As a Student-Athlete at Davis & Elkins College, you are expected to abide by the policies of the College including those contained in the current Student Handbook
, the College Catalog, and the Student-Athlete Handbook as well as the policies outlined by your head coach. If there is a dispute between you and the College, the Student Handbook outlines the procedures for making an appeal in the Grievance Policy which can be found at
dewv.edu/campus-life.
It is your responsibility to be aware of all policies outlined in the Student Handbook, Student-Athlete Handbook and Catalog. The College also reserves the right to confront behavior that is detrimental to the student, the community, the college and/or others, regardless of location or age of the student.
Intercollegiate athletics at Davis & Elkins College is an important component of the educational system and College experience. Participation in the intercollegiate athletics program is a “privilege granted” and not a “right demanded”.
The Director of Athletics has complete and discretionary authority to interpret and construe the Student-Athlete Handbook. This handbook may be modified or amended at any time. Student-Athletes are responsible for keeping themselves informed of the requirements of the Student-Athlete Handbook.
4.1 Team Policies
Individual team rules may vary to reflect the program, coach’s philosophy, the nature of the sport and the practice/competition schedule. Student-Athletes must obey decisions and expectations of the Head Coach and are subject to the rules established by the Head Coach in the respective sport. Each Head Coach will present team rules before the start of each season.
To ensure a level of consistency among all teams, it is understood that all Student-Athletes will adhere to the rules as set forth in the Davis & Elkins College Student-Athlete Handbook (in addition to other rules implemented for particular teams.)
4.2 Respect
As a representative of Davis & Elkins College, Student-Athletes are required to conduct themselves in a manner that is respectful of themselves, their coaching staff and their team. The Athletic Department expects that players and coaches conduct themselves with the utmost level of sportsmanship at all times.
Profanity, negativity and verbal degradation towards teammates, coaches, officials, spectators or opponents will not under any circumstances be tolerated. Disrespectful conduct will be reviewed by the Head Coach and Director of Athletics and may result in disciplinary action.
4.3 Community Service
At Davis & Elkins College, your team and the department of athletics will participate in events which serve Elkins and surrounding communities, completing special projects and fundraising activities to enhance the Student-Athlete experience. Each Student-Athlete will have an expectation to participate in a limited number of these events/projects during each academic year they are member of a Davis & Elkins College athletics team. Each Student-Athlete is expected to complete a minimum of eighty (80) community service hours each semester, in addition to the athletics department days in the fall and the spring.
Dr. Mary Ann DeLuca
Assistant AD for Community Engagement
Office: Hermanson Center
Phone: 304-637-1348
Email: delucam@dewv.edu
Nick Patella
Head Men’s Basketball Coach
Office: Hermanson Center
Phone: 304-637-1227
Email: patellan@dewv.edu
4.4 Davis & Elkins College Athletic Department Hazing Policy
The Davis & Elkins College Athletic Department has a zero tolerance policy for hazing. Preventing hazing on the campus of Davis & Elkins College is the responsibility of all members of the college community including students, Student-Athletes, coaches and administrators. All instances of hazing should immediately be reported to the Director of Athletics and will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis. Failure to report a known hazing incident is considered a violation of the hazing policy and will result in disciplinary action.
Hazing is defined by the NCAA as any act committed against someone joining or becoming a member or maintaining membership in any organization that is humiliating, intimidating or demeaning, or endangers the health and safety of the person. Hazing includes active or passive participation in such acts and occurs regardless of the willingness to participate in the activities. Hazing creates an environment/climate in which dignity and respect are absent.
- Subtle Hazing: Behaviors that emphasize a power imbalance between new members and veterans of the group or team. Too often they are mistakenly accepted as “harmless.” Most often they involve ridicule, embarrassment and humiliation, and could even be considered as harassment! Some new members seem to expect such treatment (e.g., name calling, etc.) and endure it for the sake of acceptance.
- Harassment Hazing: Behaviors that cause emotional anguish or physical discomfort that puts unnecessary stress upon the victims (e.g., verbal abuse and threats, etc.).
- Violent Hazing: Behaviors that have the potential to cause physical and/or emotional harm (e.g., beating, branding, excessive exercise, forced alcohol consumption, etc.)
What every Student-Athlete should know:
HAZING. . .
• Has caused a team’s season to be cancelled at various NCAA institutions.
• Has caused a Student-Athlete’s institutional eligibility to be taken away.
• Has caused Student-Athletes to be arrested, because it is against the law in most states.
• Has caused Student-Athletes to have to appear in the court system at their own expense.
• Has caused teams to be torn apart and fragmented.
• Has caused serious physical and psychological injuries, and even deaths.
Hazing vs. Team Building
Hazing . . . Team Building. . .
-Humiliates and degrades -Promotes respect and dignity
-Tears down individuals -Supports and Empowers
-Creates division -Creates real teamwork
-Lifelong nightmares -Life long memories
-Shame and secrecy -Pride and integrity
Please refer to your hard copy of the Davis & Elkins College Student Handbook or online at dewv.edu/campus-life for complete details of additional rules and disciplinary actions of the College.
4.5 Illegal Drug Policy and Testing
NCAA Drug Testing
As per NCAA regulations, Davis & Elkins College Student-Athletes may be chosen to submit to an NCAA administered drug test.
- If the NCAA tests you for the banned drugs listed in NCAA Bylaw 31.2.3.1 and you test positive (consistent with NCAA drug-testing protocol), you will be ineligible for further participation in regular-season and postseason competition in all sports in accordance with the provisions in NCAA Bylaw 18.4.1.5.1.
- A Student-Athlete who tests positive shall be charged with a loss of a minimum of one season of competition in all sports if the season of competition has not yet begun for that Student-Athlete or a minimum of the equivalent of one full season of competition in all sports if the Student-Athlete tests positive during his or her season of competition.
- If a Student-Athlete tests positive a second time for the use of any drug, other than a “street drug” as defined in NCAA Bylaw 31.2.3.1, he or she shall lose all remaining regular season and postseason eligibility in all sports. In addition, the penalty for missing a scheduled drug test is the same as the penalty for testing positive for the use of a banned drug.
- The list of NCAA banned drugs is subject to change and Davis & Elkins College and the Student-Athlete shall be held accountable for all banned drug classes on the current list.
Davis & Elkins College Department of Athletics Drug Testing
Davis & Elkins College believes that random drug testing and testing based on reasonable suspicion are appropriate to ensure the health, safety and well-being of our Student-Athletes, to affirm compliance with applicable rules and regulations, and to identify Student-Athletes who are improperly using drugs and to assist them before they harm themselves or others.
Consent to Participate
As a condition of participation in intercollegiate athletics at Davis & Elkins College each Student-Athlete will be required to sign a consent form agreeing to undergo drug testing. Failure to consent to or comply with the requirements of this policy may result in suspension from participation or termination of eligibility to participate in intercollegiate athletics at Davis & Elkins College. Additionally, Student-Athletes will be given an opportunity to ask any questions regarding the information contained in the policy, the testing program, or other related issues prior to signing the consent form.
Methods of Selection
Unannounced Random Testing: All Student-Athletes listed on the roster and who have signed the consent form are eligible to be randomly selected for drug testing, including red shirts, academically ineligible and injured players. The Director of Athletics and Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Medicine, in witness of the Senior Women’s Administrator, will select 10% of the Student-Athlete body to be tested randomly. This will be done once during the fall semester and once during the spring semester. Student-Athletes will be selected from random selection of a number assigned to each Student-Athlete at the beginning of each school year.
Coaches Testing: All Student-Athletes for a team may be subject to unannounced testing at any time when a Head Coach elects to have all members of his or her team tested during the school year. This testing can be conducted at any time during the academic year and will be required of all members of the Head Coach’s sport. This testing does not need reasonable suspicion.
Reasonable Suspicion Screening: A Student-Athlete may be subject to testing at any time when the Director of Athletics, coach, athletic trainer, or faculty/staff member determines there is individualized reasonable suspicion to believe the Student-Athlete may be using a prohibited substance. Such reasonable suspicion may be based on objective information as determined by the Director of Athletics, head or assistant coach, athletic trainer or other Davis & Elkins College faculty and staff. Reasonable suspicion may be found, but not limited to 1) observed possession or use of substances appearing to be prohibited drugs, 2) arrest or conviction for a criminal offense related to the possession or transfer of prohibited drugs or substances, or 3) observed abnormal appearance, conduct or behavior reasonably interpretable as being caused by the use of prohibited drugs or substances.
Among the indicators which may be used in evaluating a Student-Athlete’s abnormal appearance, conduct or performance are: class attendance, significant GPA changes, athletic practice attendance, increased injury rate or illness, physical appearance changes, academic/athletic motivational level, emotional condition, mood changes and legal involvement. If reasonable suspicion is verified the Director of Athletics will notify the Student-Athlete and the Student-Athlete must stay with a member of the coaching staff, the athletics administration staff or the athletic trainer until an adequate specimen is produced. If the test appears to have failed the student will have the opportunity to send the specimen at their cost to the drug testing lab to confirm/determine results.
Follow-up Testing: A Student-Athlete who has returned to participation in intercollegiate athletics following a positive drug test may be subject to follow-up testing throughout the remainder of their athletic eligibility.
Notification and Reporting for Collection
The Student-Athlete will be notified of and scheduled for testing by the head athletic trainer. The Student-Athlete will be notified in person or by direct telephone communication (e.g. no voice mail messages or emails) of the date and time to report to the collection station. No specific time period is required for notification of Student-Athletes prior to the administration of any drug tests.
A Student-Athlete who refuses to provide an adequate urine sample during the testing process, attempts to alter or substitute his/her urine sample, or fails to show up at the designated time, shall be deemed in violation of this policy and will be cause for the same actions as a positive drug test result.
Specimen Collection Procedures (The National Center for Drug Free Sport 5/13/09)
1. Upon entering the collection station, the athlete will provide photo identification and/or a client representative/site coordinator will identify the athlete and the athlete will officially enter the station.
2. The athlete will select a sealed collection beaker from a supply of such and will record his/her initials on the collection beaker’s lid and name on container.
3. A collector, serving as validator, will monitor the furnishing of the specimen by observation in order to assure the integrity of the specimen until a volume of at least 60 mL is provided.
4. Validators who are of the same gender as the athlete must observe the voiding process and should be members of the official drug-testing crew. The procedure does not allow for validators to stand outside the immediate area or outside the restroom. The athlete must urinate in full view of the validator (validator must observe flow of urine). The validator must request the athlete raise his/her shirt high enough to observe the midsection area completely ruling out any attempt to manipulate or substitute a sample.
5. Athletes may not carry any item other than his/her beaker into the restroom when providing a specimen. Any problem or concern should be brought to the attention of the collection crew chief or client representation for documentation. Athletes will rinse and dry hands, with water only, prior to urination, and wash with soap and water following urination.
6. Once a specimen is provided, the athlete is responsible for keeping the collection beaker closed and controlled.
7. Fluids and food given to athletes who have difficulty voiding must be from sealed containers (approved by the collector) that are opened and consumed in the station. These items must be caffeine- and alcohol-free and free of any other banned substances.
8. If the specimen is incomplete, the athlete must remain in the collection station until the sample is completed. During this period, the athlete is responsible for keeping the collection beaker closed and controlled.
9. If the specimen is incomplete and the athlete must leave the collection station for a reason approved by the collector, specimen must be discarded. Upon return to the collection station, the athlete will begin the collection procedure again.
10. The sample will be presented to the head athletic trainer for testing.
11. The head athletic trainer will use the “One Step Drug of Abuse Urine Test” on the sample by immersing the absorbent end in the urine sample for 10 seconds.
12. The test is then laid flat and results will be available in five minutes.
13. If the result is positive or appears to be positive, and the Student-Athlete would like to send the sample to the laboratory for re-testing (at their own expense) the athletic trainer, in full view of the Student-Athlete, will transfer the sample to the laboratory specimen cup. All parties will sign a chain of custody form and envelope will be sealed and sent to the lab.
Medical Exception Process
The college recognizes that some banned substances are used for legitimate medical purposes. Accordingly, exceptions can be made for those Student-Athletes with a documented medical history demonstrating a need for regular use of such a substance. Student-Athletes are required to inform their athletic trainer of all medications (prescribed or over-the counter) that they are taking prior to participating in athletic contests for Davis & Elkins College. The Student-Athlete must provide a letter from the prescribing physician that documents the Student-Athlete’s medical history and the need for regular use of that drug. The letter must also include diagnosis (including appropriate verification) and dosage information.
Participation Refusal
Any Student-Athlete who refuses or otherwise fails to participate in the testing program by not signing the consent form or not providing a specimen where and when directed to do so shall be denied participation in intercollegiate athletics. A non-consent or failure to attend a drug test is considered a positive result. Denial of participation will be automatic and effective upon written notice to the Student-Athlete, Head Coach, and Director of Athletics.
Positive Drug Test Disciplinary Action
If a Student-Athlete has a confirmed positive test result he/she will be notified in writing of the immediate suspension of athletically related activities. The Student-Athlete will be required attend a meeting with the Head Coach, Director of Athletics, Dean of Students and/or Director of Counseling and Wellness.
Guidelines for Offenses (this offense structure
DOES NOT pertain to any other athletic department disciplinary action)
First Offense: The Student-Athlete will face a suspension of 25% of the total championship season contests.
This may carry in to the next season.
Second Offense: The Student-Athlete becomes permanently ineligible for athletic participation at Davis & Elkins College.
There is NO appeal process.
If a Student-Athlete tests positive for an illegal substance, the Student-Athlete reserves the right to send the sample to a laboratory to be retested at the Student-Athlete’s expense.
Re-entry Testing: A Student-Athlete who has had his/her eligibility to participate in intercollegiate sports suspended as a result of a drug violation may be required to undergo re-entry drug testing prior to regaining eligibility. The Director of Athletics shall arrange for re-entry testing at the cost of the Student-Athlete following the completion of the team suspension.
Davis & Elkins College Head Coaches may enforce additional penalties for an initial positive drug test in accordance with their team policies and procedures.
Please refer to your hard copy of the Davis & Elkins College Student Handbook or online at dewv.edu/campus-life for complete details of additional rules and disciplinary actions of the College.
4.6 Alcohol Policy
The Athletic Department expects all Student-Athletes to make responsible and educated decisions regarding the use of alcohol.
Underage drinking is against the law. Any Student-Athlete under the legal drinking age of 21 found in possession of alcohol or under the influence of alcohol may face disciplinary actions in accordance with the policy outlined in the Davis & Elkins College Student Handbook.
Student-Athletes of the legal drinking age assume all risks involved in the consumption of alcohol and must adhere to all policies outlined in the Davis & Elkins College Student Handbook.
In addition, alcohol violations may result in disciplinary action from the Athletic Department as outlined in the Davis & Elkins College Student-Athlete Disciplinary Guidelines and those outlined in specific team policies related to alcohol consumption.
Please refer to your hard copy of the Davis & Elkins College Student Handbook or online at dewv.edu/campus-life for complete details of additional rules and disciplinary actions of the College.
4.7 Tobacco Policy
The use of all tobacco products by players, coaches, officials, athletic trainers, and cheerleaders is prohibited during all Davis & Elkins College events and practices, per bylaws of the national association (NCAA Bylaw 17.1.9). Coaches, officials and the Director of Athletics are charged with the enforcement of the tobacco policy.
NCAA Bylaw 17.1.9 Use of Tobacco Products. The use of tobacco products by a Student-Athlete is prohibited during practice and competition. A Student-Athlete who uses tobacco products during a practice or competition shall be disqualified for the remainder of that practice or competition. (Adopted: 1/11/94 effective 8/1/94)
Davis & Elkins College head coaches may enforce an additional penalty for a tobacco policy violation at their discretion.
Please refer to your hard copy of the Davis & Elkins College Student Handbook or online at dewv.edu/campus-life for complete details of additional rules and disciplinary actions of the College.
4.8 Social Media
Attending and competing for Davis & Elkins College is a privilege, not a right. Student-Athletes at Davis & Elkins College are held in high regard and are seen as role models and leaders on campus and in the community. As leaders, Student-Athletes have the responsibility to portray their team, Davis & Elkins College and themselves in a positive manner.
Social networks, including but not limited to Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, have grown in popularity and are used by a majority of Student-Athletes at D&E. Student-Athletes are not forbidden from using social media, but must be aware that third parties including the media, faculty, staff, future employers as well as G-MAC and NCAA officials can easily access their profiles and view all personal information. This includes all pictures, videos and comments. Inappropriate material found by third parties affects the perception of the Student-Athlete, the athletic department and Davis & Elkins College.
Examples of inappropriate and offensive behaviors may include, but are not limited to depictions or presentations of the following:
1. Posting photos, videos or comments showing the personal use of alcohol or chewing tobacco.
2. Posting photos, videos and comments that are of a sexual nature.
3. Posting pictures, videos or comments depicting the use of illegal drugs.
4. Using inappropriate or offensive language in comments, videos and other postings. This includes threats of violence and derogatory comments.
If a Student-Athlete’s profile and contents are found to be inappropriate in accordance with the above behaviors, he/she will be subject to the following: 1.) a written warning; 2.) a meeting with the Director of Athletics and head coach; and 3.) penalties as determined by the Athletic Department.
What every Student-Athlete should know:
- Set your security settings to private, so that only you and your friends can view your profile.
- Do not post your email, home address, local address, telephone number, or other personal information.
- Be aware of who you add as a friend or allow to follow you on your site.
- Direct any and all social media questions to your athletics compliance administrator and always ask before you act.
- Take pride in what you post, when you post and how you post.
- Posting on social media is not always the most appropriate means of communication. Text message when you want to respond specifically to one person.
- It is ok to display your personality and/or sense of humor, but it important to remain reasonable with the content displayed.
- Retweeting or reposting items with vulgar language and profanity is showing your support of that type of language.
- Sometimes meetings or pep talks between teammates and/or coaches should remain private and not shared with the social media world.
- Remember that many of your coaches, athletic administrative staff and faculty follow you on social networking sites.
- It is not appropriate to trash talk opponents, teammates, coaches, officials or others involved in the administration of a contest.
- Remember and know you audience.
- Embrace you status as a Student-Athlete but remember that posting complaints are not likely attractive to those who wish they had the opportunities provided to you through collegiate athletics.
- Don’t believe that no one is paying attention to what you post.
If you are ever in doubt of the appropriateness of your social networking site, consider how it reflects on yourself, your team and Davis & Elkins College. Always try to present a positive image.
4.9 Facility & Locker Rooms
Student-Athletes are responsible to pick up after themselves when using any of the athletic facilities, College or third-party transportation to practice and games.
Locker assignments and/or locks will be issued at the beginning of the year by your team coach. Lockers should not be altered or defaced as the Student-Athlete will be financially responsible and a hold on the student’s account will occur.
4.10 Uniforms & Equipment
Student-Athletes are personally responsible for the care and return of all equipment and/or uniforms issued to them. If equipment and/or uniforms are not returned in good condition (reasonable wear and tear are expected), the Student-Athlete will be financially responsible and a hold on the student’s account will occur.
Uniforms and equipment will be worn for authorized practices and competition in accordance with College standards as they may be established from time to time.
4.11 Team Travel
All Davis & Elkins College athletic travel to and from practice and competition sites will be via approved travel methods. Most travel is provided by bus, with occasional trips by air, car or van. The Director of Athletics approves all athletic transportation.
On overnight trips, Student-Athletes will remain in the hotel after the curfew hour that is determined by the head coach.
All Student-Athletes are required to travel with the “team travel party.” If a Student-Athlete wishes to travel separately to his or her residence once the contest or tournament is finished, the Student-Athlete must submit a completed Student-Athlete Travel Release Form to the Head Coach
prior to leaving the team travel party. For Student-Athletes under the age of 18, his or her parent and/or legal guardian must sign the Student-Athlete Travel Release Form.
The Student-Athlete Travel Release Form is in the Student-Athlete Handbook and can be obtained from the Director of Athletics and/or appropriate head coach. If a Student-Athlete leaves the team travel party for any reason without notifying his or her Head Coach and submitting a Student-Athlete Travel Release Form, the Student-Athlete may be subject to disciplinary action, per the Athletic Disciplinary Guidelines found in the Student-Athlete Handbook.
Student-Athletes choosing to drive personal vehicles to Davis & Elkins College practice facilities do so at their own risk.
4.12 Davis & Elkins College Student-Athlete Disciplinary Guidelines
Failure to comply with the policies and procedures outlined in the Davis & Elkins Student-Athlete Handbook Davis & Elkins College Student Handbook may result in disciplinary action. This action may include suspension or removal from the team, monetary fines, loss of athletic scholarship, and/or required educational experiences. The desired outcome in any disciplinary action is to provide a path for the Student-Athlete to learn and grow from the experience, continued progress toward earning a degree from Davis & Elkins College and would serve them well as they serve others through their life.
Each incident will be thoroughly reviewed by Student Affairs, Campus Safety/Security, the Director of Athletics, the Head Coach and the student-athlete in determining the level of offense for the violation.
Guidelines for Offenses (not related to a positive drug test)
First Offense: The first offense generally results in a 10% suspension of championship segment playing dates rounded up to the nearest whole number (Student-Athlete will also be prohibited from participating in all exhibitions and scrimmages up until the start of the suspension). During this time the Student-Athlete may be expected to practice with the team, but will not be allowed to participate in the contests. If the violation occurs in the offseason, the Student-Athlete may be suspended from the first 10% of the contests in the next season. The Student-Athlete may be required to attend a meeting with their Head Coach and the Director of Athletics.
Second Offense: The second offense generally results in a 20% suspension of championship segment playing dates rounded up to the nearest whole number (Student-Athlete will also be prohibited from participating in all exhibitions and scrimmages up until the start of the suspension). During this time the Student-Athlete may be expected to practice with the team, but will not be allowed to participate in the contests. If the violation occurs in the offseason, the Student-Athlete may be suspended from the first 20% of the contests in the next season.
Third Offense: The third offense generally results in a suspension from all playing dates for 365 days from the time of the infraction. In addition, the Student-Athlete may lose athletic scholarship money for one year.
Please refer to your hard copy of the Davis & Elkins College Student Handbook or online at dewv.edu/campus-life for complete details of additional rules and disciplinary actions of the College.
If a Student-Athlete is found to have not been truthful with any group during the investigative process of any violation, the disciplinary actions may elevate to the level of second offense and carries all requirements of the previous offense level. In an alcohol violation, the Student-Athlete may be required to complete alcohol educational programming before reinstatement. In the event of an alcohol violation involving minors on campus, the proper authorities may also be notified.
Request for Reinstatement:
Reinstatement shall not be considered automatic. At the end of any suspension and after satisfactory completion of any sanctions and required education, the student may apply for reinstatement to the Davis & Elkins College Director of Athletics in writing stating what the Student-Athlete has learned and the grounds on which they believe they should be reinstated.
Appeal Process of Any Violation:
Student-Athletes may choose to appeal any application of this conduct agreement. If a Student-Athlete tests positive for an illegal substance, the Student-Athlete reserves the right to send the sample to a laboratory to be retested at the Student-Athlete’s expense. All appeal requests must be made in writing to the Faculty Athletic Representative, who will convene an appeals committee comprised of the Director of Athletics, Assistant Director of Athletics, a non-athletic staff member and a non-Student-Athlete. The appeals committee will be meet as soon as possible, to hear the Student-Athlete’s request. However, until the appeal is heard, the Student-Athlete will remain on suspension. Appeals of disciplinary action must be made in writing within 30 days of the notification of the disciplinary action.
4.13 Grievance Policy
Student-Athletes should refer to the Student Handbook to reference the Davis & Elkins College Grievance Policy which can be found at
dewv.edu/campus-life.
4.14 Personal Relationship Policy
We trust all members of our teams to be honest, responsible and mature. We desire what is best for the team as a whole, what is fair and workable for all individuals on the team and is based on broad principles of fairness. These expectations are for all members of our teams who must work together for the good of the team. Student-Athletes have responsibilities to the team and a commitment to being a team member who is focused on contributing to achieving team goals. Relationship issues can distract a team from its competitive goals. For this reason, Davis & Elkins College has the following expectations for all team members regardless of the type of relationship.
The following is a list of possible relationships that may be addressed with these expectations (other types of relationships not listed may also apply):
- Close friends excluding or ignoring others, or having a falling out
- Two people dating the same person
- A person dating someone whom another person had a past relationship with
- Dating on the same or different teams (regardless of whether the dating couple is an opposite-sex couple or a same-sex couple)
- Conflicts between Student-Athletes based on race, sexual orientation, sexual identity, personal belief systems or religion
When with the team, the team comes first. Conduct yourselves as teammates. Being a member of a team requires responsible behavior and professional conduct. This includes at practice, during competition, on the team bus, in hotel rooms, in the training room, in the weight room, at team meetings, in the locker room and anywhere else when you are on “team time”.
Focus on the team and your role as a team member. You don’t have to hide your relationships but when on “team time” the following behaviors are expected:
- Respect team space: Avoid drama on team time. Leave relationship conflict at the locker room door.
- Resolve relationship issues on your own time, not the team’s time.
- No PDA (Public Displays of Affection), this includes hand holding, kissing, hugging, etc.
- Get to know others on your team. Sit with various teammates on the bus, eat with various teammates, share hotel rooms with various teammates and sit with various teammates in team meetings.
- If you need help resolving relationship issues, please contact:
Diana Burke-Ross, R.N.
Campus Nurse
Gribble Hall
(304) 637-1234
rossd@dewv.edu
Possible consequences for failing to meet these expectations:
- Meeting with Coach, review expectations and consequences of not abiding by them
- Requested to meet with a counselor
- Suspension or dismissal from team for failing to abide by the expectations
Team Captains play an important role in maintaining a positive team-oriented climate and helping team members maintain team focus. Captains can help by:
- Reminding teammates about these expectations and why they are important
- Communicating with coaches when relationship issues need to be addressed
Adapted from Champions of Respect: NCAA LGBTQ Resource Guide, Pat Griffin (2013)
