Mary Baldwin College Student Athlete Handbook
Revised Summer 2013
Mary Baldwin College Athletic Philosophy Statement
Mary Baldwin College is committed to the education of today’s young women for
tomorrow’s world. The athletic program is an integral part of the overall educational
experience. It goes beyond the mere imparting of knowledge to the integration of
knowledge and experiences from a variety of disciplines. The pursuit of excellence
and success associated with competition serves as a model for goals set in
academics and other endeavors.
Intercollegiate athletics offers athletes the opportunity to represent MBC at a high
level of competition. Faculty and staff, as well as the entire student body, benefits
from competition through the strong sense of loyalty and community that is
generated.
Top priority for the Department is the student-athlete. The direction and
administration of the program is focused on generating and maintaining a high
standard of excellence both athletically and academically for all athletes. It is the
responsibility of the entire Department to encourage and assist student-athletes in
reaching their full potentials in all their endeavors. As such, administrators and
coaches must have a strong commitment to provide them with the tools necessary
for success.
The health and physical well-being of MBC athletes is of utmost importance. A fulltime certified athletic trainer is employed by the college to ensure the safety and
health of all our participants. All concerns of this nature are held in the strictest of
confidence.
As a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association, the Department
subscribes fully to all guidelines, principles, and regulations thereof. The letter and
spirit of the rules and regulations as set forth by the NCAA are followed at all times.
Mary Baldwin College Athletic Vision Statement
Mary Baldwin College Athletic Team Participation will prepare young women for life
after college. This preparation will come from lessons learned as a student athlete
and team member to include time management, goal setting, goal attainment,
cooperation, competition, integrity, work ethic and trust.
Mary Baldwin Athletic teams will be a competitive presence in the USA South Athletic
Conference. MBC Student Athletes will be represented on USA South All Conference
Teams, USA South Athlete of the Week, USA South All Academic and USA South
Sportsmanship Team Awards.
Academic Policies for Student-Athletes
A. Philosophy
It is the primary purpose of all student-athletes to obtain their
baccalaureate degree.
B.
Class Attendance
Athletes are expected to attend all classes and meet all
requirements as stated on the course syllabi.
There is no such thing as an “automatic” excused absence for an
athletic competition. It is up to the student-athlete to work with
her professor to find a solution for any conflicts related to the
missing of class time due to a competition.
The nature of intercollegiate competition, on occasion,
necessitates the missing of class time for travel or early afternoon
start times. These situations are unavoidable but there are
important procedures to be followed to ensure minimum conflicts.
At the beginning of the semester, carefully read through the
course syllabus and make an appointment with the professor to
discuss any conflicts that exist between class time and athletic
travel or competition. Student athletes will be given a Release
Time Form for professors. Make sure that you review these times
and speak with those professors at the beginning of the season as
well as give them the Release Time Form. It is the responsibility of
the student-athlete to follow through and complete the work as
agreed. Most professors will work with you if you are responsible
and sincere in wanting to do well in their classes. But, if the
professor will not accept an alternate agreement, you may have to
forego the competition. It is important in future semesters to
stay away from late classes during the athletic season.
C. Class Registration
During pre-registration for classes, student-athletes are requested
to make every effort to not schedule classes during the traditional
practice times of 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Practice is not a reason
to miss class or leave class early AT ANY TIME!!!
D. Learning Skills Center
The Learning Skills Center is available to all students. Student-athletes are
encouraged to take advantage of the services. There are a variety of
opportunities for assistance in both individual and group settings.
Workshops – Designed to address significant topics for the college student.
Topics include time management, note taking, reading skills, test taking, etc.
Individual Conferences – The Director of the LSC is available by appointment
to discuss learning needs.
Peer Tutor Programs – Programs include math tutors for those who need help
in this area, the Match a Tutor program which arranges for tutors from a
particular course to be assigned, and the LLSC Peer Tutor program for
students needing help in time management, adjusting to college, study skills,
etc.
NCAA Academic Standards
All students must be enrolled in a minimum of 12 semester hours during the
semester in order to be eligible. If a student drops 12 hours, she is automatically
ineligible for the remainder of the season.
A student must be in “Good Academic Standing” as defined by Mary Baldwin
College in order to remain eligible. The following GPA’s are the standard
established by the college and therefore the standards to be used for NCAA
academic eligibility:
Mid-Freshman…
End-Freshman…
Mid/End Sophomore
Mid/End Junior…
Mid/End Senior…
1.50
1.65
1.75
1.95
2.00
Mary Baldwin College is not permitted by the NCAA to round up grades in any
way for purposes of eligibility. Official cumulative grades are the sole
responsibility of the college registrar.
MBC Athletic Training Policies
The mission of the athletic training staff at Mary Baldwin College is to provide the
best quality of medical care for its student-athletes with the ultimate goal being the
safest and fastest return to play as possible. This goal has been and will continue to
be achieved through the proper prevention, education, care, and rehabilitation of
athletic injuries by a dedicated and knowledgeable sports medicine team, including
the area physicians, head athletic trainer, and coaches.
All student athletes must have a yearly physical and a primary insurance policy to be
eligible to compete at Mary Baldwin College. If insurance coverage changes, athletes
must inform the athletic trainer and bring them a copy of the new insurance
coverage.
MBC Athletics Drug Testing Program
Mary Baldwin College drug testing runs a drug testing program of its own. Student
athletes are chosen randomly off of each team twice each year. Mary Baldwin uses a
urine test. The test is administered Mary Baldwin Health Center, in conjunction with
Augusta Health.
Banned Drug List:
The student-athlete shall be held accountable for all banned drug classes
listed by the NCAA. The banned drug list can be located on the NCAA website
Failure to Appear for a Drug Test:
Failure to appear within 24 hours of notification for a drug test or missing a
scheduled drug test is the same as the penalty for testing positive to a
banned substance.
A student-athlete who is found to have used a substance on the list of
banned drugs, set forth by the NCAA Bylaw 31.2.3.1, shall be subject to the
following outcomes.
First Offense:
A student-athlete who tests positive to any drug listed on the NCAA banned
drug list shall be ineligible to participate in regular-season and postseason
competition for one calendar year (i.e., 365 days) after the positive drug test
and charged with the loss of eligibility for a minimum of one season of
competition in all sports. The student-athlete shall remain ineligible for one
year and until the student-athlete retests negative. If a student-athlete
transfers to another NCAA institution while ineligible due to a positive drug
test, Mary Baldwin College will notify the transferring institution regarding the
positive drug test. Furthermore, the student-athletes parents’ or guardian will
be notified following a positive drug test. In addition, the student-athlete will
be given an appointment with Mary Baldwin College’s psychologist.
Second Offense:
If the student-athlete tests positive a second time for any drug listed on the
NCAA’s banned drug list, the student-athlete shall lose all eligibility in all
sports and will not be allowed to participate in any sport while at Mary
Baldwin College. Again, the parents’ or guardian will be notified and
counseling will once again be initiated. In signing this you agree to Mary
Baldwin College’s drug testing policy and are aware of the consequences for
testing positive for an NCAA banned substance. You affirm that you
understand that if you sign this statement falsely or erroneously, you violate
Mary Baldwin College’s ethic conduct and will further jeopardize your
eligibility.
Team Policies and Procedures
The following policies and procedures have been reviewed, discussed, and
approved by the administration and coaching staff. These policies are for the
express purpose of meeting the many demands of the team and Department
cohesiveness. It is important to remember that policies look at the big picture
and they address the issues of the group, not individuals. As a member of the
intercollegiate program, all student-athletes are expected to abide by the policies
and work towards the good of the team, not their individual interests.
A. Sportsmanship
Student-athletes should display good sportsmanship in all competitions
and practices to all opponents, coaches and officials.
Student-athletes must sign the USA South Sportsmanship form.
B. Practice Policies
Attendance at all team practices (including team meetings, team educational
sessions, etc.) and competitions are mandatory for all in-season studentathletes.
In-season: In-season is defined as the period from the first day of
the pre-season through one day after the final competition. If the
final competition occurs on the weekend, the final day of in-season
is the Monday following the weekend.
Classes: Student-athletes may not miss academic classes for
practices. If there is a class conflict with a practice, studentathletes are expected to attend any portion of practice before or
after the class session.
Competitions: Student-athletes are “excused” from classes 90
minutes prior to home competitions and 30 minutes prior to
departure for away competitions.
Illnesses/Injuries: Student-athletes are expected to attend
practices unless they have a note form the health center or a
doctor.
Class Scheduling: Student-athletes should make every effort to
build their class schedules around practice times. It is understood
that this is not always possible at a small college; however, a
concerted effort to avoid conflicts is expected.
Academic Commitment: The Student-athlete’s first and primary
commitment is to their education and pursuit of a baccalaureate
degree. Student-athletes must consider their involvement in any
intercollegiate program based on their ability to meet academic
expectations.
In accordance with this policy, the Department of Athletics will recognize
the following college activities and excuse stated student-athletes from
athletic responsibilities:
 Junior Dad’s Weekend: Juniors only will be excused, if they
wish, from competitions that may be scheduled during the
Saturday night festivities. All juniors, however, will be
expected to participate in practices scheduled during the
weekend. Coaches will make every effort not to schedule
practices during Saturday night and/or Friday afternoon.
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VWIL Wilderness: Students-athletes who are nULLS or
Wilderness leaders will be excused for Wilderness if it conflicts
with pre-season practice.
The commitment policy was created and agreed upon by the MBC coaching
staff. This is a standard policy designed along the mission of NCAA Division
III athletes and is used to guide student-athletes in the responsibilities of
being an intercollegiate athlete. Any lack of commitment on the part of any
student-athlete to the sports teams representing Mary Baldwin College is
taken very seriously by the coaching staff. Coaches, therefore, exercise a
zero tolerance policy for any infractions.
C. Uniforms
Athletes are assigned uniforms/equipment at the beginning of the
season, and are responsible for its return at the conclusion of the
season. Each item issued is numbered and the item number issued
is the item number that must be returned. Failure to return items
you were issued will result in the athlete being charged for
replacement.
Uniforms and warm-ups are issued for competitions only.
Uniforms are to be laundered by the equipment room workers
only. All uniforms are to be left in the PAC immediately upon
completion of competition or return from competition. No
exceptions.
The team room is to be kept clean at all times. All items should
be stored in lockers. Clothes, shoes, equipment, etc. should never
be left lying on the floor or benches.
D. Travel
All athletes are to travel with the team both to and from
competitions. Athletes may not drive personal vehicles unless
requested to do so by the coach.
All athletes must stay with the team on overnight trips. If
parents want to stay at the same hotel as the team, the
Department will be happy to provide parents with the information
so that they can reserve accommodations there. However,
athletes are still required to stay with the team and participate in
any outside activities designed for them.
Teams are responsible for making sure the bus or vans are clear
of all trash immediately upon return.
Expectations for MBC Student Athletes
The Athletics and Wellness Staff is dedicated to seeing you improve as athletes and
women who will go out into the world confident, disciplined and knowing the value of
teamwork and persistence.
As a Mary Baldwin College student athlete you will be held to a higher standard at all
times. Make sure that you reflect a good image. Coaches and Administrators in the
department will be working with faculty and staff across the college to make sure
that Mary Baldwin athletes and the program are reflecting a good image.
The entire staff and all coaches/teams will be asked to abide by these standards.
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Academics come first. Be prepared, on time and respectful in all classes.
Use good time management to meet all of your responsibilities instead of
excuses.
Seek and Work towards self improvement in class, sports and life. The only
place that success takes place before work is in the dictionary.
Respect yourself, teammates, coaches, opponents, fans and officials at all
times. Your coach can provide the training at practice to make you a better
athlete. You are in charge of your eating, sleeping, health habits, social life
and environment. Poor choices in any of these areas will affect your
performance and the performance of your team.
The Department of Athletics prohibits the use and/or possession
of any alcoholic or tobacco product and any illegal
substances/narcotics while officially involved in a team related activity,
both home and away.
o The Department of Athletics does not encourage or condone the
consumption of alcohol by athletes of legal age nor the use of any
tobacco or illegal substances by athletes who are in preparation for or
in the midst of their athletic seasons. Excessive or abusive drinking at
any time while enrolled at MBC is inappropriate. The Student Athletic
Advisory Committee has issued a policy of no alcohol at least 24 hours
prior to the competition for student-athletes 21 or older.
Be Present. When at practice and games stay focused on the task at hand.
Compartmentalize your stress, so that you use practice to work on your skills
to become a better athlete. Cell phones and other electronic devices will be
OFF at practice and during competition.
Be Professional when representing the college, manners will be important in
the work world, make them a habit now. Student-athletes should always
reflect a positive image. Swearing, burbing, etc. are not good manners.
Professional away trip attire will be decided by each team.
o Student-athletes are expected to abide by all rules and regulations as
set forth by the college.
o The same disciplinary actions and procedures will be followed as would
be expected with any student on campus who violates a rule.
Follow the Code of Conduct
o To participate in athletics Student Athletes will accept responsibility for
personal conduct and will comply with the Athlete Expectations and
MBC’s Code of Conduct and Honor Code at all times.
Always be Academically Eligible
o To participate in athletics student athletes must always carry 12
credits per semester, not be on academic probation and demonstrate
satisfactory academic progress. Student athletes have a special
obligation to maintain communication with professors and abide by
policies regarding missed work and class attendance due to
o Student athletes competition. Student athletes give permission
for the athletic staff and coaches to view grades and academic
standing.
Be Professional with ELECTRONIC FORMS OF COMMUNICATION
o Realize that electronic communication is considered a public forum and
information posted may be viewed by anyone. Information posted
electronically may be monitored and may be brought to the attention
of MBC officials when they are seen as possible violations of the Code
of Conduct and/or Honor Code. As a student athlete any and all
electronic posts are seen as a reflection of the athletic department and
Mary Baldwin College.
Trip Conduct
o Student-athletes are required to travel to and from athletic
competition with the team. Permission must be obtained to travel with
my parent(s) or guardian(s). for special occasions. A violation is
subject to immediate disciplinary action.
Hazing
o There is a zero-tolerance policy towards hazing and student athletes
will not participate in any hazing activities. The consequences for such
activities may result in suspension, probation or expulsion.
Gambling
o Gambling on any athletic competition is an NCAA violation. This
includes March Madness Pools and Fantasy Groups that require a down
payment and award prizes.
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Tobacco
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o Tobacco use may result in suspension and/or dismissal from the team.
DRUG POLICY
o Use, possession or distribution of narcotic or dangerous drugs as
defined by Commonwealth of Virginia and federal laws is prohibited.
Violations will result in immediate suspension from the team. Other
disciplinary action may be taken by the college as well.
EQUIPMENT ROOM AND TEAM LOCKER ROOM POLICY
o Student athletes are responsible for all equipment/apparel issued by
the Athletic Department. All items are property of the College and will
be respected and returned at the end of the season. Uniforms and
warm ups will only be worn on the day of competition and returned
IMMEDIATELY following contests for cleaning. Student athletes will
also keep lockers and the team room tidy and respectful.
MEDICAL CARE
o Athletic participation comes with inherent risk of injury. Therefore,
every student athlete is required to have health insurance. Also, it is
the student athlete’s obligation to communicate and work with the
Athletic Trainer of the College with regard to any health/injury issues,
evaluations, treatments, care, rehabilitation and recovery.
Signature
All student athletes are required to read and sign that they have reviewed and
will uphold all policies in the Student Athlete Handbook.
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Student Athlete Signature
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Date
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