Download pdf - SAC Bylaws

Revised – June 2012

BYLAWS OF SOUTH ATLANTIC CONFERENCE

PREAMBLE

We, the members of the Board of Directors of the South Atlantic Conference believe:

A. In a strong comprehensive Conference composed of small liberal arts colleges with similar

academic and athletic philosophies.

B. That the chief executive officers have the responsibilities of providing the leadership in

establishing the philosophy and direction of the Conference relative to the conduct of

intercollegiate athletics.

C. That the primary purpose of our Conference is to enhance the educational mission of its

institutions and all actions taken by the Conference leadership and its members should be

toward that end.

D. That the proper resources and commitments to athletics must be made by the member

institutions to provide the kinds of educational experiences that we collectively value.

E. That all member institutions should commit themselves to participating fully both in spirit and

in resources to the idea and concept of a comprehensive conference. The Conference

members should support each sport at a competitive level, which may provide opportunities

for regional and national play-off possibilities.

We, the members of the Board of Directors of the South Atlantic Conference, strongly affirm the

aforementioned goals and beliefs as an expression of our commonly held athletic philosophy and adopt the

following as the Bylaws of the South Atlantic Conference.

ARTICLE I. NAME

The name of this organization shall be the South Atlantic Conference, hereinafter referred to as the "SAC” or

“the Conference.”

ARTICLE II. PURPOSE

The purpose of the SAC shall be to develop, perpetuate, and enhance the educational mission of its member

institutions through a regional association of senior liberal arts colleges of higher learning and a common

dedication to excellence in intercollegiate athletics. It is presumed that member institutions are dedicated to

help perpetuate the common goals and beliefs in the aforementioned preamble and also committed to

enhancing our educational missions through mutual cooperation, respect and competition. The specific

objectives of the SAC shall include the following:

2

A. To establish a common set of academic standards which will bring credit to the member

institutions and to the SAC

B. To legislate bylaws that ensure the orderly and honorable conduct of the selected sports

offered within the SAC

C. To enhance community, student and public interest in intercollegiate athletics

D. To establish the SAC as a premier small college Conference

ARTICLE III. GENERAL PROVISIONS

A. Amendment of Bylaws

SAC Bylaws may be amended during any annual meeting or special meeting of the Board of

Directors.

A two-thirds vote shall be required to amend Articles I, II, V, VI and IX (Previously Article I, II, III,

IV and VII.) A majority vote shall be required to amend all other Articles.

Amendments may be proposed by any of the Governing Committees. All amendment proposals are

to be transmitted to the Board of Directors through the Commissioner's office within ten (10)

working days prior to the respective meeting.

B. Waiver of Notice

Whenever any notice is required under the provisions of the South Carolina Nonprofit Corporation

Act, or under the provisions of the Articles of Incorporation or by the Bylaws of the SAC, a waiver

thereof in writing signed by the person or persons entitled to such notice, whether before or after the

time stated therein, shall be deemed equivalent to the giving of such notice.

C. Seal

i. Corporate Seal

The corporate seal of the SAC shall consist of the two concentric circles between which is the

name of the SAC and in the center of which is the word "Seal", the year of incorporation and

the state of incorporation.

ii. Championship Seal

The Championship seal of the SAC shall consist of “SAC” in block letters with a star in the

middle of the “A” and a semi-circle swoosh beginning at the top of the “S” and continuing

under the letters.

3

iii. Use of Corporate or Championship Seal

The use of the Corporate or Championship Seal is prohibited without prior written consent

from the Office of the Commissioner.

There will be a rights fee of $150 assessed to any entity that receives permission to use the

Corporate or Championship Seal. In addition, a royalty fee will be negotiated, if applicable.

D. Fiscal Year

The Board of Directors has determined that the fiscal year of the SAC shall be July 1 - June 30.

E. Indemnification of Directors and Officers

Each director, officer, employee or agent of the SAC shall be entitled to indemnification or

reimbursement by the SAC for any expenses or liabilities incurred by him or her under the

circumstances permitting such indemnification or reimbursement under the South Carolina Nonprofit

Corporation Act and subject to the conditions and limitations on such indemnifications and

reimbursements set forth in said Nonprofit Corporation Act.

The Board of Directors may purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a

director, officer, employee or agent of the SAC against any liability asserted against him or her and

incurred by him or her in any such capacity, or arising out of his or her status as such, whether or not

the SAC would have the power to indemnify him or her against such liability.

ARTICLE IV. MEMBERSHIP

A. Initial Member Institutions

Charter members of the South Atlantic Conference are Carson-Newman College, Catawba College,

Elon College, Gardner-Webb College, Lenoir-Rhyne College, Mars Hill College, Presbyterian

College and Wingate College.

B. Current Member Institutions

Current members of the South Atlantic Conference are Anderson University, Brevard College,

Carson-Newman College, Catawba College, Coker College [May 2012], Lenoir-Rhyne University,

Lincoln-Memorial University, Mars Hill College, Newberry College, Queens University of Charlotte

[May 2012], Tusculum College and Wingate University.

C. National Affiliation

The SAC is affiliated with Division II of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).

D. Qualification

To be a member of the SAC, institutions must be fully accredited senior institutions of higher

education by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)/Commission on Colleges

(COC) and must be members in good standing of the NCAA.

4

Member institutions must be fully compatible with the goals and aspirations of the SAC, as set forth

in the Bylaws.

Member institutions must be geographically compatible and must abide by all SAC bylaws, rules and

regulations.

E. Application

Application for membership shall be made in writing to the Board of Directors by the chief executive

officer of the interested party.

If an evaluation visit is recommended and approved by the Board of Directors, the applicant

institution will arrange with the commissioner for an evaluation visit by the conference. The

conference representatives will be selected by the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors and

be comprised of all or part of the following: at least one president, the commissioner, at least one

director of athletics, one faculty athletics representative, one senior woman administrator and the

conference national student-athlete advisory committee representative. [June 2010]

The evaluation visit will be an in-depth review of the state of the institution’s academic and athletic

programs, to include, but not limited to:

A presentation by the institution on its athletic program. This presentation will include

information on the program’s philosophy; sports sponsorship; personnel; records and schedules

for the past three years, including any upcoming commitments; the athletics budget for the last

three years, including the most current; information on a faculty athletics committee or similar

body overseeing athletics and any constitution, bylaws or similar documents for such a

committee; information on booster organizations and any constitution, bylaws or similar

documents for such organizations. [Note: budget information should include athletic scholarship

and equivalencies by sport].

A presentation on compliance with NCAA regulations. This should follow the prescribed ISSG if

completed within three years prior to the visit and include any written reports or policy changes

as a result of the study. Additionally, conference representatives will review institutional financial

aid and eligibility certification procedures and records to ensure compliance.

A tour of campus and athletic facilities.

Other activities at the request of the commissioner or the institution.

A private meeting of the evaluation group before concluding the visit to outline a report for the

conference.

Expenses for the evaluation visit shall be paid by the applicant institution and include: travel

expenses, overnight accommodations and applicable meals. Mileage rates will be reimbursed at

the applicant’s current rate. [June 2010]

Institutions may be granted admission into the conference by a two-thirds vote of the Board of

Directors. The vote will be by written ballot.

Once an institution is granted admission into the Conference, they will be assessed with a one-time

$40,000 buy-in fee.

5

F. Withdrawal

Membership in the SAC is voluntary. Any institution desiring to withdraw their membership must

inform the Council of Presidents no later than May 31 two years prior to their anticipated departure.

In such event, the withdrawal date shall become effective May 31, two years following the filing

date.

A withdrawing member must remain an active member of the Conference and comply with all

Conference regulations until the effective withdrawal date. This includes the payment of dues. A

withdrawing member shall not be entitled to any rebate and/or other accumulated assets of the

Conference.

If a withdrawing member is unable to comply with the withdrawal stipulations, it will be liable for

the sum equal to two year’s dues.

G. Termination

Institutional membership may be terminated or suspended by a two-thirds vote of the Board of

Directors. The vote will be by written ballot.

H. Dues

Dues will be assessed annually and will be based on a sufficient amount to cover all operating costs

of the SAC.

The Athletic Directors Committee will offer a recommendation on the amount of annual dues one

month prior to the annual spring meeting. The Board of Directors will determine the amount of the

annual dues at the annual spring meeting.

ARTICLE V. SAC OFFICE

The principal office of the SAC shall be located in Rock Hill, York County, South Carolina. The registered

office of the SAC required by law to be maintained in the State of South Carolina may be, but need not be,

identical with the principal office.

Under the direct supervision of the Commissioner, the office will perform the following primary functions:

A. Oversee all regular season competition and Conference Championships and provides

necessary personnel for supervision as well as presentation of awards

B. Develop and distribute annual Conference schedules

C. Serve as a liaison between the NCAA and the member institutions and assist the membership

in the area of compliance with NCAA rules and regulations

D. Act as a media/public relations liaison between the member institutions and the various

Conference media outlets

6

E. Collect and report statistical data for each conference sport and inform the membership and

media about contest results, Conference standings and statistics and upcoming Conference

events.

ARTICLE VI. CONFERENCE OFFICERS

A. Officers

SAC officers are as follows:

1. President

The chair of the Board of Directors is the Conference President.

2. Vice-President

The vice-chair of the Board of Directors is the Conference Vice-President.

3. Secretary-Treasurer

The Commissioner of the SAC shall also serve as Secretary-Treasurer.

B. Governance Committees

The SAC is governed by three (3) committees: the Council of Presidents, the Athletic Directors

Council and the Faculty Athletic Representative Committee. The Council of Presidents may

establish standing and/or ad hoc committees, as deemed necessary. The Commissioner is responsible

for the administrative functions associated with committee operations.

C. Quorum

A simple majority of the membership of each committee constitutes a quorum. Normally, passage or

adoption of a proposal is based upon the number of member institutions present and voting.

ARTICLE VII. BOARD OF DIRECTORS

A. The affairs and property of the SAC shall be managed by the Board of Directors, otherwise referred

to as the Council of Presidents.

B. The Council of Presidents shall consist of the chief executive officer of each member institution or

designee. The designee shall not be a member of the Athletic Directors Council (AD’s) or the

Faculty Athletic Representatives Committee (FAR’s).

C. Each member institution shall have one indivisible vote.

D. The Council of Presidents is the governing body of the Conference with final responsibility for all

matters.

7

E. The Council of Presidents will focus on policy development and delegate operational responsibility

for the conference to the extent allowed by law to the Athletic Directors Council, except for the

following powers which are reserved:

1. All financial matters,

2. Academic standards,

3. Eligibility policies,

4. Selection and employment of the conference commissioner,

5. Conference membership, and

6. Athletic scholarship limitations.

ARTICLE VIII. COMMITTEES

A. Governing Committees

The Council of Presidents, the Athletic Directors Council and the Faculty Athletic Representative

Committee may be sometimes hereinafter collectively referred to as the "Governing Committees."

1. Executive Committee

The Executive Committee shall consist of the current chair and vice-chair and the most recent

past chair of the Council of Presidents.

2. Athletic Directors Committee (AD)

a. The Athletic Directors Council shall consist of the Athletic Director of each member

institution or designee. The chair of the Faculty Athletic Representatives Committee

or designee shall serve as a non-voting ex-officio member of the Athletic Directors

Council.

b. The Athletic Directors Council shall be a recommending body to the Council of

Presidents.

c. Each member institution shall have one vote at the Athletic Directors Council

meetings.

d. Authority for operational decisions resides with the Athletic Directors Council, except

those powers reserved by the Council of Presidents or assigned to the Faculty Athletic

Representatives Committee.

e. The Athletic Directors Council shall conduct the business and administer the affairs of

the SAC in accordance with the Conference Bylaws and Sport Policies.

f. The Commissioner will assist the Athletic Directors Council, as appropriate.

g. Operational duties that have not been assigned in this document will become the

responsibility of the Athletic Directors Council.

h. Select the male and female Conference “Athlete of the Year” recipients.

8

3. Faculty Athletic Representatives Committee (FAR)

a. The Faculty Athletic Representatives Committee shall consist of the FAR of each

member institution. The chair of the Athletic Directors Council or designee shall

serve as a non-voting ex-officio member of the Faculty Athletic Representatives

Committee.

b. The FAR Committee shall also be a recommending body to the Council of Presidents.

c. Each member institution shall have one vote at the FAR Committee meeting.

d. The FAR Committee shall be responsible for implementing and interpreting eligibility

rules and regulations for each Conference sport and for developing recommendations

that pertain to academic standards and eligibility.

e. Select the sport specific Scholar-Athlete of the Year and the President’s Award

recipients.

B. Advisory and Sport Committees

The Council of Presidents, by resolution adopted by a majority of the then existing member

institutions, may designate one or more additional committees which shall be vested with such

powers as may be delegated to them in such resolution.

1. Senior Woman Administrators Committee (SWA)

a. The Senior Woman Administrators Committee shall consist of the SWA from each

member institution.

b. Each member institution shall have one vote at the SWA Committee meeting.

c. Officers

i. The chair of the SWA Committee shall be selected by institutional alphabetical

order. The term of appointment shall be for two years.

ii. The Conference office liaison in attendance shall produce a written report of

the meeting no later than two weeks after the meeting. A copy of the report

shall be mailed to the Commissioner the chair of the Athletic Directors

Council, the AD liaison to the SWA committee and the members of the SWA

Committee.

d. Meetings

The two (2) annual meetings of the SWA Committee shall be held on a mutually

agreed upon time and date in the fall and in conjunction with the annual spring

meeting.

9

2. Compliance Coordinators Committee

The purpose of the Compliance Coordinators Committee shall be to serve as a collective

resource to the membership.

a. The Compliance Coordinators Committee shall consist of the compliance designee

from each member institution.

b. Each member institution shall have one vote at the Compliance Coordinators

Committee meeting.

c. Officers

i. The chair of the Compliance Coordinators Committee shall be selected by

institutional alphabetical order. The term of appointment shall be for two

years.



shall be mailed to the Commissioner, the chair of the Athletic Directors

Council, the AD liaison to the Compliance Coordinators committee and the

members of the Compliance Coordinators Committee.

d. Meetings

The annual meeting of the Compliance Coordinators Committee shall be held during

the fall on the campus of the Committee's Chair. Other meeting dates may be assigned

by the Conference office.

3. Coaches Committees

The purpose of the sport specific Coaches Committees shall be to discuss sport specific

business and propose Conference policies, as necessary.

a. The sport specific Coaches Committee shall consist of the head coach from each

conference member. All conference sponsored varsity sport shall have a sport specific

Coaches Committee

b. Each member institution shall have one vote at each sport specific Coaches Committee

meeting.

c. Officers

i. The chair of each sport specific Coaches Committees shall be selected by

institutional alphabetical order. The term of appointment shall be for two

years.

10




Council, the AD liaison to the sport specific Coaches Committee and the

members of the respective Coaches Committee.

d. Meetings

Each sport specific Coaches Committee shall have one (1) annual mandatory meeting

during which the head coaches discuss sport specific business and make necessary

recommendations.

4. Sports Information Directors Committee (SID)

The purpose of the SID Committee shall be to recommend guidelines for the public

recognition of individual athletic programs and Conference sports.

a. The SID Committee shall consist of the sports information director for each member

institution.

b. Each member institution shall have one vote at the SID Committee meeting.

c. Officers

i. The chair of the SID Committee shall be selected by institutional alphabetical

order. The term of appointment shall be for two years.




Council, the AD liaison to the SID Committee and the SID Committee.

d. Meetings

The annual meeting of the SID Committee shall be held during the annual spring

meeting (Revised, June, 2006)

5. Athletic Trainers Committee

The purpose of the Athletic Trainers Committee shall be to establish guidelines for the safety

of student athletes and develop recommended procedures for the areas of insurance, substance

abuse and assistance for visiting teams.

All SAC Athletic Trainers must be certified by the National Athletic Trainers Association. .

a. The Athletic Trainers Committee shall consist of head athletic trainer of each member

institution.

b. Each member institution shall have one vote at the Athletic Trainers Committee

meeting.

11

c. Officers

i. The chair of the Athletic Trainers Committee shall be selected by institutional

alphabetical order. The term of appointment shall be for two years.




Council, the AD liaison to the Athletic Trainers Committee and the members

of the Athletic Trainers Committee.

d. Meetings

The annual meeting of the Athletic Trainers Committee shall be held during the fall on

the campus of the Committee's Chair.

ARTICLE IX. OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER

A. The Office of the Commissioner shall be located at a place designated by the Council of Presidents.

B. The Commissioner shall report to the Council of Presidents and be paid a salary to be determined by

the Council of Presidents. The term of his/her first contract shall not exceed two years.

C. The Commissioner shall present a budget for consideration to the Council of Presidents at least two

weeks prior to the annual spring meeting of the Council. This budget requires council approval.

D. The Commissioner shall have the powers necessary for the effective performance of his/her duties.

E. The Commissioner's duties shall be:

1. Serve as the chief administrative officer of the Conference and sign all documents requiring a

Conference signatory on behalf of the Conference membership.

2. Act as the Conference Secretary-Treasurer and receive, collect and distribute all income

received by the Conference as directed by the Council of Presidents.

3. Select and engage assistants and employees as may be authorized by the Council of Presidents

and fix their compensation within the limits of approved budgets.

4. Interpret and enforce all rules and regulations of the Conference and the NCAA. This

responsibility shall include, but not necessarily be limited to, broad discretionary powers to

supervise investigations, hold hearings and impose temporary or permanent measures against

member institutions, their personnel and students for conduct judged to be in violation of the

spirit as well as the letter of Conference Bylaws and/or Sport Policies. The above shall be

carried out under procedures as set forth in the Conference Bylaws.

5. Serve as an ex-officio, non-voting member of the Council of Presidents, Athletic Directors,

Faculty Representatives and all other Conference Committees.

12

6. Work with the governance committee chairs to arrange conference meetings and prepare

meeting agendas and materials. Produce and distribute all meeting minutes and provide

notification of all decisions made by the Conference governing committees.

7. Update and distribute copies of the Conference Bylaws and Sport Policies to each member

institution's President, Faculty Athletic Representative and Athletic Director on an annual

basis.

8. Administer all sports information activities to include media guide publications, press

releases, and statistical reports.

9. Receive and review all eligibility forms and certify the procedures for eligibility and

compliance utilized by each institution.

10. Appoint officials for all Conference contests (between member institutions) and for non-

Conference contests, as requested.

11. Encourage and promote collegial relations among the member institutions, their students and

alumni. Offer advice and assistance in resolving membership disputes.

12. Conduct a continuing educational program to promote the development of better

sportsmanship and game environment, respect for the amateur spirit and understanding of the

values of competitive athletics. Exert reasonable effort to acquaint the public with the ethics

and high ideals that motivate the Conference in its conduct of intercollegiate athletics.

13. Initiate and formulate income producing and cost saving initiatives in association with

Conference championships and other approved avenues. Seek and present cost saving

measures for Conference athletic programs.

14. Visit each Conference member at least once each year to observe and evaluate the operation

of its intercollegiate athletic program.

15. Provide assistance to non-member institutions, as appropriate.

16. Select and purchase awards and trophies awarded by the Conference.

17. Perform other duties as directed by the Faculty Athletic Representatives Committee, Athletic

Director Council and/or the Council of Presidents.

18. Perform other duties as required per the Conference Bylaws.

ARTICLE X. MEETINGS

A. Chair of Meetings

The chair of the Governing Committees and Advisory/Sport Committees will be determined by

institutional alphabetical order or by election within the respective committee. The term shall be for

two years and shall begin on July 1

13

B. Minutes

The Commissioner shall be present at the annual meetings of the Governing Committees and shall be

responsible for the recording, transcribing and distribution of minutes of said meetings to the

appropriate personnel of the member institutions within 10 working days of the respective meetings.

Minutes for the Advisory/Sports Committees shall be recorded by the designated Conference office

liaison in attendance.

C. Agenda

The chairs of the Governing and Advisory/Sports Committees, in conjunction with the

Commissioner's office, shall publish the meeting agenda and anticipated action items to all members

no later than 10 working days prior to the meeting.

Agenda items that require an official conference vote should be reported to the Commissioner at least

two weeks prior to the applicable meeting. Exceptions will follow the procedures set forth in

Roberts' Rules of Order, Newly Revised.

D. Conduct

The committee chairs and Commissioner are responsible for seeing that all meetings are run in a

timely, organized and professional manner. Published agenda and itinerary items should be adhered

to strictly.

E. Attendance

Attendance at all Conference meetings is required in order to sustain the orderly and professional

operation of the Conference. The meeting minutes will include a roster of those present and not

present.

If an individual is unable to attend a specific Conference meeting, they must notify the Conference

office within one week prior to the meeting. In addition, it is strongly encouraged that the individual

designate a representative to attend the meeting in their place.

F. Site

Site selection for regular meetings of all Conference committees shall be the responsibility of the

incumbent chair of such committee, in cooperation with the Commissioner.

G. Schedule of Meetings

1. The Council of Presidents shall meet twice a year at a time and place to be arranged by the

chair, in consultation with the Commissioner. The fall meeting shall include members of the

Council of Presidents, only. The annual spring meeting shall include members of the FAR

Committee and the Athletic Directors Council.

2. The FAR Committee shall meet periodically throughout the year. A summary report shall be

filed at the annual spring meeting.

14

3. The Athletic Directors Council shall meet four times a year at a time and place to be arranged

by the chair, in consultation with the Commissioner. A summary report shall be filed at the

annual spring meeting.

4. The Advisory/Sports Committees shall each meet once a year at a time and place to be

arranged by the chair, in consultation with the Commissioner. A summary report shall be

filed with the Athletics Directors at the annual spring meeting.

ARTICLE XI. SPONSORSHIP OF NCAA LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS

The following process will be followed for the Conference to sponsor and submit legislative proposals:

a. Proposals for Conference-sponsored NCAA legislation may be submitted to the Conference

by any member institution, the Conference Commissioner, or the Conference Executive

Committee.

b. Proposals must be circulated to each member institution at least three weeks prior to the

annual Conference meeting in June and will only be considered at the June meeting.

c. Voting on such proposals will be by a recorded roll call vote at a joint meeting of the AD

Council and the FAR Committee. A two-thirds vote (one vote per school) in favor is required

for the proposal to be recommended to the Presidents Council.

d. If the proposal is approved, with at least a two-thirds vote (one per school) in favor, by the

Presidents Council, the Conference Commissioner shall be responsible for submitting the

appropriate documents to the NCAA for the proposal to be considered at the next NCAA

Convention.

[Adopted June 2011]

ARTICLE XII. ELIGIBILITY RULES AND ACADEMIC STANDARDS

A. General Policy

Each member institution shall apply the NCAA and SAC individual and institutional eligibility

requirements for regular and post-season games as well as for all scrimmages against outside

competition. The most restrictive of the institutional, SAC or NCAA regulations will be applicable in

all cases.

B. SAC Eligibility

All NCAA (DII) Eligibility rules are applicable for entrance and participation in a Conference

contest.

C. Participation While Ineligible

In a team sport, if a member institution is found to have played an ineligible student-athlete against a

Conference opponent, the Commissioner shall declare any wins the institution had during that time

nullified. Overall records, Conference records and championship results shall be adjusted to reflect

the nullifications. The member institution’s adjusted record with the nullifications cannot improve a

team’s position in the Conference standings or seeding in a Conference postseason tournament.

15

In an individual sport, the Commissioner shall declare the ineligible student-athlete’s place

finish/result (or championship) vacated. The team’s place finish shall be recalculated using only the

place finishes/results of the eligible student-athletes. [June 2010]

D. Intra-Conference Transfer Rule

A student-athlete who transfers from a SAC institution (A) to another SAC institution (B) is required

to complete one full academic year of residence (see NCAA bylaw 14.5.1.1) at the certifying

institution (B) before being eligible to compete or represent the institution.

Any appeal of this rule by a student-athlete must be conducted per the NCAA One-Time Transfer

Exception bylaw (14.5.5.3.10-[c]).

SAC Appeals Process

1. The student-athlete must submit a written request to the Director of Athletics for an appeals

hearing.

2. The Director of Athletics (or designee) shall inform the student-athlete in writing, within 14

consecutive days from receipt of the student-athlete’s written request, that he or she, on

request, shall be provided a hearing.

3. The hearing shall be conducted by an institutional entity or committee outside of the athletics

department (e.g. the office of student-affairs; office of the dean of students; or a committee

composed of the faculty athletics representative, student-athletes and nonathletics faculty/staff

members).

4. The notification of the hearing opportunity shall include a copy of the institution’s policies

and procedures for conducting the required hearing.

5. The institution shall conduct the hearing within 30 consecutive calendar days of receiving a

student-athlete’s request for the hearing.

6. The student-athlete will be notified, in writing, within 5 days of the committee’s decision.

7. A copy of the notification will be sent to the Conference office. [June 2010]

Additionally, other appropriate National Letter of Intent regulations, NCAA DII transfer legislation

and progress-toward-degree legislation are applicable. [January 2007]

ARTICLE XIII. ENFORCEMENT PROCEDURES

A. Role of Commissioner

The Commissioner shall investigate reports of alleged violations of rules and regulations of the

Conference and/or the NCAA. Alleged violations must be reported in writing.

The Commissioner shall be the principal enforcement officer of the Conference Bylaws and Sport

Policies, but shall not undertake significant investigative responsibilities except in a supervisory

capacity. The Commissioner may initiate an investigation of an institution upon his own initiative.

A Conference President, Athletic Director or FAR may also submit a written request for the

Commissioner to conduct an investigation of another institution. In either case, the Commissioner

must inform the President prior to conducting any specific inquiry at their respective institution.

16

B. Intra-Conference Violation Report Procedures

In order to limit intra-conference problems, the following procedures are recommended, but not

required, for the purpose of reporting a potential violation of Conference and/or NCAA rules by

another Conference member.

1. The Athletic Director of the accusing institution must submit a written inquiry or report of the

potential violation to the Athletic Director of the offending institution, with a copy to the

Commissioner.

2. The Athletic Director of the accused institution should investigate the reported offense and

forward a written response back to the Athletic Director of the accusing institution within in

10 working days, with a copy to the Commissioner.

3. Any discovery of a Conference violation must be reported in writing to the Conference office.

Any discovery of an NCAA violation must be reported to the NCAA with a copy to the

Conference office.

4. If necessary, the Council of Presidents shall determine whether to refer a violation of NCAA

bylaws to the NCAA for a full-scale investigation by that body.

C. Procedures for a Violation of the SAC Bylaws and/or Sport Policies

If an institution violates a bylaw and/or sport policy of the Conference, the institution’s President

should enact a committee to review the violation. The committee should include the FAR, the

Director of Athletics, a senior administrative official and any other individuals deemed appropriate

by the President.

1. A written report of the findings shall be sent to the President of the Conference and the

Commissioner within a period of time deemed appropriate by the Commissioner.

2. If the investigation reveals that a violation does or may exist, the institution has the right to

request a hearing. The Commissioner shall determine the date and site for the hearing, in

consultation with the President, the FAR, and the Athletic Director of the member institution

involved.

3. The Commissioner may elect to hear a case privately or appoint a review panel to assist

him/her in the hearing.

4. If the Commissioner/review panel concludes that the institution has committed a violation, or

if representatives of the institution fail to appear at the hearing, the Commissioner may

impose penalties such as, but not limited to, those listed in Appendix A.

Upon request, the Commissioner shall report the results of any investigations related to violations of

Conference rules and regulation during an executive session of the Council of Presidents. He/she

shall also render an annual report at the annual spring meeting of his/her enforcement activities,

including interpretations of and rulings on general and special regulations.

17

D. Other Cases

All other cases will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the Council of Presidents. The President

from the involved institution may not participate as a member of the Council of Presidents hearing

body. The institution, any employee or student thereof involved in the case shall have an opportunity

to present their case to the hearing body and to be represented by legal counsel.

The decision of the Council of Presidents must be rendered within one week after the hearing. The

Council of Presidents has the authority to impose penalties as described in the Appendix.

E. Sportsmanship

The Commissioner shall be authorized to investigate cases involving unsportsmanlike conduct of

coaches, institutional officials, participants on teams or members of the team party representing a

member institution. If there is sufficient evidence of unsportsmanlike conduct, he/she shall be

authorized to impose such penalties as deemed appropriate. Such penalties may include, but are not

limited, to those listed in Appendix A.

F. Penalties

Penalties imposed by the Commissioner shall be effective immediately and shall remain in effect

until and unless they are set aside by the Council of Presidents upon appeal.

The Athletic Directors Council (excluding the offending institution) or FAR (excluding the offending

institution) may request by a majority vote that the Presidents Council hear an appeal of the

Commissioner's decision.

ARTICLE XIV. APPEALS

The decision of the Commissioner in any proceedings under Article XIII may be appealed. Such an appeal

must be made by the involved institution within ten working days after receiving the notice of action by

registered mail. Any appeals received after the ten working days window has expired will not be processed.

A. Appeals Process

1. Requests for an appeal of an interpretative decision, violations or penalties imposed by the

Commissioner may be presented to the Athletic Directors Council or FAR Committee through

their Committee Chairman. The institution requesting an appeal must submit a written

request that identifies the specific offense and corresponding rationale for which the appeal is

being made. The request must include the signature of the President, FAR and Athletic

Director from the institution that is seeking an appeal.

2. The Athletic Directors Council and/or FAR Committee shall review the written request and

may recommend by a majority vote (excluding the offending institution) that the Council of

Presidents hear an appeal of the Commissioner's decision. The written recommendation for a

hearing by the Council of Presidents must include the specific offense and corresponding

rational for which the hearing would be warranted.

18

3. The appeal proceeding shall be limited in scope and will not constitute a new hearing of the

case.

4. The decision shall be rendered only after affording any institution, employee, or student

involved in the appealed portion of the case with an opportunity to be heard and to be

represented by legal counsel.

B. Ruling Timeline

The Council of Presidents shall render a decision within five business days after hearing the

appeal. The ruling will be considered final and the case will be ineligible for further appeal, except

as listed below.

C. Additional Appeals

The Council of Presidents may consider a request to reopen a case based upon receipt of new

evidence or facts of prejudicial error from the original hearing or appeals procedure. If the Council

determines not to reopen a case, the case is not eligible for further appeal.

ARTICLE XV. SAC SPORTS

A. Recognition of Sports

The following sports are recognized as SAC championship sports with the year started in parenthesis:

Men Women

Baseball (1989-90) Basketball (1989-90)

Basketball (1989-90) Cross Country (1993-94)

Cross Country (1993-94) Golf (1999-00)

Football (1975-76) Lacrosse (2013-14)

Golf (1989-90) Soccer (1990-91)

Lacrosse (2013-14) Softball (1989-90)

Soccer (1989-90) Tennis (1989-90)

Tennis (1989-90) Outdoor Track and Field (2013-14)

Outdoor Track and Field (2013-14) Volleyball (1989-90)

A South Atlantic Conference member is encouraged to sponsor all sports listed above and conference

affiliation can be impacted if a member does not sponsor the majority of these sports at the varsity

level. All SAC members must schedule other SAC members that sponsor a championship sport in

accordance with SAC scheduling guidelines.

B. Minimum Requirements for Recognition

Fifty percent (50%) of the member institutions must sponsor a sport for two (2) consecutive years and

all years thereafter in order for that sport to be recognized as a Conference sport. In such cases, the

SAC Presidents Council may vote to approve regular season competition (when applicable) and the

determination of a Conference champion and/or Conference tournament. [Amended June 2010]

19

If a member institution sponsors a sport at the varsity level that is also a conference championship

sport, the member institution may not “opt out” of competing at the conference level in that sport.

[June 2012]

C. Competitiveness

Member institutions must make a good faith effort to be competitive in each Conference sponsored

sport by maintaining appropriate operating budgets and providing adequate facilities.

D. Staffing

Member institutions must make a good faith effort to staff each Conference sponsored sport with a

full-time employee of the institution whose dedication to the coaching field is appropriate to the task.

ARTICLE XVI. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

A. Definition

Financial assistance shall be construed to include any and all financial aid, which is institutionally

controlled and allocated as defined by the NCAA (DII) standards.

B. Maximum Financial Assistance

The maximum amount of athletic aid that a Conference institution may award per sport shall be as

follows:

SOUTH ATLANTIC CONFERENCE

Financial Aid Limits

2012-13

SAC Athletic Aid

Maximum

NCAA Maximum

Equivalency

Football 25.0 36.0

Men's Cross

Country 1.5 5.0

Baseball 5.0 9.0

Men's

Basketball 8.5 10.0

Men's Golf 1.5 3.6

Men's

Soccer 4.0 9.0

Men's

Tennis 2.0 4.5

20

Women's

Cross

Country

1.8 6.0

Women's

Basketball 8.5 10.0

Women's

Soccer 4.5 9.9

Softball 4.0 7.2

Volleyball 4.0 8.0

Women's

Golf 2.25 5.4

Women's

Tennis

Total

2.67

75.22

6.0

129.6

C. Compliance with Financial Limitations

Beginning 1992-93, all member institutions that vie for a Conference Championship in the sports

listed above must be in full compliance with the financial limitations by the beginning of the each

academic year and sports season.

Comprehensive financial aid limits shall not be greater than the NCAA DII maximum limits.

D. Counting Process

The method for financial aid computation shall be the same as the NCAA (DII) method of calculating

financial aid.

E. Federal and State Assistance

Such assistance shall be awarded as per requirements for students not participating in the

intercollegiate athletic program.

F. Direct Cost Limit

The maximum amount of financial aid that a student-athlete (recruited or non-recruited) may receive

shall not exceed direct cost, which is defined to include only tuition and fees and on-campus room

and board.

1. If a student-athlete receives entitlement aid (e.g. Pell grant, SEOG, state tuition grant), they

may also receive additional institutionally controlled financial aid. The total of the entitlement

and institutionally controlled financial aid may not exceed the direct cost of the institution.

2. Pell grant funds shall be used for direct educational expenses at all SAC institutions.

21

3. Only Pell grant recipients (full or partial) may receive book expenses. The dollar amount for

the cost of books will be determined every two years by averaging the actual cost of books at

each SAC institution. A Pell grant recipient may receive financial aid in excess of the direct

cost limit, not to exceed the value of the SAC predetermined cost of books, only if his/her

entitlement and institutionally controlled financial aid equals the direct cost of the institution.

ARTICLE XVII. RULES FOR PRACTICE AND PLAY

All NCAA DII guidelines as outlined in Bylaw 17 will be followed. All Conference sport specific rules for

practice and play may be found in the Sport Policies.

APPENDIX A. PENALTIES

1. The offending institution or staff member may be reprimanded, privately or publicly, by the

Commissioner and warned against repetition of the offense.

2. The guilty staff member may be denied the privilege of contact with any prospective or present

athlete for a period of up to one year. The same penalty may be imposed upon all staff members of

the sport involved.

3. The institution may be denied the right to schedule games with other Conference members in the

sport in which the violation occurred. This action shall be subject to approval of the Council of

Presidents.

4. The Commissioner shall have the authority to fine any member institution a maximum of $1,000.00

for any violation of the Bylaws and Sport Policies. Fines assessed shall be paid within thirty (30)

days after final determinations.

5. The Commissioner may order severance of athletic relations with the offending institution. This

action shall be subject to the approval of the Council of Presidents.

6. The Commissioner may declare the ineligibility of individual team members, of a team or teams for

Conference Championships.

7. The Commissioner may determine that contests against a college on probation for violations in a

sport may be determined not to count in Conference standings in that sport.

8. The Commissioner may restrict a coach involved in violations from any coaching activity for a period

of time up to one year.

9. The Commissioner may issue a reduction in the number of initial grants in football or basketball for

one or more years.

10. The Commissioner may issue a reduction in the maximum allowable grants (equivalency) in a sport

for one or more years.

11. The Commissioner may require the disassociation of the institution from a booster club or club

member, or the reorganization of such a club controlled by the institution.

22

12. The Commissioner may restrict a coach from summer sports camp activity.

13. The Commissioner may require an annual or periodic report from a coach, FAR, Athletic Director, or

other college official concerning the status of compliance in a sport or with any area of the athletic

program.

14. The Commissioner may require student athletes to be withheld from future competition because of

the violation of Conference Regulations to include but not limited to unsportsmanlike conduct.

15. On behalf of the Council of Presidents, the Commissioner may require an institution to show cause as

to why its membership should not be terminated if appropriate action is not taken against a

representative of the institution found to have been involved in serious violations.