East Tennessee State University
Department of Intercollegiate Athletics
Director of Intercollegiate Athletics
Welcome Student-Athletes,
I would like to welcome all new and returning student-athletes to the 2011-2012 academic year.
We had an outstanding year in Buccaneers athletics in 2010-2011. Congratulations on your success!
Each year we continue to improve on the previous years’ success and this year will not be any different.
We all take pride in your efforts and your achievements. I hope you are proud to be a Buccaneer. Wear
your Bucs gear and colors proudly.
We are asking you to be serious about your academics and prioritize it along with your training. Be
smart, be responsible and take pride in your efforts and achievements. Speak with your professors if you
need help, work with them to find solutions to missed class time due to athletics, and most importantly,
attend class. You are here to get an education AND compete in your sport.
This student-athlete planner and manual is to be used as a guide to athletic department policies and
Atlantic Sun and NCAA rules that pertain to you. Familiarize yourself with these rules because any
deviation from them, whether knowingly or unknowingly, is not condoned by the Department or the
University.
I look forward to making your experience enjoyable and wish you the best of luck with your season. GO
BUCS!
Dave Mullins
Director of Athletics
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ACADEMIC SUPPORT SERVICES
Academic Integrity
Class Attendance
Team Travel Verification
Special Learning Needs
Study Hall Policies
On-line Course Policy
Priority Registration
Add/Drop Policy
Declaring/Changing a Major
Classes at another Institution
ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT POLICIES
Alcohol and Tobacco
Dietary Supplement Use
Discipline
Drug Testing Policy
Employment
Equipment Room Policies
Hazing
Media Relations Policy
Pregnancy Policy
Social Networking Policy
Weight Room Policy
FINANCIAL AID POLICIES
Athletic Grant-in-Aid Policies
General Regulations
Limitations on Financial Aid
Reduction or Cancellation during Period of Award
Renewals/Nonrenewals
NCAA Student-Athlete Opportunity Fund
Summer School or Fifth Year Aid
Taxes on Athletic Scholarship for International and Domestic Students
Off Campus Aid
Textbook Policy
NCAA ACADEMIC ELIGIBILTY
Course Load
Freshman Eligibility
NCAA Continuing Eligibility Requirements
ADDITIONAL NCAA RULES AND REGULATIONS
Amateurism
Competition
Competition on Outside team
Extra Benefits
Gambling
Medical Hardship
Professional Sports Agent
Practice Limitations
Redshirt
Reporting Knowledge of Violations
Student Host Responsibilities
Tickets
Transfers
Use of Name or Picture in Advertising
ACADEMIC SUPPORT SERVICES
Academic Integrity
Academic Integrity
Academic Integrity means earning credit honestly through your own efforts; Academic Integrity should be the
number one priority for student-athletes, as the punishments for violating it are severe and embarrassing.
The most common forms of academic dishonesty are the following:
• Plagiarism. Plagiarism is the act of taking ideas, writings, or visual art of another person, including a tutor,
and presenting them as your own. In writing, this could take the form of word-for-word copying,
paraphrasing, or even taking the structure of someone else’s work and presenting it as your own. In visual
arts, this could take the form of copying ideas, actual structures, or entire works and presenting them as
your own. If unsure, take the work to your instructor or a tutor and ask for help.
• Cheating on exams. This could take the form of having someone else take the exam for you, looking on
someone else’s paper or letting someone look on yours, using electronic devices and taking crib notes into
the exam. Cheating also includes using a teammate’s old exams from a class previously taken.
• Cheating on Assignments. Copying another person’s work, working too closely with a tutor or another
student, giving your work to another student, splitting tasks on an assignment that is clearly NOT designed
as a collaborative one, turning in the same work for two different classes, and buying or borrowing papers.
Pitfalls can happen, especially in the computer lab. DO NOT SAVE DOCUMENTS ON THE HARD
DRIVE OR LEAVE YOUR DISK IN THE LAB!!! SOMEONE COULD FIND IT AND TURN YOUR
WORK IN AS THEIR OWN. Please let us know if someone other than our staff tutors is tutoring you. For
your and our protection, we need to make sure that they are following our guidelines.
Class Attendance
Class attendance, as well as academic progress, is monitored by the Athletics Academic Office through the use of
progress reports sent to each of your instructors. At least two reports are gathered from faculty each semester. These
reports are shared with your coaches. Professors usually do not hesitate to keep the team’s coaches or Academic
Staff informed of attendance issues. Absences for athletics reasons only mean that you are allowed to make up
missed work, that does not mean that your absences will not count against a class absence policy for
attendance. DO NOT MISS CLASSES FOR REASONS OTHER THAN ATHLETICS TRAVEL. Also, you are
never allowed to miss class for practice.
Team Travel Verification
At the beginning of each semester you must provide each professor with a copy of your tentative travel schedule
(from Academic Services). It is your responsibility to discuss this schedule with your instructor at the beginning of
the term to talk about any potential problems, also obtain their signature that they received your schedule. In
addition, you should remind each professor one week ahead of time. Class absences are not automatically excused
by all departments so verify the policy with your instructor(s).
Tutoring Services
Tutors are obtained as needed to work with student-athletes in courses, when available, at no cost to the studentathlete.
For tutoring requests:
•
Obtain a Tutor Request Form from the Academic Services Office
•
Complete the form. Read and sign the attached contract.
•
Return the completed form to the Academic Services Office.
•
Or complete online at www.etsubucs.com under the Academic Services link.
You are expected to adhere to the tutoring contract. Your tutorial privileges will be suspended if you fail to appear
for scheduled tutor appointments. All information will be shared with the appropriate coach.
Special Learning Needs
If you feel that you may have special learning needs that are not being addressed and you are experiencing difficulty
with any of your classes or ability to be successful as a student-athlete, then please schedule an appointment with the
Academic Services office.
You are expected to adhere to the tutoring contract. Your tutorial privileges will be suspended if you fail to appear
for scheduled tutor appointments. All information will be shared with the appropriate coach.
Study Hall
If you are assigned to a supervised Study Hall you are expected to attend regularly, arrive on time, and be prepared
to study. Record of attendance will be kept. Failure to follow the posted Humphrey’s Center Code of Conduct can
result in your loss of study hall privileges.
Study Hall Rules
In order to maintain an effective study environment for all student athletes, please keep the following points in mind:
•
Please check in and out each time you visit the Humphreys Center.
•
Please observe all Dos and Don’ts listed on the Humphreys Center Code of Conduct posted on the walls of
the center, including rules below.
•
Maintain a quiet atmosphere.
•
Computers are to be used for academic purposes.
•
Appropriate attire is required at all times.
•
No talking on cellular phones. Ringers must be off.
•
No food or drink (water, Powerade approved).
In addition to these guidelines, your coach may have additional rules about Study Hall.
On-Line Course Policy
All student-athletes enrolled in on-line (via the internet) courses must adhere to the following policies when working
with assigned tutors and/or mentors:
• Understand that tutors and mentors can only monitor my progress when completing online exams, quizzes
or assignments.
• Will not accept assistance from a tutor on on-line exams, quizzes or assignments.*
• Will not collaborate or work with fellow classmates to complete a take home or online quiz/exam*
• Will report any concerns or acts of cheating or plagiarism by other student-athletes or tutors and/or mentors
to my Academic Counselor or the Assistant Athletics Director, Student-Services.
• Understand that tutors may not be present in the tutor room and/or computer lab at anytime a quiz or exam
is being completed.
• I am responsible for submitting all completed assignments via the internet/D2L on my own.
*Any exception to the above policy must be provided by the instructor in writing to Humphreys Center staff prior to
attempting/completing assignment, exam, quiz, etc.
Priority Registration
Student-athletes are provided with first day priority registration privileges. It is expected that they will register
on that day. In order to do so they should check their registration status for “holds” or other issues that may
prohibit or delay registration. This is done because of their need to meet NCAA satisfactory progress requirements
and to allow for practice schedules. It is imperative that SAs have all HOLDS removed in order to have access to
Priority Registration.
The following items must be completed by each student-athlete prior to registration:
• Check and clear any holds (Goldlink)
• Schedule an advising appointment with your department advisor
• Schedule approved by Athletic Academic Services. Any schedule changes made after initial approval must
also be approved
Class Drop/Add Policy
Student-athletes are required to meet with the Director of Academic Services or the Compliance Director BEFORE
dropping or adding a course to determine the effects on meeting your NCAA satisfactory progress requirements.
Declaring/Changing a Major
By the beginning of the fifth term of full-time enrollment, NCAA rules require student-athletes to declare a
major. Student-athletes entering their fifth semester should confirm their intended major with their advisor and have
a valid program of study. From that time on, the minimum hours of academic credit needed for satisfactory progress
must be applicable to that degree program.
A student-athlete may change his/her degree program and comply with the satisfactory-progress requirements
if:
1. The change is properly recorded with the Registrar's Office,
2. The credits earned prior to the change are applicable to the previous degree sought, and
3. The credits earned following the change are applicable toward the new degree program.
4. The change is approved by Athletic Academic Services
Summer School outside ETSU
Any time classes are taken at an institution other than ETSU, the student must receive prior approval from
Athletic Academic Services. This applies to scholarship and non-scholarship student-athletes. Student-athletes are
required to fill out the Summer School Approval Form in the Academic Services Office. By completing this form
you are not only ensuring that you will not risk your eligibility, but we can provide you with accurate transferability
information to enable you to take a course that will be degree countable at ETSU. See the Academic Services Office
for assistance with equivalency information.
ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT POLICIES
Alcohol and Tobacco Policy
All alcohol and tobacco products are banned for A-SUN coaches, student-athletes and athletic staff in all
contests, home and away, in which member institution teams participate. The ban applies in locker rooms, practice
sessions, playing fields and arenas. In complete compliance with the ETSU policy on alcohol and drug abuse the
Athletic Department condemns the use of illegal drugs, and the abuse of alcohol, tobacco, and legal drugs.
NCAA And ETSU Tobacco Policy
In accordance with NCAA Bylaw 11.1.7, the use of tobacco products is prohibited by all game personnel (e.g.,
players, coaches, trainers, managers, and game officials) in all sports during practice and competition.
ETSU is a Tobacco-Free Campus. Effective Aug. 11, 2008, all use of tobacco is restricted to private vehicles.
University Alcohol Policy
ETSU complies with the alcohol regulations of the State of Tennessee. All state laws apply to ETSU students,
faculty, staff, and visitors. These laws prohibit possession and consumption of all alcoholic beverages on all
university grounds and in all university buildings. These same laws apply to student-athletes off campus when
representing Department of Athletics.
Alcohol Education and Abuse Policy
The alcohol policy of ETSU Athletics is composed of two components: education and counseling. An alcohol
education program for student-athletes will be conducted each semester by the Department of Athletics.
State law prohibits student-athletes under the age of 21 the purchase or consumption of alcohol. This includes
prospective student-athletes and their hosts visiting the university. Student-athletes who consume alcohol will be
held accountable for any alcohol-related incident in which they are involved. The student-athlete will be subject to
state, university, athletics department, and/or team disciplinary action whether or not there are civil or criminal
implications.
If a student-athlete is involved in an alcohol-related incident involving no civil or criminal consequences, the head
coach and the Athletic Director will determine if the circumstances warrant counseling intervention and/or
suspension from practice or competition.
If a student-athlete is involved in an alcohol-related incident involving civil or criminal consequences, the studentathlete is required to meet with a sports psychologist for mandatory evaluation. The head coach will determine if the
circumstances warrant suspension from practice or competition.
For any violation of the alcohol policy, the university, by authority of the committee on substance abuse, reserves
the right to require additional alcohol education and counseling services. In addition, any student-athlete who
violates the alcohol policy is subject to sanctions that may include any or all of the following:
•
Suspension from practice or competition
•
Dismissal from the team
•
Recommendation that athletic aid be revoked.
A violation of the alcohol and drug policy is a violation of the university disciplinary policy. The East Tennessee
State University Department of Athletics does not condone irresponsible use of alcohol under any circumstances.
Alcoholism is a progressive disorder in which physical and psychological dependency may develop. Consumption
of even one alcohol-containing beverage may impair brain function, judgment, alertness, coordination and reflexes,
resulting in accidental injury or violence. Consumption of large amounts of alcohol in a short time (Binging) may
cause suppressed respiration and death.
Dietary Supplement Use
The ETSU policy on dietary supplements is one of caution. These substances are not regulated by the Food and
Drug Administration, and although legally bound to disclose all ingredients, frequently contain substances not
listed on the labels. Some of these supplements may contain NCAA banned substances and may result in a positive
drug test. For these reasons use of such supplements is highly discouraged. A balanced diet of complex
carbohydrates, fruits and vegetables, low fat dairy products, protein, and whole grains is still the best method
reaching peak performance, decreasing fatigue, and maintaining endurance and body composition. Questions
regarding dietary supplements should be directed to the Training Room
Ignorance is No Excuse! Many nutritional/dietary supplements contain banned substances. In addition, the U.S.
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not strictly regulate the supplement industry; therefore purity and
safety of nutritional/dietary supplements cannot be guaranteed. Impure supplements may lead to a positive
NCAA drug test. The use of supplements is at the student-athlete’s own risk. Student Athletes should
contact their institution’s team physician or athletic trainer for further information
Discipline
1. Athletic Department
Student-athletes are expected to follow the coaches’ policies regarding training, practice, discipline and all team
matters. Student-athletes not adhering to the rules and regulations of the University (Student Conduct Code),
Athletic Department and/or the coach will be subject to suspension from practice, competition and/or
reduction/cancellation of athletically related financial aid by the University. All student-athletes have the
right to appeal any unfavorable disciplinary decision to the Athletic Director.
2. University
The Student Conduct Code is designed to promote responsible behavior for all students consistent with the
welfare of the University Community. The Athletic Department and the University reserve the right to impose
discipline based on any student conduct, regardless of location, that may adversely affect the Athletic Department
and/or the University Community. It is the student-athlete’s responsibility to self report all possible
infractions to the Head Coach and/or Associate Athletic Director immediately following the event
3. Federal or State Law or Local Ordinance
Violations of federal or state law or local ordinances will be administered by the appropriate legal
authorities. However, as many potentially unlawful actions may bring discredit to the Athletic Department and/or
the University, the Athletic Department reserves the right to impose sanctions as deemed appropriate.
Drug Testing Policy
ETSU Policy On Drug-Free Campus
It is the policy of this university that the unlawful manufacture, distribution, possession, use of alcohol, and illicit
drugs on the ETSU campus, in the workplace (on- or off-campus), on property owned or controlled by ETSU, or as
part of any activity of ETSU is strictly prohibited. All employees and students are subject to applicable federal, state,
and local laws related to this matter. Additionally, any violation of this policy will result in disciplinary action.
Drug Testing and Results
Participation in intercollegiate athletics places additional demands upon the student-athlete population. The
Committee on Substance Abuse conducts the Drug Education program in conjunction with the Office of Student
Life for the purpose of informing student-athletes about the negative effects of substance abuse on their health, wellbeing and athletic performance.
The drug-screening program is conducted by the sports medicine staff to maintain the safety and integrity of
intercollegiate athletics and to act as a deterrent to those who may consider using some substances. It is an effective
tool in evaluation and rehabilitation of those student-athletes who have used chemicals and/or prescription, over-thecounter and/or illegal drugs for non-medical purposes.
For any violations of the Drug Screening Program the Committee on Substance Abuse reserves the right to require
additional substance abuse education and intervention services. In addition, any student-athlete who violates the
drug abuse policy is subject to sanctions that may include:
•
Suspension from practice or competition
•
Dismissal from the team
•
Recommendation that athletic aid be revoked.
Prohibited Substances
Individuals are prohibited from use, possession, manufacture, distribution and/or sale or attempted use, purchase,
possession, manufacture, distribution and/or sale by another of the following:
•
Controlled substances and dangerous drugs are defined by state law and include marijuana (“hash”, “hash
oil”, “blunts”), cocaine, crack, heroin, methamphetamine (“crystal”, or “crank”), amphetamine, LSD, MDMA
(Ecstasy), MDEA (Eve), gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB, date rape drug) and anabolic steroids.
•
Illegal acquisition, distribution, or acquisition of multiple “legal” prescriptions for the same injury or illness
from multiple physicians, misuse of any legal prescription drug, and alteration of any drug prescription including but
not limited to prescriptions for Hydrocodone (Lortab), Hydromorphone (Dilaudid), Oxycodone (Percocet),
Phentermine (Fastin), Ritalin, morphine or codeine.
“Distribution” of drugs not only means a “sale” of the drug, but also includes trading the drug for another item or
drug or “giving” the drug to another person.
Random Drug Testing
Throughout the school year, random drug testing will be performed on a regular basis.
Reasonable Suspicion Testing
Any student participation in the intercollegiate athletic program is subject to drug testing upon request if there is a
reasonable suspicion to believe that the student may be using illegal drugs. Circumstances that constitute reasonable
suspicion include, but are not limited to, the following:
•
current or past involvement with the criminal justice system for drug-related activities
•
prior treatment for drug problems
•
actions or characteristics indicative of drug use.
Notification of Athlete
The athletic training staff will notify the student-athlete when a drug test is required. At that time the student-athlete
will be required to complete a drug testing notification form, acknowledging that he/she has been notified of the
drug test and verifying the date and time of the test. The student-athlete also acknowledges that failure or refusal to
appear for the drug test will result in disciplinary action according to the athletic association policies. A witness, a
member of the athletics department staff, will accompany the student-athlete to the collection station.
Substance Abuse Education and Deterrence Policy
The Substance Abuse Education and Deterrence program is designed to promote the physical and mental well being
of East Tennessee State University student-athletes. The non-medical use of prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs,
illegal drugs and chemicals threaten the safety, health and fairness of competition. Education, testing, and
counseling programs are the basis of this policy intended to deter drug and chemical use that threaten the integrity of
the athletic program and the student-athlete’s health and safety.
As a condition of participation in practice and competition in intercollegiate athletics, each student-athlete is
required to consent to random drug testing and participate in the substance abuse education program conducted by
the Athletics Department.
Employment
Student-athletes may be employed at any time in legitimate on-campus and off-campus employment. Per
NCAA rules all employed athletes are required to submit an employment form to the compliance office.
Compensation for employment must be paid to the student-athlete:
1. only for work actually performed;
2. at a rate commensurate with the going rate in that locality for similar services; and
3. may not include remuneration for the value that student-athlete may have for the employer because of the
publicity, reputation, fame or personal following that he or she has obtained because of athletics ability. While
permitted, additional restrictions apply for employment on a commission basis, athletic equipment sales and
broken-time payments.
Employment opportunities should be reviewed by the Head coach and the student-athlete prior to
acceptance. At this time Student-Athlete Employment form should be completed. SAs must fill out this form
before beginning work.
Fee for Lesson
Any student athlete wishing to provide fee for lesson instruction must see the Compliance Office for all
pertinent rules and guidelines governing such activities. At no time is it permissible to use University
facilities for such lessons.
Impermissible Employment Activities
•
SAs may not be compensated for the value or utility that you may have for the employer because of the
publicity, reputation, fame, or personal following that he or she has obtained because of his/her athletics ability. This
regulation prohibits SAs from being compensated for public appearances or for signing autographs.
•
SAs may not receive remuneration for endorsing a commercial product or service.
•
SAs may not begin modeling activities after becoming a student-athlete until they have exhausted
competition eligibility. Continuing modeling activities that SAs started before becoming a student-athlete is
permissible only in specific situations. Please contact the Compliance Office if you plan to continue any modeling
activities.
•
SAs are not permitted to own their own company or conduct their own camp or clinic.
•
SAs cannot be paid for “playing lessons.”
Participating in any impermissible employment activities may cause you to become ineligible for participation in
intercollegiate athletics.
Equipment Room Policy and Procedures
The equipment you use is school property, on loan to you. Take care of the equipment as well as you would want
someone to take care of your own property. Issued gear is for athletic participation only. If you lose an item, you
must pay for item not returned.
If you need service, report to the equipment room. If the equipment room door is closed please knock. Do not enter
the equipment room without permission from the equipment manager or his assistant. Repairs cannot be made right
before practice. Return and report any tears or repairs needed immediately after practices or games. Please turn in
all laundry in a timely fashion after practices and games. All issued equipment is required to be returned at the end
of the school year. Hallway lockers must remain locked at all times for the safety of your equipment. Issued gear is
to remain in the Dome never taken to dorm or apartment.
Hours
Fall: 8:00am – 6:00pm or until one hour after the end of the latest scheduled practice.
Winter: 8:15am – 6:00pm or until thirty minutes after the end of the latest scheduled practice.
Spring: 8:00am – 6:00pm or until one hour after the end of the latest scheduled practice.
*The equipment room is normally closed for lunch between 11:45am – 1:00pm.
ETSU Policy on Hazing
Participation of students in hazing activities: any intentional or reckless act, on or off institutional property, by one
student, acting alone or with others, which is directed against any other student, that endangers the mental or
physical health or safety of that student, or which induces or coerces a student to endanger his or her mental or
physical health or safety, and includes treatment of a violent, abusive, shameful, insulting or humiliating nature.
Such action is prohibited when connected with initiation into, affiliation with or continuing membership in a group
or organization and does not include participation in customary athletic events or similar competition.
Media Relations for Student-Athletes
All interviews with ETSU student-athletes will be arranged through the Media Relations office. If you are contacted
directly by a member of the media, it is your responsibility to tell him or her that they must go through the proper
channels first. The media members know this principle. If they are trying to go around it, chances are they aren’t
looking for a positive story.
The Media Relations office will schedule interviews in a professional manner and around your class schedule. You
must remember that dealing with the media is as much a part of college athletics as lifting weights, getting taped, or
going to study hall. It is an obligation. Nothing makes a worse impression than having a media member take the
time to come interview you and have to wait. Please dress appropriately when meeting with the media.
A positive relationship between a student-athlete and the media is one of the biggest opportunities of being a college
athlete, but it is also one of the biggest responsibilities. The ETSU Department of Athletics Media Relations will
help you handle that responsibility to make the most of your opportunity. Conducting interviews with the media not
only promotes your team and your university, but also you as an individual.
There are several media outlets that cover Buccaneer athletics on a daily basis. The Johnson City Press, Kingsport
Times-News, Bristol Herald-Courier, Elizabethton Star, and other regional newspapers cover ETSU extensively.
Also, four regional television stations: WJHL (CBS), WEMT (FOX), WKPT (ABC) and WCYB (NBC), provide
frequent coverage of Buc athletics. Writers and reporters from these media outlets, as well as others, may cover your
practices and competitions, so you need to be aware of your actions. Remember, their job is to get a story. You need
to make sure that the story they get is positive.
Student-Athlete Pregnancy Policy
The Athletic Department has instituted a student-athlete pregnancy policy for the protection of the student-athlete
and her developing child.
What to do if you become Pregnant?
As soon as you learn or think that you are pregnant you must inform your Athletic Trainer and Coach. The next step
will be to meet with the Team Physician and to be referred to an OB/GYN.
Training and Competing
A student-athlete’s decision to practice and/or compete during pregnancy must be made in conjunction with her
OB/GYN, the team doctor, head trainer and head coach. The student-athlete’s OB/GYN and the team doctor will
make the final decision about the extent of the SA’s athletics participation throughout the pregnancy.
The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOD) has recommended that following a thorough clinical
evaluation, healthy pregnant women should be encouraged to engage in regular, moderate intensity, physical
activity. The safety of participation in individual sports by a pregnant woman will be dictated by the movements and
physical demands required to compete in that sport and the previous activity level of the individual. The American
College of Sports Medicine discourages heavy weightlifting or similar activities that require straining or valsalva as
stated in the Sports Medicine Handbook for 2007-2008.
If a student-athlete chooses to practice and/or compete while pregnant she will:
•
Be made aware of the potential risks of her particular sport and exercise in general while pregnant;
•
Be encouraged to discontinue exercise when feeling over-exerted or when any warning signs are present;
•
Follow the recommendations of her Obstetrical provider in coordination with the Team Physician; and
•
Take care to remain well-hydrated and to avoid overheating
(NCAA Sports Medicine Handbook 2007-08)
What Happens to your Scholarship?
Your Athletic Scholarship will not be canceled for the current year due to your pregnancy. Consideration for the
renewal of your scholarship for the next academic year will be at the discretion of the ETSU Student-Welfare
Committee and your head coach. If your scholarship is not renewed, you have the right to appeal this decision.
NCAA rules permit a one-year extension of the five-year period of eligibility for a female student-athlete for reasons
of pregnancy. Contact the compliance office for more information.
Who Pays for your Medical Expenses?
The student-athlete will be responsible for all medical expenses that are a result of the pregnancy. This is not an
athletic-related medical condition and will not fall upon the Athletic Department’s Secondary Insurance Policy.
Where can you go for Support?
The Athletic Trainer and Team Physician will provide counseling and referrals for student-athletes who become
pregnant. Additional support information can be found though the ETSU Counseling Center.
Social Networking Web sites Policy
Student-athletes, as members of the ETSU community, are permitted to have profiles on social networking web sites
such as MySpace, twitter and Facebook provided that:
a)
No offensive or inappropriate pictures are posted.
b)
No offensive or inappropriate comments are posted.
c)
Any information placed on the web site(s) does not violate the ethics and intent behind both the student
code of conduct AND the student-athlete code of conduct.
Student-athletes should remember that they are ambassadors of ETSU and always in the public eye. Content posted
by student-athletes at other institutions or even other students on campus may not be acceptable on the profile.
NOTE: In addition to the unfortunate reality of online predators, potential employers and internship supervisors
also use these sites to screen candidates. Many graduate programs and scholarship committees now search these
sites to screen applicants. We advise ETSU student-athletes to exercise extreme caution in their use of social
networking web sites.
Weightroom Hours and Procedures
Each athlete MUST consult his/her coach before lifting in the weight facility in their first year of attendance at
ETSU. This is required in order to familiarize each athlete with the various rules and regulations in the weightroom
area. The weight facility is a shared room with the ETSU Kinesiology, Leisure and Sport Sciences Department
(KLSS). The KLSS Department has jurisdiction in the weightroom until noon. Any athlete that wishes to use the
room during that time MUST contact the strength coach for availability of space. The weightroom hours for the
athletes are from noon until closing time at 6 p.m.
General Weightroom Rules:
•
Shoes and shirts must be worn in the weightroom.
•
Collars must be worn when using free weight bars.
•
All free weights that were used must be replaced to the area they were attained.
•
Each athlete must have a spotter for free weight lifts.
•
When the weightroom is locked, no athlete may enter for any reason.
•
No horseplay will be allowed.
Any athlete may lift during the above hours; however, each team will receive a time during the year when they have
priority time. During these priority times, the individual athlete must check with the strength coach to see which
areas will be available. The priority team will receive all considerations for all weightroom machines. Athletes may
only lift while supervised by a strength coach or sport coach.
Financial Aid
An Athletic Scholarship may cover up to the cost of tuition, fees, room, board and books for the year. Scholarships
are renewable on an annual basis, and notification of reduction or non-renewal will be sent no later than July 1st. If
you ever have a question about the terms of your financial aid agreement, please do not hesitate to see your coach or
the compliance office.
Athletic Grant-in-Aid Policies
In compliance with NCAA Bylaws, all athletic grant-in-aids are annual awards for one year only. The award
may be renewed dependent upon several factors including, but not limited to, academic achievement, athletic ability,
overall attitude and contribution to the team.
General Regulations
An athletic grant-in-aid may be increased during the period of its award, but only for reasons other than athletic
performance. You may also be eligible to receive additional financial assistance through grants, loans, or
employment opportunities. It is strongly recommended that you investigate the opportunity to receive Pell
Grant monies on a yearly basis – File a FAFSA. A student-athlete may receive aid from anyone upon whom
the student-athlete is naturally or legally dependent. It is not permissible for a student-athlete to receive
financial aid, directly or indirectly, from a source outside the institution (e.g., a foreign government, a sports
association, a high school booster club) for expenses related to attendance at an NCAA school if the award
is based in any degree upon the student’s athletics ability. There are some exceptions, so please ask the athletic
compliance office
Limitations on Financial Aid
Each student-athlete should be familiar with the terms and conditions of his/her athletically related aid
(scholarship), as well as other forms of financial assistance. A student-athlete may not participate in
intercollegiate athletics if he/she receives financial aid that exceeds the cost of attendance. Cost of attendance is
an amount calculated by the university’s financial aid authority that includes tuition and fees, room and board,
books with supplies, transportation and other expenses related to attendance. Athletics aid may only include the
cost of a full grant-in-aid. A full grant-in-aid is comprised of tuition and fees, room and board, and books. It
is important to note that many aid programs, due to various federal guidelines, may inhibit the total amount
of aid a student athlete may receive. If, as a result of receiving other institutional financial aid, in addition to an
athletic grant-in-aid, a student-athlete becomes “over-awarded” (award exceeds the value of a full grant-in-aid or
cost of attendance) or the team exceeds the NCAA maximum equivalency then the student-athlete’s athletic
grant-in-aid will be reduced to comply with NCAA limitations.
Reduction or Cancellation during Period of Award
An athletic grant-in-aid may not be reduced or canceled during the period of award unless you:
1. render yourself ineligible for intercollegiate competition.
2. fraudulently misrepresent any information on an application, letter of intent or financial aid
application.
3. engage in serious misconduct warranting substantial disciplinary penalty.
4. voluntarily withdraw from your sport for any reason
If a student-athlete believes that his/her athletic grant-in-aid has been reduced or canceled unjustly, this decision
may be appealed to the university’s Financial Aid Committee. Procedures for this process will be sent to
the student with notification of reduction or cancellation.
Renewals/Nonrenewals
The renewal of institutional financial aid based in any degree on athletics ability shall be made in writing by the
Office of Financial Aid on or before July 1 prior to the academic year in which it is to be effective. The
institution shall promptly notify each student-athlete who received an award the previous academic year and who
has eligibility remaining in the sport in which financial aid was awarded whether the grant has been renewed or
not renewed for the ensuing academic year.
The policies for renewal of grants-in-aid are as follows:
1. NCAA rules forbid scholarship commitment beyond one year.
2. You may receive an athletics scholarship for no more than five years out of six.
3. You may not be granted a renewal of your athletics scholarship if you demonstrate:
• Inability to reach reasonable athletic performance goals.
• Render yourself ineligible for intercollegiate competition.
• Engage in serious misconduct warranting disciplinary action.
• Incompatibility with the coaching staff.
• Voluntarily withdraw from the sport at any time for personal reasons.
You will receive a letter from the Financial Aid Office postmarked by July 1 if your scholarship will not be
renewed. If you disagree with the decision to reduce or cancel your scholarship, you have the right to appeal with
the Financial Aid Office.
NCAA Student-Athlete Opportunity Fund
The NCAA provides these funds to assist student-athletes with special financial needs. You may be eligible to
receive money from the NCAA SAOF if you submit your FAFSA form to financial aid.
ALL STUDENTS SHOULD COMPLETE THE PAPERWORK TO DETERMINE THEIR ELIGIBILITY FOR
FEDERAL FINANCIAL AID!!
If you qualify for assistance the compliance office or your coach will contact you.
You may be eligible to receive money from the NCAA SAOF fund if you submit your FAFSA form to financial aid
and:
• Are a Pell Grant-eligible student. This does not include non-qualifiers in the initial year of residence.
• A student-athlete who receives athletically related financial aid and who has demonstrated financial need as
determined by the financial aid office.
• A foreign student-athlete who has sufficient financial need. The financial aid office must certify that you
have sufficient need.
If you are eligible to receive money from the NCAA SAOF, you may use the funds for the following expenses:
• Supplies for academic courses (general school supplies such as notebooks and pens).
• Medical treatment not paid for by your insurance coverage (premiums for optional medial insurance,
hearing aids, visions therapy, psychological counseling).
• Vision expenses.
• Clothing and other essentials.
• Travel home for school break (plane tickets only)
In addition, all students may be eligible for the fund in times of family emergencies. See the compliance office for
more information.
Requests for use of this fund may not be discussed until you have filled out your FAFSA form.
Fifth-Year Aid and Summer School Aid
Deadline to apply of both Fifth-Year Aid and Summer School Aid - April 1
Guidelines for eligibility for aid:
• Student-athletes should attempt an average of 15 hours per semester. Any classes dropped or failed may be
reviewed for class attendance and an attempt by student-athlete to seek tutors.
• More than 3 unexcused absences in any one failed or dropped class may make student-athletes ineligible
for aid.
• Student-athletes who fail to seek tutors in classes they fail may also be ineligible for aid.
• Priority will be given to student-athletes to facilitate graduation or who need to attend summer school to
regain eligibility for the fall. Student-athletes who do not fit into one of the above categories should not
anticipate aid from the athletics department.
Fifth-year aid will be awarded according to the following schedule:
• Fourth-year full scholarship recipients will receive tuition, fees, and books.
• Fourth-year partial scholarship recipients will receive aid in proportion to their fourth-year grant for their
fifth-year aid.
• Fourth-year participants who received only books will receive books for their fifth year.
Student-athletes applying for fifth-year aid are required to apply for financial aid and/or scholarships to assist with
deferring costs of attendance.
Summer School attendance may be limited to a total of two different sessions during an academic career. PreSummer, term I, or term II would each count as a separate session.
NCAA rules state that Summer School aid can only be awarded in proportion to athletic aid during academic year.
Appeals of Fifth-Year or Summer School Aid:
Appeals for extenuating circumstances may be submitted to the Director of Athletics.
Domestic and International Student Taxes
Domestic Students-Athletes
All domestic student-athletes who receive an athletic grant-in-aid should be aware that certain portions of the grant
are considered taxable income by the Internal Revenue Service. The room and board portions of an athletic grant-inaid, as well as any cash awards and/or NCAA SAOF disbursements that are received must be reported as income
when completing a U.S. tax return. SAs are not required to report the athletic scholarship amounts that are received
for tuition and books.
International Student-Athletes
International student-athletes who receive an athletic grant-in-aid should be aware that their grant-in aid may be
subject to a 14% U.S. federal tax withholding. The room, board, and NCAA Assistance funds amounts are the only
portions that may be subject to the 14% withholding. The athletic grant amount received for tuition and books is not
subject to this withholding. Please be aware that the status of income tax treaties can change, so please check with
the Compliance Office if you have any questions regarding this tax withholding.
Off-Campus Aid
Student-Athletes who receive room and/or board as a part of their athletic scholarship, and live off campus will
receive room and/or board aid. The aid will be direct deposited into student’s accounts and no checks will be issued.
It is the student's responsibility to keep the direct deposit information accurate and his/her back account in good
standing. The aid is divided equally into eight deposits on First Day of fall class, October 1, November 1, and
December 1, First day of spring classes, February 1, March 1, and April 1.
Any student-athlete who receives more 50% or more of room as a part of his/her scholarship must live on campus
through at least their sophomore year at ETSU. Anyone who chooses to move off-campus must have this approved
before he/she moves.
Student-Athlete Textbook Policy
For student-athletes receiving textbooks as part of their scholarship, the following constitutes the Department of
Intercollegiate Athletics Textbook Policy:
• Before the semester begins each SA on book scholarship must bring a copy of his/her schedule to the
University Book store during athletics designated hours to receive the required textbooks for the upcoming
semester.
• After a SA picks up his/her books the first time, any changes (due to schedule changes, etc) must be
authorized in writing by the Athletic Compliance Office.
• Items covered are required textbooks only. Calculators, folders, paper, pens, etc. are not covered.
• Recommended books are also not included.
•
During finals week of each semester, ALL books must be returned to Academic Services.
• Any textbooks that cannot be accounted for by the designated student-athlete will result in a hold placed on
the student-athlete’s account for cost of the textbooks and the student will not be allowed to pick up books
for any future semesters. If the books are more than 8 weeks overdue, a charge may be added to the
student-athlete's account to cover the cost of the books.
• Any student who does not return a book that is part of the book rental program will have to pay the cost of
the non-return penalty in addition to the cost of the book.
THE SECURITY OF TEXTBOOKS IS THE DIRECT RESPONSIBILITY OF EACH STUDENT-ATHLETE.
STOLEN, MISPLACED, OR LOST TEXTBOOKS WILL NOT WARRANT AN EXCEPTION TO THIS
POLICY. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES CAN A STUDENT-ATHLETE, WHO RECEIVES BOOKS AS A
PART OF HIS/HER SCHOLARSHIP, SELL HIS OR HER TEXTBOOKS TO ANY PERSON OR ANY
BUSINESS FOR ANY REASON WHATSOEVER. ALL BOOKS RECEIVED ON SCHOLARSHIP MUST BE
RETURNED DURING FINALS WEEK.
Textbooks not returned during the proper time will result in a $20 fine. Students will not be permitted to pick up any
additional books until all books have been returned and the fine has been paid.
Expenses Not Covered by the University
Questions always arise concerning the types of university expenses that are covered when a student-athlete is on full
scholarship. Tuition and fees, required books, room and board are covered. The expenses listed below are not
covered by your scholarship.
If you incur any of the following charges, you must pay them:
• Long-distance phone calls made from your dorm or hotel rooms during team travel
• Cost of treatment for non-athletically related injuries
• Library fines
• Fines for damages to university property, including the residence halls
• Key deposits or replacement of lost residence hall key
• “Consumable charges” which can be anything from lab fees for breakage to non-required field trips
• Replacement fee for lost meal cards
• School supplies, pens, notebooks, paper, clothing, etc.
• Vehicle registration fee or Parking Fines
• Charges for lost athletic-issued equipment.
NCAA Academic Eligibility
At the start of each new semester, student-athletes must be certified as eligible for intercollegiate athletic
practice and competition based on the student-athlete’s NCAA degree progress and academic standing.
Course Load
To participate in intercollegiate athletics, a student-athlete must be enrolled full time which for an undergraduate is
defined as a minimum of 12 hours. Graduate students must enroll in a minimum of 9 hours.
• If at any time your enrollment drops below full-time status, you are immediately ineligible to
practice or compete.
• Once, in the final semester of the baccalaureate program, a student-athlete may be eligible if enrolled
in less than a minimum full-time program, provided the student-athlete has documentation from graduation
indicating he/she is enrolled in all coursework necessary to complete degree requirements.
Freshman Eligibility (NCAA Eligibility Center)
1. Recruited freshmen student-athletes may practice, but not compete, for a maximum of two weeks after which
they must be withheld from practice and competition until final NCAA Eligibility Center eligibility
certification is granted.
2. Non-recruited freshmen
Student-athletes may practice, but not compete for a period of 45 days before final certification is necessary.
NCAA Continuing Eligibility Requirements
These are the minimum requirements for NCAA eligibility. Student-athletes are expected to achieve at a higher rate
than the minimum.
Student-athletes at a Division I NCAA institution are required to make satisfactory progress toward a degree to be
eligible to participate in their sport. There are a number of NCAA rules and regulations that are related to
satisfactory progress that you must familiarize yourself with.
IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO KNOW THE RULES AND UNDERSTAND WHAT YOU ARE REQUIRED
TO DO. MAKE SURE YOU FULLY UNDERSTAND YOUR ACADEMIC SITUATION AT THE BEGINNING
OF EACH SEMESTER. NOT KNOWING THE RULES CAN MAKE YOU INELIGIBLE.
*You must be enrolled in 12 credits (full time) each semester of full-time enrollment. You must also complete at
least 6 semester hours in the previous regular academic term of full-time enrollment to participate (competition) in
the next regular academic term. Starting your junior year, all of the below credit requirements are degree applicable
credit. Required and prerequisite courses for which a grade of “C” or higher is required may not count toward
maintaining satisfactory progress until the requisite grade is achieved. Courses for which an “incomplete” was
assigned may only count one time.
Start of Sophomore Year:
• Successful completion of a minimum of 24 credits in the previous year (can include summer school).
Pass a minimum of 18 credits during the previous academic year (fall and spring semesters only, excludes
summer school).
• Maintain full-time enrollment of a minimum of 12 credit hours.
• Overall GPA of at least a 1.80 (prior to 3rd and 4th semesters).
• Pass six credits per term.
Start of Junior Year:
• Successful completion of 18 credits during the previous academic year (fall and spring semesters only).
• Certified designation of a major area of study by the Registrar’s office.
• Successfully completed 40% of the credits required for graduation in your designated degree program.
• Overall GPA of 1.90 (prior to 5th and 6th semesters).
• Maintain full-time enrollment of a minimum of 12 credit hours.
• Pass six credits per term.
Start of Senior Year:
• Successful completion of 18 credits during the previous academic year (fall and spring semesters only).
• Successfully completed 60% of the credits required for graduation in your designated degree program.
• Overall GPA of 2.00 (prior to 7th and 8th semesters).
• Maintain full-time enrollment of a minimum of 12 credit hours.
• Pass six credits per term.
Start of Fifth Year:
• Successful completion of 18 credits during the previous academic year (fall and spring semesters only).
• Successfully completed 80% of the credits required for graduation in your designated degree program.
• Overall GPA of 2.00.
• Maintain full-time enrollment of a minimum of 12 credit hours.
• Pass six credits per term.
•
Additional NCAA Rules and Regulations
The NCAA and the Atlantic Sun Conference have rules which apply to student-athletes. Often the
continuing eligibility of a student-athlete is dependent upon his/her knowledge of the rules and thus his/her ability
to prevent potential violations. To assist the student-athlete, some of the more important and commonly broken
rules are summarized here.
Amateurism
Participation in a professional sport or receiving a monetary benefit for your athletic ability (i.e., endorsements
because of your athletic ability) will cause a student-athlete to lose his/her amateur status and therefore be
INELIGIBLE to participate in intercollegiate athletics and receive an athletic scholarship.
A team is considered professional if it declares itself to be professional or provides any player more than
actual and necessary expenses for participation on the team.
Within your sport, you cannot...
1. Accept payment or promise of payment (in cash, prizes, gifts, or travel) for participation in your sport;
2. Enter into an agreement of any kind to compete in professional athletics (You cannot negotiate a verbal or
written professional contract.);
3. Request that your name be put on a draft list for professional sports or tryout with a professional sport
organization (There are some exceptions.);
4. Play on any professional athletics team;
5. Have your athletically related financial aid determined by anyone other than the university;
In any sport, you cannot...
1. Agree to have your picture, name, or person used to promote a commercial product;
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Accept such things as gifts, meals, and loans of cars or money from athletics interest groups or people
within the athletics program at the university;
Accept payment for your transportation, or a loan of a vehicle for a trip home or to any location for ANY
reason
Accept room, board, or transportation costs for your friends or family when they visit campus or attend an
away contest
Be represented by an agent or organization in order to market your skills or reputation;
Receive any benefit that is not available to other students at the university;
Competition
A season of competition is defined as participation in one or more intercollegiate contests or scrimmages against
outside competition regardless of the level of play (varsity, junior varsity, etc.) or the length of participation (one
inning, etc.). A student-athlete is limited to 4 seasons of competition in 5 calendar years following the studentathlete’s first full-time term of enrollment.
Competition on Outside Team
During Academic Year
Student-athletes, with eligibility remaining, may not practice or compete as members of any outside team or
all-star squad in any non-collegiate, amateur competition in their sport during the playing season, except as
approved by the NCAA (e.g., national team exceptions). If you participate in an individual sport (golf, track,
tennis, etc.) you may compete during the academic year as an individual (representing only yourself) only with prior
permission from the compliance office or your coach. Any questions about such participation should be referred to
your coach or the Compliance Office.
Some outside competition may be permitted during official vacation periods such as Christmas vacation and spring
break. Each sport has its own set of rules regarding outside competition so be sure to seek permission to participate
prior to any outside competition especially over vacation periods. Any violations of this could jeopardize
eligibility.
Summer Participation
Please check with your coach or the Compliance Office before participating in any summer events. Participation in
non-sanctioned leagues or events could jeopardize your remaining eligibility.
Extra Benefits
Student-athletes may receive room, board, tuition, fees, and required course textbooks in addition to what is
necessary to compete in their sport. They are not entitled to receive anything else which is not available to
every other student at the university. Athletics representatives or institutional staff members are not permitted
to provide any special arrangement or extra benefit to student-athletes or their relatives. Such violations can
cost the individual student-athlete, the team and/or the institution its eligibility as well as other penalties
including financial penalties.
Below are some examples of impermissible extra benefits.
1. Use of an automobile or any other access to transportation which is not paid for by the student-athlete
or his/her relatives.
2. Transportation to work or to a summer job.
3. Gifts of money, air fare/tickets/coupons, clothing, sports equipment, free meals, personal items,
furniture, appliances, etc.
4. Loans for any purpose (automobile, bills, food, etc.).
5. Use of a telephone or credit card for making long-distance calls.
6. “Special” purchase arrangements, advance credit, deferred payment plans, or discounts of any kind.
7.
Free admission or special discounts not available to all students to special events (concerts, professional
athletic events, movies, etc.).
8. Free services such as dry cleaning, laundry, typing, etc.
9. Use of personal items such as boats, jet skis, video games, etc.
10. Free housing or special housing/living arrangements.
11. Accepting ANYTHING of value.
NCAA Gambling Policy
The NCAA opposes all forms of legal and illegal sports wagering. Sports wagering has the potential to undermine
the integrity of sports contests and jeopardizes the welfare of student-athletes and the intercollegiate athletics
community.
For these reasons, the NCAA membership has adopted specific rules prohibiting athletics department staff members
and student-athletes from engaging in gambling activities as they are related to intercollegiate or professional
sporting events.
You shall not knowingly:
• Provide information to individuals involved in organized gambling activities concerning intercollegiate
athletics competition;
• Solicit a bet on any intercollegiate team;
• Accept a bet on any team representing the institution; or
• Participate in any gambling activity that involves intercollegiate athletics or professional athletics, through
a bookmaker, a parlay card, or any other method employed by organized gambling.
• Enter any sports “pools,” even those run by friends.
The consequences for gambling are severe. If a student-athlete is discovered to have violated NCAA gambling rules,
they are declared ineligible to compete in college sports permanently.
NOTE: Be cautious of individuals you share information with about your team or sport. You never know who
will use the information for purposes of gambling. You can and will be held responsible.
Medical Hardship
A “medical hardship” is a year in which a student-athlete has competed and has suffered an incapacitating injury or
illness and is not able to complete the season of competition. To receive consideration for a fifth year of
eligibility for “medical hardship”, the student-athlete must have sustained the incapacitating injury or illness in
the first half of the playing season. In addition, the student-athlete must have played in no more than 3 events or
30% (whichever is greater) of the institution’s scheduled contests or dates of competition in his/her sport, and not
returned to play for the remainder of the season. A physician’s statement, which attests to the validity of the
injury and rehabilitation, is submitted along with the trainer’s recommendation to the A-SUN, which approves
these waivers.
Professional Sports Agents
The NCAA and ETSU strictly prohibit any interaction between student-athletes and professional sports
agents. If at any time you have dealings with an agent, you will immediately become permanently
ineligible, EVEN IF YOU DO NOT REALIZE YOU ARE DEALING WITH A PROFESSIONAL SPORTS
AGENT OR “RUNNER.” You will also cause your team to forfeit every competition you participated in from the
time of communication with a professional sports agent or their “runners.”
As such, you may not enter into any agreement - written or oral - with an agent. You may not accept any money
or material goods from such a person even if presented as a “loan” payable upon graduation, a favor, or a
gift to a family member. Any “extra benefit” received from an agent by you, the Student-Athlete, a family
member, or significant other will cause termination of your eligibility.
Any contact with an agent or an individual offering similar services must be reported to the head coach and/or the
compliance office.
Legal Counsel: Securing advice from a lawyer concerning a proposed professional sports contract shall not be
considered contracting for representations by an agent unless the lawyer also represents the student-athlete in
negotiations for such a contract.
Practice Limitations
The coach sets the practice schedule for the team. However, the NCAA restricts the daily and weekly hour
limitations. During the playing season, the student-athlete’s participation in countable athletically related
activities (required practice, game films, weight training, and competition) shall be limited to a maximum of
4 hours per day and 20 hours per week. All athletically related activities on a competition day will count as a total of
3 hours regardless of the actual duration. In addition, during the playing season, there must be 1 day off per week.
Out of season, a student-athlete’s participation in countable athletically related activities shall be limited to a
maximum of 8 hours per week. During these 8 hours, a student-athlete may participate in 2 hours of individual
skill-related instruction with a member of the coaching staff. In addition, outside the playing season, there must be 2
days off per week.
Redshirt
A “non-participant redshirt” year is one in which the student-athlete is withheld from all scrimmages or
contests against outside competition. While eligible and practicing with the team, the student-athlete does
not use a season of competition because he/she did not participate that year. “Nonparticipant redshirt”
years are at the discretion of the coach.
Reporting Knowledge of Violations
The NCAA stipulates that each student-athlete is responsible for his/her own actions and any violation of NCAA
regulations, which may result from these actions. In reference to potential NCAA violations, the student- athlete
is responsible for the period of time commencing with recruitment as well as subsequent participation in
intercollegiate athletics. As such, he/she is required to reveal whatever knowledge he/she has about possible
violations by others.
Hosting a Prospective Student-Athlete
When a prospective student-athlete comes to visit ETSU, a current SA may be asked to serve as a host. The NCAA
regulates such visits very strictly. Review the following NCAA policies regarding hosting a prospective studentathlete.
As a host, ETSU may provide you with up to $30 a day for expenses.
For each additional prospective student-athlete, you may receive $15 a day.
• The host must use the money for actual expenses, such as entertainment and snacks for prospective studentathletes and their parents or guardians.
• Neither the host nor the prospective student-athlete may use the money for souvenirs (hats, T-shirt, logo
items). At no time can the PSA receive cash.
• The host will be asked to sign a Prospective Student-Athlete Statement of Visitation Form for the
prospective student-athlete’s visit.
• The prospective student-athlete and any guests will need to show photo identification at the passage for
admission to athletic events.
As a host, treat prospective student-athletes with the friendliness which typifies the ETSU athletics program. Give
each of them a taste of the distinctive environment which makes ETSU unique.
Do your best to represent the athletics program and the university favorably and be aware that your impression of
the prospective student-athletes you host will be of interest to your coach.
Under no circumstance does the university condone any illegal activity including underage consumption of alcohol.
Tickets
As a student-athlete at ETSU, you are entitled to free admission to all ETSU regular season home intercollegiate
athletic contests with use of your student ID card. For any home event, which requires tickets for admission, the
student-athlete who plays in that event may be allowed FOUR complimentary admissions. Under no
circumstances shall a student-athlete sell or accept any compensation for his/her complimentary admissions.
Transfer Regulations
Transferring from ETSU requires very careful thought. You must adhere to the following requirements during your
decision making process.
1. Before you discuss any possibilities with a potential new school, that school must first receive written
permission from the ETSU Athletic Department. You should immediately inform your coach of your
interest to go elsewhere. If you or your parents contact a new school, that institution is obligated to let
ETSU know that you or your parents have done so. The potential new school must first receive written
permission from the ETSU Athletics Department before having further contact with you. ETSU will not
grant you permission to contact another Atlantic Sun institution.
2. According to NCAA regulations, you must complete a one-year residency at your new institution before
you are eligible to participate in athletics there unless you meet the requirements of an NCAA transfer
exception. The most common NCAA transfer exception is the one-time transfer.
3. You may be granted a one-time exception to the above-mentioned NCAA one-year residency requirement
under certain conditions. Being granted this exception means that you may be immediately eligible to
compete at your new institution. The following conditions are required for an NCAA one-time transfer
exception:
• You compete in a sport other than basketball or baseball.
• It is your first transfer from one four-year College to another.
• You are in good academic standing at ETSU and would be eligible for athletics competition if you
returned to ETSU.
• ETSU certifies in writing that it does not object to the NCAA granting an exception to the oneyear residency requirement. ETSU will NOT grant this exception if you are transferring to another
Atlantic Sun institution.
4. If ETSU does not grant permission for you to discuss transfer possibilities with a potential new school, or if
you are denied a release to waive the one-year residence requirement, you can still transfer. If you do this,
you will be ineligible to compete in your first academic year of residence at the new institution. If you have
any questions on these policies, feel free to talk to your coach or the Compliance Office.
Appeal of a Denied Transfer Request
If ETSU denies a student-athlete permission to talk to another school about a transfer, or denies the one-time
transfer, the student-athlete has the right to appeal this decision. The student-athlete must notify the Faculty
Athletics Representative of his/her intention to appeal.
1. Upon receiving a student-athlete’s request for an appeal hearing under NCAA bylaw 13.1.13 and/or
14.5.5.2.10 (d), the Chair of the committee will notify the Assistant Athletics Director for Compliance that
an appeal hearing has been requested. In addition, the Chair of the Committee will contact each committee
member and set a date for the hearing.
2. If the appeal is submitted during the academic year, the Transfer Appeals Committee will schedule a
hearing within 10 working days of receiving the student-athlete request. If the appeal is submitted during
the Summer Session, a hearing will be scheduled upon a quorum of Committee members’ availability.
3. Once a date has been set for the appeals hearing, the Chair shall notify both the student-athlete and the
Assistant Athletics Director for Compliance of the date, time and location where the hearing will take
place.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
The Department of Intercollegiate Athletics may submit written documentation outlining its position on the
matter to the Chair of the Committee. Such written report shall be submitted within five days of receiving
notice that an appeal hearing has been requested.
The Chair of the Committee will forward all written submissions to the committee members.
An appeal hearing will be conducted, at which both the student-athlete and the Department of
Intercollegiate Athletics will have an opportunity to present their positions on the matter.
The hearing shall be conducted informally and in private. Neither staff members from the Department of
Intercollegiate Athletics nor the student-athlete shall be represented by counsel. The student-athlete may be
accompanied by another member of the university community or family member who may offer advice to
the student on the presentation of his or her case, but may not speak to the issues in the hearing.
After hearing both parties and asking any questions, the committee will deliberate in private and render a
decision on the matter. The committee may decide to support the appeal or deny the appeal.
The Chair of the Committee will provide written notification to both the student- athlete and the
Department of Intercollegiate Athletics of the committee’s decision. The Committee’s decision shall be
final.
Use of Name or Picture in Advertising
After becoming a student-athlete, an individual may not accept any remuneration for or permit the use of his/her
picture to directly or indirectly advertise, recommend, or promote the sale or use of a commercial product or
service of any kind. In addition, a student-athlete may not receive remuneration for endorsing a product or service
through the student-athlete’s personal use of that product or service. This rule is especially important as it
applies to appearances by a student-athlete on radio or television as well as other media. Be very careful not to
provide any form of or implied endorsement through his/her appearance with a commercial product or
service. This rule does not apply to legitimate uses such as squad pictures, which may appear on posters, in game
programs, or promotional brochures issued by the Athletic Department.
ETSU Sportsmanship Statement
It is a privilege for students to participate in intercollegiate sports. The use of profanity, racial or sexist comments, or
any other intimidating actions toward officials, players, coaches, or spectators will not be tolerated at East Tennessee
State or within the Atlantic Sun Conference.
The promotion of good sportsmanship is as essential as promoting student welfare, embracing diversity and
academic integrity.
The NCAA and the Atlantic Sun Conference hold ETSU responsible for the control of the conduct of the studentathletes, managers, trainers, cheerleaders, and band members. Fighting, taunting, trashing, profane and vulgar
language, inappropriate “celebrations”, and a disrespectful attitude toward opponents or officials are examples of
inappropriate behavior that will not be tolerated.
Sports Medicine
The ETSU sports medicine staff is a vital part of the ETSU Athletics Department and is dedicated to the complete
health care of its student-athlete population. The number one goal of the ETSU sports medicine staff is to provide
the highest standard of health care for our student-athletes.
If legal liabilities are in question, the Director of Athletic Medicine and Team Physician will always have the final
decision in regard to plan of care.
The hours of operation for the athletic training room vary from season to season. The following is a general
breakdown:
7:30 am - 9:30 am
Open treatment for all injured/ill ETSU student-athletes
9:30 am - 11:30 am
Administrative Duties
11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Lunch (athletic training room closed)
1:00 pm - close (6 pm)
After last practice each day
Weekends
As needed per sport
Due to practice schedules, these hours will vary depending on specific practice times. In general, the athletic training
room will remain open one hour post-practice. Holiday and Summer hours will be announced.
An injury or illness directly related to participating in ETSU athletics is an ETSU medical staff responsibility. The
ETSU sports medicine staff will use all means necessary to care for such injuries or illnesses.
Injuries and/or illness directly related to participating in a supervised intercollegiate activity will be filed with the
ETSU secondary insurance policy after the athlete’s primary insurance has been filed. Any athlete who enters the
program with a previous injury/illness is responsible for all medical bills related to that injury/illness. ETSU will
rehabilitate/treat prior injuries/illnesses to the best of our ability, but will not be financially responsible for that
injury/illness. In the event that an injury occurs during a non-sport related situation, treatment will not be withheld
from any student-athlete regardless of the mechanism of injury.
However, an injury/illness not directly related to intercollegiate practice or competition will not be a financial
responsibility of ETSU athletics. The ETSU athletic training staff will not be financially responsible for
injuries/illnesses occurring during physical education (PE) class or otherwise. All medical bills related to such
injuries/illnesses will be the sole responsibility of the injured/ill individual.
Once an athletic injury occurs, the student-athlete is under the care of the ETSU sports medicine staff. It is highly
recommended that all ETSU student-athletes remain under the care of our sports medicine staff. If the studentathlete wishes to be evaluated, treated or rehabilitated by a different medical facility or personnel, he/she may do so.
However, once a student-athlete elects to render the services or opinions of outside agencies (physicians) without a
referral from the sports medicine staff, then the student-athlete is under their care. Furthermore, the student-athlete
must submit a written release from his or her own physician to participate in any ETSU-related athletic activity
(practice, conditioning…) prior to any participation. Lastly, any and all financial responsibilities regarding the
injury will be left to the student-athlete.
BucSports Center
The Jerry Robertson BucSports Athletic Medicine Center is primarily limited to athletic and orthopedic injuries and
treatments. BucSports will treat members of the university staff, faculty, students, student-athletes, and friends of the
university. Treatment will be rendered with a prescription from a licensed physician. The Jerry Robertson BucSports
Athletics Medicine Center will not discriminate based on color, race, age, sex, or the ability to pay.
Primary Medical Coverage
The East Tennessee State University athletics department requires that all student-athletes must posses a current
primary health insurance plan that covers intercollegiate athletic injuries prior to being cleared for participation in
any intercollegiate athletic event. The University does provide a secondary insurance plan for those injuries
sustained during supervised and scheduled practice sessions or competitions. The office of compliance will release
all potential student-athletes to participate after showing proof of primary insurance.
The athletics department will NOT be responsible for pre-existing conditions or injuries and/or other ailments
sustained while participating in unsupervised or non-departmental sponsored athletics.
In the event that a student athlete is injured while participating in a supervised and scheduled practice session or
competition, that student athlete's primary will be filed and the ETSU Athletics Secondary Policy will be a
SECONDARY insurance. All efforts will be made to work within network of each insurance policy but the health
and well-being of the student athlete will always come first. Once a student's primary insurance has paid on a claim,
the remaining balance will be sent to the address listed as the primary policy holder. It is up to the student athlete to
submit any statements or estimate of benefits (eob) to the athletic training room for proper filing with the secondary
insurance program affiliated with the East Tennessee State University Department of Athletics. The Department of
Athletics will NOT be held responsible to untimely submission of statements or HCFA/UB forms.
Phone Numbers to Know
ETSU On-Campus Information
Emergency Assistance
Police Non-emergencies
Car Trouble on campus
Campus Escort
Rape Crisis
Counseling Center
Bursar/Comptroller’s Office
ID Services/Debit Card
Financial Aid
Food Service
Housing
Library
Parking Office
Registrar’s Office
Student Health Services
GOLDLINK
Information Technology/Computer Services
Student Help Desk
0
911
439-6900
439-4480
439-6900
439-4480
439-4841
439-4212
439-8316
439-4300
439-4389
439-4446
439-4303
439-5650
439-4366
439-4225
439-7700
433-4648
Athletic Department: Main Office • 439-4343
Athletic Academic Services: Bob Baker • (423) 439-6439 • bakerrh@etsu.edu
Athletic Compliance Office: Kirsten Clark • (423) 439-5611 • clarkke@etsu.edu