an ASP staff member and they will provide contact information of tutors. Please be sure to request a tutor in advance, as it may not be possible to fill last minute requests. Obtaining a tutor: To obtain a tutor, contact the tutor and set up a time, date and meeting place. Payment of tutor: The Department of Athletics covers the charges for all the tutoring needs of the student-athletes. The student-athlete and the tutor must fill out the "Tutor Payment Form" together. Be sure that both parties sign the bottom of the "Tutor Payment Form," otherwise the tutor will not be paid. The following information must be completed by the student-athlete and the tutor: * The tutor is responsible for returning the completed “Tutor Payment Form” to the ASP office (Bender 219). ** The entire “Tutor Payment Form” must be complete in order for a tutor to be paid. Excusal Letters for Team Competition Student-athletes are expected to attend ALL classes while they are enrolled at American University. Professors often request documentation of a student's participation in an athletic contest. You are required to present such letters to each of your professors so that they are aware of the fact that you are not “skipping” class when you are participating in a competition. Excusal Letter Procedures: 1. At the beginning of each semester, an official “Excusal Letter” will be provided for you to give to each of

your professors. You will also receive a “Travel Card.” 2. Upon receipt of your “Excusal Letter,” each professor must sign your “Travel Card” to verify that he/she

has received your “Excusal Letter.”

3. After all of your professors have signed your “Travel Card,” return your “Travel Card” to the ASP office. The Travel Card is due no later than 2 weeks after the first day of classes.

Keep in mind that professors have no automatic way of knowing the difference between excused and unexcused absences from class. If you do not provide each professor with the excusal letter and have each of them sign a travel card; you may suffer academic penalties. Finally, university policy states that faculty may not penalize student-athletes for absences due to athletic competition or travel.


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Specifically, academic regulations state “the university expects students to attend all classes and to arrive on time. In establishing attendance policies, faculty members may not penalize student for absences resulting from circumstances beyond the student’s control, such as illness, accident, religious observance, or representing the university at athletic or other off-campus activities. Faculty members may require reasonable documentation in support of a student’s request to be excused from class and may set reasonable dates by which missed work must be submitted. If a student’s absences are so frequent, such as during a prolonged illness, as to make satisfactory progress in a class unlikely, a faculty member may recommend that a student drop the course under the regulations covering changes in registration.” If a student-athlete is going to miss an exam due to an athletic contest and arrangements cannot be made with the professor or the department to make-up the exam, Academic Support staff can proctor a make-up exam. The deadline for scheduling a make-up exam to be proctored is one week prior to the date that the exam is to be administered. Failure to comply with this timeline may result in inability of the Academic Support staff to proctor the exam. Periodically, student-athletes may have an athletic contest during final exams. It is the student-athlete’s responsibility to speak with the professor at the beginning of the semester to notify them of this possibility so that special arrangements can be made. Failure to do so may result in inability to compete. If you have any difficulties with your professors, please contact the Academic Support Program Coordinator, Maureen Breslin at x3890 in Room 219 of Bender Arena. Freshman and Transfer Orientation Program (TALONS)

TALONS Workshop Series (Thinking And Learning Opportunities for New Student-Athletes) TALONS is designed to aid freshman and transfer student-athletes by addressing relevant topics in an interactive workshop format. The workshop series is facilitated by both academic and personal development counselors who present information and conduct group discussions on a wide variety of topics. These workshops are designed to help first-year and transfer student-athletes understand and cope with academic, social, athletic, and personal pressures related to either the transition from high school to college or from one college to another. The goal of the series is to provide new student-athletes with information and practical strategies to adjust to the increased demands and pressures of college academics, adapt to competitive NCAA Division I athletics, and develop life-long learning and personal development skills. During the fall semester, all first-year and transfer students are required to attend the TALONS workshop series. Guided Study (Proactive Monitoring Program) This program focuses on student-athletes who may confront a variety of academic challenges. The Guided Study Program involves one meeting each week, (for approximately 30 minutes) during the 15-week semester, with an academic counselor. The ASP staff will monitor your academic progress and aid you in the development of your study skills, such as time management and study strategies. Student-athletes must attend a weekly Guided Study session during any semester in which he or she is below a 2.50 for the previous semester and/or cumulative GPA. However, some coaches, in conjunction with Academic Support staff, may require student-athletes to attend Guided Study sessions, regardless of GPA, if they feel that meeting with an Academic Support Counselor will be in the student-athlete’s best interest. Student-athletes may also elect to attend Guided Study sessions on a voluntary basis. Mandatory Study Hall


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All first-year and transfer student-athletes are required to attend Study Hall for their first semester at American University. Student-athletes who successfully complete all the requirements of Study Hall, and achieve a cumulative GPA of 2.50 or the minimum determined by their coach will not be required to attend Study Hall during the following semester. Some coaches may require team members to attend Study Hall during the following semester, regardless of GPA, if they feel that the supervised period will be in the student-athlete’s best interest. Study hall is staffed by Proctors and Attendance Takers. Both represent the Department of Athletics and are responsible for monitoring student-athletes during study sessions and enforcing study hall rules. Although the study hall is located on the third floor of the Bender Library, the third floor is still open for use to the entire university community. As a courtesy to all those studying in the library and as a representative of the Athletic Department, student-athletes must exhibit exemplary behavior while attending study hall. The following rules apply to all student-athletes attending study hall in the Bender Library:

1. You must check in each time you arrive by presenting your university identification card with an Attendance Taker, when you check-in and check-out.

2. Study hall is for serious study only. You must bring appropriate study material to the library.

Inappropriate materials and behaviors include, but are not limited to: reading magazines, letter writing, talking, sleeping, chatting on IM (Instant Messenger). Responding to text messages and using cell phones are also inappropriate during study hall hours.

3. You must study at one of the carrels or at a table with no more than one other person.

4. If you are working with someone on a group project, discussing course material, or working with a

tutor, you must work in one of the study rooms on the third floor. The proctor will periodically check these rooms to ensure that serious study and proper behavior are being followed.

5. You must remain on the third floor of the library.

6. All Bender Library rules apply in full to student-athletes attending study hall.

Study Hall Hours are as follow: Monday-Thursday 7:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m. Friday 3:00 p.m.- 7:00p.m. Saturday 12:00 p.m.- 4:00 p.m.

Sunday 2:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m. Referral to University Services The Academic Support Program maintains close contact with various services of the university. Students with Attention Deficit Disorder and/or learning disabilities can take advantage of resources offered by the Academic Support Center. Student-athletes who struggle with math and writing may be referred to seek the services of the tutoring labs provided by American University. The Counseling Center is also available to all students.


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Academic Integrity Code “The Academic Integrity Code for American University describes standards for academic conduct, rights and responsibilities of members of the academic community, and procedures for handling allegations of academic dishonesty. Academic dishonesty as defined by the Code includes, but is not limited to: plagiarism, inappropriate collaboration, dishonesty in examinations (in-class or take-home), dishonesty in papers, work done for one course and submitted to another, deliberate falsification of data, interference with other students’ work, and copyright violations.” (http://www.american.edu/american/registrar/AcademicReg/New/reg80.html) The Department of Athletics treats violations of the Academic Integrity Code very seriously. Student-athlete offenders of the Academic Integrity Code may not only face the academic disciplinarian committee, but they will also be subject to disciplinary measures via the Department of Athletics. Breaches of Academic Integrity Penalties for breaches of academic integrity range from failure of course to expulsion from American University. The following are some examples of violations of academic integrity: Plagiarism 1. Using the work, ideas or words (either quoted directly or paraphrased) of someone else and presenting

them as if they were your own. (This can range from failure to acknowledge a source to the copying of another person's work.)

2. Submitting purchased term papers or unacknowledged material derived from them. 3. Multiple submissions of your own papers or other work for more than one course without prior permission

from BOTH instructors. 4. Providing unauthorized material to another student. Examinations 1. Giving and/or receiving unauthorized information from someone during an examination. 2. Using unauthorized materials, such as textbooks or notes during an examination. 3. Inspecting or looking at another student's paper during an examination. Statistics Altering or contriving data or statistics in a misleading manner. Laboratories/Computer Collaborating on laboratory or computer assignments in a manner not authorized by the instructor. (If there is any doubt about the amount or type of collaboration allowed, it is YOUR responsibility to check with the instructor.) Forgery Forging the signature of a professor, an academic advisor, a dean or any university official. As a member of our University, we expect you to share our dedication to the crucial principle of academic integrity. THE CONSEQUENCES FOR VIOLATING THE ACADEMIC INTEGRITY CODE CAN BE SEVERE. PLEASE KNOW THE RULES AND FOLLOW THEM. It is important to note that this list


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is only a summary. Consult the Academic Integrity Code in your American University Student Handbook (http://www.american.edu/handbook/StudentHandbook.pdf) for more specifics. Other Important Academic Information Class Standing Undergraduate class standing is defined as follows: CREDIT HOURS COMPLETED STANDING 0 - 29 Freshman 30 - 59 Sophomore 60 - 89 Junior 90 - 120 Senior Students enrolled in a degree program requiring the completion of more than 120 semester hours will be considered seniors from the time they have completed 90 semester hours until they have completed all of their degree requirements. Academic Honors The following criteria are used to identify students eligible for honors: • Students with GPAs between 3.75 and 4.00 will be granted degrees "with great distinction” upon

graduation. • Those with GPAs between 3.5 and 3.74 will be granted degrees "with distinction” upon graduation. Dean’s List Students will be placed on the Dean's List to honor them for academic achievement for each semester they complete 15 or more graded credits with a semester GPA of 3.5 or greater. Freshman Forgiveness A first-year student-athlete who, during the first two semesters of full-time study, receives a grade of “F” or “X” in a course may repeat the course at American University within the calendar year thereafter or in the next two regular semesters in which the student is enrolled. If the course is not offered within that time, the student may use the option the next time the course is offered. No grade is removed from the student's record, but only the grade earned the second time the course is taken is used in calculating the GPA for the purposes of making decisions concerning probation, dismissal, and required average for graduation. The freshman forgiveness rule does not apply to transfer students even though they may have entered the university with freshman status. Academic Probation and Dismissal Students enrolled in an undergraduate degree program MUST MAINTAIN A GPA OF AT LEAST A 2.00 in order to remain in good academic standing and to graduate. Those who do not maintain the required GPA may not receive financial aid from the university. Academic Probation An undergraduate student who fails to maintain the required 2.00 cumulative GPA may be granted probationary status. Academic probation is an action usually taken only in the first two years of full-time study or the equivalent in part-time study. Different rules apply to third and fourth year students (see Dismissal). A student-athlete on academic probation may be INELIGIBLE TO PARTICIPATE IN INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETICS.


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The only exception may occur at the end of a semester in which the student's cumulative GPA has been raised to a 2.00. In this case, even though probationary status may extend for an additional semester, the student may be given permission to participate in intercollegiate athletics. Academic probation carries other restrictions, which are outlined in the student handbook. Dismissal Dismissal may be anticipated by any student whose cumulative grade-point average in the third or fourth year of full-time study falls below 2.00, or whose average in any semester falls to 1.00 or below. It should be noted that the GPA is only one measure of academic performance. Maintenance of the required average does not necessarily imply that a student is making satisfactory progress, and the university reserves the right to dismiss a student whose performance is judged to be unsatisfactory even if the student has maintained the required GPA. A student who is dismissed may not be readmitted to the university or enroll as a non-degree student for a full year after the effective date of the dismissal. Note: Actions involving academic probation and dismissal are entered on the student's permanent record and may not be removed.


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NCAA ELIGIBILITY GUIDE This guide will inform you of the pertinent rules and regulations that apply to student-athletes. These rules and regulations are created and enforced by American University, the Patriot League, and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). This guide is by no means comprehensive, nor is it intended to be a complete inventory of all regulations of the involved organizations. This guide is meant simply to inform you of the most basic, most frequently asked questions about rules. It is the policy of American University and its Athletics Department to self-report all violations of NCAA and Patriot League rules. If you have direct knowledge of any violations it is your responsibility to either inform the institution’s Office of Compliance, your head coach, or another member of the Athletic Department Staff. NCAA Guidelines As a student-athlete, whether recruited or non-recruited, to be eligible to participate in the intercollegiate athletics program you must:

1. Be certified as an NCAA Division I eligible freshman or transfer student-athlete. 2. Be enrolled in at least a minimum full-time program of studies, be in good academic standing and

maintain progress toward a baccalaureate or equivalent degree.

3. Not accept pay, or have accepted the promise of pay in any form for participation in your sport.

4. Not engaged in unethical conduct.

5. Not receive financial aid other than that authorized by the NCAA.

6. Not participate for more than four (4) seasons in one sport, unless granted a fifth season by the Patriot League.

7. Not accept non-permissible awards, extra benefits or excessive or improper expenses not authorized by NCAA legislation. Examples:

• You may not keep or use athletic clothing as part of your personal wardrobe. • You may not make personal calls from an Athletic Department phone. • You may not ask a Department employee to type a paper unless you pay them at a going

rate. • You may not use the photocopier for personal copies. • You may not use Athletic Department vans. • You may not borrow money from the Athletic Department or an Athletic Department staff

member.

8. Not play for another team during the academic year, unless otherwise permitted by NCAA regulations.

9. Complete all required NCAA, University and departmental eligibility and consent forms, medical forms, and provide proper insurance information and take a physical exam.


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NCAA Academic Standards An undergraduate student admitted to and enrolled in a degree program usually registers for (15) credit hours each semester so that the required minimum of 120 credit hours for the bachelor’s degree is completed in four years. The NCAA requires that the student-athlete:

1. Be enrolled in a minimum of 12 credit hours every semester, and may not drop below that at any time.

2. As a student-athlete, you must have successfully completed the required high school core curriculum and achieved the required SAT or ACT score.

3. As an upper class student-athlete, you must have successfully completed 24 credit hours during the

preceding academic year and summer, with at least 18 credit hours completed during the fall and spring semesters. In addition, you must pass at least 6 credit hours toward your degree each semester.

4. Read and sign the NCAA Student-Athlete Statement, Student-Athlete Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Authorization/The Buckley Amendment Consent Form and the Drug Testing Consent Form.

5. By the beginning of the third year of enrollment at any college, including junior colleges and colleges

outside the United States, the student-athlete must designate a major which will ultimately lead toward a baccalaureate degree. The major must be declared in writing through the Dean’s Office at the beginning of the 5th semester (usually the fall semester of the junior year).

6. After the designation of a major, the student-athlete must then pass 24 credit hours during the next

academic year which apply toward the declared major, and have those hours certified in writing by the Dean’s Office before the student-athlete is eligible for the next academic year.

1. Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher as designated by your major area.

The NCAA requires that student-athletes make normal progress toward specific majors and degrees, which means taking the necessary requirements for that major every semester. For this reason, it is important that you choose your classes with the proper advisement, and that you do not indiscriminately drop and add courses. Use the Academic Support Program Staff, the Compliance Office and your academic advisors when you make a decision about your courses. You can render yourself ineligible if you are not taking the classes necessary to graduate in your declared major! IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS – NCAA ELIGIBILITY Jessica Hegmann, Associate Director of Athletics for Compliance 202-885-3046 TBA , Compliance Assistant 202-885-3039 Maureen Breslin, Coordinator of Student-Athlete Academic Support 202-885-3890 Ethical Conduct In addition to stating its expectations of honesty and sportsmanship from each student-athlete, the NCAA outlines specific rules concerning conduct that will be considered contrary to its standards. According to NCAA bylaws, unethical conduct by a prospective or enrolled student-athlete may include, but is not limited to the following:


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1. Refusal to furnish information relevant to the investigation of a possible NCAA violation of an NCAA

regulation when requested to do so by the NCAA or the individual’s institution; 2. Knowing involvement in arranging for fraudulent academic credit, false transcripts or fraudulence in

connection with entrance or placement examinations for a prospective or an enrolled student-athlete; 3. Participating in any way in gambling activities involving any intercollegiate or professional team or

sporting event, or participating in any gambling activity that involves intercollegiate or professional athletics;

4. Use of banned drugs, both performance enhancing and recreational; 5. Engaging in any athletics competition under an assumed name or with intent otherwise to deceive; and 6. Dishonesty in evading or violating NCAA regulations.

Responsible Conduct Student-athletes at American University are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that best represents their team and the institution while being productive members of both the campus and surrounding communities. It is their responsibility to exhibit behaviors that enable them to make the most of the academic and athletic opportunities afforded to them. Participation in athletics is a privilege, not a right; you are subject to NCAA, and Patriot League Rules and regulations. To earn and maintain that privilege, all student-athletes must adhere to the American University Student-Athlete Code of Conduct as well as the American University Student Code of Conduct. As American University’s most visible ambassadors, student-athletes are expected to uphold at all times high standards of integrity and behavior reflecting well upon themselves, their families, coaches, teammates and the Department of Athletics. Student Athletes are expected to: Abide by all rules and regulations of AU, the Patriot League and the NCAA. Failure to do so may result in suspension from the team or from the University through the Office of Judicial Affairs. Scholarship student-athletes risk having all or part of their financial aid revoked for violations of the code. A student-athlete may appeal disciplinary action if he/she believes his/her situation presents special circumstances by which the assigned sanctions to be imposed are manifestly unfair or there is significant evidence that would justify a different outcome (see Appeals process). Student-athletes as citizens of the American University and the surrounding community are expected to abide by Federal, District and State laws. It is expected that the behavior of student-athletes shall at all times reflect the high standards of honor and dignity that characterize participation in competitive sports at AU; student-athletes may be subjected to Athletic Department discipline for such acts that violate the Student-Athlete Code of conduct, regardless of where and when the acts are committed and regardless if any other disciplinary or legal action is taken against the student-athlete. In addition to obeying all federal, state and local laws, student-athletes shall not participate in any gambling activities involving intercollegiate or professional athletics. They shall not solicit or accept any bet, wager any item of tangible value or provide information to individuals involved in athletic gambling activities. Your general student and academic responsibilities include:

• Knowing, understanding, and following University Rules and Regulations as outlined in your Student Handbook and the Student-Athlete Handbook

• Obeying all residence hall policies and regulations • Obeying all Federal, District, and State Laws


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• Maintaining yourself in top physical condition within accepted health standards • Striving to achieve your degree in four years, including meeting NCAA, Patriot League, and AU

standards for satisfactory progress • Attending all scheduled classes and completing all academic assignments • Informing instructors ahead of time of all expected absences due to official athletic events • Taking proper care of equipment and athletic uniforms • Attending all scheduled practices unless excused by the coaching staff or in case of a class conflict • Abiding by all team, Athletic Department, Patriot League, and NCAA rules

Your athletic conduct responsibilities include:

• Treating officials and opponents with respect • Avoiding undue confrontation during athletic contests • Maintaining control during emotionally charged situations, including assisting teammates and

colleagues who appear to be losing control • Reacting in a positive manner to an aggressive action by an individual or group (an opposing crowd,

taunting by opponents, etc) Negative behavior which you are to refrain from includes, but is not limited to:

• Physically abusing officials, coaches, opponents, spectators, teammates, classmates, boyfriends, girlfriends, or any other individual(s).

• Publicly criticizing game officials, Patriot League and NCAA personnel, another institution’s student-athlete or personnel.

• Grabbing equipment from officials or the media. • Inciting players or spectators to negative actions or to any behavior which insults game officials or

opponents. • Using obscene or otherwise inappropriate language and gestures. • Engaging in negative recruiting by speaking poorly about another institution, its personnel, or its

athletic program.

American University will investigate violations of these Athletic Department Conduct guidelines and violations of the American University Code of Conduct, which is contained in your Student Handbook. The University may bring conduct charges against student-athletes whose behavior and actions warrant such charges.


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PATRIOT LEAGUE ACADEMIC STANDARDS & CODE OF CONDUCT The 2001-2002 academic year marked American University successful entry into the Patriot League. The Patriot League has academic and competition standards that are more stringent than NCAA standards. American University student-athletes in the Patriot League sports (all sports except wrestling) must also abide by the following rules.

1. All students participating in intercollegiate athletics must be making normal academic progress toward a first baccalaureate degree.

2. Graduate students may not participate in Patriot League athletics. (Note: students who graduate from

American in fewer than eight (8) semesters may apply for an exception to this rule.)

3. There is no athletic “red shirting” in the Patriot League. All students are expected to complete their eligibility in their first eight (8) semesters of full time enrollment.

a) Students who miss a season of competition as a result of serious injury, illness or other cause

beyond the student’s control may receive an extension of eligibility if approved by the institution and the Patriot League.

b) Transfer students enrolled in academic programs that require a fifth year of collegiate

enrollment will normally be eligible for athletic competition in that fifth year.

PATRIOT LEAGUE CODE OF CONDUCT (Approved by the Council of Presidents: 6/6/02) Purpose The Patriot League was founded upon the principles of fairness, equality, and excellence in academics as well as in athletic participation. The Patriot League strongly supports the NCAA's core principle: promoting character development of participants and fundamental values such as respect, fairness, civility, honesty, and responsibility. The Patriot League member institutions will ensure that their athletic programs promote and require the highest standards of sporting behavior and ethical conduct by all participants (student-athletes, coaches, staff and faculty). Additionally, the member institutions will require and demand the highest standards from all supporters (bands, cheerleaders, spirit groups, student bodies and spectators). Host institutions must provide venues that foster an environment of fair play and civility. This will allow the conducting of sporting events that properly showcase the student-athletes, member institutions and the Patriot League as a whole. The Executive Director of the Patriot League is empowered to monitor and require member institutions to enforce this Code of Conduct. Institutional Responsibilities Institutions will ensure that good sporting behavior and ethical conduct is promoted at all times. Each institution will actively support the Patriot League Code of Conduct and ensure that the policy is presented to all members of the institution on a yearly basis. Contents of the Code of Conduct will be included in an annual


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meeting with coaches and administrators. This information will also be provided at the annual orientation of incoming student-athletes and reviewed with all other student-athlete groups at the beginning of each academic year. Each institution will promote sporting and ethical conduct throughout the year. Institutional representatives and event management staff will be most vigilant during the conduct of any game or athletic event. In that regard host institutions will do the following:

1. Ensure that an administrative representative of the host institution is present (or readily accessible) at all Patriot League contests and that he/she is charged with the enforcement of the League's code of conduct. The representative will identify himself/herself to the visiting coach or administrator prior to the start of the contest.

2. Provide for adequate security, police, and other game management measures necessary to protect the

safety of student-athletes, coaches and officials, and to maintain adequate crowd control during home athletic events.

3. Announce a statement promoting good sporting behavior before each home sporting event where a

public address system is utilized and/or print the announcement in the game program. Public address announcers will be directed to announce the game in an impartial manner and assist event management with the promotion of good sporting conduct throughout the game.

4. Reserve or protect the seating or spectator areas immediately behind the visiting team bench for fans of the visiting team, where possible.

5. Ensure that members of the institution's band, cheerleading squad, and other such spirit groups in

attendance at athletic events adhere to the League's Code of Conduct. The home team's band is to be seated in areas on the home team's side or half of the playing venue.

6. Report incidents of poor sporting behavior or unethical conduct by student-athletes, coaches or institutional representatives to the institution's Director of Athletics within 48 hours of the incident.

7. Provide a written report of incidents that are a direct violation of Patriot League Standards as defined below to the League’s Executive Director within 48 hours of the incident. The report will include the identities of the individual(s) involved and the Director of Athletics' recommendation for a penalty and/or remedial action. The League’s Executive Director is authorized to approve or alter the recommended penalty and/or remedial action.

8. Report in writing the removal or suspension of a student-athlete or institutional personnel from a

contest for fighting or flagrant behavior to the League’s Executive Director within 24 hours following the contest. The Director of Athletics will administer an immediate suspension of that individual(s) from the next intercollegiate contest, including Patriot League or NCAA championship competition, or if the last contest of the season, the suspension will be extended to the beginning of the next season. (During a suspension, the coach involved may not be in the team bench area, nor make any attempt to coach the team from one hour before the contest begins until one hour after the contest ends. Similarly, a suspended student-athlete may not dress nor sit on the team bench during the conduct of the game.) If warranted, the League’s Executive Director may impose additional penalties for repeated suspensions by an individual within the same sport season.


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Patriot League Responsibilities and Procedures The Council of Presidents is responsible for approving and modifying the Patriot League Code of Conduct. The Council of Presidents will invest authority in the Patriot League's Executive Director to ensure that all member institutions abide by the League's Code of Conduct and the authority to impose sanctions as deemed appropriate. The League’s Executive Director will ensure that all facts regarding an alleged violation of the Code of Conduct are reported promptly following the incident. After all interested institutions and affected individuals have had an opportunity to present any facts or arguments regarding the violation, the League’s Executive Director may issue a directive to an institution to take action on the violation. This action may include an admonishment or warning, a private or public reprimand, suspension of any person from attendance or participation in one or more events or games, forfeiture of any game or other actions as the Executive Director deems appropriate. Any member institution has the right to appeal the directive of the League’s Executive Director to the Executive Committee of the Council of Presidents. If an appeal occurs during a Patriot League Championship and must be acted upon prior to the end of the championship, the Games Committee will be charged with hearing the appeal and determining the appropriate course of action. The member institution must submit a written appeal to the Patriot League office within 48 hours of receipt of the directive. This written statement will include the institution's objection and its alternative recommendation of action concerning this violation. Upon receipt of the appeal, the Executive Director may withdraw or modify the original directive. Any member institution may obtain a stay of the Executive Director's directive upon submission of the written statement until the Executive Director withdraws the directive the Executive Committee of the Council of Presidents hears the appeal and takes final action. The Executive Committee of the Council of Presidents will make the final decision regarding each appeal. The Executive Director will forward the decision in writing to the appealing institution's Director of Athletics and President for immediate action. The Council of Presidents' (Executive Committee's) decision is final and will not be challenged or appealed to any tribunal, court or other authority. Patriot League Standards The Patriot League requires the highest ethical conduct by all personnel and demands the highest commitment to integrity, ethical behavior, and fair play in all athletic endeavors. In this regard, the following actions are considered to be inconsistent with the high standards the League strives to represent and instill:

• Publicly criticizing or making derogatory statements of an official, the Patriot League personnel or its policies, another member institution or any of its personnel, especially student-athletes. This includes comments with respect to their conduct, character, competence, integrity or appearance.

• Striking, attempting to strike or otherwise physically abusing an official, coach, student-athlete,

cheerleader, mascot or other person in attendance at an athletic event. This includes throwing objects at an individual or onto the playing surface.

• Acts dangerous to others, unsafe behavior, inciting participants or spectators to violent or abusive

action, obscene gestures, profanity or provocative language or action toward an official, student-athlete, coach, spectator, bench or score-table personnel.


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• Defacing, destruction, or theft of property associated with an athletic event, including property of the opposing team or contest officials.

• Taunting by spectators or cheering sections directed at opposing players, officials, or coaches.

• Taunting includes disrespectful cheers focusing on an opponent's race, religion, sexual orientation, or

physical characteristics, or any "cheer" which is vulgar or obscene.

• Displaying signs or banners that contain offensive language or pictures, particularly displays that may be vulgar or obscene.

• Consumption of alcoholic beverages or public drunkenness by any individual at an athletic event.

• Cheating by coaches, staff or student-athletes in connection with any athletic event. This includes the

use of drugs or unauthorized substances.

• Negative recruiting, including derogatory statements about another member institution, its personnel or its athletic program to prospective student-athlete, the prospect's parents, high school coach or other persons interested in the prospective student-athletes.

• Any violation of local law, federal law or generally recognized standards of good conduct by any

individual. Specific Requirements of Coaches Coaches are expected to support the officials of a game and any public criticism of a game official is a violation of the League's Code of Conduct. In that regard, coaches are to avoid making any comments to the media concerning game officials. Coaches are not permitted to enter or attempt to enter the locker room of a game official preceding or following the contest. Coaches are to remain in their designated coaching and team areas and refrain from any action that would incite others in attendance at the contest. Coaches are expected to make reasonable efforts to discourage spectators from engaging in poor sporting behavior during athletic events. Coaches are expected to promote standards of fair play and good sporting conduct by their student-athletes by disciplining them for acts of misconduct or unethical behavior during games, practices and related functions. Coaches are to be mindful that a determination regarding the continuation of play of any scheduled contest is the responsibility of the game officials and that taking a team from any playing area is not the coaches' prerogative. However, in instances where institutional policies related to safety direct a coach to vacate a playing area, the coach should respond accordingly. Contest Statement: One of the following statements or a similar institutional statement should be read before all athletic events where a public address system is utilized. “Ladies and gentlemen, (Host Institution) and the Patriot League welcome you to today's contest. We ask that you join us and today's coaches, players, and officials in practicing good sporting behavior in supporting your teams and in your conduct toward players, coaches, officials, and other spectators. Unruly and disrespectful


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behavior will not be tolerated. (Please note that the possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages (and use of tobacco) also are prohibited. Spectators are not allowed on the playing field at any time.) Thank you.” or: “Ladies and gentlemen, (Host Institution) and the Patriot League promote good sporting behavior by student-athletes, coaches, and spectators. We encourage everyone to actively support all participants of today's game, and ask that you express your enthusiasm in a respectful and sporting-like manner. (Please note that the possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages (and use of tobacco) also are prohibited. Spectators are not allowed on the playing field at any time.) Thank you.” Patriot League Award of Good Sporting Conduct: In the spirit of ethical conduct and sporting behavior, the Patriot League has established an Award of Good Sporting Conduct to recognize and honor exemplary sporting behavior. All Patriot League student-athletes, coaches, a team as a whole and staff members associated with a member institution's intercollegiate athletic program are eligible for the award. The definition of good sporting conduct is left to the discretion of the member institution with the understanding that the behavior should be at a standard beyond what is normally expected during the course of play. Award recipients will receive an Award of Good Sporting Conduct certificate, will be listed on the League's website and will be publicly recognized at an institutional event.


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RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF STUDENT-ATHLETES By agreeing to be a member of a varsity athletic team at American University, I possess certain rights:

• Right to be an INDIVIDUAL, unique in my beliefs and abilities that make me the person I am. • Right to DIGNITY, free from behavior designed to humiliate and embarrass me. • Right to EQUALITY, to be treated as fairly as all other student-athletes are treated. • Right to PRIVACY, secure in the knowledge that I retain time for myself, and with the expectation that my

personal possessions will be safeguarded. • Right to RESPECT for my culture and my beliefs, especially when they differ from the culture and beliefs

of others. • Right to SUPPORT, from my teammates, fellow student-athletes, coaches, the Athletic Department

administration and the University community. While I acquire certain rights because of my membership on a varsity intercollegiate athletic team, I also assume certain responsibilities;

Responsibility for GROWTH to the best of my ability in all that I set out to do, and to develop my body, mind and spirit for both my well-being and that of my team. Responsibility for RESPONSIBLE CONDUCT, including positive deeds, not just refraining from negative endeavors, since my actions not only reflect on my, but on my family, friends, teammates, fellow student-athletes, coaches, the Department of Athletics and the University. Responsibility for RESPECT, for the individuality, dignity, equality, privacy, culture and beliefs of my teammates, fellow student-athletes, my coaches, the Department of Athletics and other members of the University Community.

Responsible Conduct

As some of the most visible students at American, student athletes’ behavior and actions are judged continually. Rightly or wrongly, they set and example and establish an American University standard through their conduct. Responsible conduct consists most specifically of two areas: general responsibilities and athletic conduct. Both are equally crucial toward their success in both roles of a student athlete.

General Responsibilities • Knowing, understanding and following University Rules and Regulations as outlined in the University and

the Athletic Department Student Handbook • Obeying all residence hall policies and regulations • Obeying all Federal, District and State Laws • Maintaining top physical condition within accepted health standards • Striving to earn a degree in four years, including meeting NCAA and American University standards for

satisfactory progress • Attending all scheduled classes and completing all academic assignments • Informing instructors in a timely fashion of all absences due to official athletic events • Taking proper care of equipment, athletic facility and athletic uniforms • Attending scheduled practices unless excused by the coaching staff or due to course conflicts • Abiding by all team, Department of Athletics, Patriot League and NCAA rules.


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Athletic Conduct Responsibilities • Treating officials and opponents with respect and following the rules of good sportsmanship • Avoiding undue confrontation during athletic contests • Maintaining control during emotionally charged situations, including assisting teammates and colleagues

who appear to be losing control • Reacting in a positive manner to an aggressive action by an individual or group (an opposing crowd,

taunting and baiting by opponents, etc.) • Physical abuse of officials, coaches, opponents, spectators, teammates, classmates, male of female

acquaintances etc. will not be tolerated • Publicly criticizing game officials, Patriot League and NCAA personnel, another institution, its student-

athletes or its personnel will not be tolerated • Seizing equipment from officials of the media • Inciting players or spectators which results in any negative behavior, insulting game officials or opponents • Using obscene or otherwise inappropriate language and gestures • Engaging in negative recruiting by speaking badly about another institution, its personnel or its athletic

program • American University will investigate violations of these Department of Athletics Responsible Conduct

guidelines and violations of the American University Code of conduct • The University may bring Judicial Affairs charges against student-athletes whose behavior and actions

warrant such charges • The ultimate consequence of Judicial Affairs and Mediation Services charges include sanctions against the

student-athlete, which may result in suspension from an athletic team and removal of scholarship


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DEPARTMENT OF INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETICS AND RECREATION GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES FOR STUDENT-ATHLETES

The goal of the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics and Recreation is that all student-athletes are treated fairly with respect to their student-athlete experience at American University. To this end, student-athletes have available to them a number of policies and procedures through which they may file an appeal or a grievance in those circumstances they believe such actions are warranted. A brief overview of these options is provided below. It should be emphasized that, in addition to any of these policies and procedures, student-athletes always have available to them the normal university procedures that are available to all students. A student-athlete who wishes to obtain more information about these normal university services should contact the Office of the Vice President for Campus Life. Cancellation/Gradation of Financial Aid If a student-athlete's financial aid is cancelled or reduced during the academic year, or from one academic year to the next, the student-athlete should first discuss the matter with his/her head coach. If the issue is not resolved, the student-athlete and the head coach should meet with the member of the senior staff who has been designated as the sport administrator. If the issue is not resolved at this level, the student-athlete, the head coach and the sport administrator should meet with the Director of Athletics. If the issue is not resolved at this level, the student-athlete should contact the Associate Director of Financial Aid to initiate the appeal procedures specified under NCAA regulations. This procedure involves an appeal to an Athletics Aid Appeals Committee comprised of individuals outside of the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. (Additional details regarding the appeals process may be obtained from the Associate Director of Financial Aid.) The Associate Director of Financial Aid or his/her designee will make the appropriate arrangements for the appeal. The decision of the Athletics Aid Appeals Committee is final. Designated Sport Administrators Athena Argyropoulos, Associate Director of Athletics/ Senior Women’s Administrator • Men’s Basketball • Women’s Basketball • Field Hockey • Cross Country/Track & Field • Wrestling Jessica Hegmann, Associate Director of Athletics/Compliance & Internal Operations • Men’s Soccer • Women’s Lacrosse Josephine Finamore, Associate Director of Athletics/ Business Operations • Swimming and Diving • Women’s Soccer

David Bierwirth, Sr. Associate Director of Athletics/External Operations • Volleyball


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Refusal to Grant a Transfer Release A NCAA member institution that wishes to visit with an AU student-athlete about transferring to their institution is required by NCAA rules to obtain permission to contact the student-athlete and an agreement to release the student-athlete to transfer to that institution. These approvals are to be granted by the Director of Athletics (or designee). Student-athletes who wish to discuss the possibility of transfer to another NCAA member institution should first request a release from their head coach. If denied, the student-athlete and the head coach should meet with the sport administrator. If the release is not granted, the student-athlete, the head coach, and the sport administrator should meet with the Director of Athletics. If the release is ultimately not granted, the student-athlete shall be provided with notification in writing that he or she, upon request, shall be provided with a hearing conducted by an institutional entity or committee outside of the athletics department. The institutional entity/committee’s decision is final. Sexual Harassment Student-athletes should follow the procedures outlined in the American University Student Handbook:

The American University community values the individual’s right to live, work, and study without fear of intimidation, coercion, or exploitation. Sexual harassment creates an environment which is intolerable and incompatible with the mission and goals of the university. Sexual harassment is a form of discrimination and is illegal.

What is Sexual Harassment?

Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature constitute sexual harassment when:

A. submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual’s employment or academic advancement

B. submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for employment decisions or academic decisions affecting such individuals

C. such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s work or academic performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working or academic environment.

Examples of Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment can range from sexual humor and innuendo to physical threats. Some examples of sexual harassment include direct or subtle pressure for sexual activity, unwelcome brushes or touches, physical aggression such as pinching or patting, inappropriate sexual innuendos, sexist jokes or remarks, or obscene gestures or comments.

Sexual Harassment Project Team

The Sexual Harassment Project Team has been established to assist in preventing and addressing problems of sexual harassment campus wide; to provide information and education on sexual harassment and related university policies and complaint procedures to members of the campus community; and to develop and review educational or informational materials regarding sexual harassment as required. Call the Dean of Students office (x-3300) for a list of team members, or for more information.


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Complaint Procedures

The university will respond to all reports of sexual harassment. Three options are available:

Information and Referral

Members of the Sexual Harassment Project Team can provide students with information about sexual harassment and complaint procedures. Call the Dean of Students office (x-3300) for a list of members or to receive such information.

Informal Complaint

American University is committed to the voluntary, timely, and informal resolution of sexual harassment complaints. Therefore, if you believe that you have been sexually harassed, you are encouraged to use these informal procedures, which may include addressing the alleged harasser directly, whether in person, in writing, or in a facilitated meeting with an appropriate university official. In any case, students should contact the Office of the Dean of Students (x3300) for information about how to report and respond to incidents of sexual harassment and to receive assistance in resolving such incidents. Where appropriate, students may be referred to Mediation Services, to the executive director of Human Resources in situations involving a staff member, or to the dean of academic affairs in situations involving a faculty member.

If the alleged harasser is: Notify: student or student group dean of students faculty member dean of the faculty member’s school/college dean provost staff member executive director of human resources executive director of human resources vice president of finance and treasurer other (e.g. vendor, guests) executive director of human resources vice president or provost president president chair of the board of trustees

Formal Complaint

If informal measures do not stop the behavior, or if you prefer a formal procedure, you may contact the Office of the Dean of Students (x3300) for information about formal procedures and referral to the appropriate university official. You may also contact the relevant official directly:

A. A complaint of a student against another student is referred to the Office of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution Services. (408 Butler Pavilion, x3328). These cases are governed by the Student Conduct Code.

B. A complaint of a student against a staff member is referred to the executive director of human resources (x3550).

C. A complaint of a student against a faculty member is referred to the dean of academic affairs (President's Office Building, x2125).

D. A complaint of a faculty or staff member against a student is referred to Judicial Affairs and Mediation Services, x3328.


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*Formal complaints in which a student or student group has been accused of discrimination or discriminatory harassment will be adjudicated by Judicial Affairs and Mediation Services using the procedures listed in the Student Handbook.

**In cases where a student’s claim against a faculty member falls under the guidelines of the student academic grievance procedures, the case should be forwarded to the dean of academic affairs and the dean of the school or college responsible for the relevant course. The student academic grievance procedures will be followed as stated in Academic Regulation 50.00.20. The dean of academic affairs will act as a resource to the academic grievance committee should it wish to have assistance in addressing the discrimination or discriminatory harassment claims.

Records

Complaints regarding Records maintained by: student or student group dean of students faculty member dean of academic affairs deans provost staff member executive director of human resources executive director of human resources vice president of finance and treasurer other (e.g. vendor, guests) executive director of human resources vice president or provost president president chair of the board of trustees

Retaliation

Retaliation against anyone who files a sexual harassment complaint, who supports or assists an individual in pursuing a complaint, or who participates in the resolution of a complaint is prohibited. Any retaliatory action may be the basis of another complaint under this policy.

False or Frivolous Charges

This policy cannot be used to bring false or frivolous charges against students, faculty members, or other employees. Those bringing such charges may be subject to disciplinary action.

Confidentiality

All reports or complaints of sexual harassment will be kept confidential, except that individuals with a legitimate need to know will be informed of the complaint in order for the university to conduct a meaningful review of each complaint and for the purpose of determining whether the complaint is isolated, frequent, part of a pattern of practice, or pervasive. All records are confidential with access only to individuals with a legitimate need to know.

Student-Athlete Conduct Policy Should a student-athlete choose to challenge the decision of the head coach to remove the student-athlete from participation in intercollegiate activities (e.g., access to the weight room, academic support facilities), practice, or competition, the student-athlete should first request a meeting with the head coach. If relief is not granted to the satisfaction of the student-athlete, the student-athlete should contact the sport administrator. If relief is not granted at this level, the student-athlete should contact the Director of Athletics who will make the final decision.


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Other Decisions Made/Actions Taken by Intercollegiate Athletics Coaches and/or Staff A student-athlete may challenge a decision made or actions taken by a head coach as follows. The student-athlete first should discuss the issue with the head coach. If the issue is not resolved, the student-athlete is entitled to request a meeting with the sport administrator and the head coach. If the issue is not resolved, the student-athlete may request a meeting with the Director of Athletics at which time the head coach and the sport administrator also would be in attendance. The decision of the Director of Athletics regardless of whether a meeting is granted is final. If the individual who made the initial decision or took the initial action is a Department of Athletics employee other than the head coach, the procedures described above should involve the student-athlete and only this individual as the first point of possible resolution. This individual also should be included in all subsequent meetings. Availability of Outside Assistance The policies and procedures described above are designed primarily for the resolution of issues raised by student-athletes within the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, although in some cases appeals to groups outside of the department also are specified as part of the grievance procedures. It should be emphasized, however, that for any issue and at any stage in the grievance/appeals processes summarized above, a student-athlete may contact the Faculty Athletics Representative for advice and assistance in seeking an appeal or in the resolution of a grievance. Further, at the request of the student-athlete, the Faculty Athletic Representative may participate in any meeting involving the sport administrator or the Director of Athletics. The Faculty Athletics Representative is not an employee of the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics and reports directly to the Office of the President.


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ATHLETICS DEPARTMENT LIFE SKILLS PROGRAMS The mission of the AU Department of Athletics’ Life Skills Programs is to maintain intercollegiate athletics as an integral part of the campus educational program and the athlete as an integral part of the student body. The program will support and help student-athlete’s develop skills and find resources in five areas: academics, athletics, personal development, career development, and community service.

• Support efforts of every student-athlete toward intellectual development and graduation.

• Use athletics as preparation for success in life.

• Meet the changing needs of student-athletes.

• Promote respect for diversity among student-athletes.

• Enhance interpersonal relationships in the lives of student-athletes.

• Assist student-athletes in building positive self-esteem.

• Enable student-athletes to make meaningful contributions to their communities.

• Promote ownership by the student-athletes of their academic, athletic, personal and social responsibilities.

• Enhance partnerships between the NCAA, member institutions and their communities for the purpose of

education.

• Encourage the development of leadership skills.

CHAMPS/Life Skills Program Commitment Statements

Commitment to Academic Excellence To support the academic progress of the student-athlete toward intellectual development and graduation. Commitment to Athletic Excellence To build philosophical foundations for the development of athletic programs that are broad-based, equitable and dedicated to the well-being of the student-athlete. Commitment to Personal Development To support the development of a well-balanced lifestyle for student-athletes, encouraging emotional well-being, personal growth and decision-making skills.

Commitment to Career Development To encourage the student-athlete to develop and pursue career and life goals. Commitment to Service To encourage the student-athlete in service to his or her campus and surrounding communities.


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SAAC – Student-Athlete Advisory Committee The Student Advisory Board is the student-athletes voice in the Athletics Department. The board has at least one representative from each team and is a vital link between the student-athletes and the Athletics Department. SAAC representatives relay information to teammates discussed at monthly meetings and voice concerns to Athletic Department officials. SAAC representatives serve as mentors to first year student-athletes; inform team members of their rights and responsibilities; let team members know about special events and opportunities offered by the Athletics Department; provide a listening ear to the concerns of team members with regard to academics, activities, department policy, etc.; and meet regularly with the board, athletics department representatives and the Faculty Athletic Representative to discuss pertinent issues, concerns and the welfare of student-athletes.

American University SAAC Mission Statement:

The American University Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) advocates for an inclusive athletic environment that values the welfare of each student-athlete. We collaborate with all segments of the university, more specifically with the American University Athletic Department, to provide the voice for AU student-athletes. The mission of the AU SAAC is to prepare student-athletes for lifelong learning and global citizenship through the promotion of academic, athletic, professional, and personal growth.

American University SAAC Bylaws:

Article I:

This organization shall be known as the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.

Article II:

All members must be NCAA, Patriot League, and institutionally eligible both academically and athletically and remain in good academic standing. Additionally, all members must be a participating member of their respective sport. There will be at least one student-athlete from each of varsity team: men’s basketball, women’s basketball, men’s cross country, women’s cross country, field hockey, lacrosse, men’s soccer, women’s soccer, men’s swimming & diving, women’s swimming & diving, men’s track, women’s track, volleyball, and wrestling.

To be a SAAC representative, a student-athlete must be nominated by their coach, teammates and/or athletic administrator and commit to serve on the SAAC for at least one full academic year.

Article III:

Section 1 – The executive cabinet of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee shall consist of president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer and community service chair.

More specifically, the executive cabinet duties are as follows:

President: Responsible for leading all SAAC meetings. Requires monthly, if not bi-weekly, meetings with the SAAC advisor to discuss meeting agenda and other pertinent issues. This officer will be the spokesperson of the SAAC and address the student-athletes, coaches and administration when needed.


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Vice-President: Responsible for the AU Team Cup. This officer will be in charge of designating events, ensuring that attendance was documented, providing team point updates monthly and other duties as assigned. The vice-president will be provided current contact information for creator, Christina Wright. Also, the vice-president will assume presidential duties for SAAC meetings when the president cannot attend.

Secretary: Responsible for actively taking minutes at each SAAC meeting and disseminating them via email to all SAAC representatives and the SAAC advisor. Minutes should include meeting highlights, upcoming events, AU Team Cup updates, and other important information. Also, the secretary is responsible for contacting SAAC representatives in the event a phone chain is needed. This officer will also collect contact information and distribute a contact sheet to all SAAC representatives and the SAAC advisor. The contact sheet should include name, sport, address during the academic year, cell phone number, email address and screen name.This officer will assist the vice-president with the community service component of the AU Team Cup. Other events to consider are AU Athletics Welcome Back, National Girls and Women in Sports Day event, National Student-Athlete Day, etc.

Each executive cabinet member has an obligation to attend and/or participate in the conference SAAC meetings each semester unless they have an academic or athletic obligation.

Section 2 – A majority vote by current SAAC members will be used for the election process of the executive cabinet.

Election of the executive cabinet will be held at the second to last SAAC meeting of the spring semester. All members of the SAAC, including the advisor, have the power to nominate SAAC representatives for the executive cabinet. Only SAAC members who have served at least one full semester are eligible for an officer nomination.

Elections will be conducted in the following manner and moderated by the current SAAC president: (1) Each SAAC member will be given five slips of paper. (2) The President will ask for nominations for president. (3) Each SAAC member will cast their vote on the slip of paper. (4) The current president and SAAC advisor will step out of the room and count the votes. (5) The current president will announce the winner and continue steps 1-4 for each officer position: vice-president, secretary.

The SAAC will hold a special election if the previously elected officer is unable to carry out his/her duties. In the event the current president cannot carry out his/her duties, the vice-president will be promoted to president and hold an election for the vice president position. The process and requirements will be the same as the spring election.

Section 3 – Meetings will be scheduled bi-monthly, with date, time and location selected at previous meeting. This information will be relayed to SAAC representatives through the SAAC minutes.

Representatives are required to attend all scheduled SAAC meetings. If an absence is necessary, the SAAC advisor must be notified and a replacement team representative shall attend. Two unexcused absences will result in a request for a new team representative.

Section 4– The voting procedure shall consist of a majority vote. The SAAC advisor has no voting power, except in the case of a tie; the advisor will cast the tie-breaking vote.

Article IV:

A quorum shall occur if half of the SAAC representatives are present at the meeting.


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Regularly scheduled Student-Athlete Advisory Committee meetings will remain "open" meetings, unless otherwise stated with appropriate notice and reason. Student-athletes, coaches, administrators, staff, and members of the university community are welcome to attend “open” meetings.

The executive cabinet (the elected officers of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee) have the power to rule on behalf of the advisory committee when necessary.

The meetings between the president and advisor will remain "closed" meetings. The president may open the meeting by invitation only.

Article V:

Any and all fundraising activities will follow athletic fundraising procedures and must be granted written approval by the institution’s compliance officer.

No expenses shall be made without approval of the SAAC advisor and SAAC executive cabinet.

Article VI:

All amendments must be passed by two-thirds vote of the advisory committee.

Article VII:

A member of the athletic administration, preferably the Senior Woman Administrator and/or CHAMPS/Life Skills coordinator, will be the advisor to the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.

SAAC OFFICERS President: Dory Isaacs Vice President: Kristen Gebhart Secretary: Lauren Schoenberg SAAC TEAM REPRESENTATIVES Women’s Basketball- Ashley Yencho Men’s Basketball- Daniel Fisher Men’s & Women’s Cross Country & Track- Melissa Tabas, Jeremy Scheid Field Hockey- Kirstin Gebhart, Melissa Casale Men’s Soccer- Matt Makowski Women’s Soccer- Arianna Efstathiou Volleyball- Rebecca Heath Men’s & Women’s Swimming & Diving- Dory Isaacs, Andrew Jackwin Lacrosse- Brit Ferguson, Lauren Schoenberger Wrestling- Danny Mitchell


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OFFICE OF STUDENT-ATHLETE DEVELOPMENT

The Promise Program

To prepare student-athletes for the challenges they will face throughout their lifetime, the NCAA has made a commitment to a comprehensive program called CHAMPS/LIFE-SKILLS. Implementation of the program includes providing enrichment opportunities to student-athletes beyond their academic and athletic lessons. In January 1996, American University became a participating member of the CHAMPS/LIFE SKILLS PROGRAM. PROMISE, which stands for Providing Resources and Opportunities to Motivate and Inspire Student-athletes to Excel, has been developed as the Department of Athletics’ commitment to promoting well-balanced lifestyles among our student-athletes The focus of PROMISE is to provide assistance to student-athletes as they attempt to balance the rigors of social, emotional, family, academic and athletic pressures. PROMISE is administered through the office of the Associate AD/SWA in the Department of Athletics. Services are provided for all current student-athletes. Promise Components The program components are designed to provide student-athletes with tools they need to make wise decisions as they navigate the collegiate experience and prepare for life after graduation. The components include: Personal Development, Career Development, Community Service and Leadership, Communication Tools, and Health and Welfare education. Personal Development All freshmen and transfer students are required to complete a series of seminars designed to encourage maturity, responsibility, growth and decision making and leadership skills. This program TALONS stands for Thinking and Learning Opportunities for New Student-Athletes. Seminar topics include but are not limited to:

Team Building Establishing Healthy Relationships Peer Pressures Financial Management and Planning Sexual Responsibility Life Beyond College Career Center Services Anxiety, Stress & Sleep Management Understanding Diversity Sports Psychology Community Outreach and Leadership

Student-athletes are provided rewarding opportunities to participate in leadership workshops and activities. Community service projects initiated by the coach and the Department of Athletics are an integral and required component of the education process. The American University Department of Athletics Promise The Department of Athletics make a concerted effort to provide proactive programming that promotes a balanced collegiate experience. The program monitors student-athletes physical and educational welfare, promotes respect for diversity, makes a commitment to sportsmanship and ethical conduct, and practices fair and equitable treatment of all student-athletes.

The Student-Athlete Promise

A student-athlete at American University means making a commitment to be a well-balanced individual with pride, integrity and excellence.


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STUDENT-ATHLETE WELFARE Commitment to Student-Athlete Welfare The American University Department of Athletics is committed to providing the best overall experience possible for its student-athletes. The department and the University will work to provide the best educational, athletic, social and personal environment to ensure that all student-athletes are able to reach their potential both athletically and academically. Additionally, the department and the University will work to ensure the dignity of all student-athletes is upheld regardless of national origin, sport, scholarship status and recruitment status.

The administrators and staff members of the Department of Athletics do not have this responsibility alone, all student-athletes must strive to the best of their abilities to become the best possible athletes and citizens they can be. To help American University student-athletes achieve these goals, the Department of Athletics in conjunction with the Student-Athlete Advisory Board (SAAB) has established the following Statement of Expectations, and explanation of Rights and Responsibilities of American University Student-Athletes.

Expectations of American University Student-Athletes

I will know and understand the ideas expressed in the American University Student-Athlete Handbook.

I will take seriously the values of respect, honesty and responsibility when relating to my peers, coaches, officials, professors, administrators and campus community members.

I will behave in an exemplary manner, which includes honesty in academic endeavors, courtesy to teachers and fellow students, and display the traits of good citizenship.

I will endeavor to bring credit upon myself, my family, my team and American University.

I will be sensitive to and respect the diversity of my peers, coaches, professors and other members of the campus community.

I will strive for the highest levels of academic achievement of which I am capable.

I will meet my financial obligations in a timely manner.

I will neither use nor support the use of illegal drugs; I will neither abuse nor support the abuse of alcohol.


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American University Student-Athlete Exit Interview

Upon completion, submit this form to ___________________________________ or to the Senior Administrative Assistant in the Department of Athletics. The information you provide is greatly appreciated and will be reviewed by Athletic Department administrators. You will also be provided the opportunity to meet directly with the department

administrator who oversees your sport program. We encourage you to take advantage of these opportunities to provide feedback on your overall student-athlete experience at American University.

Date:_____________ Student-athlete’s Name (optional):________________________________ Sport: ______________________________ Coach:____________________________________ Value of Athletic Experience:

1. How important was your athletic participation in: (Please circle: 1 being the highest and 5 being the lowest) Completing your degree? 1 2 3 4 5 Benefiting your personal development? 1 2 3 4 5

Developing life long skills? 1 2 3 4 5

Benefiting your professional development? 1 2 3 4 5

2. Were your athletic experiences at AU what you expected? 1 2 3 4 5 3. How satisfied have you been with your total collegiate experience? 1 2 3 4 5

4. What recommendations do you have that would have improved your experiences?

Academically? Athletically? Personally?

Time Demands:

1. On average, how many hours per day did you spend in athletically related activities?

2. Overall did your athletics participation ever hinder you in:

Academic success? Social opportunities?

3. Do you think the practice and competition schedule was reasonable?

4. What recommendations do you have for the time demands of a student-athlete in your sport?


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Concerns Related to the Administration of the Student-Athlete’s Sport:

1. Did AU honor its commitment to you as a student-athlete?

2. Did the treatment by your coach meet your expectations?

3. Do you feel that your sport was treated fairly by the athletic administration? 4. Were individuals available and helpful to you if you needed assistance?

5. How do you feel about the support you and your team received in the following areas:

Academic advising Athletic trainers Strength and conditioning Media relations

Student-athlete Banquet Proposed Changes in Intercollegiate Athletics

1. Let’s exchange roles for a minute. If you were the Director of Athletics what changes would you make to enhance you and your teammates’ athletics experience at AU?

2. Were you ever subject to mental or physical abuse by your coach?

3. Were you ever aware of any NCAA rules violations? 4. Do you feel all students were treated equitably?


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ATHLETIC GRANT-IN-AIDS The following is a description of each of the elements of an athletic grant-in-aid, more commonly called an athletic scholarship. If you are on a full scholarship, this includes tuition, room, board, fees, and books. If you received a flat dollar amount, this usually covers tuition unless otherwise specified by the head coach in the original scholarship request. The rates and terms for the 2008-2009 academic year are estimated to be as follows: Tuition $36,180.00 12-17 credits. Coverage of extra credit hours must be approved by your head coach and the Director of Athletics. Room (housing) $9,018.00 per year. The NCAA requires that an athletic scholarship cover only the cost of an average double-occupancy residence hall room on campus; therefore student-athletes living in a single room or off-campus must cover any additional housing cost. The United States Government has declared that this portion of a scholarship is taxable income and it is the responsibility of the recipient to report this money to the Internal Revenue Service. Board (meal plan) $5,580.00 per year. All student-athletes living on campus and receiving board from the Department of Athletics should be signed up for the “200 block” during the regular academic school year. The United States Government has declared that this portion of a scholarship is taxable income and it is the responsibility of the recipient to report this money to the Internal Revenue Service. Fees $517.00 Student activity fee and regular academic fees. For student-athletes living on campus, the residence hall fee of $14 is also covered. Special Course and Fees (i.e. science lab, photography, etc.): Special course and fees are covered for those student-athletes receiving a full scholarship. Student-athletes must report these additional fees to the Athletic Business Office to ensure payment in a timely manner. Books An athletic grant-in-aid, which includes books, will provide all required books for a course and is assigned an NCAA value of $400.00. Books not required by the instructor are not included. Please note, all books must be returned at the end of each semester. You will be instructed on the process at that time. Athletic Financial Aid Awarding Process American University awards athletic financial aid (athletic scholarships or Grant-in-Aid (GIA) based on the recommendation of the head coach and pursuant to the rules of the NCAA, the Patriot League, and the University Financial Aid Office.


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The head coach recommends the financial aid offer to the Athletics Department by submitting the Grant-in-Aid Request Form. The head coach completes the applicable sections of the form and gives the form to the Associate Director of Athletics for Business Operations The Compliance Coordinator verifies that the prospective student-athlete (PSA) is eligible for a GIA and certifies that the head coach has submitted all recruiting paperwork for the PSA. The Associate Director of Athletics for Business Operations then verifies that the head coach has the proposed GIA money available in the scholarship budget. The Associate Director of Athletics for Business and the Compliance Coordinator will then sign the form. Upon approval by the Associate Director of Athletics for Business Operations and the Compliance Coordinator, the Senior Administrative Assistant prepares the GIA form and sends it to the Director of Financial Aid. The Financial Aid Office enters the amount of the grant-in-aid into the financial system, making any adjustments to other sources of aid if necessary. The Director of Financial Aid then returns the Athlete’s Grant-In-Aid Agreement to the Athletics Department. After review by the Associate Director of Athletics for Compliance/Internal Operations, the Director of Athletics reviews and signs the GIA. The Senior Administrative Assistant then sends the GIA to the student-athlete with a letter announcing the renewal of athletic financial aid no later than July 1 proceeding the academic year for which the student-athlete will receive the aid. The offer of a GIA is made in writing by the Director of Financial Aid and is valid for a period of fourteen (14) days from the date of issue. The offer of athletic financial aid is accepted when the student-athlete, and if necessary the parents or guardians of the student-athlete, sign and return the athletic financial aid agreement. For prospective student-athletes only, acceptance of the athletic financial aid agreement also requires the student-athlete and the student-athlete’s parents or guardian to sign the National Letter of Intent. An athletic grant-in-aid award is valid for only one semester or one academic year. Renewal of athletic grant-in-aid from year to year is NOT automatic. During the period of the award, athletically related financial aid may be reduced or canceled if a student-athlete:

a. Renders himself or herself ineligible from intercollegiate competition; b. Fraudulently misrepresents any information on an application, letter of intent or financial aid agreement; c. Engages in serious misconduct warranting substantial disciplinary penalty; or d. Voluntarily withdraws from a sport at any time for personal reasons.

Aid may also be reduced or canceled for the following academic year if the student-athlete fails to meet the training and competition rules for the head coach (see Decision to not Renew Athletic Financial Aid below). If athletic financial aid is to be canceled based on disciplinary reasons, the Athletic Department should complete the following steps prior to canceling the athletic financial aid:

1. First occurrence of a disciplinary problem – the head coach should meet with the student-athlete to discuss the problem. Within five (5) days of this meeting, the head coach reviews the meeting in a letter to the student-athlete. A copy of this letter is sent to the Associate Director of Athletics for Compliance/Internal Operations and the Director of Athletics.

2. Second occurrence – the head coach and the Associate Director of Athletics for Compliance/Internal

Operations meet with the student-athlete to discuss the problem. Within five (5) days of this meeting, the head coach and the Associate Director of Athletics for Compliance review this meeting in a letter to the student-athlete. A copy of this letter is sent to the Athletics Director.


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3. Third occurrence – the head coach and the Associate Director of Athletics for Compliance/Internal Operations meet with the student-athlete to discuss the problem. Within five (5) days of this meeting, the Director of Athletics reviews the meeting and forwards a recommendation regarding the GIA to the student-athlete, his or her parents and the Director of Financial Aid.

Egregious acts which warrant substantial disciplinary penalty, including cancellation of athletic aid and/or dismissal from the program must be agreed upon by the Head Coach and the Director of Athletics Notification of renewal or cancellation of a GIA must come from the University’s Director of Financial Aid. If a student-athlete’s GIA is not renewed, the student-athlete must be informed that he or she may request, and shall have the opportunity for a hearing on the denial. **Any deviation from the above policy must be approved in writing by the Director of Athletics. Decision to Not Renew Athletic Financial Aid The NCAA requires that all GIAs be given for periods not to exceed one year. Therefore, a head coach who has awarded a GIA to a student-athlete must make a decision whether to renew that student-athlete’s GIA. If the head coach decides to renew the GIA, the head coach must approve the Grant-in-Aid Request Form and complete the process for awarding athletic financial aid (see Awarding Process above). If the head coach is uncertain as to whether to renew the GIA, the head coach should talk to the student-athlete as early in the decision making process as possible, alerting the student-athlete to the concerns that the head coach has regarding the student-athlete’s progress academically and athletically. Student-athletes who fail to meet academic satisfactory progress requirements as established by the NCAA and American University are at risk for having their scholarship not renewed. The Athletics Department explains satisfactory progress requirements to all student-athletes at the team compliance meeting held prior to the first competition each season. Athletic reasons for deciding not to renew a student-athlete’s GIA include but are not limited to documented failure to show up repeatedly for practices, competitions or other team requirement; failure to follow a rehabilitation program and documented disciplinary problems of a disruptive nature to the team during practices, competitions, or other team requirements. Coaches should always document concerns they have with student-athletes in writing to the student-athlete and the Associate Director of Athletics for Compliance. Athletic Financial Aid Appeal Process Notification of cancellation or reduction of an Athletic-Grant-in-Aid (GIA) must be sent to the student-athlete by the Director of Financial Aid as early as possible, but no later than July 1 before the ensuing academic year. This notification will inform the student-athlete:

a. of his/her right to an appeal based on NCAA regulations; and b. any appeal request must be submitted in writing to the Associate Director of Financial Aid within 21

calendar days of the date of the non-renewal notification letter. Should the student-athlete request an appeal, the Associate Director of Financial Aid shall arrange for an appeal. The Financial Aid Office shall follow its standard procedures for hearing financial aid appeals when the appeal involves athletic financial aid. The standard procedures of the Athletic Financial Aid Appeal Process is as follows:


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A. Purpose In accordance with NCAA, Patriot League and university regulations, the reduction, cancellation, or non-renewal of an Athletic Grant-in-Aid may be appealed to the Athletic Financial Aid Appeals Committee (“Committee”).

B. Filing a Written Appeal A student-athlete who wishes to appeal a decision related to the reduction, cancellation, or non-renewal of his/ her Athletic Grant-in-Aid must file a written appeal notice to the Associate Director of Financial Aid within twenty-one (21) calendar days of the student-athlete’s receipt of his/her Athletic Grant-in-Aid notification letter. The student-athlete’s written appeal notice must include the following: (i) the student-athlete’s name, AU Identification Number, year in school and sport; (ii) A detailed statement of the reason(s) the student-athlete believes the decision to reduce, cancel, or not renew

his/her Athletic Grant-in-Aid is contrary to NCAA rules and regulations. The statement also shall include the names of each institutional staff member (e.g., coach, athletics administrator) with whom the student-athlete discussed his/her situation; and

(iii) Copies of all supporting documentation to all claims made by the student-athlete. C. Procedures Within seven (7) calendar days after the receipt of the student-athlete’s written appeal notice, the Committee will provide the Director of Athletics and the head coach of the student-athlete’s sport with copies of the written appeal notice. Within fourteen (14) calendar days after the receipt of the student-athlete’s written appeal notice, the Athletic Department will provide a written statement to the Committee detailing the reason(s) the department has determined to reduce, cancel or not renew the student-athlete’s Athletic Grant-in-Aid and why the department believes its decision is not contrary to NCAA rules and regulations. Within a reasonable time after the receipt of the Athletic Department’s written statement, the Committee shall set a time, date and campus location for a hearing of the case. The student-athlete and the Athletic Department will have an opportunity to state their case at the hearing; the Committee will have the right to ask questions and make further inquiries, as necessary. After the Committee completes the review and makes findings, it will render a written decision and forward it to the student-athlete and Athletic Department. The Committee’s decision is final and not subject to review by any other institutional body. D. Athletic Financial Aid Appeals Committee The Athletic Financial Aid Appeals Committee will hear and decide upon the matter. The Committee shall be comprised of the Associate Director of Financial Aid, who serves as chair, and two (2) professional staff or faculty members appointed by the Associate Director of Financial Aid. No member of the Committee shall be employed by the Athletic Department or by a committee charged with advisory responsibility for Athletics.


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Scholarship Opportunities for Student-Athletes Unable to Continue Competing The Department of Athletics recognizes that situations beyond the student-athlete’s control (i.e., career-ending injury, illness, etc) may result in the student-athlete being unable to continue active physical participation in his/her sport. In these isolated instances, decisions regarding the renewal of athletic grant-in-aid beyond the current term of the award shall be left to the discretion of the Director of Athletics and the head coach. The Head Coach and the Director of Athletics shall choose from the following non-exclusive options:

• Non-renewal of the grant-in-aid award. • Allowing the former student-athlete to keep a percentage of the award (up to 100% of the awarded grant-in-aid), determined by the head coach, and requiring the former student-athlete to “work off” the scholarship in the Athletics Department. If this option is chosen, the head coach must notify the Associate Director of Athletics for Compliance and have the student-athlete complete an agreement in writing signifying the student-athlete’s acceptance of this proposal.

This agreement will also notify the student-athlete of their right to a hearing before the reduction of athletic grant-in-aid, if applicable. The required number of hours worked in the Athletic Department shall be determined by a formula based on a 20-hour practice week. IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS –SCHOLARSHIP RENEWAL Your Head Coach Jessica Hegmann, Associate Director of Athletics for Compliance/Internal Operations 202-885-3046 Keith Gill, Director of Athletics 202-885-3001 Office of Financial Aid 202-885-6100 Commercial Endorsements It is not permissible for you to accept money or to permit the use of your name or picture to directly advertise, recommend, or promote the sale or use of a commercial product or service of any kind (e.g.: no modeling of clothes, no endorsements). The NCAA has loosened its restrictions on student-athlete’s involvement with charities and educational organizations, but it is important that you get written approval from the Compliance Office prior to your participation with any outside entity. Extra Benefits You are not permitted to receive extra benefits, which refers to any special arrangements by an institutional employee or booster to provide you, your relatives, or friends with benefits that are not available to the institution’s student-body in general. By receiving an extra benefit, you may render yourself ineligible and could cause your team to forfeit any contest in which you played.


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American University Athletics Grant-In-Aid Agreement

Student-Athlete: <NAME> Social Security or AU ID: <NUMBER> Sport: <SPORT>

Term of Award: <TERM> Amount: <AMOUNT>

This document refers only to an athletics grant-in aid and is the sole agreement between American University and <NAME> (hereafter referred to as the “Student-Athlete”) regarding an athletics grant-in-aid. In the event of multiple signed agreements, the most recently signed agreement shall supersede any other agreements. Notice of any additional financial aid the Student-Athlete is to receive will be sent by the financial aid office. This award is granted in conformity with American University regulations with respect to financial aid and the regulations of organizations to which the university belongs, including but not limited to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), the Patriot League. Student-Athletes in the sport of Men’s Wrestling must also conform to regulations of the Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association. As a student-athlete, <NAME> is awarded an athletics grant-in-aid in the sport of <SPORT> for the period of <TERM>. The grant-in-aid award total is <AMOUNT> to be distributed: <TUITION> tuition, <FEES> fees, <ROOM> room, <BOARD> board, <BOOKS> books, <INSRNCE> health insurance(qualified foreign national students only) and is payable in <INSTLMTS> installment(s). (Note: IRS regulations stipulate that any grant-in-aid money exceeding tuition costs to be taxable. The Student-Athlete is responsible for such taxes. Foreign national student-athletes may be taxed on room & board grant-in-aid depending on treaty agreement between the student’s country of citizenship and the USA. Taxes for foreign national students will be billed to the student account.) This Athletics grant-in-aid agreement is awarded to the Student-Athlete under the following terms and conditions: A. Period/Term of Award: An athletics grant-in-aid shall not be awarded in excess of one (1) academic year. If approved, this document supersedes any previous verbal or non-verbal commitments that have been made to the Student-Athlete, contains a complete listing of the benefits to which he/she is entitled, and is ONLY for the award period stated above. By signing below, the Student-Athlete affirmatively agrees that no other promises of athletically related aid have been made to the Student-Athlete. B. Student-Athlete Requirements:

1. Acceptance of this offer of grant-in-aid by incoming students is contingent upon being admitted to American University, and for incoming freshmen signing a National Letter of Intent unless the Athletics Department waives the signing of the National Letter of Intent. The Athletics Department may not waive the admission requirement. The offer is also contingent upon the student being certified as an NCAA Division I Qualifier by the NCAA Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse or the NCAA.

2. Furthermore, this athletics grant-in-aid is contingent upon the Student-Athlete making satisfactory progress toward a degree and complying with all university, NCAA and Patriot League regulations, including but not limited to:

a. Maintaining a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or above, and b. successful completion of 24 or more credit hours per academic year (Fall& Spring) that apply to the Student-Athlete’s

specific baccalaureate degree program. 3. This athletics grant-in-aid is contingent upon voluntary participation in the stated sport. 4. The Student-Athlete must give his/her fullest cooperation to his/her coaches and abide by the rules and regulations of the American

University, the Patriot League, and the NCAA. The Student-Athlete must participate fully in any testing program designed to detect the presence of banned substances.

5. The Student-athlete’s conduct must at all times meet the requirements as stated in the university’s student-athlete handbook, student code of conduct, academic integrity code and academic regulations. Should the Student-Athlete violate any requirements, the Department of Athletics may remove the Student-Athlete’s privilege of participating in the intercollegiate athletics program and/or terminate this athletics grant-in-aid agreement.

6. The Student-Athlete must conform to Athletic Department regulations in such matters as attendance at practices, participation in athletic contests, training and conduct as listed in the university’s student-athlete handbook and as established and distributed by the Student-Athlete’s head coach.

7. Financial aid or other funds received from any source other than the American University or persons upon whom the Student-Athlete is naturally or legally dependent must be reported to the Office of Financial Aid.

8. Should the Student-Athlete receive any additional institutional, federal or state awards, or any scholarships from outside organizations or agencies, the athletic scholarship and all other sources will be reviewed and possibly adjusted to comply with federal and institutional guidelines and NCAA individual and team financial aid limits. In addition, the Student-Athlete is required to notify the Department of Athletics of any employment earnings during the academic year.


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9. The amount of this athletics aid, plus any forms of financial aid, will not exceed the maximum amount of a full athletic grant-in-aid (tuition, fees, room, board, books, and health insurance if applicable) allowable by NCAA regulations. The Athletic Department will not cover any additional costs of attendance.

10. To be eligible for the athletics grant-in-aid, the Student-Athlete and his/her parents/guardians must affirm that they have no knowledge of any medical or physical problem that would prohibit the Student-Athlete from being medically or physically qualified to participate in a sport.

11. Acceptance of this offer must be completed within fourteen (14) days of the date of issuance.

C. Reductions/Cancellations During the Term of the Award:

1. The Student-Athlete’s athletics grant-in-aid award may be immediately reduced or canceled during the term of the award if the Student-Athlete:

a. becomes ineligible for intercollegiate competition (e.g. by carrying less than 12 academic credit hours per semester);

b. knowingly provides false or inaccurate information on his/her application, letter of intent, financial aid agreement, tender, or any NCAA or American University form, including eligibility or medical forms;

c. engages in serious misconduct warranting substantial disciplinary penalty by the appropriate institutional committee;

d. voluntarily withdraws from the sport for personal reasons.

e. signs a professional contract for the sport;

f. accepts money for participating in an athletic contest;

g. receives any money, benefits or services from a professional sports agent or anyone attempting to market their skills to a professional sports organization;

h. possesses a total financial aid package (institutional, grant-in-aid, other aid) that exceeds institutional limits; or

i. fails to report financial aid from any other source than the institution, parents, or legal guardian.

2. The Student-Athlete’s athletics grant-in-aid will not be increased, reduced, or cancelled during the period of the award on the basis of his/her athletic ability, performance, or contribution to the team’s success; because of injury or illness that prevents the Student-Athlete from participating in athletics; or for any other athletics reason.

3. If the Student-Athlete wishes to study abroad while participating in the sport, the Student-Athlete must obtain prior written approval from the Department of Athletics. Failure to obtain written approval may result in the immediate reduction or cancellation of the Student-Athlete’s grant-in-aid during the term of the award.

4. If the Student-Athlete incurs an injury or illness while participating in an athletically related activity that limits or prevents his/her participation in intercollegiate athletics, this athletics grant-in-aid will continue in effect only for the originally-stated period of the award provided that compliance is maintained with all other conditions of retaining the scholarship. Renewal of athletic aid beyond the stated term of this award is not automatic.

D. Renewal:

Renewal of this athletics grant-in-aid is NOT automatic. The Student-Athlete must satisfy all requirements in this Agreement for grant-in-aid renewal consideration. This grant-in-aid may be renewed for the succeeding periods of the Student-Athlete’s eligibility subject to the recommendation of the head coach, the approval of the Department of Athletics and the Office of Financial Aid, and the Student-Athlete’s compliance with the rules and regulations of American University, the Patriot League, and the NCAA.

E. Notice:

Notification of renewal or non-renewal of athletically related financial aid shall be made in writing by the Financial Aid authority no later than July 1 prior to the academic year in which it is to be effective.

F. Appeal:

When a Student-Athlete believes non-renewal or reduction of athletically related financial aid was improperly made, the Student-Athlete may request an appeal before the Appeals Committee. The final authority on an appeal rests with the Appeals Committee.


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Statement of Acceptance:

By signing below, the Student-Athlete has read and understands the terms of this grant-in-aid agreement. The Student-Athlete hereby accepts this grant-in-aid under the conditions stipulated herein. The Student-Athlete further certifies that he/she is physically sound and that the Student-Athlete intends to participate in the sport listed above during the period of time for which the grant-in-aid has been awarded. Before this grant-in-aid is approved, the Student-Athlete must receive official notification of his/her admission to American University from the Director of Admissions.

Director of Athletics (or Designee): _____________________________________ Date: _______________

Director of Financial Aid: _____________________________________ Date: _______________

Student-Athlete: _____________________________________ Date: _______________

Student-Athlete’s Parent/Guardian: _____________________________________ Date: _______________

(If student-athlete is under age of 18)

Student-Athlete should keep one signed copy of GIA Agreement and MUST return one signed copy to American University Department of Athletics within 14 days.

grant-in-aidrevised07.14.2005


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STUDENT-ATHLETE EMPLOYMENT Effective August 1, 2004 the NCAA enacted legislation whereby earnings from a student-athlete’s on- or off-campus employment that occurs at any time is exempt and is not counted in determining a student-athlete’s cost of attendance or in the institution’s financial aid limitations, provided:

a. The student-athlete’s compensation does not include any remuneration for the value or utility that the student-athlete may have for the employer because of the publicity, reputation, fame or personal following that he or she has obtained because of athletics ability;

b. The student-athlete is compensated only for work actually performed; and c. The student-athlete is compensated at a rate commensurate with the going rate in that

locality for similar services. Student-athletes wishing to seek on- or off-campus employment at any time must obtain a Student-Athlete Employment Statement from the Compliance Office in advance of beginning employment. This form requires the prospective employer to assure employment is consistent with NCAA regulations (as stated above) and must be returned to the Compliance Office no later than the student-athlete’s first date of employment. Student-athletes may not endorse or promote any commercial product or service as part of any employment arrangement. IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS STUDENT-ATHLETE EMPLOYMENT/ENDORSEMENT/EXTRA BENEFITS Jessica Hegmann, Associate AD, Compliance/Internal Ops 202-885-3046 TBA, Compliance Assistant 202-885-3039 Career Center 202-885-1800 Human Resources 202-885-2591

Office of Athletics Communications Policy & Procedure Guidelines MISSION STATEMENT The mission of the Office of Athletics Communications is to promote the opportunities for leadership and personal growth that can be achieved through participation in the varsity athletic programs at American as part of the entire university experience. The primary focus of the office will be on the student-athletes who exemplify American’s dedication to helping young men and women achieve their full academic, social, and personal potential. The office will also focus on team promotion to enhance the academic stature of the University and hold up both the academic and the co-curricular as learning experiences. Promoting the opportunities available to American student-athletes the accomplishments of the University’s student-athletes will be consistent with, and integrated as part of, the University’s broader coordinated, campus-wide, proactive communications strategy. The Office of Athletics Communications publicizes American University’s 16-sport NCAA Division I program through AU’s Official Athletic site (AUEagles.com), audio and video internet broadcasts,


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yearly media and recruiting publications, press releases, interviews, email distributions, schedule cards, and team posters. Each of AU’s 16 programs will be actively publicized by the Athletics Communications department. The Athletics Communications staff will be responsible for all communications coverage and will act as a liaison between the Assistant Athletic Director for Communications and the head coach (where applicable). ATHLETICS WEBSITE: WWW.AUeagles.COM American’s Official Athletics website has become a viable recruiting tool for each program in the department, and the key source of information on AU Athletics for the campus community, alumni, family, friends, fans, and media alike. The site features a clean, easily navigable design, which allows viewers to find information quickly. Each team is highlighted on the site with top stories, rosters, student-athlete biographies, statistics, feature stories, email newsletters, audio and visual highlights, prospective student-athlete forms and blogs. PUBLICATIONS Publications serve as another vital area in which the Office of Athletics Communications serves the Athletics Department. Visual identity is important to any organization, and this holds especially true in the recruitment of student-athletes and presentation of our athletics programs to media, alumni, and other constituencies. The Athletics Communications staff produces media/recruiting guides for each varsity program, an annual recapping the successes of the year and various posters/calendars/schedule cards throughout the year to help in the promotion of each team. STATISTICS POLICY The Office of Athletics Communications produces accurate and complete statistics for every athletics event that American University’s varsity teams take part. Student-athletes should realize that it is the responsibility of the host institution to provide the official NCAA statistics for any event. In that case, it is not allowed, nor ethical, for the Office of Athletics Communications to change the official statistics once an event is completed, unless a discrepancy has been duly noted, both competing schools agree on the correction, and the Patriot League and NCAA are notified, To that end, there will be no discussion between student-athletes and any staff member of the Office of Athletics Communications on statistical-related matters. If there is a situation where a student-athlete feels there is a gross error, the student-athlete should take the matter to their head coach, who will then contact the Office of Athletics Communications. INTERVIEW POLICY All interview requests must be forwarded to a representative of the Office of Athletics Communications, and cleared with the Assistant Athletic Director for Communications. No administrator, coach, or student- athlete should speak with the media without prior consent of the Office of Athletic Communications. If a media representative makes contact without prior consent, it is the duty of the interviewee to immediately contact a representative of the Office of Athletics Communications. When a student-athlete is requested for an interview, it must be cleared through the Office of Athletics Communications. The interview must take place in a controlled environment, with a staff member in the general vicinity. This will allow the student-athlete to have a contact nearby, if necessary. Student-athletes’ phone numbers and e-mail addresses will not be provided to the media.


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Student-athletes will not be made available for interviews on game-day until after the conclusion of competition. American University athletics follows the NCAA guideline of allowing a 10-minute cooling off period following the completion of competition prior to conducting interviews. At a home event, where applicable, the visiting coach and selected student-athletes will enter the media room first, followed by the AU head coach and selected student-athletes. In the event of a Patriot League or NCAA Championship event, following a 10-minute cooling off period, the winning coach and selected student-athletes will enter the room first, followed by the losing head coach and selected student-athletes. CRISIS POLICY In the event that a crisis situation arises, it is imperative that the administrative staff members (Athletics Director, Assistant Athletic Director for Communications, Administrative Supervisor), coaches, and student-athlete(s) related to the situation work together in rapid fashion to get an action plan formed as quickly as possible. Depending upon the situation, a response to the media may or may not be in order. In the event that a response in necessary, the Director of Athletics or Assistant Athletic Director for Communications will make any and all initial statements, with comments from the coach involved coming at a later time. If a situation ever arises, all parties involved will be asked to participate in a critique session. This will be done as soon as possible, so that the information will be fresh in everyone’s mind, and se we can learn from our experiences and put together a plan for the future. MEDIA REMINDERS WHO YOU REPRESENT – At all times you are a representative of American University, the Athletics Department, your team, and your family. Make sure you remember this each time you are interviewed. NO “OFF THE RECORD” – Everything you say is quotable. If you don’t want your words to show up in tomorrow’s paper, don’t say them. You are always “on” with a reporter. Be careful with comments made in social conversations around members of campus media -- you may be quoted. THINK BEFORE YOU ANSWER – Reporters are often in a hurry because of deadline pressures. Don’t feel rushed or pressured into giving quick answers. Speak clearly with a proper rhythm. Avoid clichés if at all possible. DON’T TRASH THE OPPOSITION – Or anybody else for that matter. You don’t want to provide any “bulletin board material.” That could come back to haunt you at a later date. AVOID “NO COMMENT” – It suggests that you may have something to hide. Try to find a response to every questioned asked. LISTEN TO THE QUESTION CAREFULLY – Make sure you understand the question before you answer. If you don’t understand, ask for clarification or have the interviewer repeat the entire question.


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IF YOU DON’T KNOW, SAY SO – Talk about what you know, don’t speculate on what you don’t know. If you don’t know the answer to a question, tell the reporter you will look into it and get back to them. This is better than giving incorrect, misleading, or damaging information. PERSONAL APPEARANCE COUNTS – Maintain good eye contact with the reporter and not the TV camera (when applicable). Keep your voice strong and animated. If it is a pre-arranged interview, please show up in proper attire – especially if it is a TV interview. SAY “THANKS” – Your final actions in the interview may leave the strongest impression with the reporter. Make every encounter a memorable one – chances are you’ll get more favorable stories in the future. Also try to learn reporters by name – it makes a big impression. There will rarely be an interview situation with a student-athlete where a representative of the Office of Athletics Communications is not in the near vicinity. Please refer all questions or concerns to a staff member immediately.

SPORTS MEDICINE DEPARTMENT GENERAL PROCEDURES

ATHLETICS COMMUNICATIONS Nancy Yasharoff, Assistant AD for Communications

202-885-3079; Cell: 202-531-0162 [email protected]

Andrew Chesebro, Assistant Communications Director 202-885-3030; Cell: 202-531-0152

Howard Smith, Assistant Communications Director 202-885-3032; Cell: 202-531-0160


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SPORTS MEDICINE DEPARTMENT The Sports Medicine Department at American University works in conjunction with the Team Physician to provide comprehensive medical care to all student-athletes participating in the intercollegiate athletic program. When a student-athlete is injured while participating in an approved Athletic Department scheduled event, he/she will be evaluated by a competent Certified Athletic Trainer, provided immediate care and referred to the necessary medical personnel. The role and function of the Certified Athletic Trainer is to implement preventative programs, provide immediate care and treatment, and construct and supervise rehabilitation procedures for the injured student-athlete as directed by the Team Physician. The Team Physician is a board certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in athletically related injuries. They have at their disposal medical consultants in every field. If a student-athlete should require the services of one of these consultants, he/she will be referred by the Team Physician. For all athletically related injuries the Sports Medicine Department will call on behalf of the student-athlete and make the necessary arrangements for service. The goal of the Sports Medicine Department is to provide direct medical coverage of approved, scheduled Athletic Department events. Approved, scheduled events include traditional/in-season practices, competitions and conditioning sessions. Every effort will be made to provide coverage for non-traditional or out-of-season practices, competitions and conditioning sessions. Summer workouts and non-approved athletic events will not receive coverage. Only those student-athletes classified as Medically Cleared are eligible to receive service from the Sports Medicine Department. The following criteria have been established to communicate the Athletic Department’s requirements for medical clearance: All student-athletes must be on the team roster before they will be considered medically cleared.

To be considered medically cleared the student-athlete must complete and have on file a(n):

a. Entrance Physical Examination (initial year of participation) b. Health History Questionnaire (initial year of participation) c. Insurance Information Sheet (annually updated) d. Assumption of Risk Statement (annually updated) e. HIPAA Authorization (annually updated) f. Immunization Form (initial year of participation) g. Insurance Waiver Form (updated annually, if athlete uses private insurance) h. Returning Athlete Questionnaire (updated annually after 1st year)

All student-athletes must be medically cleared before they are eligible for coverage under the Athletic

Department’s athletic accident insurance policy for reimbursement of medical expenses related to injury directly related to participation in approved athletic department events.

All student-athletes must be medically cleared before they can be issued athletic equipment or participate

in any team related activities. NOTE: Having passed the physical examination does not necessarily mean that the student-athlete is

physically qualified to engage in athletics, but only that the examiner did not find medical reason to


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disqualify them at the time of examination. The American University Team Physician has final say on a student-athlete’s medical fitness to participate

Athletic Training Facilities

The Athletic Training Room is located in Bender Arena in room G17. This is the primary source of medical care for student-athletes during their competitive season. The American University Health Center is an auxiliary facility used for general medical referrals, vaccinations, lab tests, etc. Local providers and imaging centers will be used to obtain MRIs, x-rays and other special tests as indicated by the Team Physician. Every effort will be made to locate a provider that participates with the student-athlete’s primary insurance. Montgomery General Hospital and the Surgery Center of Chevy Chase will be the facilities utilized for most orthopedic surgeries. Sibley Memorial Hospital and Georgetown University Medical Center are a short distance from the American University campus and should be accessed when a student-athlete is unable to locate his/her Staff Athletic Trainer. Athletic Training Room Hours (Academic Year) Monday – Friday: 8:00am to 11:30am – Evaluation and treatment, athletes are seen on a first come first serve basis during this time.

12:30pm to 6:00pm – Evaluation and treatment, in-season athletes and practice preparation

will be given priority during this time. Saturday, Sunday and Holidays: The Athletic Training Room hours will follow the event/practice schedule for each day. When a practice or game is scheduled the Athletic Training Room will open approximately 2 hours before the scheduled game/practice start time and will reopen for approximately 1 hour following completion of the event.

• The Athletic Training Room will not remain staffed and open during all games and practices. If you require the use of the facility and are unsure of the hours of operation for a particular day, it is the responsibility of the student-athlete to check with the appropriate Staff Athletic Trainer to set-up a treatment time.

• In the event that there are no scheduled practices/games on a given weekend day, the Athletic Training Room will be available by appointment only.


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Student-Athlete Responsibilities The following are a few important rules and procedures that the student-athlete must follow for the effective and efficient delivery of service. 1. If a student-athlete is injured during a practice or game it is his/her responsibility to notify the

athletic training staff immediately and follow their instructions.

2. If a student-athlete incurs a new injury, he/she must report to the Athletic Training Room for evaluation at least 1.5 hours before practice or competition.

3. A student-athlete who needs the services of a physician is referred to the appropriate physician.

4. All injured or ill student-athletes who cannot fully practice are listed on a daily injury report that the Staff Athletic Trainer gives to the head coach before each practice or game. Everyone on this list must: a. Report for treatment during the designated treatment times unless specifically told otherwise,

-AND- b. Report as usual to practice.

5. If the student-athlete is under the care of a private physician, and treatment precludes or alters their

activity in intercollegiate athletics, it is his/her responsibility to secure a written release from the physician. This release must reinstate the student-athlete to full activity. The student-athlete is not permitted to return to participation until he/she has delivered the release to the Staff Athletic Trainer or Team Physician.

6. The student-athlete is only returned to participation, limited or otherwise, upon the approval of the Staff Athletic Trainer or Team Physician.

7. During Department of Athletics sanctioned practices, workouts or competitions, it is highly recommended that no jewelry be worn; PENETRATING JEWELRY IS NOT PERMITTED DURING ANY DEPARTMENT SANCTIONED PRACTICES, WORKOUTS, OR COMPETITIONS. a. ANY INJURY ASSOCIATED WITH THE WEARING OF JEWELRY IS THE FINANCIAL

RESPONSIBILITY OF THE STUDENT-ATHLETE. MANY SPORT RULES PROHIBIT THE

WEARING OF JEWELRY IN COMPETITION.

8. The Department of Athletics is not financially responsible for any expenses incurred by a student-athlete who sees a physician, has x-rays, or receives other medical treatment without the knowledge of, or referral by the Team Physician or Staff Athletic Trainer.

9. INJURY OR ILLNESS UNRELATED TO INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETIC PARTICIPATION IS THE FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY OF THE STUDENT-ATHLETE OR HIS/HER FAMILY.

10. FAILURE BY THE STUDENT-ATHLETE TO FULLY DISCLOSE THE EXTENT OF THEIR MEDICAL, ORTHOPEDIC, ILLNESS AND/OR MENTAL HEALTH HISTORY CAN RESULT IN PUNITIVE ACTION, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE LOSS OF MEDICAL ELIGIBILITY AND THE FORFEITURE OF GRANT-AND-AID.


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Athletic Injury Insurance Policy The American University Department of Athletics provides a medical and catastrophic athletic accident insurance program for its student-athletes. This program is in the form of an EXCESS OR SECONDARY policy that supplements the student-athletes personal family medical insurance. This policy provides coverage ONLY for injury / illness / or accident directly related to participation in approved departmental activities. The following Athletic Department policies are intended to communicate the requirements for accessing this program: 1. PRIMARY INSURANCE COVERAGE:

1.1. All students at The American University (including student-athletes) must have the University Student

Health Insurance Plan or an equivalent coverage under personal medical or health insurance.

1.2. If a student-athlete’s primary insurance coverage is through a PPO they are strongly encouraged to change their primary care physician (PCP) to a local physician in the immediate area.

1.3. If a student-athlete has primary insurance coverage through an HMO they are REQUIRED to change their primary care physician (PCP) to a local physician in the Washington, DC area or provide proof of approval to receive “out-of-network” services while enrolled at American University.

1.4. Athletic insurance information and consent is required to be on file BEFORE a student-athlete is eligible for participation.

2. ANNUAL INFORMATION UPDATE / POLICY CHANGES: 2.1. All information concerning primary insurance coverage and consent must be updated annually or if there

is a change in the insurance carrier or status.

2.2. It is the student-athlete’s, their parent or guardian’s responsibility to inform the American University Athletic Training Department as soon as any changes to the policy occur.

2.3. The American University Department of Athletics is not responsible for any delays in payment or services created from a failure to be properly notified of these changes.

3. COMPLIANCE WITH INSURANCE COMPANY REQUESTS: 3.1. It is the responsibility of the student-athlete, their parent or guardian to understand the terms of their

policy and comply with any requests for information from the primary insurance provider.

3.2. ANY DELINQUENT BILLS, SERVICE CHARGES OR NON-PAYMENTS DUE TO NON-COMPLIANCE WITH REQUESTS FROM THE PRIMARY INSURANCE PROVIDER WILL BE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE STUDENT-ATHLETE, THEIR PARENT OR GUARDIAN.

4. SUBMISSION OF MEDICAL BILLS: 4.1. When a student-athlete receives a medical bill for an injury / illness directly related to intercollegiate

athletic participation ALL CLAIMS MUST FIRST BE FILED AGAINST THE STUDENT-ATHLETE’S, THEIR

PARENT OR GUARDIAN’S POLICY.

4.2. Only after the student-athlete has exhausted his/her private insurance can a claim be filed against the University’s secondary policy. To do this the student-athlete must provide the Head Athletic Trainer with an itemized bill from the provider and a copy of the Explanation of Benefits (EOB) from his/her insurance company.

4.3. IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE STUDENT-ATHLETE TO MAKE SURE THAT ALL BILLS ARE FIRST SUBMITTED TO HIS/HER INSURANCE PROVIDER AND


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THAT ANY OUTSTANDING BALANCE IS THEN BROUGHT TO THE ATTENTION OF THE HEAD ATHLETIC TRAINER.

4.4. Any outstanding expenses not submitted for payment within 52 weeks (1 year) of the original date of service will become the financial responsibility of the student-athlete, their parent or guardian.

4.5. THE DEPARTMENT OF ATHLETICS IS NOT FINANCIALLY RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY EXPENSES INCURRED BY A STUDENT-ATHLETE FOR MEDICAL SERVICES OBTAINED WITHOUT REFERRAL OR AUTHORIZATION BY THE TEAM PHYSICIAN OR A MEMBER OF THE AMERICAN UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC TRAINING STAFF.

4.6. THE AMERICAN UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY BILLS

INCURRED BY A STUDENT-ATHLETE AS A RESULT OF INJURY / ILLNESS UNRELATED TO

INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETIC PARTICIPATION.

5. HEALTH INSURANCE WAVIER FORM: 5.1. It is the responsibility of the student-athlete to complete the student-health insurance wavier form when

using personal health insurance.

5.2. THE DEPARTMENT OF ATHLETICS HEALTH INSURANCE INFORMATION FORM DOES NOT SATISFY THIS REQUIREMENT.

5.3. The Department of Athletics assumes no responsibility for charges or other punitive actions taken

against the student-athlete for failing to complete this process.

5.4. The Student Health Insurance waiver form must be completed at the start of each academic year. A reminder will be sent by the Department of Athletics with the annual update of the Health Insurance Information Form.

6. EXCLUSIONS: 6.1. The American University Department of Athletics athletic accident policy does not apply for all injuries

associated with athletic participation; possible exclusions include but are not limited to:

6.1.1. Injury/Illness not directly related to intercollegiate athletic participation.

6.1.2. Any expenses incurred by a student-athlete for ANY MEDICAL SERVICES obtained without referral or authorization by the Team Physician or a member of the Athletic Training Staff.

6.1.3. Injuries that occur outside of the primary competitive season and designated off-season as outlined in NCAA regulations.

6.1.4. Injury/Illness that occurs after the student-athlete has exhausted their intercollegiate athletic eligibility.

6.1.5. Injury/Illness related to club sports, intramural sports, recreational activities and training / conditioning activities that occur outside of the primary competitive season and designated off-season i.e.) captain’s practices, pick-up games and unsupervised workouts.

6.1.6. Expenses related to injury/illness resulting from pre-existing conditions that has not fully healed and/or for which the student-athlete did not receive clearance from their treating physician and the American University Team Physician.


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6.1.7. Injury/Illness related to any undisclosed medical condition for which the student-athlete has received previous medical attention but has failed to disclose on their Athletic Medical History Form.

6.1.8. Hospital and room charges in excess of the semi-private room rate; unless hospitalized in an intensive care unit.

6.1.9. Medical expenses beyond the limitations of or excluded by the American University Athletic Department’s athletic accident insurance policy.

6.1.10. Medical expenses beyond the Usual and Customary rate as determined by the Department of Athletics insurance provider.

6.1.11. Cosmetic surgery unless directly related to an athletically related injury.

6.1.12. Experimental procedures.

6.2. The Master Policy is on file with the Department of Athletics and contains a complete list of exclusions and limitations some of which may not be included on this list; the master policy governs and controls the payment of benefits not the limitations expressed in this list.

7. 52 WEEK LIMITATION: 7.1. The American University Athletic Department’s athletic accident insurance will pay for excess charges up

to the “Usual and Customary” level within 52 weeks of the initial date of injury / accident / service providing:

7.1.1. An expense was incurred within sixty (60) calendar days of the initial athletic injury/accident.

7.1.2. The student-athlete has exhausted all available benefits and complied with all primary insurance requests for information and assistance.

7.1.3. The student-athlete has provided the Head Athletic Trainer with an itemized bill and corresponding EOB from the primary insurance company for the service provided.


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Request for an Outside Provider / 2nd Opinions In the event of an athletically-related injury a student-athlete may request to have services performed by a private healthcare provider in the following situations:

• If a student-athlete sustains an injury to a previous surgical repair, for example a student-athlete who sustains a repeat ACL tear, can request that their original orthopedic surgeon perform the second ACL reconstruction.

• If a student-athlete is required to continue rehabilitation over an extended break, and will not be within driving distance of campus, he/she can request to continue his or her rehabilitation with a private provider in their area.

• If a student-athlete sustains a dental injury, he/she may request that a personal dentist or orthodontist perform the necessary services.

• If cosmetic repairs are required as a result of an athletically related injury, the student-athlete may request the services of a specific plastic surgeon.

1. Requests for private providers will be dealt with on a case by case basis. The Team Physician and Head Athletic Trainer have final authority on all requests to utilize a private provider and must approve of all services before they are performed.

2. When a request for a private provider is made, the Athletic Training staff will assist the student-athlete in working with their primary insurance to locate a local provider that will accept their insurance.

3. If a student-athlete does chose to use an outside provider medical expenses will be reimbursed at the “Usual and Customary” rate as determined by the department’s insurance carrier. Any charges in excess of this threshold are the financial responsibility of the student-athlete, their family or guardian.

4. When using an outside provider the student-athlete is responsible for providing periodic progress reports and clinical notes from the healthcare provider to the University’s Athletic Training staff.

5. It is the student-athlete’s responsibility to secure treatment and rehabilitation notes as well as a written release from the provider at the conclusion of treatment. This must be submitted to the Athletic Training staff and reviewed by the Team Physician prior to a return to activity.

6. Once the documentation has been reviewed the student-athlete will be examined by the Team Physician; resumption of activity can only occur upon the approval of the Staff Athletic Trainer and/or Team Physician.

7. Should a difference of medical opinion occur concerning the diagnosis or management of an injury the recommendation of the Team Physician will be considered final.

8. 2nd Opinions – the American University Department of Athletics assumes no financial responsibility for expenses related to a doctor’s second opinion except when approved by the Head Athletic Trainer.

9. ANY EXPENSES RELATED TO SERVICES RECEIVED FROM AN OUTSIDE HEALTHCARE

PROVIDER WITHOUT THE KNOWLEDGE OF OR REFERRAL BY THE HEAD ATHLETIC

TRAINER AND/OR TEAM PHYSICIAN ARE THE FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY OF THE

STUDENT-ATHLETE THEIR PARENT OR GUARDIAN.


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Travel Procedures While it is the goal of the athletic training staff to provide an athletic trainer to accompany all student-athletes for away events, this is not always possible. The following teams will travel to away contests without the services of a Staff Athletic Trainer: In-Season:

M/W Swimming & Diving, M/W Cross Country, M/W Indoor/Outdoor Track & Field Off-Season (Non-traditional): M/W Soccer, Women’s Lacrosse, Volleyball, and Field Hockey In the event that your team is on the road without an accompanying athletic trainer, the Staff Athletic Trainer assigned to your team will perform the following before your team departs:

1. Provide the head coach with a list of the insurance, current medications, known allergies and emergency contact information for each member of the travel squad.

2. Provide to the head coach a medical kit with the necessary supplies. When you return please return the kit to the Athletic Training Room where it will be restocked and kept until your next away event.

3. Provide the head coach with list of important contact numbers and procedures on how to access the medical services of the host institution. In some cases this will be in the form of a letter sent by the host institution.

4. Discuss with the head coach all current injuries, treatment requirements and any special requests that need to be made of the host institution.

5. Provide the head coach with a treatment request letter listing the student-athlete, their injury(s) and the appropriate treatment. This letter should then be given to the host Athletic Trainer when services are requested.

6. Call ahead and notify the host athletic training staff that the team will be traveling unaccompanied and detail all injuries and treatments that may require attention.

7. Provide the head coach with information and phone numbers for contacting the appropriate Staff Athletic Trainer if a need should arise.

A list of Athletic Training Staff team responsibilities for the year will be provided to all Head Coaches and Administrators before the beginning of fall practices. If you have any questions about coverage or services that can be provided please contact the Head Athletic Trainer.


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Intentional Overdose The following procedures have been established to communicate the Athletic Department’s policies governing resumption of intercollegiate athletic participation for a student-athlete following an intentional drug overdose.

For the purposes of this document an INTENTIONAL OVERDOSE will be defined as – the abuse or overuse of prescription and no-prescription medications for purposes not clinically indicated; either to cause harm to the individual or provide an altered mental state in cases of recreational use.

When a student-athlete is treated for an intentional overdose the Sport Administrator, Head Coach and Head Athletic Trainer will be notified. It is the responsibility of the Head Athletic Trainer to notify the Team Physicians and Staff Athletic Trainer. Immediately following an intentional overdose the student-athlete’s medical eligibility will be suspended and held in review until they have complied with the following requirements: 1. The student-athlete will secure local psychiatric counseling and have attended an initial intake

appointment and at least one follow-up appointment for the purpose of establishing a course of treatment. The student-athlete must provide to the Head Athletic Trainer, or their designate, details of the prescribed course of follow-up care as established by the psychiatrist; this includes information related but not limited to:

1.1. Diagnosis 1.2. Treatment Plan 1.3. Required follow-up care 1.4. Records of attendance and compliance

2. Additionally the student-athlete will provide a letter from the attending psychiatrist outlining safe

parameters for the resumption of intercollegiate athletic participation. This letter must include specific reference to participation in athletics at the NCAA Division-I level, including overnight travel and away competition. The letter must also contain a declaration that the student-athlete dose not represent a danger to them self or others. This letter must be typed on the psychiatrists letterhead, no other form or correspondence will be accepted for this purpose.

3. The Team Physician will review all available information and make a determination regarding

reinstatement of the student-athlete’s medical eligibility. All decisions made by the Team Physician related to medical clearance for participation will be considered final.

4. If a determination allowing resumption of athletic activity is reach the student-athlete will be

required to sign a “Performance Contract”; this contract will establish the departmental requirements for continued participation in American University intercollegiate. Conditions for resumption of athletic active can include but are not limited to:

4.1. Adherence to practice and activity limitations as established by the Team Physician. 4.2. A physical examination by the Team Physician to determine physical fitness to participate. 4.3. Compliance with requirements for counseling as established by the student-athlete’s

psychiatrist.


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5. The performance contract will remain in effect until the student-athlete can provide for review by the Team Physician; documentation supporting participation in and completion of a course of treatment specifically structured to address drug abuse. Further, a letter from the attending psychiatrist stating that the student-athlete has successfully completed the required course of treatment. The Team Physician will then review the student-athlete’s case and current status for a possible resumption of unrestricted activity and termination of the “Performance Contract”.

6. A second intentional overdose will be grounds for immediate and permanent suspension of

medical eligibility. In the event of a second intentional overdose the student-athlete’s medical eligibility will be revoked and they will be immediately banned from any further intercollegiate athletic participation to include post season and championship play. An appeal of the suspension can occur:

6.1. Provided the student-athlete has not had additional episodes of intentional drug overdose

they will be eligible to appeal the suspension of the medical eligibility one calendar year from the date of their second overdose.

6.1.1. When multiple overdoses occur in close proximity to each other the student-athlete will

be able to appeal the suspension one calendar year following the last intentional drug overdose.

6.2. For full consideration of their appeal the student-athlete must provide proof of the following:

6.2.1. Successful completion of a course of treatment that addressed their issues and reason

for overdosing. 6.2.2. Establishment of a local support structure to deal with future issues that may cause a

repeat overdose. 6.2.3. Intercollegiate athletic participation does not represent a substantial risk of harm to

themselves or others. 6.2.4. They do not represent a danger to themselves or others.

7. The Team Physician will review all available information and make a determination regarding the

reinstatement of the student-athlete’s medical eligibility. All decisions by the Team Physician related to medical clearance for participation will be considered final.

8. If a determination allowing resumption of athletic activity is reached the student-athlete will be

required to sign a “Performance Contract”; this contract will establish department requirements for continued participation in American University intercollegiate athletics; including but not limited to;

8.1. Adherence to practice and activity limitations as established by the Team Physicians. 8.2. A physical examination by the Team Physician to determine physical fitness to participate. 8.3. Compliance with requirements for counseling as established by the student-athlete’s

psychiatrist in consultation with the American University Team Physician.

9. This performance contract will remain in effect for the remainder of the student-athlete’s athletic carrier with American University.


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10. Should another intentional overdose occur during the calendar year suspension or following

reinstatement after a suspension; the student-athlete will be immediately and permanently banned from any further intercollegiate athletic competition for American University.

10.1. It is the responsibility of the Head Athletic Trainer or their designate to notify the

following people that the student-athlete’s eligibility to participate has been permanently revoked:

10.1.1. Athletic Director 10.1.2. Sport Administrator 10.1.3. Sport Head Coach 10.1.4. Staff Athletic Trainer 10.1.5. Team Physician

10.2. These individuals will be notified that the student-athlete’s medical eligibility has been revoked in accordance with established departmental policy regarding non-compliance with a performance contract. Information regarding the specific nature of the medical condition will not be released without the express written permission of the student-athlete.

*** THE TEAM PHYSICIAN HAS FINAL SAY ON ALL QUESTIONS RELATED TO MEDICAL CLEARANCE FOR PARTICIPATION. ***

THE DEPARTMENT OF ATHLETICS’ ATHLETIC ACCIDENT POLICY DOES NOT COVER

PSYCHOLOGICAL AND PSYCHIATRIC SERVICES; ANY COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THIS TYPE OF

TREATMENT ARE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE STUDENT-ATHLETE AND/OR THEIR

FAMILY.

LOSE OF MEDICAL ELIGIBILITY FOR NON-COMPLIANCE WITH A PERFORMANCE CONTRACT CAN RESULT IN PUNITIVE ACTION INCLUDING FORFEITURE OF GRANT-AND-AID.

This policy has been established out of concern for the health and safety of the American University student-athlete; it is not intended as a punitive measure.


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Eating Disorders / Disordered Eating The following policy has been established to communicate the Athletic Department’s guidelines for dealing with an athlete with a suspected eating disorder. There are four medically recognized classes of eating disorders: anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder and eating disorders not otherwise classified. Anorexia and bulimia are characterized by extremes in an individual’s attempt to control their body weight and limit weight gain. Disordered eating can include restrained eating; insufficient caloric intake or inappropriate behaviors like bingeing and purging that do not meet the clinical threshold of anorexia or bulimia but still have very serious health implications. While eating disorders are most common among women, about 90%, they also occur in men. The two most commonly observed disordered eating habits in athletics are: 1. Anorexia Nervosa – a self-imposed starvation in an obsessive effort to lose weight and become

thin. Warning signs include but are not limited to: • drastic weight loss • preoccupation with food, calories and weight • wearing baggy and layered clothing to stay warm and disguise thinness • excessive, relentless exercise • mood swings • avoiding food-related social activities like team meals • excessive consumption of liquids and sports drinks • hiding of food

2. Bulimia Nervosa – recurring binge eating usually followed by some method of purging such as

vomiting, diuretic or laxative abuse, or intensive exercise. Warning signs include but are not limited to:

• excessive concern about weight • bathroom visits after meals • depressive moods • strict dieting followed by eating binges • increasing self criticism of body image

Additional observable physical symptoms common to both anorexia and bulimia:

• Dehydration • Decreased muscular strength and endurance • Decreased aerobic/anaerobic power • Excessive, pronounced fatigue • Dizziness or fainting • Loss of coordination • Impaired judgment • Other health and performance complications

It is important to remember that the presence of one or two of these warning signs does not necessarily indicate the presence of an eating disorder. Nor does the absence of these warning signs assure that an athlete does not have an eating disorder. These symptoms may become evident relatively early on in the process or may not become apparent for an extended period of time. Many


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athletes have reported performing successfully despite having an eating disorder. For this reason referral for evaluation will not be based entirely on decreased athletic performance. Due to their increased contact with student-athletes, the coaching staffs play an important role in the early recognition of these conditions. Every member of the staff should be aware of the warning signs listed above and immediately report any concerns to the appropriate staff athletic trainer. When a concern has been raised the following steps will be taken: 1. The Head Coach and Head Athletic Trainer will be notified of the concerns, and a list of

supporting information will be compiled. This list should be as detailed as possible and include all incidents of questionable behavior as well as any observable performance changes.

2. The student-athlete will then be observed for a period of seven days from the date of notification. A log of the student-athlete’s behavior will be kept during this period. This log needs to be as detailed as possible and should include the date, time and type of questionable behavior as well as any concerns or observations made by teammates.

3. At the end of seven days the Sports Medicine staff will review the available information and make a determination as to the action to be taken. The individuals responsible for the recommendation will include the Team Physician, Head Athletic Trainer and Staff Athletic Trainer for that sport. The recommendation will fall under three categories: 3.1. No Action – this recommendation will be made for cases in which there is no observable

evidence of disordered eating on the part of the student-athlete.

3.2. Continued Observation – this recommendation will be made for cases in which some questionable behavior is evident but in which there is no observable decrease in athletic performance or overt signs and symptoms of an eating disorder. A log of questionable behavior will continue to be kept by coaches and athletic trainers. The Sports Medicine Staff will review this log every two weeks. • During this Bi-monthly review, the Sports Medicine staff will evaluate all previous

observations plus any new information and a new recommendation will be made.

3.3. Immediate Intervention – this recommendation will be made for cases in which the student-athlete exhibits some or all of the following symptoms: • Several documented disordered eating habits • Verifiable proof of decreased performance • A history of chronic and/or overuse injuries • A pattern, established through direct observation, of deteriorating behavior

4. When, by a review of the available information, a course of Immediate Intervention is indicated

the following steps will be taken to ensure the health and safety of the student-athlete: 4.1. Within twenty-four (24) hours of the review a meeting between the student-athlete, Head

Coach, Head Athletic Trainer and Staff Athletic Trainer will occur. During this meeting all documented information concerning the student-athlete’s behavior will be disclosed and the


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corrective actions set forth in this document will be explained. At the conclusion of the meeting the appropriate Athletic Administrator will be informed: “The student-athlete is being held from practice/competition for evaluation of a possibly medically disqualifying condition.”

4.2. The student-athlete will be referred to The American University Counseling Center for an initial evaluation. This evaluation will help to determine if there is cause for further assessment or treatment and if additional medical attention is necessary. • The student-athlete must sign and submit an Authorization to Release Mental Health

Information Form to the Counseling Center at the time of this visit. The form gives the Counseling Center permission to disclose information from this evaluation that is necessary in making a determination as to the safety of continued athletic participation.

• Only information that has a direct impact on the safety of the student-athlete’s continued participation will be discussed. This information will include the date and time of the visit, an initial assessment as to the extent of the eating disorder, and any recommendations by the counselor for further treatment or evaluation. 4.2..1. The American University Counseling Center will not make a determination about the student-

athlete’s continued athletic participation. The American University Department of Sports Medicine and the Team Physician make this determination.

• THIS INFORMATION WILL BE GIVEN TO THE SPORTS MEDICINE STAFF ONLY, for use in establishing the student-athlete’s medical status and safe levels of activity. The Sports Medicine Department will never request the disclosure of specific information or details regarding topics discussed during a session. This information will not be released to other individuals, including the student-athlete’s parents without the express written permission of the student-athlete.

• IF FURTHER COUNSELING IS INDICATED THE AMERICAN UNIVERSITY COUNSELING CENTER WILL WORK WITH THE STUDENT-ATHLETE’S PRIMARY INSURANCE TO FIND A SUITABLE LOCAL PROVIDER. THE DEPARTMENT OF ATHLETICS’ ATHLETIC ACCIDENT POLICY DOES NOT COVER PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES; ANY COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THIS TYPE OF TREATMENT ARE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE STUDENT-ATHLETE OR THEIR FAMILY.

4.3. When it has been established that athletic activity is safe, the student-athlete will be required to sign and abide by a “PERFORMANCE CONTRACT”; this contract will establish the actions the student-athlete must take to continue to participate in University Athletics. It will include but is not limited to: • Compliance with recommendations for continued treatment as established in the

student-athlete’s initial evaluation or through recommendations by an outside treatment provider.

• Compliance with weight and body composition guidelines as established by the Sports Medicine Department and attending physician.


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• Adherence to practice and activity limitations as established by the Sports Medicine Department and attending physician in coordination with the student-athlete’s primary treatment provider.

• Observable, positive changes in the student-athlete’s dietary habits and behavior.

4.4. The “PERFORMANCE CONTRACT” will remain in affect until the student-athlete provides a written release from the treatment provider that they have successfully completed the required course of treatment. The Team Physician will then review the student-athlete’s case and current status and make a determination as to the need for continued treatment and monitoring. The Team Physician has final say on all questions related to medical clearance for participation.

5. To reduce the potential for disordered eating and other unhealthy habits the following guidelines should be followed when attempting to lose weight: • Both the student-athlete and coach in consultation with the Staff Athletic Trainer should

agree to the weight loss goals. • A realistic plan should be developed with input from the Sports Medicine staff. • Weight loss plans should be developed on an individual basis.

These procedures were established using information and recommendations set forth in the NCAA Sports Medicine Handbook-2g. The Department of Athletics reserves the right to change or modify the requirements for return to participation based on the recommendations of the American University Counseling Center, the primary treatment provider, or the Department of Sports Medicine as they pertain to each individual.

THIS POLICY HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED OUT OF CONCERN FOR THE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF THE AMERICAN

UNIVERSITY STUDENT-ATHLETES, IT IS NOT INTENDED AS A PUNITIVE MEASURE.


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Suicide The following procedures have been established to communicate the Athletic Department’s requirements governing resumption of intercollegiate athletic participation for a student-athlete following a diagnosed suicide attempt. When a student-athlete has made a suicide attempt the sport Administrator, Head Coach and Head Athletic Trainer will be notified. It is the responsibility of the Head Athletic Trainer to notify the Team Physicians and Staff Athletic Trainer assigned to the sport. Immediately following a suicide attempt the student-athletes medical eligibility will be suspended and held in review until they have complied with the following requirements: 1. The student-athlete will secure local psychiatric counseling and have attended an initial intake

appointment and at least one follow-up appointment for the purposes of establishing a course of treatment. The student-athlete must provide to the Head Athletic Trainer, or his designate, details of the prescribed course of follow-up care as established by the psychiatrist; this includes information related but not limited to: 1.1. Diagnosis 1.2. Treatment Plan 1.3. Required follow-up care 1.4. Records of attendance and compliance 1.5. Declaration that the student-athlete no longer presents a danger to themselves or others

2. Additionally the student-athlete will provide a letter from the attending psychiatrist outlining safe

parameters for the resumption of athletic participation. This letter must be typed, on the psychiatrist’s letterhead and must specifically clear the student-athlete for resumption of all intercollegiate varsity athletic participation at the NCAA Division-I level, including overnight travel and away competition.

3. Team Physician will review all available information and make a determination regarding the reinstatement of the student-athlete’s medical eligibility. All decisions by the Team Physician related to medical clearance for participation will be considered final.

4. If a determination allowing resumption of athletic activity is reached the student-athlete will be required to sign a “Performance Contract”; this contract will establish department requirements for continued participation in American University intercollegiate athletics; including but not limited to: 4.1. Adherence to practice and activity limitations as established by the Team Physicians. 4.2. A physical examination by the Team Physician to determine physical fitness to participate. 4.3. Compliance with requirements for counseling as established by the student-athlete’s

psychiatrist.

5. The performance contract will remain in affect until the student-athlete can provide for review by the Team Physician a letter from the attending psychiatrist stating that the student-athlete has successfully completed the required course of treatment. The Team Physician will then review the student-athlete’s case and current status for possible approval for the resumption of unrestricted activity.


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*** THE TEAM PHYSICIAN HAS FINAL SAY ON ALL QUESTIONS RELATED TO MEDICAL CLEARANCE FOR PARTICIPATION. ***

THE DEPARTMENT OF ATHLETICS’ ATHLETIC ACCIDENT POLICY DOES NOT COVER PSYCHOLOGICAL AND PSYCHIATRIC SERVICES; ANY COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THIS TYPE OF TREATMENT ARE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE STUDENT-ATHLETE AND/OR THEIR FAMILY.

Information collected in compliance with this policy is for the use of the Team Physician to assess the student-athlete’s medical status and to set safe levels of athletic activity. The Sports Medicine Department will never request specific information or details regarding topics of discussion during the student-athlete’s counseling sessions. Further, this information will not be released to other individuals outside the Sports Medicine Department, including the student-athlete’s parents, coaches and administrators, without the express written permission of the student-athlete.




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Pregnancy Current medical knowledge indicates that women who exercise at a sub maximal level during pregnancy have a decreased incidence of labor and delivery complications. Those who restrict weight gain, without compromising fetal growth, have also been shown to have a quicker postpartum recovery and a decreased risk of spontaneous abortion. While there has been a great deal of research done to support the benefits of moderate exercise during pregnancy very little work has been done on the affects that competitive athletic participation has on pregnancy. Sustained maximal exercise may be harmful to both the mother and the fetus, and could result in:

1. Elevated core temperature that exceeds the teratogenic threshold 2. A higher incidence of fetal growth retardation 3. Increased risk of premature birth

Further, participation in contact sports such as Soccer, Basketball, Volleyball and Lacrosse can place both the student-athlete and fetus at increase risk for injury, including but not limited to, serious permanent disability and death. Due to these risks the following procedures have been established for assessing the safety of continued participation for a student-athlete.

1. When a student-athlete voices concern to any member of the sports medicine staff that she is pregnant the following procedures will be followed:

1.1. The student-athlete will be removed from practice/competition and immediately undergo a

physical examination administered by an OB/GYN of their choosing at their own expense.

1.2. The student-athlete will provide to the Head Athletic Trainer, or their designate, copies of the doctor’s notes and laboratory reports concerning the student-athlete’s pregnancy status.

1.3. These notes will be placed in a sealed portion of the student-athlete’s medical record and be

used by the team physician in determining the safety of continued athletic competition. 2. When, through laboratory testing, pregnancy is confirmed the following procedures will be

followed to ensure the safety of the student-athlete:

2.1. The following athletic department staff will be notified of a change in the student-athlete’s medical clearance status:

Team Physician Head Athletic Trainer Staff Athletic Trainer Director of Athletics / Sport Administrator* Head Coach *

* The Sports Medicine Department will not disclose information confirming a pregnancy to these individuals without a signed Authorization to Disclose Medical Information Form.

2.2. The student-athlete will provide to the Head Athletic Trainer, or their designate, copies of all laboratory reports, doctor’s notes and office notes concerning their medical fitness to participate in intercollegiate athletics.

2.3. Additionally the student-athlete will provide a letter from their physician outlining the safe

parameters for continued intercollegiate athletic participation. This letter must be on the


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physician’s letterhead and must specifically clear the student-athlete for continued participation in intercollegiate athletic activity and competition at the NCAA Division-I level.

2.4. The Team Physician will review all available information and make a decision regarding the

continued participation of the student-athlete. All decisions by the Team Physician related to medical clearance for participation will be considered final.

3. If a determination allowing return to activity is reached the student-athlete will be required to do

the following: 3.1. Submit to regular follow-up examinations by an OB/GYN every 30 days to reassess their

health status. These examinations will be performed at the student-athlete’s own expense. The American University Department of Athletics assumes no financial responsible for primary diagnostic testing or any follow-up care used to determine the student-athlete’s fitness to participate while pregnant.

3.2. Provide to the Head Athletic Trainer, or their designate, copies of all laboratory reports,

doctor’s notes and office notes concerning their medical fitness to participate in intercollegiate athletics.

3.3. Provide a letter from their physician outlining the safe parameters for continued

intercollegiate athletic participation. This letter must be on the physician’s letterhead and must specifically clear the student-athlete for continued participation in intercollegiate athletic activity and competition at the NCAA Division-I level.

3.4. The Team Physician will review all available information and make a decision regarding the

continued participation of the student-athlete. All decisions by the Team Physician related to medical clearance for participation will be considered final.

4. If a student-athlete with a confirmed pregnancy should chose to terminate the pregnancy the

student-athlete will be required to do the following:

4.1. Provide to the Head Athletic Trainer, or his designate, copies of all surgical notes, treatment notes and doctor’s notes concerning their medical fitness to participate.

4.2. Provide a letter from their physician stating that they are medically fit to return to athletic

participation. This letter must be on the physician’s letterhead and must specifically clear the student-athlete for resumption of intercollegiate athletic activity and competition at the NCAA Division-I level.

4.3. Submit to a pre-participation physical examination by the American University Team

Physician to ascertain the student-athlete’s fitness to return to intercollegiate athletic activity. Once completed, the Team Physician will review all the available information and make a determination regarding resumption of intercollegiate athletic participation.

4.4. All decisions by the Team Physician related to medical clearance for participation will be

considered final.


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IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE THAT ALL INFORMATION PROVIDED BY THE STUDENT-ATHLETE AS IT RELATES

TO THEIR PERSONAL MEDICAL HISTORY IS CONSIDERED PRIVILEGED AND CONFIDENTIAL.

NO MEMBER OF THE SPORTS MEDICINE STAFF WILL DISCLOSE ANY INFORMATION

CONCERNING THE REPRODUCTIVE STATUS OF THE STUDENT-ATHLETE WITHOUT THEIR

EXPRESS WRITTEN PERMISSION.




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Pre-existing Psychological Disorders The following procedures have been established to communicate the Athletic Department’s requirements for entering student-athletes with and identified history of psychological conditions including but not limited to: • Eating Disorders • Depression / Suicide • Addiction Disorders • Self Mutilation • Bipolar Disorder • Borderline Personality Disorder When an incoming student-athlete has indicated a personal history of one or more of the above conditions they will need to comply with the following procedures to obtain medical clearance to participate. 1. The student-athlete will provide to the Head Athletic Trainer documentation of the prescribed

course of treatment and follow-up care as established by the treating psychiatrist. This information can include, but is not limited to: 1.1. Diagnosis information 1.2. Treatment Plan 1.3. Records of attendance

2. The student-athlete will provide a letter from the attending psychiatrist outlining their recommendations for continued treatment and/or counseling while at American University. Additionally, this letter must be typed, on the psychiatrist’s letterhead and must specifically declare that participation by the student-athlete in intercollegiate athletic participation at the NCAA Division-I level does not present a danger to the student-athlete or others.

3. The American University Team Physician will review the available information and make a

recommendation regarding the incoming student-athlete’s fitness to participate in intercollegiate athletics. Recommendations include but are not limited to:

3.1. Unrestricted clearance to participate in intercollegiate athletics. 3.2. No clearance to participate in intercollegiate athletics. 3.3. Clearance to participate with monitoring, in this instance the student-athlete will be asked to

sign a “Performance Contract”. This contract will establish departmental requirements for granting medical clearance to participate, including but not limited to:

3.3.1. Securing a local provider of psychiatric support services. 3.3.2. A letter on the physician’s letterhead detailing the nature and frequency of

treatment.


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3.3.3. Proof of compliance with recommendations for continued treatment as established by the student-athlete’s attending psychiatrist.

3.3.4. Adherence to practice and activity limitations as established by the Team Physician in coordination with the student-athlete’s psychiatrist.

3.3.5. The “performance contract” will remain in affect until the student-athlete provides documentation from the treatment provider that states they have successfully completed the required course of treatment. The Team Physician will then review the student-athlete’s case and make a determination as to the need for continued treatment and monitoring. The American University Team Physician has final say on all questions related to medical clearance for participation.

4. The American University Department of Athletics assumes no financial responsibility for

expenses incurred by the incoming student-athlete to ensure compliance with these procedures. 5. All information provided by the incoming student-athlete as it relates to their personal medical

history is considered privileged and confidential. No member of the Sports Medicine Staff will disclose any information concerning the student-athlete’s medical history without their express written permission.

6. FAILURE TO FULLY DISCLOSE CURRENT OR PREVIOUS MENTAL HEALTH INFORMATION CAN

RESULT IN PUNITIVE ACTION INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO LOSS OF MEDICAL

ELIGIBILITY.


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Heat Management Strategies The following policy has been established to communicate the Athletic Department’s guidelines for practice or competition in hot and/or humid conditions. Heat stress and resulting heat illness is a primary concern in hot and humid conditions. Heat illness can be broken down into two categories: HEAT EXHAUSTION:

• This is a form of shock associated with a depletion of body fluids; symptoms include: 1. Weakness 2. Vertigo (dizziness) 3. Syncope (fainting) 4. Muscle cramps 5. Nausea 6. Profuse sweating

• The following steps should be take when a student-athlete is suspected of suffering from

heat exhaustion:

1. Immediately remove the student-athlete from activity to a cool or shaded area. 2. Fluids should be given orally; ice water in small sips to avoid vomiting especially if

the student-athlete is complaining of nausea. 3. If a member of the Athletic Training Staff is not present an Athletic Training should

be notified immediately and the student-athlete should be transported by the most efficient means available to that Athletic Training room for further evaluation.

4. The Athletic Trainer or Team Physician will make a determination regarding further treatment.

5. The student-athlete will be not be allowed to participate in any additional physical activity for the remainder of the day.

ALL THOUGH THIS IS NOT CONSIDERED A MEDICAL EMERGENCY FAILURE TO RECOGNIZE AND PROMPTLY TREAT HEAT EXHAUSTION CAN RESULT IN AN EMERGENCY SITUATION.

HEAT STROKE: • Is a complete failure of the bodies primary thermoregulatory mechanism (sweating);

symptoms include: 1. Headache 2. Vertigo (dizziness) 3. Confusion 4. Syncope (fainting) 5. Tachycardia (rapid heart rate) 6. Cold, clammy skin (early stages) 7. Hot, dry skin (late stages/sever cases) 8. Unconsciousness


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• This is a MEDICAL EMERGENCY, the following steps should be take to treat a student-athlete suffering from heat stroke:

1. Immediately begin cooling the body: a If possible remove to a shaded or cool area. b Remove all equipment i.e.) helmets, shin guards, shoes, gloves, etc. c Remove uniform shirts and pennies. d Apply ice bags to the back of the neck, armpits, chest and groin. e If ice bags are not available applying cold water to the same areas and fan

vigorously. 2. Activate the Emergency Medical System (EMS) by following the instructions

contained in the Emergency Action Plan for your venue. 3. If a Certified Athletic Trainer is present follow all of their instructions exactly, if a

Certified Athletic Trainer is not present FIRST activate EMS then notify the Athletic Training Staff.

To help minimize the risks to the student-athlete all outdoor preseason practices will have at

least twenty (20) gallons of ice water, ice towels and ice bags available on the sideline. As proper hydration is key to avoiding heat illness IT IS THE POLICY OF THE AMERICAN UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF ATHLETICS THAT ALL STUDENT-ATHLETES HAVE UNLIMITED ACCESS TO WATER DURING ALL PRACTICE SESSIONS REGARDLESS OF HEAT INDEX. In addition to unrestricted access to water the following policies should be observed to minimize the risk of heat illness by student-athletes participating in athletic activity during hot and humid conditions. MONITORING OF TEMPERATURE: Before each practice the ambient air temperature, relative humidity and heat index are calculated. This process is repeated at least every 30 minutes throughout the practice session. A heat index in the range of 90-120oF presents an increased risk of heat related illness. WEIGHT MONITORING: All athletes are required to weigh in with their appropriate staff Athletic Trainer before and after each session; weigh-ins will be performed in team practice gear without shoes to minimize variations due to clothing. Any difference in weight between the start of practice and the end of the session is required to be replenished before the start of the next session. An athlete with a difference of one pound in starting weights between the morning and afternoon session will be allowed to practice with close supervision by the staff Athletic Trainer. ANY ATHLETE WITH AN

OBSERVED DIFFERENCE OF TWO POUNDS OR MORE WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO PARTICIPATE IN

THE SECOND SESSION. When an athlete demonstrates a sustained weight loss greater than two pounds over two or more days dip stick urinalysis will be utilized to ensure proper hydration before resumption of activity.


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FLUID REPLACEMENT: Every athlete is given a 32oz. water bottle before the first day of practice; for the duration of preseason camp each student-athlete is required to consume at least on bottle of fluid between each session. Student-athletes who are observed to have a weight loss from the previous session maybe need to drink more than one bottle between each session to restore the depleted fluids. Student-athletes are strongly encouraged to continue with this hydration program even after the conclusion of preseason camp.

Studies have shown that the use of an electrolyte replenishment drink immediately before and following strenuous activity can be beneficial to athletic performance. As a result the American University Athletic Training Staff makes Gatorade available to all teams before and after each practice session during pre-season camp. Gatorade is available throughout the fall and spring when the weather is warm; it is located immediately outside the athletic training room. While use of this and similar products is encouraged IT IS NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR PROPER HYDRATION. Adequate intake of water both during and after athletic activity is essential to preventing heat illnesses. MODIFICATION OF PRACTICE:

Even well condition and acclimatized individuals can suffer from heat illness if proper precautions are not taken. To further reduce the risk to our student-athletes in addition to unlimited access to water the following modifications are recommended when the air temperature at the start of practice is observed to be:

85o F – Below:

The risk of heat related illness at these temperatures is low; however the unacclimatized

individual is still at risk. It is recommended that water breaks be taken every 10-15 minutes in conjunction with a stop in activity. All athletes are required to drink during these breaks. 86-95o F:

At these temperatures there is a moderate risk of heat illness to all participants, even the acclimatized individual. It is recommended that 3-5 minute water breaks be taken every 15 minutes; additionally a 10-15 minute extended break should be taken at the one hour mark. Practices and team activity, to include warm-ups, cool-down and condition should not exceed two hours when temperatures fall within this zone. During water breaks and rest periods it is mandatory for all student-athletes to drink, athletes not actively participating in drills are encouraged to drink extra fluids during their period of inactivity. 95-105o F:

When the ambient air is between 95 -105o F only fit and acclimatized athletes should be participating in physical activity. However even the fit athlete is at risk with temperatures this high. It is recommended that when the temperature is within this range that practices, to include warm-up,


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cool-down and conditioning should not exceed 90 minutes. During that time water breaks of 3-5 minutes should be taken every 10-15 minutes with a 10 -15 minute rest period at the 45 minute mark. During these breaks and rest periods all athletes are required to drink and those athletes not actively participating in drills should also be encouraged to drink extra fluids. Open try-outs should not be held during these conditions; likewise walk-on athletes should not participate in these conditions. 105o F – Above:

When the temperature exceeds 105oF there is a sever risk of heat illness for all participants.

The length and content of practice must be changed to minimize the athlete’s exposure to elevated temperatures. Practices are limited to no more than 60 minutes of on the field activity; to include warm-up and cool-down. Teams are required to stop every 10 minutes for a 5 minute water break; this time is included in the 60 minute limit. It is strongly encouraged to perform only necessary drills and skills outside to and modify the practice content to allow for more indoor activity. Walk-on student-athletes are not to participate under these conditions. If an open try-out has been scheduled it must be postponed until more reasonable temperatures are observed.


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LIGHTNING POLICY Lightning is the most significant and consistent weather hazard that affects intercollegiate athletics and is the number one cause of weather related deaths in the United States. The Atlantic coast along with the southwest, southern plains states, and southern rockies all have a high propensity for severe thunderstorms and its associated lightning. These storms are most typical from the late spring into early fall. Based on this information it is reasonable to expect that American University athletics will be affected by severe weather. This document is intended to outline the steps for dealing with impending severe weather and lightning.

1. The staff athletic trainer is responsible for monitoring the weather during an outdoor practice or competition. In the absence of an athletic trainer this duty falls to the head coach or the event staff.

2. The staff athletic trainer and head coach are responsible for obtaining a weather forecast before the start of each event or practice. They should be aware of all National Weather Service-issued watches and warnings in affect during the event.

3. The staff athletic trainer and head coach should be aware of the closest “safe structure” to the field or playing area and the time necessary to reach the structure. A safe structure is defined as:

• Any sturdy building or structure frequently occupied by people, with wiring and/or plumbing.

• In the absence of a sturdy structure, any vehicle with a hard metal roof (not a convertible or golf cart) and rolled up windows can provide a measure of safety. It is important when seeking shelter in this manor not to touch the exposed metal sides of the vehicle.

i. Designated Safe Structures for outdoor events are: 1. Reeves Field/Track – Bender Arena 2. Reeves Tennis Courts – Bender Arena 3. Turf Field – Centennial Hall Parking Structure 4. Mass. Ave. Field – Katzen Arts Center

• In the case of fast moving storms when it is impossible to reach a “safe structure” you should stay away from the tallest trees, or objects, metal poles, bleachers, fences, standing pools of water and open fields. Seek shelter in a dry ditch or a thick grove of small trees surrounded by taller ones.

i. Assume a crouched position on the ground with only the balls of your feet touching.

ii. Wrap your arms around your knees and lower your head, minimize contact with the ground.

iii. A person who feels his/her hair stand on end, or skin begin to tingle should immediately assume this position.

iv. When the sensation has passed he/she should attempt to reach the nearest safe structure.

4. It is important to be aware of the proximity of lightning to your event. The “flash-to-bang method” is the easiest and most convenient way to estimate its distance. Lighting strikes are


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always followed by a clap/bang of thunder. To estimate the distance of the lightning from your event count the seconds from the time lightning is sited until you hear the thunder then divide by five. This will give you an estimate in miles of how far away the lighting is occurring.

5. The absence of rain and clouds does not provide protection, lightning can and does strike as far as 10 miles away from the rain shaft. When lightning is observed the following procedures will be followed to determine how safe it is to proceed with the event and when to move to a safe structure. It will be the responsibility of the staff athletic trainer to determine when it is necessary to suspend activity based on these guidelines, in his/her absence this duty falls to the head coach or event staff.

• Once lightning is observed begin the flash-to-bang count. • A flash-to-bang count greater than 60 seconds requires greater attention to the storm’s

status but does not necessitate the suspension of activity.

• When the flash-to-bang count is between 60-45 seconds you should prepare to move to a safe structure as defined in section 3i.

• Once the flash-to-bang count reaches 45 seconds activity is immediately suspended and all participants should go to the nearest safe structure.

• When the flash-to-bang count reaches 30 seconds everyone should already have reached a safe structure. During competition all play will be suspended at this point and both teams will seek immediate cover in the designated areas.

• When play/practice has been suspended, a period of not less than 30 minutes must pass from the last bolt of lightning or sound of thunder before it is considered safe to resume activity. The staff athletic trainer is responsible for making this determination, in his/her absence this duty falls to the head coach or event staff.

6. People who have been struck by lightning do not carry an electrical charge. If someone is struck it is safe to approach and render first aid, when possible and appropriate remove the victim to a safe area out of the elements before beginning first aid. The victim requires immediate medical attention, in the event that an individual is struck by lightning follow the procedures outlined in the emergency action plan for that specific site.

This protocol was established using guidelines set forth in the 2004-05 NCAA Sports Medicine Handbook section 1d, and the National Athletic Trainers’ Association – Position Statement: Lightning Safety for Athletics and Recreation,

Journal of Athletic Training, 2000;35(4):471-477. Copies of this information are kept on file in the athletic training room and are available upon request.


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METHICILLIN-RESISTANT STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS (MRSA)

WHAT IS STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS? Staphylococcus aureus or more commonly referred to simply as “staph”, is a commonly carried bacterium found in the nose and on the skin of healthy people. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) approximately 25-30% of the population is colonized (when bacteria are present but not causing infection) with staph bacteria. Staph bacteria are one of the most common causes of skin infections; most of which are minor and can be treated without antibiotics. However staph bacteria can cause serious infections especially when left untreated. WHAT IS MRSA? MRSA is an antibiotic resistant strain of the common Staphylococcus aureus “staph” bacterium most commonly seen in healthcare facilities; hospitals, nursing homes, surgery centers, etc. While 25-30% of the population is colonized with staph; approximately 1% of the population is colonized with MRSA. MRSA is an opportunistic infection that is transmitted by coming into direct contact with another infected individual or with fluid from an infected individual; i.e. discharge from a lesion. Being in the same room with an infected individual will not result in an infection to another person unless they come in direct contact with the lesion or fluid from the lesion. HOW COMMON ARE STAPH AND MRSA INFECTIONS? Staph bacteria are one of the most common causes of skin infection in the United States. The majority of MRSA infections occur to patients in hospital or other healthcare settings. However between 12-15% of MRSA infections are community associated or occur in individuals who have not been recently hospitalized nor had a medical procedure; this is known as Community Acquired (CA) MRSA. ARE STAPH AND MRSA INFECTIONS TREATABLE? Yes, common staph infections can be treated by draining the abscess or boil and may not require antibiotics. Both staph and MRSA infections can also be treated with antibiotic therapy; while MRSA is resistant to some antibiotics it is not resistant to all and effective antibiotic therapies still exist. THINGS YOU CAN DO TO PREVENT INFECTION:

Do shower and wash with soap and water after every practice/competition. Do wash hands regularly with soap and water. Do wash your athletic gear daily. Do wash your towels and linens in hot water with detergent. Do keep you nails trimmed to less than ¼ inch to avoid scratches. Do wear shoes or sandals when walking around campus, in dormitories and Bender Arena. Do report cuts, scraps and abrasions immediately for appropriate treatment. Do report ANY SKIN LESION IMMEDIATELY to a member of the sports medicine staff.

THINGS YOU SHOULD AVOID TO HELP PREVENT INFECTION:

DO NOT share towels, washcloths, loofas. DO NOT share razors, combs, brushes, hair clips, etc… DO NOT share clothing or practice gear. DO NOT share soap, deodorants, make-up, chap-stick or other hygiene items.

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTION ABOUT STAPH/MRSA OR SUSPECT YOU MAY HAVE BEEN EXPOSED TO STAPH/MRSA PLEASE SEE YOUR ATHLETIC TRAINER.


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ATHLETIC TRAINING ROOM RULES

The Athletic Training Room is here as a service to you. Your cooperation in the operation of the facility will help us provide better care for all student-athletes. The following are rules that must be adhered to for effective and efficient operation of the Athletic Training facility.

1. There are no cleats or equipment allowed in the Athletic Training Room.

2. There is ABSOLUTELY no eating, drinking, or tobacco products in the Athletic Training

Room.

3. There are no self-administered treatments without the permission of the athletic trainer.

4. Student-athletes may not take supplies from the Athletic Training Room without permission.

5. Student-athletes must sign in upon entering the Athletic Training Room before receiving treatment.

6. There are no shoes on the athletic training tables.

7. There is to be no abusive or foul language use in the Athletic Training Room.

8. There is no loitering or lingering in the Athletic Training Room.

9. Student-athletes must shower before receiving treatment, NO EXCEPTIONS.

10. The dress code for treatments is AU T-shirt and shorts or AU issued practice attire ONLY, no nude bodies or other college/university logos.

11. The telephones in the Athletic Training Room are for business ONLY.

12. Return all loaned items to the Athletic Training Room, student-athletes will be charged for all items not returned.

13. Never enter a staff member’s office space without first asking permission.

14. A member of the Athletic Training Staff must approve use and content of the televisions in the Athletic Training room. The Athletic Training Staff have final say on all programming choices.

15. Towels are for TREATMENTS ONLY, we do not supply towels to teams for showering or practice. Towels are not to be taken out of the Athletic Training Room for any reason.


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EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN

INTRODUCTION

Emergency situations may arise at anytime during athletic events. Expedient action must be taken in order to provide the best possible care to the victim when emergency and/or life threatening conditions occur. The following emergency action plan is provided to help ensure that the best possible care is provided. Each area frequently utilized by American University athletic teams has a specific plan to follow during emergency situations. Each plan can be divided in three separate areas or responsibility or components. It is important to understand what needs to happen in each component for the emergency plan to be effective.

COMPONENTS OF THE EMERGENCY PLAN:

1. Personnel 2. Emergency Equipment Retrieval 3. Communication – EMS Activation 4. Directing EMS to accident Site 5. Transportation

1. EMERGENCY PLAN PERSONNEL With athletic practice and competition, the first responder to most emergency situation is typically a member of the sports medicine staff; most commonly a member of the American University Athletic Training staff. However, in some instances the first responder may be a (n):

• Coach • Assistant coach • Facilities Manager • Team member

For this reason it is important that we all understand the roles of a first responder.

Care of the athlete. Acute care in an emergency situation should be provided by the most qualified individual on the scene. Individuals with lower credentials should yield to those with more appropriate training. Some basic guidelines to follow when dealing with an on-field player injury:

• Players and coaches should go to and remain in the bench area once medical

assistance arrives. • Adequate lines of vision between the medical staff and all available emergency

personal should be established and maintained. • Players, parents and non-authorized personnel should be kept a significant

distance from the injured player or players. • PLAYERS SHOULD NOT TRY TO ASSIST A TEAMMATE WHO IS LYING ON THE FIELD.


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• PLAYERS SHOULD NOT PULL AN INJURED TEAMMATE OR OPPONENT FROM A PILE-UP.

• ONCE THE MEDICAL STAFF BEGINS TO WORK ON AN INJURED PLAYER, THEY

SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO PERFORM SERVICES WITHOUT INTERRUPTION OR

INTERFERENCE. • PLAYERS AND COACHES SHOULD AVOID DICTATING MEDICAL SERVICES TO

THE ATHLETIC TRAINERS OR TEAMS PHYSICIANS. • REMAIN CALM AT ALL TIMES, PANIC IS CONTAGIOUS, IF YOU CANNOT BE

CALM REMOVE YOURSELF FROM THE SCENE IMMEDIATELY!

2. EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT RETRIEVAL This may be done by anyone on the emergency team who is familiar with the types and location of the specific equipment needed. Student-managers and members of the coaching staff are good choices to perform this task. The athletic training staff will provide all necessary emergency equipment. During competition this equipment will be located at the home team bench. For outdoors practices the staff athletic trainer will designate an area for the emergency equipment, this area should remain the same throughout the year. During indoor practices emergency equipment will be located in the athletic training room. If an athletic trainer is not in attendance or the emergency equipment is unavailable at your practice site it can be located in the athletic training room.

3. COMMUNICATION – EMS ACTIVATION

Time is the most critical factor under emergency conditions. Activating the EMS system should be done by a member of the athletic training or coaching staffs. This individual should be designated at the start of the season and perform this duty throughout the course of the season. He/she should be someone who is calm under pressure and communicates well over the telephone. When making the phone call the following information should be provided:

• Name and telephone number of caller • Location of accident • Type of activity i.e.) soccer/lacrosse/volleyball game • Number of athletes/individuals involved • Condition of victims, type of injury(s) • Type of treatment initiated by the first responder • Other information requested by the dispatcher

A phone script has been provided for each athletic venue and/or practice site. The individual designated to activate EMS should become familiar with this script and use it when making the phone call. American University Campus Security is the initiator for all emergency services on campus. The contact numbers are:

Campus Phone System: ext. 3636

Cellular Phone System: (202) 885-3636

4. DIRECTING EMS TO THE SCENE Once EMS has been activated American University Campus Security will direct EMS to the

scene.


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5. TRANSPORTATION

In an emergency situation, when the athlete should be transported, it will be done by ambulance. First responders should refrain from transporting unstable athletes in inappropriate vehicles. There may be a situation when the emergency care provider will elicit the aid of other members of the sports medicine team to transport a case that is not a medical emergency and when it does not pose a danger to be transported by alternative vehicle. When in doubt, always activate the EMS system.


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EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN BENDER ARENA/GYMNASIUM

LOCATION:

The ground floor of Bender Arena G 19. EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION:

A fixed telephone system can be located in the adjacent athletic training facility (G 17). These American University office phones have the ability to contact campus security by the 4 digit telephone extension only. During competition, the game scorers table will be designated as the “call station” to activate EMS, a event manager will make the call. All personnel can be contacted by campus phone system by dialing that last four (4) digits, that is considered the “campus extension”.

EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT:

Supplies are maintained and stored in the athletic training facility located in Bender Arena (G 17). During competition the emergency equipment will be located at the home bench. For practice and other indoor events, emergency equipment can be found in the adjacent training room (G17).

ROLES OF FIRST RESPONDERS:

1. Immediate care of injured or ill athlete 2. Emergency equipment retrieval 3. If needed, activation of EMS (ext. 3636)

EMS / CAMPUS SECURITY SCRIPT: PLEASE USE THE FOLLOWING PHONE SCRIPT WHEN REQUESTING EMERGENCY SERVICES: Hello my name is _________________. I am a(n) __________________. I am calling from the State Your Name State your title i.e.) ATC/Asst. Coach

_______________. We have a suspected_______________ that occurred _________ minutes State your location Describe the injury(s) Time since Injury

ago and need emergency assistance. We have initiated ___________________________. Relay what has been done to assist the injured athlete

REMAIN ON THE LINE AND ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS THE DISPATCHER HAS FOR YOU.


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♦ STAY ON THE LINE UNTIL THE DISPATCHER ENDS THE CALL BY HANGING UP. ♦

EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN BENDER WRESTLING ROOM/WEIGHT ROOM

LOCATION:

On the first floor of Bender Arena inside the Jacobs Fitness Center. EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION:

A fixed telephone system can be located in the adjacent wrestling coaches’ office and at the fitness center front desk near the main entrance. These American University office phones have the ability to contact campus security by the 4 digit telephone extension only. During competition, the scorers table will be designated as the “call station”, an event manager will make the call.


Supplies are maintained and stored in the athletic training facility located in Bender Arena (G 17). During competition the emergency equipment will be located at the home team bench and found in the adjacent training room (G17) for practices.









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BENDER POOL LOCATION:

In Bender Arena, ground floor G 08. EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION:

A fixed telephone system can be located on the pool deck and in the adjacent coaches’ office. These American University office phones have the ability to contact campus security by the 4 digit telephone extension only. During competition, the game scorer’s table will be designated as the “call station”, a event manager will make the call.


A spine board and soft collars for water extraction will be present in the pool area. The coaches and student athletes that are certified in first aid, CPR, life guard and/or aquatic coaches’ safety will assist in the water extraction. When the injured athlete reaches the pool deck the staff athletic trainer will be primary care giver at that time. Additional emergency equipment will be located in the athletic training facility in room G 17 of Bender Arena.









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EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN REEVES FIELD

LOCATION:

Fire access road adjacent to the Sports Center Annex. EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION:

During practices and games, the staff will have cell phones to initiate EMS. If athletic training staff is not present, the coaches can initiate EMS with their personal cell (202/885-3636) phone or by the Campus Emergency Call Box located between Reeves Field and tennis courts. During competition, the game scorers table will be designated as the “call station” to activate EMS, a event manager will make the call.


For practices the emergency equipment will be located in an area indicated by the athletic trainer. If an athletic trainer is not present, the equipment will be located in the athletic training facility located in Bender Arena (G 17). During competition the emergency equipment will be located at the home team bench.







♦ STAY ON THE LINE UNTIL THE DISPATCHER ENDS THE CALL BY HANGING

UP. ♦


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EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN TENNIS COURTS

LOCATION:

Fire access road adjacent to the Sports Center Annex. EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION:

During games, the athletic training staff will have cell phones to initiate EMS. If a staff is not present, the coaches can activate EMS by their personal cell (202/885-3636) phone or with the Campus Emergency Call Box located between Reeves Field and the tennis courts. During competition, the attending athletic trainer will use their cell phone to activate EMS


For practices the emergency equipment will be located in an area indicated by the athletic trainer. If an athletic trainer is not present, the equipment will be located in the athletic training facility located in Bender Arena (G 17). During competition the emergency equipment will be located at the home team bench.








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UP. ♦

EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN MASSACHUSETTS AVE. ATHLETIC FIELD

LOCATION:

On 4500 Massachusetts Ave, one block north of the Massachusetts Ave, entrance of American University.

EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION:

During practices / competition, the staff will have cell phones to initiate EMS. If athletic training staff is not present, the coaches can initiate EMS by their personal cell, 202/885-3636. During competition, the supervising athletic trainer will designate a member of the coaching staff to activate EMS. When dialing a cell phone one must dial the entire number (202/885-3636).


During competition and practices, emergency equipment will be kept on site in an area designated by the athletic training staff.








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TURF FIELD LOCATION: Near Asbury Roadway and the Sports center Roadway. EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION:

During practices, the staff will have cell phones to initiate EMS. If athletic training staff is not present, the coaches can initiate EMS by their personal cell, 202/885-3636. During competition, the game scorer’s table will be designated as the “call station” to activate EMS, a event manager will make the call


Supplies are maintained and stored in the athletic training facility located in Bender Arena (G 17). During competition the emergency equipment will be located at the home team bench and found in the adjacent training room (G17) for practices.








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UP. ♦

BANNED STIMULANT MEDICATION REPORTING GUIDELINES: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Treatment

The NCAA bans classes of drugs because they can harm student-athletes and can create an unfair advantage in competition. Some legitimate medications contain NCAA banned substances, and student-athletes may need to use these medicines to support their academics and their general health. The NCAA has a procedure to review and approve legitimate use of medications that contain NCAA banned substances through a Medical Exceptions Procedure. The diagnosis of adult ADHD remains clinically based utilizing clinical interviews, symptom-rating scales and subjective reporting from patients and others. The following guidelines will help student-athletes diagnosed with ADHD ensure adequate medical records are on file with the Athletic Training department in order to request an exception in the event they test positive during NCAA Drug Testing. Effective August 2009 there will be a stricter application of the NCAA Medial Exception policy specifically for the use of banned stimulant medications to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). This stricter application will provide more complete information to the medical panel of the Committee on Competitive Safeguards and Medical Aspects of Sports (CSMAS), which reviews requests for a medical exception to a positive drug test for these stimulant medications. This information is necessary to appropriately apply the exceptions policy, so that student-athletes are adequately monitored while using a stimulant medication that can negatively impact health and safety, and so that stimulants are not being used strictly for athletic performance enhancement. Any student-athlete who test positive from the effective date will need to comply with this stricter application. This stricter application will require documentation that demonstrates the following:

• That the student-athlete has undergone a clinical assessment to diagnose ADHD • That the student-athlete is being monitored routinely for use of the stimulant medication • That the student-athlete has a current prescription on file

This information needs to be kept on file with the American University Athletic Training department to provide in the event the student-athlete tests positive for banned medication in order to be approved for a medical exception to the banned drug policy. CSMAS has reviewed and approved a guideline to assist the student-athlete in meeting the requirements of this stricter application of the NCAA Medical Exception Policy. The guideline and sample physician reporting letters that define what documents the prescribing physician should submit to the institution are attached below and can be accessed on-line: www.ncaa.org/health-safety.

Criteria for letter from prescribing Physician to provide documentation to the Athletics Department/Athletic Training Staff regarding assessment of student-athletes taking prescribed stimulants for ADHD in support of NCAA medical Exception request for the use of a banned substance: The following must be included in the supporting documentation:

1. Student-athlete name 2. Student-athlete date of birth 3. Date of clinical evaluation 4. Clinical evaluation components including:

a. Summary of comprehensive clinical evaluation (referencing DSM-IV criteria) – attach supporting documentation.

b. ADHD Rating Scale(s) (e.g. Connors, ASRS, CAARS) scores and report summary – attach supporting documentation.

c. Blood pressure and pulse readings and comments. d. Note that alternative non-banned medications have been considered and comments. e. Diagnosis f. Medication(s) and dosage. g. Follow-up orders.

5. Additional ADHD evaluation components if available: a. Report ADHD symptoms by other significant individual(s). b. Psychological testing results. c. Physical exam date and results.


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d. Laboratory testing results e. Summary of previous ADHD diagnosis. f. Other comments.

6. Documentation from the prescribing physician must also include the following: a. Physician name (printed) b. Office address and contact information c. Specialty d. Physician signature and date.

Note: the NCAA Committee on Competitive Safeguards and Medical Aspects of Sports may approve stimulant medication use for ADHD without a prior trial of a non-stimulant medication. Although the NCAA Medical Exception Policy requires that a non-banned medication be considered, the medical community has generally accepted that the non-stimulant medications may not be as effective in the treatment of ADHD for some in this age group.

CONCUSSION MANAGEMENT PLAN (TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURIES TBI)

The American University Department of Athletics is committed to the prevention, identification, evaluation, and management of concussions. Concussions, also known as traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are a disturbance in brain function caused by a direct or indirect traumatic blow to the head. An athlete who has sustained a concussion may present with a variety of non-specific symptoms that may or may not be obvious to the athlete, coaches, or medical staff. This management plan results from a review of research data and discussions within the medical community, and focuses on appropriate access to healthcare providers with the unchallengeable authority to determine management and return-to-play. This plan focuses on the student-athletes’ symptoms and assessment testing rather then adhering to a fixed timeline. Only when a student-athlete’s performance on testing has returned to baseline levels and they are completely symptom free will they be allowed to begin a progression for a return to athletic participation. In order to best evaluate and treat concussive injuries, the Athletic Training Staff in conjunction with the Team Physician will follow certain procedures when providing care for athletes who sustain concussions.

BASELINE TESTING: Baseline testing is completed for all student-athletes participating in basketball, field hockey, lacrosse, soccer, volleyball, and wrestling prior to the start of their initial season of completion. Pre participation testing will also be performed on any student-athlete participating in cross country, swimming, diving, and track and field with a history of concussion as identified during the Pre-Participation Physical Examination.

• Sport Concussion Assessment Tool 2 will be used as the baseline screening test.

CLINICAL EVALUATION: Student-athletes who exhibit signs and symptoms consistent with a mild traumatic brain injury (concussion) shall be removed from practice or competition and be evaluated by a Staff Athletic Trainer or Team Physician.

‐ Student-athletes diagnosed with a concussion shall not return to activity for the remainder of the day.

‐ A student-athlete that sustains a concussion outside of their sport will be managed in the same manner as those sustained during sport activity.

‐ After a concussion has occurred, the student-athlete will be given a take home concussion management sheet which will be reviewed with the student-athlete, and when possible, a roommate, teammate, or guardian of the injured student-athlete.


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‐ Re-evaluation will be performed daily following the injury until the student-athlete is cleared for full participation. Return to participation is an objective decision based on the following group of criteria:

o Resolutions of symptoms o Results from SCAT II assessment o Successful completion of graduated exertional testing o Physician consultation and clearance o No one test or a criterion is used to determine fitness to resume participation.

‐ Final authority for return-to-play shall reside with American University Sports Medicine (athletic trainer and team physician) and will be considered final.

SEVERITY SCALE:

Mild TBI – is characterized by no amnesia or loss of consciousness, student-athletes are referred to the team physician if:

• Post concussive symptoms worsen • Post concussive symptoms increase in number • Symptoms begin to interfere with the student-athlete’s daily activities.

Moderate TBI – is characterized by amnesia but no loss of consciousness; student-athletes are referred to the team physician who will determine if further diagnostic testing or follow-up with a neurologist is required.

Severe TBI – is characterized by observable loss of consciousness; student-athletes are referred to the team physician who will determine if further diagnostic testing or follow-up with a neurologist is required.

RETURN TO PARTICIPATION PROGRESSION:

Mild TBI – the return to participation progression may begin once the student-athlete’s SCAT 2 scores have returned to baseline and they have been completely symptom free for 24 hours. Moderate TBI – the return to participation progression may begin once the student-athlete’s SCAT 2 scores have returned to baseline and they have been completely symptom free for three (3) days. Severe TBI – the return to participation progression may begin once the student-athlete’s SCAT 2 scores have returned to baseline, they have been completely symptom free for not less than one (1) week and have been evaluated and cleared for activity by the team physician.

PROGRESSION COMPONENTS:

• Low Impact Exertion Test – stationary bike, Manual, Level 4, 80-90 Rpm, 30 mins.

o If there is no change in the student-athlete’s symptoms during or following the bike test the student-athlete is cleared to participate in weight lifting activity.

o If there is a return of symptoms during or following the bike test the student-athlete will continue with daily evaluations.

Once the student-athlete’s SCAT 2 score returns to baseline and they have been asymptomatic for 24 hours they may repeat the bike test.


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• Weight Lifting Test – total body lift under the direction of the strength and conditioning staff.

o If there is no change in the student-athlete’s symptoms during or following the weight lifting test the student-athlete is cleared to participate in non-contact practice.

o If there is a return of symptoms during or following the weight lifting test the progression is terminated and the student-athlete will resume daily evaluations.

Once the student-athlete’s SCAT 2 scores return to baseline and they have been asymptomatic for 24 hours they may resume the progression with the low impact exertion test.

• Non-Contact Practice – team practice without live scrimmage or contact drills. The student-athlete is permitted to participate in skill, conditioning, timing and other drills at the direction of the Staff Athletic Trainer and Team Physician.

o If there is no change in the student-athlete’s symptoms during or following the non-contact practice the student-athlete is cleared to participate in a contact practice.

o If there is a return of symptoms during or following the non-contact practice the progression is terminated and the student-athlete will resume daily evaluations.

Once the student-athlete’s SCAT 2 scores return to baseline and they have been asymptomatic for 24 hours they may resume the progression with the low impact exertion test.

• Contact Practice – team practice without limitations.

o If there is no change in the student-athlete’s symptoms during or following the non-contact practice the student-athlete is cleared to participate in competition.

o If there are no contact practices scheduled between the completion of the non-contact practice and the next competition on additional consecutive symptom free non-contact practice will be required. (Example: Thursday is first non-contact practice, Friday is second non-contact practice, and Saturday is the game.)

o If there is a return of symptoms during or following the contact practice the progression is

terminated and the student-athlete is referred to the Team Physician for follow-up evaluation.

NOTE: FINAL RETURN TO PLAY DECISIONS WILL BE MADE SOLELY BY AMERICAN UNIVERSITY SPORTS MEDICINE (STAFF ATHLETIC TRAINER AND TEAM PHYSICIAN) BASE UPON THE GUIDELINES ESTABLISHED IN THE CONCUSSION MANAGEMENT PLAN.


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AMERICAN UNIVERSITY

DEPARTMENT OF ATHLETICS MILD HEAD INJURY TAKE HOME INSTRUCTIONS

Name: ____________________________________ Date: ________________

This is a medical follow-up sheet for your health and safety. Concussion, or mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI), is the most common and least serious type of traumatic brain injury. Concussion involves a transient loss of mental function. It can be caused by acceleration or deceleration forces, or by a direct blow. Concussion is generally not associated with penetrating injuries.

Symptoms of concussion can include a period of unconsciousness for less than 30 minutes, vomiting, confusion, and visual disturbances. Amnesia, the hallmark sign of concussion, can be retrograde amnesia (loss of memories that were formed before the injury) or anterograde amnesia (loss of memories formed post-injury). In concussion, amnesia is much more likely to be anterograde (also called Post Traumatic Amnesia or PTA). Amnesia may not become apparent until the next day or the next week. A common example in sports concussion is the quarterback who was able to conduct all the complicated mental tasks of leading a football team after a concussion, but has no recollection the next day of the part of the game that took place after the concussion.

Patients with concussion may act confused, for example repeatedly asking the same questions, or forgetting where they are. Patients may have focal neurological deficits, signs that a specific part of the brain is not working correctly. If you experience one or more of the following symptoms following a head injury, contact a member of the Athletic Training staff and report to the emergency room immediately:

• Severe headache, particularly at a specific location • Vomiting (more than once or twice since your initial evaluation) • Unconsciousness (passing out / blacking out) • Bleeding or clear fluid dripping from the ears or nose • Stiffening of the neck • Dizziness, stumbling or loss of balance • Weakness, numbness or tingling in either arm(s) or leg(s) • Convulsions / seizures • Difficulty breathing • Abnormal drowsiness or sleepiness • Slurred or incoherent speech • Uncontrollable eye movements

Instructions: 1. If you are not allergic, acetaminophen (Tylenol) is safe to use to for headaches. 2. Stay with a friend or roommate who as read this sheet; have them check you every __ hours for

check for any of the above symptoms. 3. Avoid watching television, playing video games, using your computer and listening to music as

they may increase the severity of your headache. 4. DO NOT: use Aspirin, Ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin), Alleve, drink Alcohol or Caffeinated beverages. 5. DO: Rest, avoid strenuous activity, avoid sport related activity and eat a light diet. 6. Seek immediate medical attention if any of the above warning signs appear.

Please return to the Athletic Training Room – Bender Arena G-17 at: ________________________ tomorrow for your follow-up evaluation.


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REMEMBER: Head injuries can present signs and symptoms that can be taken too lightly. Your health may depend on the recognition of these symptoms and your decision to take them seriously.

DRUG AWARENESS TESTING AND EDUCATION PROGRAM

SCOPE

Participation in this Awareness Program is required of all American University student-athletes,

including scholarship and non-scholarship student-athletes and in the Department of Athletics.. Student-athletes whose eligibility has expired or who no longer participate in intercollegiate athletics but who continue to receive athletic aid ARE SUBJECT to the Awareness Program

1. POLICY STATEMENT

Therefore; the Department of Athletics has adopted and implemented this Awareness Program including a mandatory program of drug testing, education and counseling in an effort to protect the health, safety and wellbeing of student-athletes associated with the Department of Athletics.

The Department of Athletics is concerned about the potential use and abuse of drugs and alcohol by

student-athletes at American University. This concern includes the use of illegal drugs, the use of anabolic steroids, the use of other performance enhancing drugs, the use of drugs that are not medically indicated, the misuse of prescription medications, the abuse of alcohol and the use of diuretics and “masking agents” designed to prevent the detection of such drug and alcohol use.

The Department of Athletics believes that drug use and alcohol abuse in addition to being a violation

of team rules, poses a significant threat to the health, development and overall physical and mental wellbeing of the student-athlete; results in diminished academic and athletic performance; increases the risk of injury to the student-athlete and their teammates and opponents; may retard the healing of injuries; and may produce dependence and additional problems that can have devastating social, financial and career ramifications.

2. PURPOSE

The purpose of the Awareness Program is: 2.1. To educate the student-athletes about the dangers and effects of drug use and alcohol abuse.

2.2. To protect the health, safety and welfare of the student-athlete.

2.3. To identify through periodic and random testing those student-athletes who may be involved in drug use and alcohol abuse.

2.4. To recommend and provide confidential assessment and treatment for those student-athletes

identified as having drug or alcohol related problems.

2.5. To provide corrective actions for those student-athletes found in violation of the Awareness Program.

2.6. To protect the university’s integrity; and


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2.7. To seek to maintain “fair play” in intercollegiate athletics by student-athletes.

3. PROHIBITED SUBSTANCES

3.1. The Drug Awareness Program tests for substances identified by the Department of Athletics or

the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) as purporting to be performance enhancing or potentially harmful to the health, safety or wellbeing of student-athletes, or that are illegal under applicable federal or state law. Student-athletes are therefore prohibited from using the following substances:

3.1.1. Illegal drugs including but not limited to marijuana, phencyclidine, stimulants (e.g. amphetamines, ecstasy and cocaine), and hallucinogens (e.g. LSD).

3.1.2. Anabolic steroids (e.g. Anavar and Dianabol) and similar growth enhancing or

performance enhancing substances.

3.1.3. Diuretics and “masking agents” designed to prevent the detection of drug and alcohol use, not otherwise medically indicated.

3.1.4. Prescription and over-the-counter medications that are not medically indicated.

3.1.5. Drugs banned by the NCAA; this list is kept on file with the Head Athletic Trainer or can

be accessed on-line at the NCAA website. (www.ncaa.org/health-safety)

3.1.6. The Department of Athletics also tests for alcohol.

3.2. The Department of Athletics reserves the right to modify the list of prohibited substances as it deems appropriate to meet the purposes of the Awareness Program. A more complete list of banned substances can be found in Appendix A.

3.2.1. The NCAA’s list of banned drugs may change during the academic year; an updated list may be found on the NCAA website (ncaa.org).

4. EDUCATIONAL COMPONENT

4.1. There are two educational components of the Drug Awareness Program: (1) explanation of the

university's drug education and testing program to student-athletes and others, and (2) dissemination of information to student-athletes and those associated with athletic teams regarding drugs and alcohol, their use and abuse and how such use or abuse may affect the student-athlete and his/her team and teammates.

4.1.1. Student-Athletes will be educated about the drug testing programs according to Section

6.1 of this Program.

4.1.2. Student-Athletes will also attend other educational programs regarding drugs and alcohol.

4.1.2.1. Each team will meet at least once annually, for educational sessions which will focus

on information regarding the dangers of using performance-enhancing substances, illegal drugs and alcohol.

4.1.2.2. Educational programs are designed with the following goals:


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4.1.2.2.1. To educate, inform and teach those associated with intercollegiate athletics how to

recognize the warning signs and side effects of specific controlled substances. 4.1.2.2.2. To educate the student-athlete and other appropriate athletic department personnel

about the associated problems of drug and alcohol abuse, and how such use may adversely affect the student-athlete and his/her team and teammates.

4.1.2.2.3. To encourage discussion about the use of drugs and consumption of alcohol.

4.1.2.2.4. To outline rehabilitation and treatment programs as well as referral centers.

4.1.3. Attendance of the student-athlete at scheduled educational sessions is mandatory.

Absence will be permitted only with the approval of the Head Coach. Unapproved absences will result in the student-athlete being required to attend a make-up session.

4.1.4. Athletic trainers, team physicians and other responsible personnel should participate in

these educational sessions. All coaches are expected to participate in drug education training sessions each year.

5. DRUG TESTING PROCEDURES 5.1. General

5.1.1. At the beginning of each academic year, prior to the commencement of drug testing, all student-athletes will be required to participate in a Department of Athletics orientation program regarding the Awareness Program. During the program each student-athlete will:

5.1.1.1. Receive a copy of the Awareness Program in which drug testing procedures to be

used by the Department of Athletics will be explained in detail.

5.1.1.2. Required to sign a consent form acknowledging their agreement to abide by the terms and conditions of the Awareness program (Appendix B]) and granting the Department of Athletics permission to perform drug tests at anytime and to disclose test results to certain designated individuals.

5.1.1.2.1. Any student-athlete who does not wish to sign the consent form may choose not to do

so and forego participation in intercollegiate athletics. Student-athletes are free to refuse to consent to drug testing under this Program. However, student-athletes who decline participation in the Program, which is designed to protect the health and welfare of the student-athlete, will not be permitted to participate in intercollegiate athletics for American University and will result in loss of athletic scholarship aid.

5.1.1.3. Freshman and transfer student-athletes will be subject to drug testing in accordance

with the Awareness Program at any time after completion of the initial education program and after he/she signs the American University – Drug Testing Consent Form.

5.2. Drug Testing Procedures

5.2.1. Drug testing will be conducted throughout the year and student-athletes may be drug tested in-season, out-of-season and while enrolled in summer school at American University. Testing takes a variety of forms:


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5.2.1.1. Random Individual Testing: student-athlete’s names are computer generated randomly and each student-athlete selected receives notification that they will be tested and the date, time and location of the test.

5.2.1.2. Team Testing: a team or portion of a team may be tested with or without notice

immediately before or after a workout, practice or game.

5.2.1.3. Non-random Testing for Reasonable Cause: a student-athlete may be tested with or without notice if reasonable cause exists that the student-athlete may be using a prohibited substance. Reasonable cause is defined as one founded on specific objective facts, which if taken with rational inferences drawn from those facts, and taken as a whole strongly suggest that drug and alcohol testing may produce evidence of unwanted use. The evidence supported the cause must be reasonable and reliable. The Head Athletic Trainer or the Director of Athletics will determine reasonable cause for non-random testing. A form for documenting and submitting observations in support of a reasonable suspicion drug test can be found in Appendix C.

5.3. Specimen Collection Procedures/Chain of Custody

5.3.1. The Head Athletic Trainer or his/her designee will provide notification to student-athletes selected for random drug testing. Notification will be provided in one of the two (2) following methods and includes the indicated information:

5.3.1.1. Written Notification - Drug Testing Notification Form (Appendix D):

5.3.1.1.1. Student-athletes name and team affiliation 5.3.1.1.2. Date and time of notification 5.3.1.1.3. Date and time of drug test 5.3.1.1.4. Location of collection site 5.3.1.1.5. Written notification will occur not more then 24 hours prior to testing.

5.3.1.2. Verbal Notification

5.3.1.2.1. Date and time of drug test 5.3.1.2.2. Location of collection site 5.3.1.2.3. Verbal notification will occur not more then 4 hours prior to testing. 5.3.1.2.4. Verbal notification may occur immediately prior to testing.

5.3.2. Following notification by either method student-athlete will report to the testing site at the

specified time; any student-athlete reporting for testing more than 15 minutes after the indicated time will be considered a “No Show” and subject to corrective actions as set forth herein after.

5.3.3. Once the student-athlete has reported for testing and prior to entry into the collection

area, he/she shall be required to present picture ID and sign-in on a log sheet (Appendix E). 5.3.4. The student-athlete will then select a sealed and encoded collection kit. The encoded kit

will be logged in and the student-athlete will proceed with a collection crew member to the collection area to furnish a sample.

5.3.4.1. All specimens will be obtained under direct supervision to insure validity.

5.3.4.2. Collection crew members observing collection will be of the same gender as the

student-athlete; procedures do not allow for unobserved collection.

5.3.5. Once a specimen has been provided the student-athlete will maintain control of the beaker until the specimen can be processed and packaged for shipment to the laboratory.


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5.3.6. The drug test will utilize a split bottle (A and B sample) collection process. The student-

athlete will observe as his/her specimen is placed into these bottles and resealed for shipment to the independent laboratory.

5.3.7. Once the specimen has been processed for shipment the student-athlete will sign and

certify that the sample was processed in accordance with the procedures described in this protocol and leave the collection site.

5.3.8. The specimen will be sent to an independent laboratory for screening to determine the presence or absence of prohibited substances including alcohol.

5.3.9. The test administrators will check the sign-in log against the drug testing roster and

submit to the Director of Athletics and Head Coach the names of student-athletes who failed to report for drug testing.

5.3.10. If the student-athlete does not comply with the collection process or fails to appear for a

scheduled drug test they are subject to the corrective actions as outlined in this document.

5.4. Notification of Test Results

5.4.1. The following University officials and involved individuals shall be notified of laboratory confirmed positive test results, no-shows for drug tests, or arrests on drug or alcohol related criminal offenses: Director of Athletics, Head Athletic Trainer, Team Physician, Head Coach or Supervisor, Health care providers involved in assessment, counseling and treatment to which the student-athlete may be referred, Drug test results will also be provided to the student-athlete’s parents or legal guardians as set forth hereinafter.

5.4.2. The Head Athletic Trainer will notify the student-athlete of the positive test result.

6. CORRECTIVE ACTIONS

6.1. Failure to Provide Urine Sample (No Void)

A student-athlete who appears for a drug test but fails to provide or is unable to provide a usable urine sample during a drug test (no void) will be prohibited from taking part in team workouts, practice or in competitions until a sample is provided. 6.2. Failure to Appear for Drug Test (No Show)

A student-athlete who fails to appear for drug testing after receiving notification of the test (No Show) will be subject to the following:

6.2.1. First “No Show” Offense

6.2.1.1. A student-athlete will be prohibited from taking part in team workouts, practices or in competitions until a sample is provided.

6.2.1.2. A student-athlete will be required to submit to an immediate drug test at a time and

place to be determined by the Department of Athletics.

6.2.1.3. If the drug test is positive the student-athlete will be subject to corrective actions as set forth hereinafter.

6.2.1.4. If the drug test is negative the student-athlete’s failure to provide a sample at the date

and time of the initial test will constitute reasonable cause and subject the student-


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athlete to non-random drug testing as deemed necessary by the Head Athletic Trainer and Team Physician.

6.2.2. Second “No Show” Offense

6.2.2.1. A student-athlete will be prohibited from taking part in team workouts, practices or in competition until a sample is provided.

6.2.2.2. A student-athlete will be required to submit to an immediate drug test at a time and

place to be determined by the Department of Athletics.

6.2.2.3. A student-athlete will be further prohibited from taking part in any team workouts, practice or competitions until results are received from the independent laboratory.

6.2.2.4. If the drug test is positive the student-athlete will be subject to corrective actions as

set forth hereinafter.

6.2.2.5. If the drug test is negative the student-athlete will be able to resume team activity at the discretion of the Head Coach upon receipt of negative test results from the independent laboratory.

6.2.2.6. Failure to provide a sample will constitute reasonable cause and subject the student-

athlete to non-random testing as deemed necessary by the Head Athletic Trainer and Team Physician.

6.2.3. Third “No Show” Offense

6.2.3.1. The student-athlete is dismissed from intercollegiate athletics at American University.

6.2.3.2. The student-athlete forfeits further financial aid from the Department of Athletics as

allowed by NCAA guidelines.

6.2.4. All No Shows will be considered positive drug tests and will be subject to corrective actions as set forth here in after until the student-athlete reports for and provides an adequate specimen for testing.

6.2.5. Extenuating Circumstances:

6.2.5.1. A student-athletes failure to appear for testing will not be considered a “No Show”

offense in the event that extenuating circumstances, as determined by the Head Athletic Trainer, justified his/her failure to appear. Acceptable reasons for failure to appear include but are not limited to: Academic conflict; Scheduled exercises with ROTC or National Guard units; Personal medical emergency that requires hospitalization; death of an immediate family member.

6.2.5.2. The Head Athletic Trainer will make final determination as to the validity of the

extenuating circumstances.

6.3. Positive Test Results for Prohibited Substances (Non-Alcohol) A student-athlete’s specimen will be considered a positive test result upon confirmation of the presence of prohibited substances by the independent laboratory.


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Positive test results from NCAA and other outside sports testing agencies administered tests will be considered a positive test under this Awareness Program and will subject the student-athlete to corrective action as set forth hereinafter.

6.3.1. First Offense 6.3.1.1. A registered letter will be sent to the student-athlete’s parents or legal guardians to

notify them of the positive drug test and to inform them of the corrective actions being taken.

6.3.1.2. The student-athlete will be removed from all team competitions and travel for not less

then ten (10) days at the end of which the student-athlete will be re-tested. Any new test results will be handled in the following fashion:

6.3.1.2.1. Negative drug test result: the student-athlete will be allowed to resume activity with

his/her team at the discretion of the head coach; and be subject to non-random testing as set forth in this document.

6.3.1.2.2. Continued Positive drug test result: providing the test indicates a lower level of the

band substance(s) the student-athlete will continue to be held from all team activities until he/she can produce a negative sample.

6.3.1.2.2.1. Re-testing will occur at ten (10) day intervals from the date of the initial

test.

6.3.1.2.3. Positive Test with increased levels or new substance(s): if the subsequent drug test result shows increased levels of the banned substance(s) or provides evidence of additional banned substance(s) not found in the initial drug test this will constitute a Second Offense.

6.3.1.2.3.1. The student-athlete will be subject to the corrective actions as they apply

to a second offense positive drug test as set forth in this document.

6.3.1.3. The student-athlete is scheduled for testing each time drug testing is performed for a period of not less than eighteen (18) months, and for non-random testing thereafter as deemed necessary by the Head Athletic Trainer and Team Physician.

6.3.1.4. The student-athlete must be evaluated by campus professional services to assess

the need for further treatment.

6.3.1.4.1. The student-athlete must comply with this resource’s recommendations regarding any further treatment, evaluation or counseling.

6.3.1.4.2. The student-athlete agrees to provide written documentation of this resource’s recommendations to the Head Athletic Trainer and Team Physician.

6.3.1.4.3. The student-athlete assumes all financial responsibility for compliance with these treatment recommendations.

6.3.1.5 Nothing contained in this Awareness Program shall prohibit the Head Coach and the Director of Athletics of a student-athlete who has tested positive for a prohibited substance, including alcohol, from taking additional corrective or disciplinary action as he or she deems appropriate; including but not limited to suspending or dismissing the student-athlete from the team.

6.3.2. Second Offense

6.3.2.1. The student-athlete will in the presence of the Head Athletic Trainer or their designee, the Sports Supervisor and the Head Coach, notify his/her parents or legal


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guardians of the incident by phone or in person. The parents or legal guardian will also be informed of the corrective actions being taken.

6.3.2.2. The student-athlete will be removed from all team competitions for not less than three

(3) dates of competition or thirty percent (30%) of the maximum allowed dates of competition as outlined in the NCAA Manual, figure 17-1 whichever is greater. (Appendix G)

6.3.2.2.1. Dates of competition are defined as scheduled contests or dates of competition (including exempted events but excluding scrimmages and exhibition contests) against outside participants during the playing season that concludes with the NCAA championship.

6.3.2.2.2. Scrimmages, exhibition contests, and contests occurring during the non-traditional sport season are specifically excluded from counting towards satisfaction of this requirement.

6.3.2.2.3. The term of the suspension is defined by the number of dates of competition as outlined in Appendix G. Should the season terminate before the student-athlete has satisfied this minimum number the suspension will carry over into the next season.

6.3.2.3. At the end of which time the student-athlete will be re-tested; any new test results will be handled in the following fashion:

6.3.2.3.1. Negative drug test result: the student-athlete will be allowed to resume activity with

his/her team at the discretion of the head coach; and be subject to non-random testing as set forth in this document.

6.3.2.3.2. Continued Positive drug test result: providing the test indicates a lower level of the

band substance(s) the student-athlete will continue to be held from all team activities until he/she can produce a negative sample.

6.3.2.3.2.1. Re-testing will occur at ten (10) day intervals from the date of the initial

test.

6.3.2.3.3. Positive Test with increased levels or new substance(s): if the subsequent drug test result shows increased levels of the banned substance(s) or provides evidence of additional banned substance(s) not found in the initial drug test this will constitute a Third Offense.

6.3.2.3.3.1. The student-athlete will be subject to the corrective actions as they apply

to a Third offense positive drug test as set forth in this document.

6.3.2.4. The student-athlete is scheduled for testing each time drug testing is performed for a period of not less than eighteen (18) months, and for non-random testing thereafter as deemed necessary by the Head Athletic Trainer and Team Physician.

6.3.2.5. The student-athlete is referred for assessment by licensed professionals.

6.3.2.5.1. The student-athlete must comply with this resource’s recommendations regarding any

further treatment, evaluation or counseling. 6.3.2.5.2. The student-athlete agrees to provide written documentation of this resource’s

recommendations to the Head Athletic Trainer and Team Physician. 6.3.2.5.3. The student-athlete assumes all financial responsibility for compliance with these

treatment recommendations. 6.2.3.6 Nothing contained in this Awareness Program shall prohibit the Head Coach and the Director

of Athletics of a student-athlete who has tested positive for a prohibited substance, including alcohol, from taking additional corrective or disciplinary action as he or she deems appropriate; including but not limited to suspending or dismissing the student-athlete from the team.


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6.3.Third Offense

6.3.2.6. The student-athlete will in the presence of the Head Athletic Trainer or their

designee, the Sports Supervisor and the Head Coach, notify his/her parents or legal guardians of the incident by phone or in person. The parents or legal guardian will also be informed of the corrective actions being taken.

6.3.2.7. The student-athlete is referred for assessment; counseling and treatment at his/her

own expense.


6.3.2.9. The student-athlete forfeits further financial aid from the Department of Athletics as allowed by NCAA guidelines.

6.3.2.10. Information regarding the nature and reason for these actions will be forwarded

to the Office of the Dean of Students.

6.4. Positive Test Results for Alcohol

6.4.1. First Offense

6.4.1.1. The student-athlete will be schedule for non-random drug testing as deemed necessary by the Head Athletic Trainer and Team Physician.

6.4.1.2. The student-athlete will attend an alcohol awareness program administered through

Student Health Services.

6.4.1.3. The student-athlete will perform 10 hours of community service under the direction of the Director of Athletics or their designee.

6.4.2. Second Offense 6.4.2.1. The student-athlete will in the presence of the Head Athletic Trainer or their

designee, the Sports Supervisor and the Head Coach, notify his/her parents or legal guardians of the incident by phone or in person. The parents or legal guardian will also be informed of the corrective actions being taken.

6.4.2.2. The student-athlete will be removed from all team competitions for not less than two

(2) dates of competition or twenty five percent (25%) of the maximum allowed dates of competition as outlined in the Bylaw 17; whichever is greater. (Appendix G)

6.4.2.2.1. Dates of competition are defined as scheduled contests or dates of competition (including exempted events but excluding scrimmages and exhibition contests) against outside participants during the playing season that concludes with the NCAA championship.

6.4.2.2.2. Scrimmages, exhibition contests, and contests occurring during the non-traditional sport season are specifically excluded from counting towards satisfaction of this requirement.


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6.4.2.2.3. The term of the suspension is defined by the number of dates of competition as outlined in Appendix G. Should the season terminate before the student-athlete has satisfied this minimum number the suspension will carry over into the next season.

6.4.2.3. The student-athlete is scheduled for testing each time drug testing is performed for a

period of not less than twelve (12) months, and for non-random drug testing thereafter as deemed necessary by the Head Athletic Trainer and Team Physician.

6.4.2.4. The student-athlete must attend a formal alcohol abuse/treatment program as

designated by the Head Athletic Trainer and Team Physician.

6.4.3. Third Offense

6.4.3.1. The student-athlete will in the presence of the Head Athletic Trainer or their

designee, the Sports Supervisor and the Head Coach or supervisor, notify his/her parents or legal guardians of the incident by phone or in person. The parents or legal guardian will also be informed of the corrective actions being taken.

6.4.3.2. The student-athlete is referred for assessment; counseling and treatment at his/her

own expense.


6.4.3.4. The student-athlete forfeits further financial aid from the Department of Athletics as allowed by NCAA guidelines.

6.4.3.5. Information regarding the nature and reason for these actions will be forwarded to the

Office of the Dean of Students. 7. SELF REFERRAL PROGRAM

7.1. Guiding Principles:

7.1.1. Consistent with the educational mission of the Drug Awareness Program the Department of Athletics has adopted this Self-Referral Program to encourage student-athletes to voluntarily seek assistance for drug use or alcohol abuse.

7.1.2. The Self Referral Program is designed to allow the student-athletes; without fear of

disciplinary action, to initiate the process for identifying, confronting and addressing drug or alcohol use or abuse issues through voluntary participation in assessment, evaluation, counseling and education.

7.1.3. Student-athletes may avail themselves of the Self Referral Program one-time during their

association with the Department of Athletics.

7.1.4. The Self Referral Program can only be used prior to an “announced” drug test; for the purposes of this document “announced” includes the time when a list of student-athletes have been assembled and/or student-athletes are actively being notified of testing.

7.1.4.1. Plainly: the Self Referral Program cannot be used for fear of being caught in an

already announced drug test.

7.1.5. Student-athletes may not self-refer for assistance regarding the use of anabolic steroids and similar growth enhancing or performance enhancing substances.


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7.1.6. The concept of the Self Referral Program is for the student-athlete to ask for help for an addictive problem; for this reason the Self Referral Program may not be used while in treatment for an existing violation.

7.2. Procedures:

7.2.1. The student-athlete shall advise the Head Athletic Trainer, Team Physician or Director of Athletics of his/her desire to self-refer for assistance with drug use or alcohol abuse; such notification must occur before the student-athlete has been selected for drug testing.

7.2.2. At the time of notification the student-athlete shall complete the Self Referral Form

(Appendix E) identifying the drugs or alcohol for which assistance is requested.

7.2.3. The student-athlete shall submit to an immediate drug test to determine the presence and concentration of drugs or alcohol in the student-athlete’s system.

7.2.3.1. The student-athlete shall not be subject to corrective action for positive test results for

drugs or alcohol for which the student-athlete self-referred. 7.2.3.2. If the drug test reveals the presence of a prohibited substance(s), including alcohol,

not disclosed by the student-athlete at the time of self-referral, this will constitute a first offense.

7.2.3.3. The student-athlete shall be immediately removed from the Self Referral Program and subject to corrective action as set forth in the Section 6.3.1.

7.2.3.4. Thereafter the student-athlete shall be required to submit to periodic drug tests as determined by the Head Athletic Trainer and Team Physician so that the level of drugs or alcohol in the student-athlete’s system can be regularly monitored.

7.2.4. The student-athlete shall meet with a licensed therapist specializing in the treatment of

addiction for the purposes of determining the characteristics of his/her drug use or alcohol abuse and for making recommendations regarding continued treatment.

7.2.5. Thereafter the student-athlete shall abide by the treatment recommendations as

established by the licensed therapist.

7.2.6. The maximum period of time that a student-athlete can remain in the Self Referral Program is eight (8) weeks.

7.2.7. The Head Athletic Trainer and Team Physician may release a student-athlete from the

Self Referral Program at any time once the student-athlete has completed all required counseling and education; and it is determined that the drugs or alcohol in question are no longer present in the student-athlete’s system.

7.2.8. The Head Athletic Trainer and Team Physician may remove a student-athlete from the

Self Referral Program at any time if it is determined that the student-athlete is not fulfilling his/her obligations as outlined by the treating therapist and Self Referral Program; or that the student-athlete is continuing to use drugs or alcohol for which the student-athlete has self-referred.

7.2.9. While participating in the Self Referral Program a student-athlete shall not be subject to

drug testing otherwise required by the Awareness Program unless there is reasonable cause to believe that the student-athlete may be using a prohibited substance(s).

7.2.10. A student-athlete’s participation in the Self Referral Program shall be confidential.

However, student-athlete’s are encouraged to advise their Head Coach and parents or legal guardians of their decision to participate in the Self Referral Program.


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7.2.11. The Department of Athletics assumes no financial responsibility for the cost of treatment associated with the Self Referral Program.

8. APPEALS PROCEDURE

8.1. The finding of a positive test result may be appealed on the following limited information: (i) new information that significantly alters the finding of a positive test result; (ii) evidence of a procedural error which are significant and resulted in an adverse finding; or (iii) inappropriate sanction.

8.2. To appeal either a positive finding or the sanction imposed; the student-athlete must file an

appeal in writing with the Director of Athletics within five (5) working days of notification of a positive finding.

8.2.1. If a student-athlete appeals the finding of a positive test result, he/she may, in the written appeal, request the laboratory retained by the University perform testing on specimen B. Specimen B findings will be final, subject to the results of any appeal. If specimen B results are negative, the drug test will be considered negative. The student-athlete will be responsible for all costs associated with specimen B analysis (e.g., laboratory cost).

8.3. In such instances, the Director of Athletics will convene an Appeals Panel comprised of three (3) professional staff or faculty members who will hear and make a recommendation to the Director of Athletics. Any Appeals Panel member, who previously participated in the decision to recommend testing, will be excluded from the Appeals Panel.

8.3.1. Any party can challenge a panel member on the grounds of personal bias. An Appeals

Panel member may be disqualified by a majority vote of the panel.

8.4. At his/her own discretion, the student-athlete may be advised by an American University student, faculty, or staff member (“advisor”). The role of an advisor is limited to consultation. While an advisor may be present at the hearing, they may not address Appeals Panel, speak in the hearing, or question witnesses. Because the purpose of this hearing is to provide a fair review of the positive test results under this Program rather than a formal legal proceeding, participation of persons acting as legal counsel is not permitted..

8.5. The hearing shall be convened promptly. However, the Athletic Director shall have the authority

to reasonably extend this period should the Appeal Panel be unavailable to hear the case. The Head Athletic Trainer, or his/her designee, shall present evidence in support of the proposed sanction(s). The student-athlete may be present to hear and review all evidence presented in support, to challenge such evidence, to present other evidence in support of his/her contentions, and to call witnesses or cross-examine other witnesses. Evidence of the student-athlete's drug use and all positive test results will be presented to the Appeals Panel. Reasons why sanctions should be imposed may be presented.

8.6. The Appeals Panel will conduct the hearing, review all available evidence related to the initial findings as well as new evidence or documentation provided by the student-athlete and make a recommendation regarding the appeal The Appeals Panel will forward a summary of the appeal and the recommendations to the Director of Athletics within ten (10) working days after the hearing.

8.7. The Director of Athletics, after reviewing the summary and recommendations of the Appeals Panel, will issue a final decision regarding the appeal. The Director of Athletics will notify in writing, the Head Athletic Trainer, the student-athlete, the Team Physician of his/her decision. The Director of Athletics’ decision shall be considered final.


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9. MISCELLANEOUS

9.1. Nothing contained in this Awareness Program shall prohibit the Head Coach and the Director of Athletics of a student-athlete who has tested positive for a prohibited substance, including alcohol, from taking additional corrective or disciplinary action as he or she deems appropriate; including but not limited to suspending or dismissing the student-athlete from the team..

9.2. The Department of Athletics reserves the right to change the terms and conditions of the

Awareness Program at any time upon reasonable notice provided to the student-athlete.

9.3. This Awareness Program shall be effective as of 1 January 2009, and shall supersede all previous documents and/or program.

9.4. For the purposes of this determining appropriate disciplinary action; a positive test result for a

prohibited substance, including alcohol, shall be valid for a period of twenty-four (24) months.

APPENDIX A


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BANNED DRUG CLASSES The following is a list of banned-drug classes with a few examples of substances under each class. These are all drugs that may be tested for on during NCAA Year Round Drug Testing as well as the American University Drug Screening. The term “related compounds” comprises substances that are included in the class by their pharmacological action and/or chemical structure. No substance belonging to the prohibited class may be used regardless of whether it is specifically listed as an example; a complete list can be found on the NCAA website: NCAA.org. If the student-athlete has any questions about the inclusion of a specific substance they should contact the Athletic Training Staff. STIMULANTS:

• AMPHETAMINE • CAFFEINE • COCAINE • EPHEDRINE • EPHEDRA • GUARANA • MA HUANG • METHAMPHETAMINE • MDMA (ECSTASY) • AND RELATED COMPOUNDS

ANABOLIC AGENTS:

• ANDROSTENEDIOL • ANDROSTENEDIONE • BOLDENONE • CLOSTEBOL • DEHYDROEPIANDRO STERONE (DHEA) • DIHYDROTESTOSTERONE (DHE) • NANDROLONE • STANOZOLOL • TETRAHYDROGESTRINONE (THG) • AND RELATED COMPOUNDS

DIURETICS / URINE MANIPULATORS:

• ACETAZOLAMIDE • BENZHIAZIDE • CHLOROTHIAZIDE • ETHACRYNIC ACID • FUROSEMIDE • HYDROFLUMETHIAZIDE • METOLAZONE • PROBENECID • TRIAMTERENE • AND RELATED COMPOUNDS

STREET DRUGS:

• HEROIN • MARIJUANA • PHENCYCLIDINE (PCP) • TETRAHYDROCANNABINOL (THC)

PEPTIDE HORMONES AND ANALOGUES: • CORTICOTROPHIN (ACTH) • GROWTH HORMONE (hGH) • INSULIN LIKE GROWTH FACTOR (IGF-1) • ERYTHROPOIETIN (EPO)

ANTI-ESTROGENS:

• ANASTROZOLE • CLOMIPHENE • TAMOXIFEN • AND RELATED COMPOUNDS

DRUGS BANNED FOR SPECIFIC SPORTS (RIFLE):

• ALCOHOL • ATENOLOL • METOPROLOL • NADOLOL • PINDOLOL • PROPRANOLOL • TIMOLOL • AND RELATED COMPOUNDS

OPIATES:

• CODEINE • MORPHINE • HYDROMORPHONE • HYDROCODONE • OXYCODONE • DIHYDROCODEINE • AND RELATED COMPOUNDS

BENZODIAZEPINES:

• DIAZEPAM • ALPRAZOLAM • HALAZEPAM • AND RELATED COMPOUNDS

BARBITURATES:

• SECOBARBITAL • PHENOBARBITAL • AND RELATED COMPOUNDS


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APPENDIX B


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AMERICAN UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF ATHLETICS

CONSENT TO PARTICIPATE IN AMERICAN UNIVERSITY’S DRUG AWARENESS PROGRAM

I, , acknowledge that I received a copy of American University’s Drug Awareness Program (“Program”). I have read it, been given the opportunity to ask questions about it, and fully understand the Program’s provisions. It is my understanding that signing this consent form and returning it is a prerequisite to becoming/or continuing to be a member of American University (“University”) intercollegiate athletics. I further understand that I may choose not to sign this Form and forego participation in intercollegiate athletics at American University and forfeit my athletics grant in aid. By signing below, I hereby consent to have my urine collected and tested for the presence of certain drugs, including but not limited to anabolic steroids, cocaine, marijuana, barbiturates, amphetamines and other controlled substances in accordance with the provisions of the Program, and at such other times as testing is required under the Program. I understand that urine samples are sent to outside laboratories for actual testing. I also understand that if it is discovered, based upon the findings of the outside laboratory, that I have in any way, tampered with my urine sample, or any other sample, I will be treated as if I have a positive sample. I further authorize the University or an agent acting on the University's behalf to make a confidential release to the Head Athletic Trainer; my parent(s) or legal guardian(s); the head coach of my sport; the Athletic Director; counselors participating in the Drug Counseling Program; and any other individuals who may be involved in the sanction process; of all information and records, including test results, the University may have relating to the screening or testing of my urine sample(s) in accordance with the provisions of the Program which is applicable to all student-athletes at American University. I waive any privilege I may have in connection with such information only to the limited extent set forth in this Form. I hereby release American University, its officers, directors, agents and employees from all liability or legal responsibility that may arise from the acts that I have authorized or consented to herein. I and my Legal Guardian have carefully read and understand the terms and conditions of this Consent to Participate Form, and agree to be bound by them. ________________________________________________________ Student Signature Date ________________________________________________________ Student Printed Name ________________________________________________________ Student Address ________________________________________________________ Legal Guardian Signature if Student is under age 18 Date ________________________________________________________ Legal Guardian Printed Name


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APPENDIX C


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DRUG TESTING REASONABLE SUSPICION NOTIFICATION FORM

Student-Athlete: ________________________________________________________

Department Staff Member: ________________________________________________ Under the Reasonable Suspicion clause that is outlined in the American University Drug Awareness

Program I wish to report the following objective sign(s), symptom(s) or behavior(s) that I reasonably

believe warrant referring the above named student-athlete to the Head Athletic Trainer / Team Physician /

Director of Athletics for possible drug testing. (Please check all that apply)

THE STUDENT-ATHLETE HAS SHOWN:

IRRITABILITY LOSS OF TEMPER FAILURE TO FOLLOW DIRECTIONS POOR MOTIVATION VERBAL OUTBURST(S) PHYSICAL OUTBURST(S) EMOTIONAL OUTBURST(S) WEIGHT GAIN WEIGH LOSS SLOPPY HYGIENE/APPEARANCE

THE STUDENT-ATHLETE HAS BEEN:

LATE FOR PRACTICE LATE FOR CLASS NOT ATTENDING CLASS RECEIVING POOR GRADES STAYING UP ABNORMALLY LATE MISSING APPOINTMENTS MISSING MEALS

THE STUDENT-ATHELET WAS OBSERVED TO HAVE / TO BE:

DILATED PUPILS CONSTRICTED PUPILS RED EYES SMELLED OF ALCOHOL SMELLED OF MARIJUANA DIFFICULTY WALKING CONSTANTLY RUNNING NOSE OVER STIMULATE “HYPER” WITHDRAWN LESS COMMUNICATIVE SLURRED SPEECH MULTIPLE MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENTS VIOLATION(S) OF THE AMERICAN UNIVERSITY

STUDENT-ATHLETE CODE OF CONDUCT VIOLATION(S) OF THE AMERICAN UNIVERSITY

CODE OF STUDENT CONDUCT VIOLATION(S) OF THE AMERICAN UNIVERSITY

RESIDENCE HALL ALCOHOL POLICY

Other Specific objective findings: _________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

This has been observed by me over the past: ______ hours and/or ______ days.

Reviewed By: ________________________________________________ ___________________ Department of Athletics Staff Member Date


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APPENDIX D


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AMERICAN UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF ATHLETICS DRUG TESTING NOTIFICATION FORM

Student-Athlete: Sport ____________

Date of Notification: Time of Notification: am / pm

I, the Undersigned:

Hereby acknowledge that I have been notified to appear for substance abuse testing, consistent with the policies and procedures established by the American University Drug Awareness Program. I have been notified to report with picture identification to: , on on or before am / pm. (location) (date) (time)

I understand that I will be expected to provide an adequate urine specimen, and that I am not to over hydrate. I further understand that providing numerous diluted specimens may be cause for follow-up testing. I understand that I will be tested for the banned substances listed in NCAA Bylaw 31.2.3.1. I understand that failure to appear at the site on or before the designated time will constitute a withdrawal of my previous consent to be tested as part of the American University Drug Awareness Program, and will be considered a positive test. By signing below, I acknowledge that I have been notified of my mandatory participation in the American University Drug Awareness Program, and that I am aware of what is expected of me in preparation for this drug-testing event. I can be reached at the following telephone number on the day of the test: _______________________

____________________________________________________ _________________________ Student-Athlete’s Signature Date ____________________________________________________ Head Athletic Trainer’s Signature


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APPENDIX E


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SELF REFERRAL PROGRAM

I ________________________ wish to voluntarily disclose use of the following drug(s) under the Self

Referral portion of the American University Drug Awareness Program:

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________ I understand that as part of the program I will be required to submit to an immediate drug test to determine the presence and concentration of drugs and/or alcohol in my system; and that I will not be subject to corrective action for a positive test result for the presence of any substances listed above. I understand that I shall be required to submit to periodic drug tests as determined by the Head Athletic Trainer and Team Physician so that the level of the drug(s) and/or alcohol in my system can be regularly monitored. I further understand that a positive drug test for the presence of a prohibited substance(s), including alcohol, not disclosed above will constitute a first offense under the Drug Awareness Program, that I will be immediately removed from the Self Referral Program and subject to corrective action as set forth in the Section 6.3.1. I agree to meet with a licensed therapist specializing in the treatment of addiction for the purposes of determining the characteristics of my drug use or alcohol abuse and for making recommendations regarding continued treatment. I further agree to abide by the treatment recommendations as established by the licensed therapist. The Head Athletic Trainer and Team Physician may release me from the Self Referral Program at any time once I have completed all required counseling and education; and it is determined that the drugs or alcohol in question are no longer present in my system. The Head Athletic Trainer and Team Physician may remove me from the Self Referral Program at any time if it is determined that I am not fulfilling my obligations as outlined by the treating therapist and Self Referral Program; or for continuing to use drugs or alcohol for which I have self-referred. I understand that my participation in the Self Referral Program shall be confidential. The maximum period of time that a student-athlete can remain in the Self Referral Program is eight (8) weeks. ____________________________________________________ _________________________ Student-Athlete’s Signature Date ___________________________________________________ Head Athletic Trainer / Team Physician Signature ***THE DEPARTMENT OF ATHLETICS ASSUMES NO FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE COST OF TREATMENT ASSOCIATED WITH THE SELF REFERRAL PROGRAM.***


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APPENDIX F


AMERICAN UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF ATHLETICS DRUG TESTING ROSTER

Site Coordinator Date of Test

Place of Test Time of Test am / pm

STUDENT-ATHLETE PRINT NAME

STUDENT-ATHLETE SIGNATURE SPORT TIME

IN CREW

INITIALSTIME OUT

STUD-ATH INITIALS CREW

INITIALS 1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18



APPENDIX G

Corrective Actions – Dates of Competition

MINIMUM NUMBER OF DATES FOR 2ND POSITIVE DRUG TEST (NON-ALCOHOL)

Sport NCAA Max Dates of Competition Minimum Number of Competitions

Men’s Basketball 29 9 Women’s Basketball 29 9 Cross Country 7 3 Field Hockey 20 6 Women’s Lacrosse 17 5 Men’s Soccer 20 6 Women’s Soccer 20 6 Swimming / Diving 20 6 Track and Field (Indoor / Outdoor)

18 5

Volleyball 28 8 Wrestling 16 5 MINIMUM NUMBER OF DATES FOR 2ND POSITIVE TEST (ALCOHOL)

Sport NCAA Max Dates of Competition Minimum Number of Competitions

Men’s Basketball 29 7 Women’s Basketball 29 7 Cross Country 7 2 Field Hockey 20 5 Women’s Lacrosse 17 4 Men’s Soccer 20 5 Women’s Soccer 20 5 Swimming / Diving 20 5 Track and Field (Indoor / Outdoor)

18 4

Volleyball 28 7 Wrestling 16 4

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EQUIPMENT OPERATIONS AND SERVICES Athletic Equipment Operations and Services are responsible for overseeing the procurement, inventory, distribution, and return of equipment/apparel as well as the laundry operations for the athletic department and some adjunct groups. The equipment staff strives to improve the student-athlete experience by providing support services to coaches, staff, AU administration and the student-athletes themselves with the goal of helping students to enjoy their time at American University. Apparel and Equipment The apparel and equipment needed to participate and practice varies from sport to sport. Each head coach must determine which sport-specific items to issue to the student-athletes on his or her respective teams. The head coach also must determine which items are reusable the subsequent season and as such need to be returned by the student-athletes after the season. The head coach will provide the Equipment Manager with a list of sport-specific apparel the equipment room is to issue each team member.

Issue and Return of Apparel All equipment and apparel that is issued to a student-athlete will be accounted for by the Equipment Manager. In the event an item is misplaced, lost or stolen, the equipment manager will consult the head coach (or the designate from the coaching staff) to determine the replacement process. Following the completion of the season, each team must return all apparel that the head coach determines to be reusable, as well as all equipment, at a time designated by the head coach in consultation with the Equipment Manager. Each head coach may determine how his or her team is to return these items (i.e. directly to the equipment room, to the coach at a team meeting, etc). At the discretion of the head coach, sport-specific apparel may be used for team practice sessions throughout the academic year, including out of season practice and non-championship seasons. Removal from a Team (Voluntary or Involuntary) Student-athletes who voluntarily leave or are dismissed from a team, or render himself or herself ineligible to remain a member of a team, are required to turn in all items of apparel and equipment immediately upon removal from the team roster (this excludes any items the student-athlete may have purchased personally). Together, the equipment manager and head coach will monitor the situation and apprise the designated athletic department administrator on any further action needed until the outstanding items are returned (i.e., financial hold placed on student account). Retention of Apparel and Equipment at the End of Collegiate Participation The head coach of each team has the discretion to allow those student-athletes who reach the end of their collegiate participation through exhaustion of eligibility to retain sport-specific apparel. Student-athletes may purchase used equipment on the same cost basis as anyone else interested in purchasing used equipment.

Bill for Equipment and Apparel Student-athletes who are required to return these items but fail to do so will be billed for their replacement. Due to the discounts received on orders placed in large quantity and by a certain date, the price for replacing individual items increases in this type of case. Therefore, the replacement rate that will be billed is the Replacement Cost + 50 percent. The Equipment Manager will determine replacement cost based on current market pricing and the time frame for which the item(s) are needed.

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Athletic Laundry Procedures

Laundry service should be viewed as a privilege, and treated as such. It is critical in helping maintain cleanliness and in preventing certain types of disease and other medical conditions. Student-athletes must have items used for practice and competition laundered after each use before using them again.

Laundry service for teams will be provided during the academic year and will be extended to cover sports in their championship season outside of the traditional academic calendar, and preference is given to sports during their championship season. Laundering of gear will be provided for items used for practice and competition only, via the use of individually numbered laundry loops. Laundry loops must be placed in the designated area (hamper/bucket in locker room, drop off at equipment desk, etc.) to be determined by the equipment manager. Each team’s laundry is done separately. Only laundry placed in designated area prior to pick up and/or wash time will be laundered; loops left on locker room floor, "near" designated area or loose items not on a laundry loop are not guaranteed be laundered. Laundry loops are considered equipment and are governed by the same policies. In order to receive a new loop, the old loop must be presented for inspection. If a loop breaks, DO NOT THROW IT AWAY. Requests for a new loop, particularly those without an old loop for exchange, will be handled on a case-by-case basis. Please note that laundry bags are no longer an acceptable means of having clothes laundered for student-athletes.

Competition items will be issued or packed, and subsequently returned by the student-athlete, in a manner and time frame agreed upon by the head coach and equipment manager. Competition items are NOT to be placed in the laundry bucket. Do not keep competition items or leave them in your locker between competition dates.

Towels

Towels can be provided at the request of each team’s head coach or equipment liaison for the entire team. One allotment will be provided for each team based on the roster size. An individual student-athlete may also request a towel, but it is the individual’s responsibility to follow the policy.

Once towels are issued, there are two ways to receive a clean towel: return towels with the laundry in the buckets/hampers or bring a dirty towel to the equipment desk to exchange for a clean one. Requests outside of these two scenarios will not be honored. Towel service should be viewed as a privilege and is subject to review of the equipment manager should it be found that the service is being abused. Student-athletes may use personal towels and have them laundered; however, should the laundry load size increase beyond a reasonable level, the equipment manager reserves the right to amend the service.

The Athletic Training and Sports Medicine Staff has towels for its own use. These towels are to only be used for athletic training/sports medicine purposes, and they are laundered and cared for separately. DO NOT use athletic training towels outside of their intended purpose, including for showers.

IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS-EQUIPMENT ROOM Johnathan Katona, Head Equipment Manager 202-885-3061 Equipment Room 202-885-3060

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STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING

Top 10 Rules and Expectations 1) Be punctual. If a workout is scheduled for a specific time, be there on time and ready to go.

2) Technique is paramount. Do it right and strive to make every repetition perfect no matter what the drill or exercise you are performing.

3) The emphasis should not be on how much weight you are lifting, but how fast you are lifting it in good form. Athletics is about power, which is Force x Distance/Time. The athlete that can apply the maximum amount of force in the shortest amount of time is the more powerful athlete and usually tends to be more successful.

4) There is no sitting down in the weight room. You sit when performing upper body, abs and stretching.

5) I expect 100% during every workout. There will be good days and bad days and that is understandable, but laziness will not be tolerated. Toughness – the ability to consistently perform toward the upper range of your talent and skill regardless of the competitive circumstance. “A fundamental component of toughness is physical fitness. A low tolerance for physical stress typically means the battle will be lost before it begins. Once athletes reach their physical limits, it’s like unplugging the computer from its power source.”

6) Captains and upperclassmen are expected to lead by example.

7) The most important muscles aren’t the ones you see in the mirror, they are the ones that you can’t see. The show muscles are in front and the go muscles are in the back.

8) You play in 3 dimensions therefore we will train in all planes of movement. You must be able to move efficiently in all directions.

9) Flexibility and Balance do not just happen; they must be worked like all other aspects of training. The better your flexibility and balance the easier movement becomes and the chance of injury goes down.

10) An athlete must eat more than an average person due to the calories expended during activity. And an athlete in training must consume even more calories due to the demands of training on top of the activity. *NOTE* One night of heavy drinking sets your training back 2-3 days.

IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS – STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING Jason Riddell, Head Strength & Conditioning Coach 202-885-3056 Jake Patton, Asst. Strength & Conditioning Coach 202-885-3091

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ATHLETIC AWARDS Varsity Letters Varsity letters are awarded to student-athletes after the recommendation by the head coach to the Associate Director of Athletics/Senior Woman Administrator for outstanding service and accomplishment as a member of a varsity athletic team at American University. Membership on a varsity athletic team does not automatically guarantee a varsity letter for a student-athlete. Each head coach sets the standards for earning a varsity letter at the beginning of each academic year. The head coach should share this information with the student-athletes at the beginning of the year to ensure that student-athletes are informed during the process. This standard should be articulated and kept in writing in the Associate Director of Athletics for Compliance office. In addition to the head coach's standards for earning a varsity letter, all student-athletes in their first year of involvement in American University Athletics must satisfy three additional requirements. Those student-athletes must complete all requirements set out by the Academic Support Program, and the student-athlete must return for the following season. The established awards are as follows: First year letter……………Jacket Senior year…………....…...Watch It is important to note that: Jackets are awarded to student-athletes who meet the sports criteria for earning a letter who complete the entire academic year with the team and return to the team the following year. Awards are presented for lettering in a sport and not simply for participating or attending. Awards are made in recognition of a significant contribution to the team. The Athletic Department watch is presented to those student-athletes who have completed their eligibility and have competed for at least two years at American University. Senior Student-Athlete Award This award is presented to a male and a female student-athlete with no remaining eligibility, who has exhibited outstanding athletic ability, academic achievement, leadership, and sportsmanship. This young woman and man are recognized at the Student-Athlete Banquet at the end of the academic year, and their names are placed on a permanent trophy housed in the department. Barbara J. Reimann Post Graduate Scholarship The Barbara J. Reimann Scholarship is a scholarship awarded to a senior student athlete who is pursing a post graduate degree. The student-athlete must have excelled academically, athletically and been an active participant in community service. This award is competitive; students can nominate themselves

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or be nominated by their coaches. Nominations are submitted to the Associate Director of Athletics/SWA and are evaluated by the Barbara J. Reimann Post Graduate Scholarship Committee. The awardee is announced at the Student-Athlete Awards Banquet.

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DEPARTMENT OF INTRAMURAL and CLUB SPORTS

Current and former varsity athletes are allowed to compete in Intramural Sports as long as the requirements below are followed. Athletes are advised to check with the Intramural office regarding their eligibility prior to participating in Intramural Sports The Intramural Staff will determine exceptions to participant restrictions.

a. Individuals who fall into one of the following categories are restricted in their

Intramural participation.

1. current athletic scholarship men and women 2. varsity letter winners from any four-year institution

3. current varsity athletic squad members

4. professional athletes

The restrictions are defined in the following sections.

b. Two-Person Rule: No team may have more than two individuals on its roster who fall

into one of the four categories listed above. c. Varsity Letter Winners: Male or female students who have earned a varsity letter from

a four-year college or university shall be ineligible to compete in the sport or associate sport in which they lettered until a full year has elapsed from when they materially participated with the team.

d. Current Athletic Scholarship Men and Women

1. Current athletic scholarship men or women shall be defined as American

University students whose names appear on the official athletic scholarship list at any time during the academic year.

2. For Intramural purposes, all current athletic scholarship men and women shall

be ineligible to compete in their specific sport or associate sport. Should a man or woman be removed from athletic scholarship, he or she will remain ineligible in his or her specific sport or associate sport for a complete calendar year.

3. In team sports, other than their specific sport or associate sport, athletic

scholarship men and women are limited by the two-person rule.

4. Scholarship men and women must compete in the highest class offered in any sport.

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e. Ex-Varsity Athletes

1. Varsity letter winners who have either quit or used up their eligibility at American University shall be ineligible for a period of one calendar year from the time they quit or use up their eligibility in their specific sport or associate sport.

a. Should a letter winner remain in school after his or her eligibility has

expired, he or she will be limited by the two-person rule.

f. Squad Members

1. Squad members are defined as students, who have varsity ability or potential, including students who are ineligible, walk-ons, or red-shirts whose names are submitted by the varsity coach, and/or students who have competed in an intercollegiate contest.

2. Students whose names appear on an official intercollegiate varsity squad list

are ineligible to compete in that sport or associate sport.

3. Squad members will be limited by the two person rule.

4. Squad members must participate in the highest level of classification offered in all divisions.

CLUB SPORTS Current and former varsity athletes are allowed to participate in the club sports program provided they meet any requirements set forth by the club and its national governing body. Athletes are advised to check with the Club Sports office regarding their eligibility prior to participating in Club Sports. The Intramural Staff will determine exceptions to participant restrictions. Appeals of any participation decision may be made to the Intramural Sports Council. All decisions made by this council regarding participation are final.

Documents

2010-11 Student-Athlete Handbook