509:1
DEPARTMENTAL STAFF: CONDUCT AND ETHICS
Louisiana State University has established a tradition of ethical conduct at all levels of
University life. In accordance with this tradition, staff members of the Department of Athletics
are expected to represent the University in an honorable manner at all times.
Governing Authorities
Standards of ethical conduct for Departmental staff are established and enforced by the Director
of Athletics, the University, the State, the Southeastern Conference and the National Collegiate
Athletic Association. All Departmental staff are:
o
Expected to comply with the general conduct and ethics guidelines as set forth in this
Manual;
o
Subject to the same rules of conduct affecting all University employees;
o
Subject to the State Ethics Code;
o
Subject to the SEC Code of Ethics, as set forth in the current Southeastern Conference
Manual; and
o
Subject to the rules and regulations of the NCAA governing dishonesty and
unsportsmanlike behavior, involvement in non-certified contests, marketing studentathletes to professional teams and other forms of misconduct.
The Director of Athletics instructs staff members about acceptable business practices pertaining
to their area of responsibility. The Associate Athletic Director of Compliance, in conjunction
with staff members from the SEC Office, periodically conducts rules seminars to inform staff
about applicable NCAA rules and regulations.
However, staff members are also expected to stay abreast of NCAA interpretations by reading
The NCAA News and reviewing the Southeastern Conference Manual and the NCAA Manual.
Department personnel may contact the Associate Athletic Director for Compliance regarding the
interpretation or clarification of any regulation.
Business Ethics
It is the policy of the Department of Athletics to conduct its business dealings in an ethical
manner and to ensure compliance with all rules and regulations applicable to LSU, as well as
other governing authorities.
509:2
To achieve this goal, employees should have a practical, working knowledge of applicable
business practices rules and regulations within their area of responsibility. Departmental staff
members with supervisory responsibilities should instruct employees on such regulations and
inform them of acts, which might lead to violations. Any employee that has knowledge of a
violation should report it to his/her supervisor, the Director of Athletics and/or the Chancellor of
the University.
Departmental staff members are expected to exercise care in the use of personnel, capital
equipment and supplies, and funds entrusted to them. Further, the Department prohibits the use
of work time, facilities, or property for other than officially approved University business.
Tickets, favors and entertainment provided by Departmental employees must be consistent with
accepted University business practices, as well as Southeastern Conference and NCAA rules and
regulations.
Departmental personnel may not accept gifts, payments, entertainment, privileges or other favors
which might influence future decisions made by the Department. All gifts and payments
received or disbursements made on behalf of the Department must be fully and accurately
reflected in Departmental records.
In addition, Departmental staff members may not engage in activities that would place them in a
conflict of interest situation or disclose confidential information concerning the Department
without proper authorization.
Furthermore, staff members are to conduct their personal business so as not to bring attention or
discredit to themselves or to the Department. The Department of Athletics will not act as a
collection agency or be involved in determining the validity of contested debts on behalf of its
staff members.
Personal Conduct and Responsibility
Departmental staff members are expected to establish and maintain a standard of behavior which
will bring credit to themselves and to the Department. The following guidelines for personal
conduct, while not all inclusive, have been established for staff members:
1.
Act with judgment, discretion and integrity both on and off the job;
2.
Represent Louisiana State University and the intercollegiate athletics program with
dedication, enthusiasm and loyalty;
3.
Treat all persons with courtesy, friendliness and respect for their personal dignity; and
4.
Be mindful to not discriminate against any individual by reason of race, sex, creed, color or
national origin.
509:3
Coaches and Departmental personnel have a direct and vital impact on the behavior, personal
development and quality of life of students and student-athletes within the University.
Accordingly, coaches and staff should conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the
University's philosophy and be unwilling to compromise themselves, the University or the
athletics program. (See Policy 101 for Departmental Philosophy and Objectives.) The primary
efforts of Departmental staff members should be dedicated towards the goals and interests of the
student-athlete.
Although specific responsibilities are described in individual Job Descriptions (See Section 300
in this Manual), general responsibilities are as follows:
o
Academic
The primary objective of the athletics program is to help each student-athlete complete a
degree within four (4) years. Every effort is made by the University and the Department of
Athletics to offer a program, based on Departmental, University and the NCAA rules and
regulations, that will achieve this objective. Recognizing the importance of the educational
experience, Departmental staff members are to contribute to the academic development of
all student-athletes. Guidelines for assisting student-athletes in fulfilling their academic
requirements are designated in Policy 503 in this Manual.
o
Appearance
All Departmental staff are expected to project a professional image. Blue jeans, tee shirts,
tennis shoes and thongs are not considered appropriate attire for the office. They are not to
be worn during regular office hours. However, coaches may wear appropriate coaching
apparel.
o
Athletic
The physical well-being of the student-athlete is of utmost concern to the University and
the Department in developing training and coaching guidelines for the athletics program.
Rules for individual sports are established by the coaches within the parameters set by the
Department, the University, the SEC and the NCAA. Coaches are encouraged to formulate
rules for team training that are not only feasible, based on the coaches' and trainers'
experience and their professional judgment, but also tailored with the student-athlete's
individual rights in mind.
o
Employment
Departmental staff members should follow guidelines concerning outside employment and
promotional activities delineated in Policy 512B. Further, employment agreements and
contract negotiations are to be entered into with integrity and good faith. Employees are to
abide by related guidelines for such negotiations, as specified in Policy 512A.
509:4
o
Recruiting
Coaching and Departmental staff members are to adhere to the recruiting guidelines as
stated in Policy 502A in this Manual, and are not permitted to recruit student-athletes under
false or misleading pretenses, or by offering inducements that are in violation of any
governing body's regulations.
Sportsmanlike Conduct
Coaches and staff are to act as positive role models in demonstrating sportsmanlike conduct.
SEC rules forbid coaches to question official's rulings in any athletic event. Criticism of sports
officials is never acceptable, no matter whether it occurs before, during or after a contest.
Established channels and procedures for protesting the official’s rulings are to be used by
Departmental staff members.
Coaches and staff members are to formally instruct the student-athletes on positive approaches to
sportsmanlike conduct. The Associate Athletic Director for Compliance is charged with
ensuring that instruction is provided to the staff on appropriate techniques for encouraging
sportsmanlike conduct among student-athletes, as outlined in Policy 501, Student-Athletes:
Conduct and Ethics.
Gambling and Bribery
In order for the Director of Athletics, the Head Coaches and Departmental staff to fulfill their
responsibilities to educate student-athletes concerning illegal gambling and bribery in
accordance with NCAA guidelines (See Policy 501), the following comprehensive educational
program exists:
1.
Counseling the student body and particularly student-athletes as to the seriousness of the
gambling problem; (This includes a review of applicable federal, state and local laws, as
well as the posting of informational literature in dormitories and dressing rooms.)
2.
Informing students that they are required to report any solicitation to become a party to
sports bribery or gambling activities, and that failure to do so, if determined after due
process, will result in expulsion from the University;
3.
Educating squad members as to the nature and prevalence of gambling and bribery in
intercollegiate sports; (To help student-athletes better understand the consequences of
participating in illegal activities, Head Coaches are encouraged to use real life examples of
student-athletes who have become involved in gambling or bribery activities.)
509:5
4.
Implementing security measures to prevent potential bribers or gamblers from contacting
student-athletes on campus, especially before major competitions; and
5.
Denying press credentials to representatives of any organization which regularly publishes
or promotes the advertising of "tip sheets" or other materials used to encourage gambling
on intercollegiate athletics events.
Agents
It is essential that coaches, in conjunction with the Associate Athletic Director for Compliance,
apprise student-athletes of the NCAA's position regarding their association with agents and
professional sports, as well as the consequences of applicable rules violations. (These rules are
explained in detail in policies 501 and 502C.)
NCAA rules forbid a coach or other member of the athletics staff to represent, directly or
indirectly, a student-athlete in the marketing of his/her athletic ability or reputation to a
professional sports team or organization and to receive any compensation or gratuities for such
activity.
Designated coaches and staff members are available to assist student-athletes who have
exhausted their eligibility in the selection of a professional agent. Departmental staff members
who are approached by such a student-athlete for information or advice related to professional
agents should refer the student-athlete to the Director of Athletics.
Enforcement
Coaches and Departmental staff members are to uphold the principle of institutional control of,
and responsibility for, all intercollegiate sports activities in conformity with applicable rules and
regulations. Violations of University or NCAA regulations can result in sanctions against the
individual, as well as the University. Therefore, every step must be taken to ensure adherence by
staff and student-athletes to all regulations.
o
Investigations, Hearings and Appeals
Staff members having knowledge of any alleged violations of applicable governing rules or
regulations are to cooperate with the proper authorities by furnishing factual information
and assistance, as requested.
During official hearings or inquiries, the University and the NCAA strive to protect the
individual rights of the accused party. If investigative findings result in proposed
disciplinary actions, the accused party has the right to appeal through the appropriate
channels.
509:6
o
Violations
Departmental staff found in violation of governing rules and regulations are subject to
disciplinary or corrective action as designated by the Director of Athletics, the SEC and/or
the NCAA Committee on Infractions. The University reserves the right to penalize or
dismiss involved individuals.
LSU
1/2006