Department of Athletics | West Chester University

WEST CHESTER

UNIVERSITY OF

PENNSYLVANIA STUDENT-ATHLETE HANDBOOK

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Athletics Director’s Welcome……………………………………………………….........................................2

Athletics Staff Directory……………………………………………………………………….........................3

Mission Statement…….……………………………………………………………………..............................4

WCU Code of Conduct…………………………………………………………………………...……………5

Anti-Hazing Policy……………………………………………………………………………………………..5

Alcohol and Drug Policy………………………………………………………………………………….……6

Formal Grievance Procedures…………………………………………………………………...……………..9

Athletic Holds………………………………………………………………………...………………………. 9

Annual Medical Requirements………………………………………………………………………………..10

Insurance Policy………………………………………………………………………………………………10

NCAA Eligibility Rules (Progress Toward Degree)……………..…………………………….……………..11

Additional NCAA Rules………………………………………………………………………………….…..12

Academic Support Services…………………………………………………………………………….…… 13

Class Absence Policy……………………………………………………………………………………..…. 14

Athletic Scholarships Policies……………………………………………………………………………….. 16

Playing and Practice Seasons…………………………………………………………………...…………… 16

Athletic Training Room Policy……………………………………………………………………..……….. 16

Weight Room Policy………………………………………………………………………………………… 17

Equipment Policy……………………………………………………………………………………………. 17

Team Travel Policy…………………………………………………………………………………….….… 18

Student-Athlete Support Services…………………………………………………………………….………18

Student-Athlete Advisory Committee……………………………………………………………………….. 19

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Welcome to West Chester University Athletics

It gives me great pleasure to extend greetings to all of the new and returning student-

athletes of West Chester University. The Golden Ram family has a strong tradition of excellence in

the classroom and on the playing field and I look forward to being a part of your successes. It is the

hope of the Athletics Department staff that this handbook will provide you with meaningful

information that will help to make your experiences at and contributions to West Chester University

more rewarding.

Remember, Together, We Are Golden!

Terry Beattie

Director of Athletics

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Athletics Department Directory

Director of Athletics/Athletics Dept. Secretary……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………x3555

Associate Athletics Director/SWA……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….x3573

Assistant Athletics Director – Compliance …..………………...……………………………………………………………….............................................x3573

Assistant Athletics Director Facilities………………………………………………………………………………………..………………………...........................x4416

Sports Information Director………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..........................x3316

Assistant Sports Information Director……………..…………………………………………………………………………….……………………........................x2557

Athletics Business/Travel…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….………………….x2366/x3562

Coordinator of Academic Support Services…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………x6999

Head Athletic Trainer…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…………………...x2197

Equipment Manager…………………………………………………………………………………....................................................................................x2111

Baseball Coach………………………………………………………………………………………........................................................................................x2152

Basketball Coach – Men………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..…………………………...x2136

Basketball Coach – Women……………………………………………………………………………………………….………………………………..........................x3420

Cheerleading Coach……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…………………………….…………….x3555

Cross-Country Coach – M/W……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...x2468

Field Hockey Coach……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..........................x2144

Football Coach……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..……..........................x3528

Golf Coach – Men……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….x3555

Golf Coach – Women………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….……………………...x3555

Gymnastics Coach………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….……………………x3215

Lacrosse Coach – Women……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………x2394

Rugby Coach – Women………………………………………………………………………………………….……………………………………………………………………x6385

Soccer Coach – Men………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..………………….x2221

Soccer Coach – Women………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………x6903

Softball Coach………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….………………………………………………...x2170

Swimming Coach – M/W…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….x2127

Tennis Coach – M/W……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..……………………x3359

Track & Field Coach – M/W…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………x6946

Volleyball Coach…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….…………………..x3237

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Department of Athletics Mission Statement

Our Department is committed to the student-athlete experience by promoting an environment of academic and athletic excellence, sportsmanship, leadership and support. Through teaching, preparing, and empowering student-athletes, we aim for success in competition and in life with the goal of enriching the Golden Ram community.

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WCU ATHLETICS CODE OF CONDUCT

Student-athletes shall be guided by the highest standards of integrity and honesty.

Student-athletes shall avoid any act tending to promote their own interest at the expense of the dignity of their institution. Student-athletes shall avoid any act tending to promote their own interest at the expense of the dignity and integrity of a fellow student-athlete. Student-athletes shall not compete unfairly on the practice field, in competition or in the classroom. Student-athletes shall not attempt to malign, directly or indirectly, another student, coach, official or instructor. Student-athletes shall give credit to their fellow players and coaches in accordance with rules and regulations of the institutions athletic program.

Student-athletes shall dedicate their primary efforts to the goal and interest of their institution, sport, team and the public.

Student-athletes shall hold paramount the safety of teammates and their opponents. Student-athletes shall abide by the rules and regulations of their coaches, the NCAA, PSAC, ECAC and West Chester University. Student-athletes shall dedicate their efforts to academic progress for their own benefit as well as their team. Student-athletes shall not permit the use of their names in advertising ventures with any person or firm where such an act is a violation of the institution’s or NCAA’s rules and regulations. In public statements and interviews with the press, student-athletes shall make statements in a truthful and factual manner.

ANTI-HAZING POLICY Hazing involving West Chester University students or student groups is strictly prohibited. Hazing is defined by the state of Pennsylvania Law (Act175) 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 that sanction of an institution of higher education. The term shall include, but is not be limited to, any brutality of 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 would subject the individual to extreme mental stress, such as sleep deprivation, forced activity that could adversely affect the mental health or dignity of the individual. For additional information on hazing, its definition and the penalties involved in violating West Chester University Anti-Hazing Policy, see the Anti-Hazing section of The Ram’s Eye View.

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ALCOHOL AND DRUG POLICY In compliance with the NCAA, conference and institutional regulations, student-athletes, coaches, game personnel and other institutional representatives shall not consume alcoholic beverages or tobacco products during practice sessions or at the site of competition. In addition, passengers in vehicles carrying team personnel to and from athletic events shall refrain from using alcohol or tobacco products.

NCAA DRUG TESTING

All student-athletes, prior to their first practice, must sign and consent to be drug-

tested by the NCAA. This consent form indicates that the signer agrees to allow the NCAA to

test him or her on a year-round basis and in relation to any participation in any NCAA

championship and in any postseason football game certified by the NCAA for the banned

drugs listed in Bylaw 31.2.3.1. and indicated below:

2018-19 NCAA Banned Drugs List

It is your responsibility to check with the appropriate or designated athletics staff before using any substance.

The NCAA bans the following classes of drugs:

1. Stimulants.

2. Anabolic Agents.

3. Alcohol and Beta Blockers (banned for rifle only).

4. Diuretics and Other Masking Agents.

5. Street Drugs.

6. Peptide Hormones and Analogues.

7. Anti-estrogens.

8. Beta-2 Agonists.

Note: Any substance chemically related to these classes is also banned.

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The institution and the student-athlete shall be held accountable for all drugs within the banned

drug class regardless of whether they have been specifically identified. See exceptions in the

following examples listed for each class.

Drugs and Procedures Subject to Restrictions:

1. Blood doping.

2. Gene doping.

3. Local anesthetics (under some conditions).

4. Manipulation of urine samples.

5. Beta-2 Agonists permitted only by prescription and inhalation (i.e., Albuterol).

NCAA Nutritional/Dietary Supplements Warning:

Before consuming any nutritional/dietary supplement product, review the product with the

appropriate or designated athletics department staff.

1. Dietary supplements, including vitamins and minerals, are not well regulated and may cause a

positive drug test result.

2. Student-athletes have tested positive and lost their eligibility from using dietary supplements.

3. Many dietary supplements are contaminated with banned drugs not listed on the label.

4. Any product containing a dietary supplement ingredient is taken at your own risk.

Check with your athletics department staff prior to using a supplement.

The NCAA drug-testing program provides:

1. A student-athlete who tests positive for an NCAA banned drug must immediately be

declared ineligible.

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2. A student-athlete who test positive for a banned drug other than an “illicit drug” shall be

withheld from competition in all sports for a minimum of 365 days from the drug-test

collection date and shall lose a year of eligibility. A student-athlete who tests positive for an

“illicit drug” shall be withheld from competition for 50% of a season in all sports (at least the

first 50% of all contests or dates of competition in the season following the positive test).

3. A student-athlete who tests positive has an opportunity to appeal the sanctions resulting

from the positive drug test.

4. A student-athlete who tests positive a second time for the use of any drug other than an

“illicit drug” shall lose all remaining regular season and postseason eligibility in all sports. A

student-athlete who tests positive a second time for an “illicit drug” shall be withheld from

competition for 365 days from the date of the test and shall lose an additional year of

eligibility.

5. The penalty for missing a scheduled drug test is the same as the penalty for testing positive

for the use of a banned drug other than an “illicit drug.”

6. A student-athlete found to have tampered with an NCAA drug-test sample shall be charged

with the loss of a minimum of two seasons of competition in all sports and shall remain

ineligible for all regular season and postseason competitions during the time period ending

two calendar years from the date of the test.

7. If a student-athlete transfers to a non-NCAA institution while ineligible because of a positive

NCAA drug test, and competes in collegiate competition within the prescribed penalty at a

non-NCAA institution, the student-athlete will be ineligible for all NCAA regular season and

postseason competitions until the student-athlete does note compete in collegiate

competition for the entirety of the prescribed penalty.

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FORMAL GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES Each student-athlete shall be granted due process when he or she feels there has been discrimination, denial of a benefit or right or improper exclusion from participation in any departmental educational activity or program. Student-athletes may lodge a formal complaint with the Department of Athletics by following the procedure outline below: Student-athletes should submit a written complaint that contains the specific details and relevant dates of the incident to the Director of Athletics. Within 10 working days of the receipt of the complaint, the Director of Athletics shall provide a written response to the compliant. If the compliant is satisfied, the situation will be considered “closed”. Following the written response, the complainant, if not satisfied, has five days in which to appeal to the Director of Athletics in writing and to request a meeting with the Director of Athletics (or his or her Designee). This meeting shall be held at a mutually agreed upon time and location. The results of the meeting shall be provided to the complainant in writing within five working days. This meeting is an informal hearing and may be continued by mutual agreement of both parties.

If the complainant remains unsatisfied the matter may be further referred by the complainant within 10 working days, by submitting a written appeal stating the specific reasons for the continued appeal to the Vice President for Student Affairs. A meeting between the Vice President for Student Affairs, the Director of Athletics and the complainant will be held at a mutually agreed upon time (but within two weeks of the request). Additional persons may be present to provide clarification. A written summation of that meeting and possible solutions will be provided to the complainant within 10 working days of that meeting. The decision made by the Vice President of Student Affairs regarding the situation will be the final decision.

ATHLETIC HOLDS

All student-athletes who are issued athletics equipment are expected to return the equipment to the equipment manager at the completion of team competition. A hold will be placed on the student account of any student-athlete who has not returned athletics department issued equipment, uniforms, etc. The hold, as well as holds placed on student accounts by other offices on campus, will prevent students from receiving semester grade reports, official transcripts, scheduling privileges and a diploma.

In order to remove equipment holds, the student-athletes must do one of the following:

Return the outstanding equipment to the equipment manager on South Campus. Once the equipment has been returned, the equipment manager will notify the Department of Athletics and the hold will be removed.

Pay for missing equipment. This money should be paid to the Department of Athletics; business manager. Once proper payment has been made, the hold will be removed.

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ANNUAL MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS

All student-athletes (including cheerleaders) under the guidance of the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics MUST get a physical examination by their own home physician each year. The Health and Physical form must be downloaded from the athletic website and completed by the doctor at the time of the physical. This should be turned into the head coach, along with a completed health history form and a sickle cell testing form. All forms will be forwarded to the team’s certified athletic trainer (ATC) who will medically clear all athletes for participation. The ATC will inform the compliance officer who will, in turn, inform the coach of all clearances.

INSURANCE POLICY

Should a student-athlete sustain an athletic injury, defined as an injury sustained while participating in a scheduled competition, practice, or travel to or from competition or practice, he or she must seek immediate medical attention through the West Chester University Sports Medicine Department and/or team physicians. Student-athletes are expected to report all injuries as soon as possible and at NO time seek outside medical attention for an athletic-related injury without prior consultation with the Certified Athletic Trainer and/or the Director of Athletics. If a consultation and approval to seek outside medical attention does happen, the University’s insurance will apply. In this case, a student-athlete would sign an acknowledgement of consultation form to be kept in the student-athlete’s file.

Every student-athlete is required to have primary medical insurance coverage in order to participate in intercollegiate athletics at West Chester University. A student-athlete must have personal insurance, such as the basic insurance policy available through the University or comparable or better coverage under the student-athlete’s own policy or that of his parent or guardian. If the student-athlete does not have personal insurance, or, if the student-athlete is covered by Tricare (military insurance that is not considered primary) or Medicare, he or she can either purchase another policy or opt-out of the secondary insurance (see below) by filling out paperwork in the Athletics Office.

While student-athletes are required to have primary medical insurance, intercollegiate

athletic insurance is provided as secondary coverage at no charge for any student certified to participate in athletics or cheerleading at West Chester University. If a student-athlete has either tri-care or Medicare, and does not wish to purchase additional insurance, he or she can opt-out of the secondary policy. Please see the Athletics Department for more information. It is important that student-athletes understand the limitations of this coverage. The policy only covers injuries sustained in official team activities such as practices, contests, and travel to and from contests. There is a $500 disappearing deductible with this policy. Students must seek medical treatment within 30 days of the athletic injury and must submit a claim within 90 days of the athletic injury. To file a claim, the student must fill out a claim form and submit it to the Department of Athletics indicating the date of injury and when the student first sought medical attention. This

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medical treatment can be either with the Athletic Training staff and/or with a medical doctor. The appropriate time to file a claim is at the time or injury or as soon as possible after injury.

All bills incurred from athletic-related injuries should be sent to the student-athlete’s

primary insurance carrier. Only after the primary insurance carrier makes payment does West Chester University’s secondary athletic insurance policy make a payment for any balance due. All copies of itemized bills and explanation of benefit (E.O.B.) statements that a student-athlete receives from his/her insurance carrier indicating payment, partial payment, or rejection of payment must be brought to the Athletic Department in order to be properly submitted. No bills will be accepted after one year from the date of treatment.

Finally, West Chester University also provides a catastrophic injury policy covering all student-athletes for medical expenses resulting from severe injury sustained during intercollegiate athletics participation. This policy is sponsored by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).

NCAA GENERAL ELIGIBILITY RULES

Every varsity athlete must be continuously enrolled in 12 or more semester hours of coursework during every fall and spring semester. If, at any time, an athlete drops below 12 credit hours, he or she will immediately be declared ineligible for practice and competition. Part-time students are prohibited from practicing or competing with a varsity athletic team. Students must pass a minimum of 24 credits prior to the fall semester each year.

To be eligible the next semester, a student-athlete must pass a minimum of nine credits in the current semester. As well, a student-athlete must earn 18 credits during the regular academic year, allowing for a maximum of six credits in the summer to meet the 24 hour requirement. After the second academic year, a student-athlete may be eligible if he or she earns 48 total hours, even if he or she does not earn 24 in the current year.

In order for a returning or continuous student-athlete to be eligible for competition, he or she must earn a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 at the beginning of the fall semester.

NCAA rules require that every student-athlete declare his or her major by the beginning of the fifth semester of enrollment (or third year). Once a major is declared, all credits earned must be degree applicable.

This rule applies to both continuing West Chester University student-athletes and transfer student-athletes.

A Division II student-athlete has ten semesters of full-time collegiate enrollment to complete four seasons of eligibility in a given sport. There are no age restrictions within the ten semester rule.

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All first year students interested in participating in intercollegiate athletics must be certified by the NCAA Initial Eligibility Center both for academics and for amateurism. It is the student-athlete’s responsibility to see that this process is initiated. Registration information can be found at www.eligibilitycenter.org. There is a registration fee associated with this process.

There are many rules affecting the eligibility of transfer student-athletes. Any transfer student interested in competing in intercollegiate athletics at West Chester University should contact the Assistant Director of Athletics for Compliance to discuss his or her eligibility status. In order to be eligible immediately at your next institution you must be in good academic standing at WCU.

ADDITIONAL NCAA RULES

Besides having to be a full-time student, to practice and compete you MUST sign an NCAA Student-Athlete Statement and a Drug Testing Consent form each year. In addition, student-athletes need to increase their awareness and knowledge of banned substances. Ingredients are not always put on the label. With the increase of taking over the counter supplements it is important to fully know the effects of ingredients which may lead to serious adverse reactions and a possible positive drug test. Dietary supplements are not regulated by FDA. The NCAA has approved drug testing in all sports year round.

Places to check for information:

West Chester University athletic training staff National Center for Drug Free Sport (http://www.drugfreesport.com/rec) Dietary Supplement Resource Exchange Center (1.877.202.0768) U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) (1.866.601.2632) USADA Drug Reference Line (1.800.233.0390)

NCAA rules allow an institution to provide no more than four (4) complimentary admissions per home or away contest to a student-athlete in the sport in which he or she participates. These admissions are not transferable. West Chester policy allows for two (2) complimentary admissions to home events where admission is charged for any student-athletes on the competing team. The PSAC does not allow for complimentary admissions for away contests.

The NCAA, PSAC and ECAC do not allow any complimentary admissions for post-season championships.

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EXTRA BENEFITS Student-athletes may not receive benefits that are not generally available to the rest of the student population:

Student-athletes may not: (according to NCAA rules)

Use an athletics department phone for personal phone calls;

Use coach’s or staff member’s automobile;

Receive any special discounts or services from a University employee or representative of its athletics interests;

Receive a loan of money from a booster. Student-athletes may:

Receive an occasional meal at the home of a WCU staff member or representative of its athletics interest provided the meal is at the individual’s home and occurs only at infrequent and special occasions.

Student-athletes must maintain their amateur status in order to be eligible to practice and compete at West Chester University. A student-athlete losses his or her amateur status when he or she uses athletic skill for payment in that sport, or if they enter into a professional draft or agreement with an agent or another entity to negotiate a professional contract.

A student-athlete may not tryout for a professional team during any part of the academic

year, unless his or her athletic eligibility had been exhausted. Any student-athlete, coach or administrator aware of a NCAA, PSAC, ECAC, or West Chester rules violation is required to report it immediately to the Director of Athletics. The Department of Athletics will thoroughly investigate any such reports and take action as necessary.

ACADEMIC SUPPORT SERVICES Tutoring

Free tutoring is available through the Learning Assistance & resource Center (LARC) in Room 105 of Lawrence Hall. Tutors are available in English, Mathematics, Computer Science, Accounting and most general education courses. The Department of Athletics does, at times, hire tutors for student-athletes specifically. These tutors are also housed in the LARC. Please contact either the LARC or the Academic Coordinator for Athletics for more information.

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Athletic Department Academic Support – Academic Mentoring Program

Academically “at risk” athletes, student-athletes on probation, and other student-athletes at the request of a coach will participate in this program on a semester by semester basis. Incoming freshmen will be selected by the Associate AD in consultation with the Head Coach and Academic Coordinator. Once selected into the program it will be a requirement to meet weekly with the Academic Mentor assigned to the student-athlete.

Selected student-athletes in this program will meet weekly with their Academic Mentor to discuss their weekly academic requirements and assignments, as well as participate in workshops and skill building activities.

The mentor’s responsibilities will be to contact professors as needed, send out and collect mid-semester grade reports, help arrange for tutoring when needed, assist with study skills, help student-athletes contact their Academic Advisor, assist with priority scheduling of classes, review the student-athletes syllabus, review homework assignments, and help the student-athlete become familiar with WCU’s academic support services – such as: Writing Center, Computer Labs, Library, Academic Departments, Tutoring Center, etc.

Success of the student-athlete will be evaluated each semester to determine whether or not the student needs to remain in the program.

Student-athletes are able to utilize priority registration each semester. Those student-

athletes who are entering their competitive season in the upcoming semester are able to register for their classes prior to all other students for two calendar days. Student-athletes entering their non-competitive season are able to register for classes the day prior to all other students in their academic year, based on earned credits. Student-athletes cannot have ANY holds on their accounts when registering.

CLASS ABSENCE POLICY

The Athletics Department and its staff recognize and are committed to the concept that our students’ primary focus at West Chester University is their academic and educational pursuits. We believe that participation in athletics can greatly enhance an educational experience. By working cooperatively with the athletics department and academic departments, our student-athletes can meet the demands and requirements expected of them both academically and athletically. Primary responsibility for meeting these requirements rests within the student-athlete. Because participation in athletics may necessitate missing classes, student-athletes must take the following preparations and arrangements with professors to be excused from class for competition. The West Chester Athletic Department expects the student-athletes to notify their professors as soon as they know they will be missing class due to an athletic contest. This communication should be made in writing by using the courtesy absence forms provided by the Athletics Department. In the event of rescheduled games, the student-athletes will be required to notify the professor of a class absence as soon as possible.

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Missing Class for Competition

Athletes are expected to complete the work required for each class and turn the assignments due on game days PRIOR to their due dates, unless other arrangements are made with the professor. If a scheduled contest is postponed or cancelled, the student is expected to go to class. If a test is scheduled on a game day, alternate arrangements must be made with the professor to make up the test in order for the student to be absent.

*Undergraduate students participating in University-sanctioned events such as, but not limited to, the Marching Band, musical ensembles, theatre group, athletic events, forensics competition, etc., will be granted an excused absence(s) by the respective faculty members for class periods missed. Students will be granted the privilege of taking, at an alternative time to be determined by the professor, scheduled examinations or quizzes that will be missed. The professor will designate such times prior to the event. Professors can provide a fair alternative to taking the examination or quiz that will be missed. Students must submit original documentation on University letterhead signed by the activity director, coach, or adviser detailing the specifics of the event in advance. Specific requirements include the following:

1. Responsibility for meeting academic requirements rests with the students.

2. Students are expected to notify their professors as soon as they know they will be missing class due to a University-sanctioned event.

3. Students are expected to complete the work requirement for each class and turn in assignments due on days of the event prior to their dates unless other arrangements are made with the professor.

4. If a scheduled event is postponed or canceled, the student is expected to go to class.

5. Students are not excused from classes for practice on nonevent days.

The following are specifics for the student-athlete:

1. The student athlete is expected, where possible, to schedule classes on days and at hours that do not conflict with athletic schedules.

2. Athletes are not excused from classes for practice or training-room treatment on nongame days.

*FROM WCU UNDERGRADUATE CATALOG.

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ATHLETIC SCHOLARSHIPS AND POLICIES Any West Chester University varsity athlete who is the recipient of financial athletic assistance must be in good academic standing based upon NCAA and WCU policy. The University reserves the right to, and may, postpone or cancel athletic aid should a student-athlete violate the financial contract. The renewal of athletics financial aid shall be made on or before July 1 prior to the academic year for which the aid will be awarded. Additional information concerning the renewal and non-renewal of financial aid may be found in Bylaw 15 of the NCAA Manual. Athletics financial assistance may be reduced or canceled if the student-athlete renders himself or herself ineligible for athletic competition, fraudulently misrepresents any information on a letter of intent of financial aid agreement, engages in serious misconduct, including not reporting for practice, or voluntarily withdraws from participating in a sport for personal reasons.

PLAYING AND PRACTICE SEASONS A team may not practice/compete for more than 20 hours per week during the championship portion of its playing season. Any competition (regardless of actual length) counts as three hours. A practice during the academic part of the year may not exceed four hours per day. Each athlete must have one day off per week. Countable athletically related activities that must be reported weekly to the compliance officer should include: actual on-field practices, game competition, coaches strategy sessions, required weight training, viewing of film, team meetings, individual workouts with coaches, and on-court or field activities called by team members that are required for participation.

ATHLETIC TRAINING ROOM POLICY

The athletic training facility is only available to varsity athletes at West Chester University.

Be sure that all new injuries are reported to the athletic trainer assigned to your sport, so that a personalized treatment program can be developed.

Coaches are reminded that student-athletes’ medical needs must be processed through the staff athletic trainer.

No student-athlete shall receive treatment unless he/she has been evaluated by a certified athletic trainer.

Rules of the Athletic Training Room

The athletic training facility is co-ed, so please speak and dress appropriately.

Sports that are in season are generally cared for first during peak hours of 2:30pm-4:30pm.

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No cleats, uniforms, or equipment are permitted in the athletic training facility at any time.

Please leave all personal belongings, such as book bags, in your team room/locker room.

Remove your shoes before getting onto a treatment table.

Do not enter the athletic training facility after activity until you have showered.

Remove tape before entering the athletic training facility after activity.

Food and drink are not permitted in the athletic training facility at any time. General operating hours of the athletic training facility are 1:00pm to 5:00pm Monday through Friday. Please contact the athletic trainer assigned to your sport for more specific hours and availability.

WEIGHT ROOM POLICY

West Chester University student-athletes are encouraged to maintain themselves in top physical condition. Supervised strength training is encouraged. One weight room in the Health Sciences Center on South Campus is available for use by student-athletes. Another small weight room is located in Hollinger Field House.

The Health Sciences Fitness Center (HSFC) is available for Varsity team training when an athletic department coach or a Strength and Conditioning coach is present. The coach must remain present during the entire workout time. The facility is also available for individual training during regular staffed hours. Typically the HSFC is staffed for 12 hours per week, Monday-Friday. Check for posted hours each semester for an exact schedule. To use the facility on an individual basis you must present your WCU ID to the weight room staff on duty. (NO ID – NO USAGE). All first time users must be oriented to the Rules and Regulations of the weight room. All users must follow these basic rules and guidelines or he/she will lose the privilege of using the weight room facility on an individual basis. No varsity athlete may use the facility during non-staffed hours without the direct in-person supervision of a Varsity athletic department coach.

Summer workouts are permitted if monitored by a Strength and Conditioning coach for

safety purposes. Training and coaching of voluntary including summer workouts is considered countable athletically related activity is not permitted. Contact the Head Strength and Conditioning coach for summer information.

EQUIPMENT POLICY

All requests for equipment should be made at least two days before it is needed. All efforts will be made to honor emergency requests.

Coaches must submit a team roster, including ID numbers, prior to the beginning of the season so that lockers can be assigned.

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Each student-athlete will be assigned a specific locker during preseason camp or at the beginning of a sport season.

Student-athletes are not allowed to keep equipment in any locker except the one assigned to them by the equipment manager.

All equipment issued is the responsibility of the student-athlete.

Equipment may be used only during scheduled practices and athletic contests.

Equipment may not be used for physical education classes, recreation or personal use.

If an athlete does not make a team or quits the team, it is his or her responsibility to return all equipment within three days. All equipment must be returned to the equipment room and all lockers must be emptied within three days of the last contest of the season.

All equipment not returned must be paid for by the student-athlete. Failure to do so will result in a hold being placed on the student’s account.

No equipment will be issued to students who owe equipment from a previous season.

TEAM TRAVEL POLICY All student-athletes must travel with the team to the competition site and return to campus. Student-athletes who have a specific request to not to travel with the team must get written permission in advance from the Athletic Director. Forms for this request can be obtained in the athletic department office: Sturzebecker Health Science Center, room 220. Violations of the policy may result in a suspension from the team, termination of financial aid, or both.

STUDENT-ATHLETE SUPPORT SERVICES The mission of the NCAA is to maintain intercollegiate athletics as an integral part of the campus educational program and the student-athlete as an integral part of the student body. With this in mind, West Chester’s student-athlete support services was developed to support the student-athlete development initiative of NCAA member institutions and to enhance the quality of the student-athlete experience within the context of higher education. West Chester University is committed to this program and to adhering to four ideals that help in this mission. These include: Academic Excellence, Leadership, Personal and Professional Development, and Service. For information on the program, see the Associate Director of Athletics.

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STUDENT-ATHLETE ADVISORY COMMITTEE (SAAC) The SAAC is a committee made up of two representatives from each team, and exists to provide insight on the student-athlete experience. The SAAC also offers input on the rules, regulations and policies that affect student-athletes’ lives on NCAA member institution campuses. The SAAC plays an important role in the initiatives of the Student-Athlete Support Services program regarding personal development, career development and volunteerism. This group meets once per month. Two WCU-SAAC members also serve on the PSAC-SAAC, which meets twice per year. The SAAC also supports the Make A Wish Foundation through fundraising endeavors throughout the year with the goal of funding a wish for a child and revealing that wish on campus.