STUDENT-ATHLETE

HANDBOOK

Our Vision

UNBC Athletics and Recreation will encourage wellness while building community and character through competition,

cooperation and participation.

Our Mission

Support, develop and deliver athletic and academic excellence in our student-athletes.

Our Values

Integrity Competence

Respect

Contents

Welcoming Letter ..................................................... 1

UNBC Behavioural Expectations and Guidelines ..... 2

Disciplinary Action .................................................... 5

Academic Policies & Procedures ............................... 6

Academic Appeals & Grievances ............................... 9

Student-Athlete Financial Assistance (AFA) ............. 9

Student-Athlete Insurance ...................................... 10

Student-Athlete Responsibilities ............................. 11

Athletic Therapy ...................................................... 17

Directory .................................................................. 18

Frequently Asked Question’s ................................... 19

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Hello and Welcome to UNBC and Timberwolves Athletics. You are now part of the Timberwolves family and with that come responsibility and accountability. Please be aware that the other students and staff at the university are a vital part to our success. Take every opportunity to let them know how your program is doing and when you are competing so that they may come out to support you and help cheer you onto victory. As UNBC Timberwolves you have the responsibility to continue to build on our established tradition, whether it’s in the class room or on your respective playing field. Your peers and professors will be paying closer attention to how you carry yourself as compared to others. Inappropriate behavior may be magnified, whether this is fair or not so keep this in mind. With the privileges of being a member of an Athletic program comes many expectations. This handbook is an important tool for each of you in understanding those expectations for a variety of topics including code(s) of ethic, scholarship/award information and responsibilities as a student-athlete. Your coaches and the Athletics department are here to support you in any manner you need, all you need to do is ask for help. We look forward to watching your growth in your pursuit of excellence in the classroom and in sport.

Loralyn Murdoch, Athletics Director

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UNBC Behavioural Expectations and Guidelines As a member of Timberwolves Athletics, all student-athletes are required to abide by regulations and policies outlined in the UNBC Undergraduate Calendar and/or UNBC Graduate Calendar. In particular, student-athletes should familiarize themselves with the Regulations and Policies section, in particular:

III. Student Conduct Statement of Principles, 5. Student Standards of Conduct.

Guidelines for Student-Athletes Student-athletes are expected to conform to a higher standard of behavior by exhibiting the following qualities while involved in competitive situations:

1) Integrity - respect the rights of other athletes, coaches and

public. 2) Competence

- strive to perform to the best of your abilities. 3) Respect for the rules

- play fair and display respect for your sport. 4) Respect for officials

- exhibit respect for referees’ and officials’ judgments and decisions.

- refrain from directing criticism towards game officials when speaking to the media.

Student-athletes are expected to adopt the following personal attributes and priorities:

a) Athlete’s interests - act in the best interests of the team foremost.

b) Personal conducts - expect and present the best of one’s self at all times.

c) Academics - place academic pursuits ahead of athletic ambitions.

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UNBC Behavioral Requirements UNBC expects all varsity programs along with their coaching staff, to establish team rules. The Athletics department requires that all student-athletes conduct themselves in accordance with Canada West Universities Athletic Association (CWUAA) and U SPORTS rules and regulations as well as following the behavioral requirements set out by the department and UNBC.

a) You are committed to behavior that will reflect well on the reputation of UNBC, your teammates, opponents, coaches and officials.

b) You abide by the rules and regulations set out by the CWUAA and the U SPORTS.

c) You conduct yourself in all situations in a manner that would maintain and enhance positive student-athlete / Coach relationships.

d) You do not willfully damage the property of others which would include, but is not limited to, facilities at UNBC and other Universities, transportation vehicles and accommodations.

e) You treat yourself and others with respect and dignity. f) Refraining from sexist, racists, or discriminatory language

and/or behavior as prohibited by the Human Rights Code. g) Refraining from the consumption / use of alcohol or illegal /

banned substances while on route to the site of athletic events / contests, hotels, competitions or practices. The consumption or possession of these substances while on UNBC team transport is strictly prohibited.

h) Refraining from hazing / initiation activities of any type. UNBC Timberwolves Athletics definition of hazing is:

“any action taken or situation created as part of initial or continued membership on a team which 1) produces or could be expected to produce mental discomfort, harm, stress, embarrassment, harassment, or ridicule or 2) which violate UNBC Code of Student Conduct, the student-athlete code of conduct or law.”

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UNBC Harassment Policy Discrimination and harassment are prohibited by law in British Columbia by the British Columbia Human Rights, Citizenship and Multiculturalism Act. In keeping with efforts to establish and maintain an environment in which the dignity and worth of all members of the college community are respected, it is the policy of UNBC that discrimination/ harassment of students and employees is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. More information about UNBC’s Harassment Policy can be found in the:

UNBC Undergraduate Calendar, Undergraduate Regulations and Policies, IV. Harassment, Discrimination and Diversity Initiatives

and the approved policy can be found at: http://www.unbc.ca/assets/policy/diversity/harassment_and_discrimation_final.pdf.

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Disciplinary Actions Any student-athlete found to be in violation of the rules or policies as stated in the Student Code of Conduct or this handbook may be subject to the following disciplinary action as determined by the Athletics Director in consultation with the Head Coach. A. Probation A student-athlete may be placed on probation for a period of time as determined by the Athletics Director. The terms of probation may be modified depending on the circumstances however; basic probationary conditions imply that the student-athlete will be immediately suspended from Timberwolves Athletics for the remainder of the academic year if they violate any Timberwolves Athletics rule or policy while under probation. B. Suspension from the Athletic Program The period of suspension shall be determined by the Athletics Director. Suspension shall imply that the individual, while under suspension, shall not be eligible for the benefits of Timberwolves Athletics including, but not limited to:

• participation in team practices and or games; • travel with the team; • eligibility for a scholarship, award or bursary.

C. Coach’s Ability to Release Student-Athletes The Head Coach has the authority to release a student-athlete from their program for justifiable cause, however every effort must be made to work with the student-athlete to educate and improve on their behaviour.

Any release from a varsity program must be in written form with copies to the student-athlete and the Athletics Director.

These disciplinary measures will take effect upon written notification from the Athletics Director to the student-athlete in question.

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Academic Policies and Procedures UNBC is committed to maintaining high standards, encouraging academic success and indicating to students when their current program of study may be inappropriate or their academic performance may be inadequate. In keeping with these goals, the university reserves the right to warn students regarding their academic status and also to disqualify students from further registration in credit courses at the institution for a period of one full academic year (fall, winter and spring semesters) if their academic performance fails to meet the minimum academic standards. Academic standards, as defined in this policy, are university-wide and relate to a student’s eligibility to continue to register in credit courses at UNBC. Students should be aware that specific programs of study may require conditions in addition to these minimum university-wide standards; failure to meet such program specific standards can result in the student being required to withdraw from the program to which he/she was initially admitted and in which he/she is currently enrolled. Information concerning program-specific requirements is available in the university calendar and in departmental policies and procedures. The responsibility for being familiar with and fulfilling these program-specific requirements rests with the student. Procedure The academic records of all credit students enrolled at UNBC will be reviewed on a semester basis, to ensure eligibility integrity and to confirm requirements set out by the U SPORTS are followed. Should any issue with regards to academic eligibility come into question the Athletics Director and the Head Coach for that program will be contacted immediately. Academic Progress Criteria

1. Students must have attempted a minimum of 18 credits

before their academic record will be reviewed at the end of

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any given academic year. Students who have accumulated fewer than 18 credits will be deemed ineligible to continue their studies until such time as they have passed a minimum of at least 18 credits.

2. Those students who have attempted at least 18 credits (including courses from which they withdraw) will be considered ineligible to continue their studies at the university and will be academically disqualified if their cumulative grade point average at the time of the annual academic progress review is less than 1.50.

3. Students may request the Office of the Registrar to perform a manual recalculation of their cumulative grade point average to include only the highest grade awarded for repeated course work and to exclude grades in any courses that were taken more than six (6) years previously. If, as a result of this manual calculation, the revised cumulative grade point average exceeds 1.50, the student will not be academically disqualified and will be permitted to continue his or her studies at the university.

4. Students who are registered in credit courses at the time of their disqualification will have their registration cancelled; any tuition and mandatory fees that have been assessed and paid for those courses will be refunded.

Academic Warning The Office of the Registrar will issue an official academic warning to those students whose cumulative grade point average at the end of any semester of study is less than 2.00. Students who are issued an official academic warning are strongly encouraged to meet with their academic advisor and/or a university counsellor to review their academic standing and how best it might be improved in the following semester of studies. Further information about UNBC’s Academic policies and procedures can be found at: UNBC Undergraduate Calendar, Undergraduate Regulations and Policies, V. General Academic Regulations. 48. Academic Standing-Definition 49. Conditions of Academic Standing

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Re-admission after Academic Disqualification Students who have been academically disqualified must apply for readmission in accordance with the application deadlines for new students that are specified in the “Academic Schedule” published in the university calendar. Prior to making application for readmission, disqualified students must meet and consult with a university counsellor regarding their academic plans. The counsellor will indicate to the Office of the Registrar when this consultation has occurred in order to complete the student’s application procedure. Under exceptional circumstances involving documented medical reasons or serious domestic affliction, a student may request that the Registrar waive a second or subsequent disqualification is s/he withdraws from all courses during the academic year to which s/he has been readmitted and if, as a consequence, his or her cumulative grade point average at the time of the annual academic review falls below 1.50. The request for consideration of a waiver and the exceptional circumstances must have occurred prior to the end of the student’s final examination period. Timberwolves Athletics Academic Eligibility Standard In support of Timberwolves Athletics' emphasis on the academic success of its student-athletes, an academic standard for continuing participation in the athletic program has been established. Any student-athlete who does not achieve a minimum 1.50 grade point average in a calendar year of attendance, may be suspended from participating in any Timberwolves Athletics activities, including team practices or competition, for one full year while their sport is in play. Reinstatement would only be granted provided that the student-athlete continues full time attendance and achieves a grade point average above 1.50 in the academic semester subsequent to suspension.

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Academic Appeals and Grievances Information about UNBC’s Academic policies and procedures can be found at:

UNBC Undergraduate Calendar, Undergraduate Regulations and Policies, V. General Academic Regulations. 50. Appeals Process ***It is the responsibility of the student-athlete to familiarize themselves with the university’s policy on Academic Appeals and Grievances. It is also their responsibility to lodge and attempt to resolve all appeals and grievances they may have. It is not the responsibility of their Head Coach or the Athletics Director. Student-Athlete Financial Assistance (AFA) UNBC offers a wide range of scholarships, bursaries and awards to recognize outstanding students and to provide financial assistance to help meet educational costs. The Awards and Financial Aid Unit of the Office of the Registrar helps students obtain the funds necessary to finance their UNBC education and to provide educational budgeting services. Their website contains an online Scholarship, Bursary and Awards Guide, as well as, information on:

• Applying for Awards, • Undergraduate Awards, • Graduate Awards, • Student Responsibilities and How to Complete Online

Applications, • Financing Your Education, and • Financial Aid Resources.

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Student-Athlete Insurance In BC, public health insurance is called the Medical Service Plan (MSP). It covers the cost of medically-necessary insured hospital and doctor services. For a complete list of services covered by MSP go to: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/health-drug-coverage/msp/bc-residents/benefits. MSP is the most basic coverage provided by BC and is separate from NUGSS Health and Dental Plan. You are still required to pay for MSP in addition to NUGSS Health and Dental Benefits. However, as a student, you might be able to qualify for MSP Premium Assistance Program and be exempt from paying MSP monthly fee for the duration of your studies and also qualify for supplementary benefits. As a student in attendance at UNBC, you are covered under the terms of an insurance policy established by ASEQ | Studentcare, which provides coverage in the event of injury sustained as a result of an accident occurring while this policy is in force. The costs of the plans are included in your institutional fees provided you meet the following Studentcare eligibility enrolment criteria. The NUGSS Extended Health and Dental Plan does not replace MSP or an equivalent plan (such as other provincial health care plans or a private basic plan). It offers you extra coverage in addition to basic medical covered by the BC Services Card. For example:

• Provincial Medical covers the cost of your visit to a general practitioner, but not the cost of prescription drugs. The NUGSS plan provides you with coverage for many medications your physician might prescribe for you, including most oral contraceptives, insulin and diabetic supplies.

• MSP covers basic medical services such as a cast for a broken leg, but not the cost of an ambulance, or medical equipment such as crutches or wheelchair rental, which the NUGSS plan does cover.

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• MSP will not cover dental work such as cleanings, fillings, oral surgeries.

• MSP will not cover your eye exams or your travel insurance.

The NUGSS plan also covers many other services that basic MSP does not, including:

• Health Coverage • Dental Coverage • Vision Coverage • Travel Coverage.

Please also visit their website for information on:

• Health & Dental Group Number, • Travel Group Number, • How to Claim, • Claim forms, • Checking your Claim’s Status, and • Finding a Studentcare Network Health Care Professional.

Student-Athlete Responsibilities Equipment Room Policies for Athletic Programs Program equipment (i.e. practice balls, reversible’s, etc.) will be collected and brought to practice by the coaching staff or designated individual. Damaged or missing equipment will be reported to the Athletics Director or Athletics Coordinator. CWUAA rules dictate that home programs are responsible for supplying practice equipment (balls, etc.); therefore, these items will not be issued for "AWAY" games. As towels are not supplied by CWUAA home programs, check with your Head Coach before travelling to confirm if towels are needed.

All team uniforms will be returned the same evening for "HOME" games or the first morning upon return to the university for "AWAY" games.

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Uniform requests for other than regularly scheduled games (i.e. exhibition) must be submitted to the Athletics Coordinator by the Head Coach. Note: The uniforms and equipment issued are the property of UNBC and must be returned to UNBC. If equipment/uniforms are not returned to UNBC, the marks and transcripts of the student-athlete(s) involved may be withheld in addition to suspension of scholarships and or awards if applicable. Fund Raising At present, the programs athletic budgets cover the costs associated with meeting the league schedule commitment and a limited amount of exhibition travel. Athletes may be asked to assist or participate in limited department fundraising activities.

Adopt-a-Timberwolf Program Program Head Coaches may require that team members acquire Adopt-a-Timberwolf sponsorship to assist with their individual team’s budget. Coaches may elect to designate a minimum amount that each student-athlete must generate. Student-athletes may voluntarily agree to generate more than the designated minimum but this cannot be placed as a condition of team membership. The Adopt-an-Athlete program is a donor solicitation program that provides tangible benefits for student-recruited donors. Funds generated are placed in an account designated for each program’s specific travel, equipment and operational needs. The Athletics Director or designate reserves the right to approve or decline all proposed Adopt-a-Timberwolf account expenditures.

Supplementary Fund Raising Each program may conduct their own fundraising projects. Team fund raising ventures must be approved by the Athletics Director (or designate) and be accompanied with a written proposal outlining the following: a) type of project;

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b) implementation of project; c) manpower; d) licensing (if required); e) proposed budget; f) intended use of funds. All projects utilizing the UNBC name must be financially accountable to the University and utilize established cash handling procedures.

Note: All monies collected or expended on projects must be administered through the athletic budgets. Programs may not operate separate bank accounts for the collection or disbursement of funds. Practice and Training Sessions You must attend all practice and training sessions unless otherwise specified by the Head Coach. The only allowable exceptions are time conflict with a scheduled class or exam, illness, or injury that prevents you from leaving your bed. An incapacitated athlete can still watch, listen and learn! You are expected to be ready to start practice at the designated time. Changing, taping, etc. are to be completed prior to the start time. Each student-athlete is expected to do his/her best to maintain fitness during the pre-season and in-season. Coaches will forward suggested training plans or ideas for acquiring the necessary level of physical conditioning. Weight training sessions and conditioning sessions are considered mandatory practice sessions. The student-athlete is expected to follow the training routine as outlined by the Head Coach. Attire All student-athletes are representatives of the University and should be prepared to present themselves accordingly. You are expected to dress appropriately on all road trips.

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Departure Times For road trips, all members of the travelling group are expected to be at the place of departure at the designated time as outlined by the Head Coach. The transport vehicles will leave at that time. Those who arrive late will find themselves left behind. Expenses All transportation and accommodation expenses incurred on team road trips will be paid by the University. In addition, each student-athlete is allotted a $25.00 per day meal allowance broken down as follows: breakfast $6, lunch $7, dinner $12. Incidental expenses in accommodations i.e.: phone calls, room service, in-room movies, etc. are the responsibility of the individual student-athlete(s) and must be paid prior to the team departure from the lodgings. Failure to do so will result in disciplinary action taken by the Athletics Department. Specific Guidelines There are a number of specific guidelines that must be adhered to for the protection and benefit of team members and Timberwolves Athletics. These are: 1. The use of illegal drugs by any intercollegiate athlete will not

be permitted and will result in immediate dismissal from the athletic program along with written notification to the student-athlete's parents or guardians.

2. Alcohol will not be consumed by any intercollegiate athlete while travelling to or from an athletic event.

3. Alcohol consumption on chartered vehicles (i.e. buses, vans, airplanes) will not be permitted to or from any events.

4. Alcohol consumption in lodgings will not be permitted. 5. No alcohol will be consumed in the locker rooms of any

institution before, during or after UNBC competition. 6. Any incidents arising out of the misuse of alcohol as stated

will result in the immediate suspension from the Athletic

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Program of all persons involved, pending further investigation.

7. No one other than UNBC team members are allowed into your hotel room. You are responsible for ensuring that your hotel room is left in a neat and undamaged state.

8. No items are to be removed from the hotel rooms other than that which you have brought with you.

9. When curfews are stipulated by Coaches, they are to be strictly adhered to.

10. All room expenses are the responsibility of the occupants and must be paid for at the time of the checkout, i.e. phone calls, room service, etc.

11. All team members will travel to and from all contests with the team and are expected to stay with the team at the accommodation provided unless other arrangements have been made and approved by the Head Coach.

Uniforms The university provides team uniforms for all sports. Student-athletes are required to wear the complete team uniform as issued without variations except where provided for by league rules. Community Service Timberwolves Athletics has created a positive presence within the community through volunteer ventures such as the Outreach program. Over the course of the year student-athletes may be asked to participate in various volunteer opportunities in order to give back to the Prince George community and to further garner support from the community by maintaining a positive image. Guidelines for Dealing with the Media As an elite athletic program with a solid reputation, Timberwolves Athletics receives a significant level of media attention which can serve a positive function in promoting your team and our program. The following guidelines are designed to help you deal with the media so that your team and our

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Athletics Program receive the maximum benefit that media exposure can provide. 1. Be available, accommodating and accessible to the media as

much as possible. Remember, members of the media are trying to do their job and often have tight deadlines to meet, so we need to make their job as easy as possible. If it becomes difficult or inconvenient to report on Timberwolves Athletics, the media will turn to our competitors and provide them with the valuable media coverage that should be allocated to UNBC. On the other hand, if they find it easy to deal with UNBC Athletics personnel, we will likely receive greater coverage.

You can help the media by returning phone calls promptly, making yourself or your athletes available for interviews when requested and by answering the questions posed to you. If you feel that the media's request or presence is disruptive to your team's preparations for an important competition, it is certainly acceptable to politely make this known so that a more conducive appointment time can be scheduled.

2. Answer questions posed by the media in a positive tone.

Remember that you are representing your team, as well as Timberwolves Athletics and UNBC, so the impression you leave can slant a story which has a far wider impact than simply upon yourself as an individual. It is never permissible to make critical or negative comments about game officials, the opposing team or UNBC personnel. If you have a concern about an individual who belongs to any of these categories, save your comments/opinions for a meeting with the Athletics Director at a later date and we will collectively determine the best course of action to deal with the circumstances.

3. If a controversial situation involving your team/program

arises, the Athletics Director would like to discuss the 'message' to be sent to the media with you prior to any interviews. A consistent and prepared message needs to be delivered which de-escalates the controversy and directs

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attention back to the many positive aspects of our program. It is unwise to avoid the media since this tends to raise suspicions that there is 'more to the story' which only serves to exacerbate a controversial situation. Be honest and fair in your comments but remember that you can control an interview by the manner in which you phrase your answers to evocative questions.

4. Be conscious of who you assign to be the spokesperson for

your team. Select coaches or athletes who are comfortable answering questions and are somewhat articulate.

5. If you need any further assistance in dealing with the

media, please direct further inquiries to the Sports Information Officer.

6. On-Campus/Student Media: Treat them as you would treat

media from larger organizations. Our relationship with the student media (print, radio, television) must be a positive one, as they allow us to communicate to the college community in a highly effective manner (inexpensive, extensive coverage). Ensure that you and your athletes return every call and email from the student media!

Athletic Therapy The designated Athletic Therapy Clinic for all UNBC Timberwolves Athletics Program student-athletes is Accelerated Sport & Spine Physiotherapy. You DO NOT need a doctor’s referral to be treated at the clinic and there is no charge for current Timberwolves student-athletes. You may book an appointment by calling 250.960.5349 (please specify that you are a varsity athlete) or drop by (located in the Northern Sport Centre) and talk to the receptionist to make an appointment.

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The hours of operation for receiving treatment are: Monday 8:00 am – 7:00 pm Tuesday 8:00 am – 7:00 pm Wednesday 8:00 am – 7:00 pm Thursday 8:00 am – 7:00 pm Friday 8:00 am – 7:00 pm Decision-Making Process for Returning Injured Athletes Back to Play The decision to return an injured athlete back to play involves the Head and/or Assistant Athletic Therapist(s), the Student Athletic Therapist(s), the Coach and the student-athlete. If a student-athlete feels they can compete, the Student Therapist in consultation with the Head Athletic Therapist and the Head Coach will come to a decision about return to play. If no consensus can be obtained, the decision will lie with a Physician and the Head Athletic Therapist. Directory UNBC Athletics Staff & Coaches Service Desk (ITS) 250-960-5321 Cashier 1005-Administration Building 250-960-5510 Parking (permit) 7-208 beside security desk Academic Advising 250-960-6306 Housing and Residence Life 250-960-6430

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UNBC First Nations Centre 250-960-5772 UNBC Wellness Centre 250-960-5682 Frequently Asked Questions Student-Athlete Eligibility What are the academic requirements for students entering directly from high school or CEGEP? • A minimum 60% average or equivalent on those courses

used to determine your university admission. • Specific to CEGEP, you must also have maintained your

respective academic eligibility in the RSEQ. What are the academic requirements to remain eligible? Student-athletes must: • Be enrolled in a minimum of 3 courses (minimum 9 credit

hours or equivalent) in the term in which they are competing.

• Successfully complete a minimum of 3 full courses, or 6 half courses (minimum 18 credit hours or equivalent) during the academic year.

• Always consult your Head Coach, Athlete Services Coordinator or the athletic department prior to making any changes to your academic program or course load.

Are there any exceptions? • Exceptions are granted within certain academic programs

and circumstances (please consult your Athletic department).

How do I get charged with a year of eligibility? • Depending on the sport you play and the schedule of your

team, you can be charged with a year of eligibility when your

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name appears on the playing roster (or equivalent) of as few as one or as many as three competitions; please be aware of the rules that apply to you by consulting your Athletic department.

• For CEGEP participation, as well as National Team and Professional participation, please consults your Athletic.

• Men’s basketball and hockey have sport-specific regulations related to non-U SPORTS participation which can result in the loss of eligibility; please consult your Athletic department.

• Within related jurisdictions, such as the CCAA or NCAA, you are charged with eligibility in accordance with that jurisdiction’s rules.

How many years of eligibility do I have? • U SPORTS allows you to compete for 5 years in U SPORTS.

In the sport of football, those 5 years must be used within an 8 or 7-year period following their expected date of high school graduation (for Quebec and non-Quebec high school graduates respectively).

• Athletes who have completed their eligibility to participate in another post-secondary jurisdiction, such as the CCAA, are ineligible for U SPORTS competition.

• Athletes who have been charged with a year of eligibility or a season of competition in four separate academic years within a non-Canadian post-secondary jurisdiction, such as the NCAA, are ineligible for U SPORTS competition.

Athletic Scholarships What is an Athletic Scholarship? • Also referred to as an athletic financial award, an athletic

scholarship is any award that is conditional to being on a U SPORTS program.

• An athletic scholarship can include, but is not limited to, scholarships, bursaries, prizes, leadership awards, merit awards, housing, and all other non-employment financial benefit received by an athlete from their institution.

Is there a limit to the value of athletic scholarship that I can receive?

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• Tuition and compulsory fees is the maximum amount you can receive in an academic year, including athletic-related bursaries.

• The value and quantity of athletic scholarship available varies from institution to institution.

• Specific awards may have additional conditions, such as academic success and citizenship, beyond what is stated here.

• Many awards, such as academic awards or awards provided by Sport Governing Bodies or the Federal and Provincial Governments, are not included within the tuition and compulsory fees maximum; please consult your Athletic department.

Who provides athletic scholarships? • All athletics scholarships provided to student-athletes must

be administered through the providing university. • To receive an athletic-related award that is not administered

by your university, the award must not be conditional on attendance at any particular university, that is, you must be free to attend the university of your choice.

When can I receive an athletic scholarship? • You are eligible to receive an athletic scholarship at the

beginning of your first year at a university (September) if you have a minimum entering average of 80% or equivalent.

• Alternatively, where applicable (and excluding Ontario as per Ontario University Athletics policy), you are eligible to receive an athletic scholarship at the end of your first year at a university (spring or summer) if you satisfy U SPORTS academic requirements with at least a 65% average or equivalent.

• Thereafter, you are eligible to receive an athletic scholarship at the beginning of any year if you satisfy U SPORTS academic requirements with at least a 65% average or equivalent in the preceding year (for Ontario universities, as per Ontario University Athletics policy, a 70% average is required).

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Please note that Regional Associations and institutions may have additional regulations that are of a more stringent nature; please consult your Athletic department about these rules. Doping Control Program What is the U SPORTS Doping Control Program? • U SPORTS, in cooperation with the Canadian Centre for

Ethics in Sport (CCES), coordinates a doping control program that incorporates both “in-season” and “out-of-season” testing.

• Student-athletes are tested in accordance with the rules of the Canadian Anti-Doping Program (CADP).

Who’s eligible for testing and when can I be tested? • Every U SPORTS student-athlete is eligible for testing, both

in and out of competition, throughout the year.

What’s permitted and what’s prohibited? • The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Prohibited List is

applied in Canada by the CADP. • The Global Drug Reference Online (DRO), at

www.globaldro.com, provides athletes and their support personnel with information about which prescription and non-prescription medications are prohibited or not by WADA.

• You can also contact the CCES at 1-800-672-7775, or by e-mail at substances@cces.ca.

Are prescribed medications permitted? • Many medications are prohibited, regardless of a

prescription from a physician. • Athletes must verify the status of any medication before it is

consumed or used. • If you are required to take a medication that is considered

prohibited by WADA to treat an illness or condition, please consult your Athletic department.

Are herbal products and nutritional supplements prohibited? • The CCES believes that the use of supplements poses an

unacceptable risk for athletes and their careers. As such,

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the CCES recommends that athletes do not use supplements. Athletes are responsible for any prohibited substance found in their sample; this is known as strict liability. Serious sanctions may be imposed on athletes who test positive for a prohibited substance regardless of its source (e.g., supplement use).

• The CCES has taken this position because there is little government regulation of the supplement industry. As a result, supplements may be inadvertently contaminated with prohibited substances, intentionally contain prohibited substances, or be mislabelled.

• The CCES is advising athletes who choose to use supplements to support the nutritional demands of training and travelling to take maximum precautions to minimize the associated risks, and to keep a record of the steps that were taken.

• Recommended precautions include: o Make a direct inquiry to the manufacturer. Get a

written guarantee that the product is free of any substances on the current WADA Prohibited List.

o Ask if the manufacturer makes any products that contain prohibited substances at the plant where the supplement is produced.

o Ask if the manufacturer is prepared to stand behind their product. If not, don’t use the product.

o Select a product that has NSF Certified for Sport™ approval. To minimize the risk of inadvertent doping, this program helps athletes identify products that have been tested and certified. Go to: www.nsfsport.com

For more information: contact CCES at 1-800-672-7775 or www.cces.ca or info@cces.ca Thinking About Transferring? As a current U SPORTS student-athlete, how soon can I play after transferring to another U SPORTS school? • One year must pass from your last participation in that

sport, subject to all other rules.

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Are there any exceptions? • When either the sport you play or your academic program

of study has been discontinued at your school, subject to all other rules.

• If you enrol in a graduate or first professional degree program at a school different from the one you attended the previous year, you may be able to participate immediately in U SPORTS competition (please consult your Athletic department).

• Specific to the sports of swimming, track & field, and cross-country running, a student-athlete can transfer to a U SPORTS institution from any degree granting post-secondary institution without restriction in an immediately subsequent academic year under certain conditions (please consult your Athletic department).

What else should I know? • If you contact another school’s coach or Athletic department

representative regarding a potential transfer, the Athletics Director of your present school will be notified.

What if I’m contacted by another coach? U SPORTS coaches and Athletic department representatives are not permitted to contact athletes already attending a U SPORTS school. As a CCAA student-athlete, how soon can I play after transferring to a U SPORTS school? • you can participate immediately in U SPORTS competition,

unless: 1) you have participated in any game(s) in that semester

or term; or 2) you have not achieved a minimum 60% average or

equivalent on those university courses utilized to determine your university admission (please note, effective for 2012-13, a student-athlete must successfully complete a minimum of 18 credit hours or equivalent during the academic year); or

3) you have completed your CCAA eligibility; or 4) you have not maintained your academic eligibility in the

CCAA.

25

As a NCAA or NAIA student-athlete, how soon can I play after transferring to a U SPORTS school? • Subject to all other U SPORTS rules including academic

requirements, and provided you have not been charged with a year of eligibility in four separate academic years within the NCAA or NAIA, one year must pass from your last participation.