Missouri State University

Missouri State University Athletics Pledge of Conduct and Sportsmanship

As a student-athlete at Missouri State University, I understand that I am expected to use my talents to obtain a quality education and earn a degree.  Although time commitments are demanding during my athletic season, I will remain academically eligible, attend class, inform professors of absences due to official athletic events, attend required study hall and meetings, and maintain academic integrity. 

Participating in intercollegiate athletics is a privilege and honor.  As a student-athlete I am in the public view and thus serve as a model and example of excellence as I pursue my sport.  Missouri State University has a strong tradition of success in athletics, but the leadership, character and scholarship of its athletes is of more importance to this school.  Consequently, my actions are often subject to scrutiny and I am expected to subscribe to and adhere to this code of conduct for athletes.

1.            I am subject to the rules and regulations of the NCAA governing unsportsmanlike behavior on and off the field of play, non-therapeutic drug use, gambling, bribery and the acceptance of non-permissible awards, benefits and expenses as well as other forms of misconduct.

2.            Team rules for student-athletes are established by each individual sport’s head coach within the              parameters set by the Director of Athletics and the University.  The head coach will inform team members of the established team and training rules at the beginning of each academic semester.  Failure to comply with team, Athletic Department or University policies may result in suspension, probation, or dismissal from the squad and non-renewal of athletic financial aid.

3.            I must set an example in campus life by strictly following the Guidelines for Conduct as written in the Missouri State University Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities (http://www.missouristate.edu/judicial/code.htm), as well as local, state and federal laws.  Athletes must especially refrain from the following:

         Academic dishonesty, including all forms of cheating, plagiarism, and fabrication in the process of completing academic work.

         Hazing, which includes intentionally or recklessly engaging in acts that have a foreseeable potential for causing physical or emotional harm to any person for the purpose of initiation or admission into or affiliation with any organization, team or group.

         Illegal use, possession, consumption, or sale of alcohol.

         Use, possession, consumption, or sale of any banned NCAA drug, non-prescribed medication, or any illegal drugs.

         Illegal possession, carrying, or discharge of any explosive, firearm, or other weapon.

         Computer abuses such as the inappropriate posting of pictures and messages on public websites (such as networking sites) in violation of the Social Networking and Interaction Policy.

4.            I must set standards in refraining from illegal alcohol and drug use.  In particular, Missouri State supports programs opposing drug use by athletes as enforced by the governing bodies (NCAA, MVC, Sun Belt, Gateway and MAC) and as stated in the MSU Drug Policy.

5.            If I commit a crime on or off campus, I may be subject to sanctions by law enforcement, the Athletics Department, and/or the University. Please review the university judicial website for further information at www.missouristate.edu/judicial.

I understand this Code of Conduct for Student-Athletes at Missouri State University.  I understand that signing this Code is my agreement to follow it and to accept the consequences should I fail to follow it. 

 

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MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETICS

Social Networking & Interaction Policy

 

A statement from the MSU Student Athlete Advisory Committee:  Student-athletes should be concerned with any behavior that might embarrass themselves, their families, their teams, and/or Missouri State University.  This includes any activities conducted online. As student-athletes, we represent more than ourselves and the reputation of Missouri State is dependent on the conduct and success of its student-athletes.

 

As student-athletes participating in intercollegiate athletics at Missouri State University, we are representatives of the university and are always in the public eye.  Therefore, we have a duty to conduct ourselves in a manner that is positive to our families, the institution and the young people who look up to us as role models. Please keep the following guidelines in mind as you participate on social networking web sites such as “Myspace,” “Facebook” and others.

 

• Before participating in any online community, understand that anything posted online is available to anyone in the world.  Any text or photo placed online is completely out of your control the moment it is placed online even if you limit access to your site.

 

• You should not post information, photos, or other representations of sexual content, inappropriate behavior (for example, endorsing drug or alcohol use), or which contain offensive or foul language that could embarrass or ruin the reputation of yourself, your family, your team, the athletic department or Missouri State University.  This includes statements, information, photos and items that may be posted by others on your page.

 

• You should not post your email address, home address, local address, telephone number(s), birth date or other personal information as it could lead to unwanted attention, stalking, identity theft, etc.

 

• Exercise caution as to what information you post on your website about your whereabouts or plans as it could lead to unwanted attention, stalking, identity theft, etc.

 

• Be aware of who you add as a friend to your site many people are looking to take advantage of student-athletes or to seek connection with student-athletes to give them a sense of membership on a team.

 

These rules are important because:

 

• Recruits and parents/legal guardians have been known to check profiles of current members of the team to find out about the character of the team when making a decision about choosing a college or team.

 

• The Springfield Police Department Substation and other local police and sheriff’s offices check these websites regularly.  

 

• Potential employers and internship supervisors also use these sites to screen candidates. 

 

• Many graduate programs and scholarship committees now search these sites to screen applications.  

 

• You could face discipline and even dismissal for violation of team policies, athletic department policies, or NCAA policies if you violate this policy.  Coaches and Administrators can and do monitor these sites.

 

The athletic department strongly advises MSU student-athletes to exercise extreme caution in their use of social networking websites. It is strongly encouraged to use the privacy and security settings made available on these sites.

 

Should I not follow the policies and procedures as stated above, I will be subject to the following penalties: (1) meet with the Director of Athletics and Head Coach, (2) community service, (3) possible loss of athletic aid including off campus living expenses, (4) dismissal from the athletics program, or (5) other sanctions as determined by the coaching staff.

 

I have read and agree to abide by the above stated policies and fully understand that, should I violate this policy, I may be subject to any of the penalties noted above.

 

 

___________________________________________                                            ________________________

Student-Athlete Name (Printed)                                                                       Sport

 

____________________________________                        ____________________

Student-Athlete Signature                                                                                  Date

 

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The Missouri State University

Student-Athlete Code of Conduct

 

 

INTRODUCTION

 

Student-athletes at Missouri State University (“University”) are representatives of their teams, the Department of Athletics and the University.  It is a privilege, not a right, to be a member of an intercollegiate athletics program.  It has many benefits, but student-athletes receive a higher level of interest from the public and the media.  That attention means student-athletes have a responsibility to be positive and effective members of their program, the University and the Department of Athletics.

 

As a member of an athletics program, student-athletes are expected to demonstrate the pillars of good character by displaying integrity, honesty, respect for others and good sportsmanship in all academic, athletic and social activities.  Additionally, student-athletes are to abide by all University policies, Athletic Department, National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), and conference rules and regulations, as well as city, county, state and federal laws and standards of behavior.

 

The Student-Athlete Code of Conduct is an Athletic Department policy that applies to all student-athletes including those that are not actively competing in their sport.  The standards and expectations set forth apply at all times: in season, out of season, on or off campus, and on and off the playing field.  Sanctions will be applied for violation of this Code.

 

Student-athletes have an obligation to report Code of Conduct violations to their Head Coaches or the Faculty Athletics Representative as soon as possible.  Student-athletes who do not conform to this Code may be subject to greater consequences for misconduct that is not reported or that involves multiple or repeat violations.

 

The Head Coach or Faculty Athletics Representative who learns of a Code of Conduct violation shall report same to the Athletic Director within 24 hours.

 

A written copy of the Student-Athlete Code of Conduct will be provided to student-athletes annually.  It will also be included in the Student-Athlete Handbook and will be available online at the missouristatebears.com website.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES

 

A.    Academic

Student-athletes are expected to:

1.      Be an engaged member of class by attending, being punctual, being prepared, completing assignments on time, and participating in class.

2.      Adhere to university academic policies and procedures regarding academic honesty and integrity contained in The Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities of Missouri State University:  http://www.missouristate.edu/judicial/12331.htm.

3.      Meet with their academic advisors as well as a staff member of the Achievement Center for Intercollegiate Athletics (ACIA) as required.

4.      Participate in academic activities as requested.

B.     Alcohol

Prohibited acts include:

1.      Possessing or consuming alcohol if under the age of 21;

2.      Driving while under the influence of alcohol;

3.      Misrepresenting someone’s age for the purpose of possessing, purchasing or consuming alcohol;

4.      Purchasing or serving alcohol to someone underage;

5.      Public intoxication;

6.      Consumption of alcohol while hosting a prospect while on a visit (official or unofficial) to campus; and

7.      Consumption of alcohol during team travel or at team functions.

C.    Other Drugs

Prohibited acts include:

1.      Possessing, selling or using illegal drugs;

2.      Possessing, selling or using controlled substances; and

3.      The use of tobacco products by a student athlete during practice, competition or other team functions.

D.    Hazing

Hazing is an act that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student or which destroys or removes public or private property for the purpose of initiation, admission into, affiliation with, or as a condition of continued membership in a group or organization.  Hazing in connection with participation in University athletic teams is prohibited.

 

E.     Harassment

Harassment is unwelcome conduct toward another person or an identifiable group of persons which is severe and pervasive and has the purpose of creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive learning, working, or living environment.  Student-athletes are prohibited from harassing others on any basis, including race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, marital status, or sexual orientation.

F.     Nonconsensual Sexual Contact

Student-athletes are prohibited from engaging in nonconsensual sexual contact of any type and participating in any sexual harassment as these terms are defined in the Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities of Missouri State University.

G.    Weapons

The unauthorized possession or use of firearms, explosives or other weapons is prohibited.

H.    Social Networking and Sportsmanship

Student-athletes are required to comply with the University Social Networking and Interaction Policy and the University Sportsmanship Policy.  Student-athletes should not post obscene or profane information and photographs online.

 

I.       Gambling

Student-athletes shall have no involvement with gambling, including knowingly providing information to individuals involved in organized gambling concerning intercollegiate athletics, soliciting a bet on any intercollegiate athletics team, accepting a bet on any team representing the institution, or participating in any gambling activity that involves intercollegiate athletics or professional athletics through a bookmaker, parlay card or any other method employed by organized gambling.

J.      Legal

Any violation of city, county, state or federal law is considered misconduct under the Student-Athlete Code of Conduct.

 

Classifications of Misconduct

All violations of this Code will be characterized as Category I or Category II misconduct except for academic integrity violations.  Academic integrity violations are governed by the Student Academic Integrity Policies and Procedures, http://www.missouristate.edu/provost/academicintegrity.htm.

 

Category I

         Violations of the law or probation not classified as felonies (misdemeanors and municipal violations);

         First-time alcohol offenses which do not result in the destruction of property, injury, or death, and which do not involve other criminal behavior;

         First-time use of illegal drugs or controlled substances;

         Hazing which does not result in the destruction of property, injury, or death and which does not involve other criminal behavior; and

         Violations of the Social Networking Policy and other similar University policies.

         Providing false information to University officials and coaches.

 

Category II

         Violations of the law or probation classified as felonies;

         Repeat alcohol offenses or any alcohol offense which results in property destruction, injury, death, or involves other criminal behavior;

         Repeat use of illegal drugs or controlled substances and the sale or distribution of illegal drugs or controlled substances;

         Hazing which results in the destruction of property, injury, death, or involves other criminal behavior;

         Nonconsensual sexual contact;

         Gambling activity; and

         The unauthorized use or possession of firearms, explosives, or other weapons.

 

 

Sanctions for Misconduct

The Head Coach is responsible for determining, based on reasonable and credible evidence, if (1) misconduct occurred and (2) categorizing the misconduct as Category I or II misconduct.  For Category I misconduct, the Head Coach is responsible for determining the appropriate sanctions after taking into consideration the facts surrounding the misconduct, mitigating circumstances, and the prior academic, behavioral, and disciplinary history of the student-athlete.  For Category II misconduct, the Head Coach with input from the Athletic Director will make this decision.

 

Sanctions for Category I violations may include written warnings and reprimands, educational programs, community service, counseling, academic performance requirements, restitution, suspension from practice, suspension from competition, and other sanctions as determined by the coaching staff.

 

Sanctions for Category II violations can include all Category I sanctions and prohibiting the use of athletic facilities and services, reduction or termination of athletic aid, and dismissal from the team.

 

Student-athletes must abide by all team rules as set forth by the Head Coach.  Such rules may include being on time for practice, meetings and team departures, attending team functions, attending class, etc.  Failure to meet team obligations may subject a student athlete to penalties as set forth by the Head Coach.

Arrest

If a student-athlete is arrested for conduct likely to result in a felony charge, the student-athlete will be suspended from all athletic participation while an internal investigation is conducted by the Head Coach.  The Head Coach will report such an arrest to the Athletic Director who will report same to the President and General Counsel of the University.  After the investigation is completed, the Head Coach with input from the Athletic Director will determine what sanctions, if any, are appropriate pursuant to this policy.

 

Appeal Process

A review committee will hear all appeals of student-athletes who have received Category II sanctions under this policy.  The committee will be composed of the Associate Athletics Director, a coach from a sport in which the student-athlete does not participate, a student-athlete advisory member, the Faculty Athletics Representative, one member of the Intercollegiate Athletics Committee, and one member of Judicial Services.

 

The appeal must be made in writing to the Faculty Athletics Representative within three (3) business days of the student-athlete’s receipt of the notice of sanctions.  The appeal letter must explain the basis relied upon to set aside or reduce the sanctions imposed.

 

The review committee will conduct its investigation by hearing details from the Head Coach, the student-athlete, and others with knowledge of the incident.  The student-athlete will have an opportunity to present to the committee (orally or in writing) his/her case.  The student-athlete may have a personal advisor who is a member of the University Community attend the hearing with him/her.  The review committee will review all relevant information, including information from public authorities, court records, law enforcement officers, university officers and agencies and other persons, and make a recommendation to the Athletic Director regarding the appropriate sanctions within five (5) days of receiving the appeal. The Athletic Director will make the final determination of sanctions.  No further appeals will be afforded the student-athlete.