WEST CHESTER UNIVERSITY
Sport Club Program
Recreation and Leisure Programs
Division of Student Affairs
2011-2012 Sport Club Council
Student Informational Packet
Thank you for choosing to participate in the WCU Sport Club Program provided by the Department of
Recreation and Leisure Programs. We request your understanding and cooperation in maintaining both your
safety and health by reading and signing the following pages.
Informed Consent Statement ________________________________________________________________
Participant Conduct Agreement _____________________________________________________________
Anti-Hazing Policy _________________________________________________________________________
Driver Attest Form __________________________________________________________________________
Sport Club Name (print)
Student Name (print)
Student WCU ID
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Student WCU Email (print)
Purpose of Sport Clubs
The WCU Sport Club Council (SCC) was established in 1992 in order to have all clubs come together as a unified
body and demonstrate their willingness to be recognized and registered in our WCU Student Government
Association (SGA). It was designed with the sole purpose to promote mentoring, advisement, and student
engagement. The elected Executive Board consists of executive board members of registered clubs.
The SCC presides over all WCU Sport Clubs and acts as a liaison to the Sport Club Council Advisor (Director of
Recreation and Leisure Programs) to ensure all SGA, Student Services, Inc (SSI) financial sources, and
applicable regulations are maintained. Each specific Sport Club Advisor, as well as, coaches, works closely with
the SCC Advisor to make sure all University regulations are maintained.
The WCU Sport Club Program is designed to serve individual interests in different sports and recreational
activities. These interests can be competitive, recreational, or instructional in nature, as clubs may represent
the University in competition or conduct intra-club activities such as practice, instruction, social, and
tournament play.
The clubs are meant to be a learning leadership experience for the members through their involvement in
fundraising, public relations, organization, administration, budgeting, and scheduling, as well as the
development of skills in their particular sport. Involvement in a group and club situation helps enhance the
student’s overall education while living in the University setting.
INFORMED CONSENT STATEMENT
I understand that part of the risk involved in undertaking any recreational activity is relative to my own state of
fitness or health (physical, mental, or emotional) and to the awareness, care, and skill with which I conduct myself in that
sport. I acknowledge that my choice to participate in the WCU Sport Club Program brings with it my assumption of those
risks or results stemming from this choice and the fitness, health, awareness, care and skill that I possess and use.
I understand that personnel who may not be licensed, certified, or registered professionals will conduct and coach
the practice sessions and contests of the Sport Club Program. I accept the fact that the skills and competencies of the
volunteers will vary according to their training and experience and that no claim is made to offer assessment or
treatment of any mental or physical disease or condition by those who are not duly licensed, certified, or registered and
herein employed to provide such professional services.
I understand that the dangers and risks from my participation in the Sport Club Program may include serious
injury to virtually all internal organs and other aspects of the muscular/skeletal system, to other aspects of my body, and
general health and well being, including death. I acknowledge that I am responsible for my injuries I may sustain, that I
may cause to others, and damage I may cause to the facilities.
INSURANCE STATEMENT
West Chester University, nor the Department of Recreation and Leisure Programs nor Student Services, Inc.,
provides any medical insurance coverage, and will not be responsible for any injuries sustained or caused as the result of
your sports club participation. It is our recommendation that you check with your parent’s medical insurance provider
prior to your participation in the Program to ensure coverage if any injury is occurred while participating in the Sport
Club Programs here at West Chester University. If you do not have medical insurance coverage, we recommend that you
purchase a plan for yourself to cover the medical expenses if you are injured. Any participant who misrepresents or
falsifies information concerning the acquisition of an insurance policy will be processed through the University judicial
system.
GRADE RELEASE
I hereby authorize my grades to be released to my Advisor, Coach, and University Administrators in the
Department of Recreation and Leisure Programs.
I understand that I may ask any questions or request further explanation or information about the Sports Club
Program at any time before, during, or after my participation. I understand that the questions will be answered to my
satisfaction.
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PARTICIPANT CONDUCT AGREEMENT
As a sport club athlete in the West Chester University Sport Club Program, I agree to follow the rules and regulations set
forth by the WCU Student Code of Conduct, the Student Government Association, the Sport Club Council, the Executive
Board of my Club, the Coaching Staff of my Club, and the Department of Recreation and Leisure Programs. I understand
that if I am not in compliance with any of these rules and regulations, I place myself in jeopardy of severe judicial
penalties, which may include any of the following: suspension and expulsion from the club, and/or from the University. A
Sport Club will also be held responsible for the actions of any club member.
 I understand that I represent West Chester University and that my conduct is a direct reflection on my club
members, university, coaches, and the reputation of my club.
 I will not break any local, state, or federal laws. Regardless of age there will not be any alcohol in any vehicle
used for transportation, hotel room, etc while traveling and representing the WCU Sport Club Program
 On the playing field I will conduct myself with the highest level of sportsmanship. I will respect my coaches, club
members, officials, opponents, and the Recreation and Leisure Programs staff.
 I will follow any facility regulations applicable to the venue
 I will not wear any Sport Club apparel out to the bars and/or other public events while drinking
 I will not place pictures on our website, including Facebook or MySpace or any other personal websites, that
contain alcoholic beverages or the illusion of drinking
 I will adhere to and follow all applicable guidelines highlighted in the WCU Student Code of Conduct.
As a student of the WCU community, you have an obligation to uphold the Student Code of Conduct as well to obey
federal, state, and local laws. The Director of Judicial Affairs or designee will make the final determination on what
constitutes a potential violation of the Code. The following list of behaviors is intended to represent the types of acts that
constitute violations of the Code. This list should not be regarded as all-inclusive. All WCU students are responsible for
knowing and observing all University policies and procedures.
1.
Disruptive behavior which is defined as participating in or inciting others to participate in the disruption or
obstruction of any University activity.
2.
The threat of or actual physical assault or abuse; stalking; verbal/written abuse; threats harassment, intimidation;
and/or coercion, sexual misconduct and sexual assault and/or unwelcome sexual contact.
3.
Conduct that threatens or endangers the health or safety of any person including one’s self.
4. Hazing involving West Chester University students or student groups is strictly prohibited.
Hazing is defined by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Law (Act 175) as any action or situation that recklessly or
intentionally endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation or admission
into or affiliation with any organization operating under the sanction of an institution of higher education. See the
Ram’s Eye View.
5.
Use (including being under the influence), possession, sale, distribution, or manufacturing of controlled substances
and/or drugs, or drug paraphernalia, except as expressly permitted by law and University regulations.
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ANTI-HAZING POLICY
Hazing involving West Chester University students or student groups is strictly prohibited. Hazing is defined by the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Law (Act 175) as any action or situation that recklessly or intentionally endangers the
mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation or admission into or affiliation with any
organization operating under the sanction of an institution of higher education. The term shall include, but not be limited
to, any brutality of a physical nature, such as whipping, beating, branding, forced calisthenics, exposure to the elements,
forced consumption of any food, liquor, drug or other substance, or any other forced physical activity that could adversely
affect the physical health and safety of the individual and shall include any activity that would subject the individual to
extreme mental stress, such as sleep deprivation, forced exclusion from social contact, forced conduct that could result in
extreme embarrassment or any other forced activity that could adversely affect the mental health or dignity of the
individual.
For purposes of this definition, any activity as described in this definition that the initiation or admission into or
affiliation with an organization is directly or indirectly conditioned shall be presumed to be “forced” activity, the
willingness of an individual to participate in such activity notwithstanding.
In addition, the following specific actions and activities are strictly prohibited and include but not limited to:
Physical Hazing:
1. Causing excessive physical fatigue through physical and psychological Shocks;
2. Forcing, requiring, or endorsing calisthenics, such as sit-ups, push-ups and runs;
3. Conducting a new member-related activity between the hours of midnight and 7:00 a.m. or awakening individuals
during these hours;
4. Forcing, requiring, or endorsing less than seven (7) continuous hours of sleep for associates/pledges each night;
5. Pushing, shoving, tackling, paddle swats, or any other act which may cause harm;
6. Forcing, requiring, or endorsing pledges/associate members to drink alcohol, take any illegal drugs, or eat any food
or other substance;
7. Dropping food (e.g., eggs, grapes, liver, etc.) into mouths;
8. Forcing, requiring, or endorsing branding, scarring, or tattooing;
9. Throwing anything (whipped cream, garbage, water, paint, etc.) at or on an individual;
10. Forcing, requiring, or endorsing theft of any personal property under any circumstances;
11. Assigning or endorsing “pranks” or harassing another organization;
12. Forcing, requiring, or endorsing the defacing of trees, ground, or buildings on or off campus;
13. Conducting unauthorized quests, treasure hunts, scavenger hunts, paddle hunts, big sister/brother or little
sister/brother hunts;
14. Forcing, requiring, or endorsing the carrying of items that will interfere with daily activities;
Mental Hazing:
15. Conducting activities that do not allow adequate time for study during the pledge period;
16. Yelling and screaming or directing negative comments at associates/pledges;
17. Deceiving new members prior to the ritual designed to convince an associate/pledge that he/she will not be initiated
or will be hurt;
18. Forcing, requiring, or endorsing the playing of extremely loud music or music repeated over and over, or any other
audible harassment;
19. Not permitting pledges/associate members to talk for periods of time;
20. Forcing, requiring, or encouraging nudity at any time;
21. Messing up the house or a room for the associate members/pledges to clean;
22. Forcing, requiring, or endorsing the running of unreasonable personal errands (servitude);
23. Forcing, requiring, or endorsing engagement in unauthorized activity that involves compelling an individual or
group to remain at a certain place or transporting anyone anywhere, within or outside the Borough of West Chester
(drop offs, kidnaps, etc.)
24. Forcing, requiring, or endorsing engagement in public stunts and shenanigans;
25. Forcing, requiring, or endorsing shaving of head or body hair;
26. Forcing, requiring or encouraging pledges/associate members to act like animals or other objects;
27. Wearing publicly apparel that is conspicuous and not “normally” in good taste.
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In addition to the above stipulations, West Chester University’s Anti-Hazing Policy also includes the following regulations:
1.
Individuals and/or student organizations that force, require, and/or endorse violations will be held directly
responsible through the University’s judicial process and if appropriate, through local authorities, which may
pursue criminal action.
2.
The negligence or consent of a student or any assumption of risk by the student is not a defense to an action
brought pursuant to this policy.
3.
Any student organization wishing to proceed with a membership intake process must first get approval from the
director of greek life and student organizations.
4.
Pledging programs must not interfere with the rights and activities of others and should always reflect the best
interests of the members of the organization it represents and the University community as a whole.
5.
In all cases of alleged violations of this policy, faculty and alumni advisors and the national/international
headquarters of any organization will be notified.
6. Members of student organizations having pledge periods and pledges must file Anti-Hazing Compliance Forms
with the Director of Greek Life and Student Organizations (located in 238 Sykes Union) within three days of the
start of the pledge programs.
7.
Pledge programs and initiations must end, at a minimum, seven days prior to the start of final examinations.
Copies of the comprehensive Anti-Hazing Policy, including guidelines for positive pledge programs and AntiHazing Compliance Forms, are available in the Office of Greek Life and Student Organizations, 238 Sykes Union.
Specific questions regarding the Anti-Hazing Policy may be directed to the Director of Greek Life and Student
Organizations.
STUDENT AGREEMENT
My signature verifies that I have read, understood, and agree to the contents of this packet in its entirety.
Signature of Student: ______________________________________ Date: ___________________________
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Driver Attest Form- THIS AUTHORIZATION IS VALID FOR ONE ACADEMIC YEAR ONLY
Background Information:
Academic Year: ______________ WCU ID #:______________________
Name (PRINT): ____________________________________________ Date of Birth: __________________
Local Address: ________________________________________________
Local Phone: ___________________________ Cell Phone: __________________________Email: ________________________________
Driving Information:
1.
Number of years driving experience (_____)
2.
Driver’s License: State ___________ Driver License Number: _____________________
3.
Personal Vehicle Info:
Year: ___________
Make: ________________ Model: _______________ License Plate #: ____________________
4. Do you have automobile insurance coverage for your personal vehicle?
Yes (_____) No (_____)
5.
Have you ever received a ticket for a moving violation?
Yes ( _____) No (______)
If “Yes”, describe circumstances for EACH violation on this form below.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
6. Have you ever been found at fault in an accident as the driver of a vehicle?
Yes (____) No (_____)
If “Yes”, please explain the circumstances surrounding the accident(s)
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
College Vehicle use only:
1.
Van Driving Course issue date: (Necessary to drive a College passenger van or car)
2.
Have you completed the MVR (Motor Vehicles Record Check?)
Date: _______________
Yes (____) No (____) If Yes please state the date of completion. Date: ______________
3.
Vehicle Use Agreement:
Vehicle Use Agreement: As a condition of my signing this form, I agree to a check of my driving record. I
understand that my driving record may be checked throughout the academic year, and that any negative
change in the status of my driving record may result in the revocation of the privilege of driving for official sport
club business. I understand that when driving a privately owned vehicle, it should be in a good state of repair. I
UNDERSTAND I MUST HAVE AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COVERAGE IF I AM DRIVING MYSELF AND OTHERS IN A
PERSONAL VEHICLE FOR OFFICIAL SPORT CLUB BUSINESS. I understand I may be held liable for any damage or
injury involving College or personal vehicles.
Signature of Driver__________________________________________________________
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Date___________________________