Chapter One

Student-Athletes

General Requirements for Student-Athletes

All student-athletes are expected to exhibit support of Lipscomb University's Christian mission in their behavior at all times, uphold university policies, and represent the university with dignity, integrity, and strength of character.  Consult the end of this section for the Atlantic Sun Conference sportsmanship policy that all student-athletes are expected to adhere to.

All university requirements for admission to and retention of student status apply equally to athletes.

Student-athletes should familiarize themselves with the academic regulations of the university, of their respective colleges, and of the departments from which they take courses, to be knowledgeable of the requirements for their particular degree.

Student-athletes are expected to attend the classes in which they are enrolled, turn in all class assignments, and take all course examinations.  The university catalog specifies that "any student who misses the equivalent of three weeks of any course is subject to being removed from that course."  Non-athletically related absences may jeopardize their standing on the team and scholarships, and excessive absences in chapel and University Bible will result in probation and ineligibility to compete.

Student-athletes are expected to keep their professors apprised of any absences due to competitions well in advance of days they will miss class, to make arrangements prior to the absence to make up exams and assignments, and to make up missed work quickly.  Appointment times for making up exams and other work are at the discretion of the professor.  A student-athlete must never tell a professor that he/she cannot make up the work at the time the professor designates because that time conflicts with a scheduled practice time.  If the makeup is scheduled during practice time, the athlete must inform his/her coach ahead of time that practice will be missed due to making up coursework.

The Office of the Registrar reports the academic performance of each student-athlete enrolled at Lipscomb University at the end of each term. The Assistant Director of Athletics for Academics keeps the athlete's coach advised of academic progress.  The coach will be told that the athlete's cumulative or term grade point average has placed him/her on the Provost's List, the Honor Roll, academic warning or academic probation.

Credit may be allowed for courses completed at other colleges and universities, including interim summer terms, to determine athletic eligibility of a student-athlete enrolled at Lipscomb.  If a currently enrolled student-athlete wishes to take a course(s) at another college or university and transfer them back to Lipscomb, he/she must obtain and complete the approval form for those courses available at the Registrar's Office.  That office must pre-approve the course(s) before it/they can be accepted for transfer credit.

To determine athletic eligibility, credit will not be allowed for extension, credit-by-examination, and correspondence courses completed at other universities.

Complimentary Tickets

Student-Athletes Bylaw 16.2.1

Student-athletes may receive up to four complimentary admissions to home and away contests in their sport. The tickets may be provided to individuals designated by the student-athlete only through a pass list. Hard tickets may not be issued. The person using the complimentary ticket must present an ID in order to gain admission. He or she may be given a ticket stub or some other form of ID designating a seat. There is no restriction on who may be designated to receive the complimentary admissions. Student-athletes or those receiving the complimentary admission may not receive payment for the ticket or exchange it for an item of value.

Housing of Student-Athletes                                                                                               

If a student-athlete receives a full grant-in-aid scholarship, it is expected that he or she will be assigned to university housing. Anyone eligible to live off-campus by university policy may do so.  Institutional financial aid however may not be used to cover off-campus expenses.

Policy on Supervised Study Program for Student-Athletes

All athletes are given an opportunity to improve their academic standing through participation in a staff supervised study program. This program makes available qualified tutors and other academic support services to student-athletes. The Assistant Director of Athletics for Academics will provide current information on the program through the coaches.

Policy on Student-Athletes' Use of University Telephones and Other Equipment

Student-athletes may not use Department of Athletics or Lipscomb University long distance telephone codes. They may not make telephone calls from their residence halls or other locations and charge to departmental or university codes.

Policy on Employment

Student-athletes may work and earn wages for employment within or outside the University.  The rate of pay must be commensurate to that of like employees in the specific job and cannot be based on athletics reputation.  There are forms for the student-athlete and his/her employer that must be filled out and approved by the Asst. AD -- Compliance when the employment is secured by the student-athlete.  Those forms are located in the Appendix of the Student-Athlete Handbook.

Policy on Student-Athletes' Injury Hardships

NCAA regulations provide that a student-athlete may be granted an additional year of competition for "hardship," defined as that incapacity resulting from injury or illness provided certain conditions are met. Applications for injury hardship will be completed (with all required attachments) and submitted to the Assistant Director of Athletics for Compliance immediately following completion of the season or at the end of the school year in the prolonged seasonal sports.

Policy on Departmental Student-Athlete Database Information

A completed and updated Student-Athlete Database Information Form on every student-athlete will be submitted to the Office of Sports Information at the start of every season of competition. Changes will be submitted as they occur during the season. The Compliance Office will be notified immediately when a student-athlete leaves or quits the team and when a student-athlete is added to the team.

Policy on Reporting Redshirt Status

At the end of each sports season the head coach will provide the Compliance Office a listing of all team members who participated in any games against outside competition during the previous season.  Any team member not on the list will be considered a redshirt.

Travel Policy for Injured, Ineligible and Redshirt Student-Athletes

Student-athletes that are ineligible for competition or with injuries that preclude them from participating in intercollegiate athletics competition are restricted from any team travel. Student-athletes who are redshirting (and otherwise eligible) will typically be barred from team travel. Exceptions to this policy must be approved by the Director of Athletics.

Textbook Policy/Procedure for Athletes Receiving Athletic Textbook Voucher

Any student-athlete who is to receive an athletic textbook voucher to purchase books based on the terms of his/her athletic scholarship should obtain a voucher at the beginning of each semester from Student Accounts.  That voucher is turned in to the university bookstore when the books are purchased, and the bookstore informs Student Accounts, Financial Aid, and the Assistant Athletic Director for Academics of the title and cost of each book purchased by an athlete.

 

By the end of finals week each semester the student-athlete returns those books to the bookstore and brings a receipt listing the buyback price for each to the Assistant Athletic Director for Academics.  (Certain books may be kept temporarily or bought at the buyback price by the athlete--see the Textbook Policy in the Appendix.)

 

If the books listed on the receipt do not match those on the list received from the bookstore near the beginning of the semester (and the Assistant Athletic Director has not been informed why), the athlete's student account will be charged the original price of any books not returned.  Athletic scholarship money cannot be applied to those charges.

 

Athletes designated to receive an athletic textbook voucher are required to sign a contract agreeing to abide by the terms of this policy (see Appendix).

Sportsmanship Policy

The following is taken from the Atlantic Sun Conference Manual.  All Lipscomb athletes are expected to follow this policy.

Atlantic Sun Conference athletics competition exists in order to foster sportsmanship and personal development as well as competitive excellence.  The conference believes that there has been a general erosion of standards of acceptable conduct for coaches, athletes and fans at intercollegiate athletics events recently.  In order to improve the overall standards of behavior by which all people in athletics treat each other, the conference believes it is time to renew our commitment to integrity, ethical behavior, and fair play by establishing and enforcing higher standards of conduct across all sports.  In order to achieve this goal, the conference hereinafter outlines the responsibilities of those groups and individuals associated with our intercollegiate athletics programs.

Respect for the game in which the student-athlete participates also demands respect for the opponent.  Student-athletes must treat opponents with sportsmanship.  Taunting and baiting of opponents as well as trash talking will not be tolerated.  The opportunity to represent an A-Sun institution is a privilege which is accompanied by the responsibility to behave with dignity and class on and off the floor/field.

Any use of foul or abusive language by a coach or by a student-athlete in any contest involving a A-Sun member institution will not be tolerated and will automatically result in appropriate sport-specific penalties for unsportsmanlike conduct.

Scheduling

A tentative team schedule for the upcoming year is prepared and then forwarded to the Director of Athletics and the Assistant Director of Athletics for Academics for approval before being considered final.   Consideration will be given to the players' missing as few classes as possible.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter Two

Admissions and Initial Eligibility Procedures

Admission to Lipscomb

 

Eligibility certification:

 

Initial eligibility for potential freshmen student-athletes:

 

1. All prospective students that wish to participate in intercollegiate athletics are informed that they must register with the Clearinghouse their senior year of high school.
2. At the end of the year, the high school submits a final transcript showing proof of graduation.
3. All coaches provide a list of students they are recruiting to the Compliance Coordinator.  Those names are then submitted to the Clearinghouse and placed on an Institutional Request List.
4. The student must receive acceptance of admission from the university based on the same standards that the admission office evaluates all prospective students to Lipscomb University.
5. Once all of the required information has been received from the high school, the student is certified (or not certified) to compete in NCAA Division I by the NCAA Clearinghouse and Lipscomb University is notified of the decision.
6. The Lipscomb Athletics Eligibility Certification Committee (Admissions Counselor, Registrar, Asst. AD -- Academics, Compliance Coordinator, Athletics Director, Faculty Athletics Representative) certifies that the clearinghouse information on the Eligibility Checklist is accurate; the Admissions Office is the final authority for certifying initial eligibility.

 

Initial eligibility for potential international freshmen student-athletes:

 

1.      All international prospects must file an application with the university Admissions Office and be accepted for admission.

2.      He/she must also register with the NCAA Clearinghouse and be certified.

3.      Amateurism questionnaires (from the prospect and the prospect's coach, if possible) must be submitted to the Assistant Athletic Director for Compliance review.

4.      The International prospect's I-20 will not be issued until he/she has been certified for financial aid, practice and competition and the disclosure of any federal tax liability.

5.      Also, the I-20 will not be issued until all institutional rules and regulations have been met (refer to the university catalog).

 

 

 

 

 

Initial eligibility for transfer student-athletes:

 

1.      A release form from the previous institution must be obtained by the Compliance Coordinator, for the student transferring from a four year institution.

2.      Once a release is obtained, transcripts are submitted in the following order: Office of Admission Transcript Analyst, Compliance Coordinator, Assistant Director of Athletics for Academics, and Registrar Office.

3.      Contingent on the transfer hours accepted relative to applicable NCAA and institutional regulations, the student-athlete's eligibility is determined.

4.      The Admission Office accepts the student-athlete under the same standards set forth for all transfer students.  In many cases, the student is accepted to the University before being identified as a student-athlete.

5.      The Lipscomb Athletics Eligibility Certification Committee (Admissions Counselor, Registrar, Asst. AD -- Academics, Compliance Coordinator, Athletics Director, Faculty Athletics Representative) certifies that the information on the Eligibility Checklist is accurate; the Registrar, Janet Cates, is the final authority for certifying transfer eligibility.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter Three

Student-Athlete Eligibility Guidelines

Academic and Athletic Eligibility

 

The following guidelines are a compilation of the minimum requirements for academic eligibility set forth by the NCAA, the Atlantic Sun Conference, and the Lipscomb University catalog.

 

Please note that all references to bylaws listed below may be found in the NCAA Manual, Bylaw 14. 

 

To be academically eligible to play any sport on the intercollegiate level, each student-athlete must meet the following requirements:

 

Good Academic Standing -- A student in good academic standing is one who is making satisfactory academic progress and who has met all financial obligations to the university.

 

A Lipscomb student-athlete on university academic probation is not eligible to compete while on probation.  An upper-class student-athlete at Lipscomb whose cumulative grade point average (GPA) falls below 2.0 will be placed on academic probation.  When an athlete goes on academic probation, his or her institutional financial aid is automatically forfeited.  If the student-athlete does not improve his or her academic record the next semester, he or she will be subject to suspension from the university.

 

Student-athletes admitted on probation (both transfers and returning students)

fall under the same guidelines.

 

First-time freshman student-athletes (29 hours or less transferred in) whose GPA for the first semester is below 2.0 are placed on academic warning.  Student-athletes on academic warning may practice with their team and may compete. If  they do not raise their cumulative GPA to 2.0 by the end of their next semester, they are placed on academic probation and become ineligible to compete while on probation.  Students on Academic Warning are required to participate in Turning Point, a program designed to assist students attempting to recover from difficult academic situations.  (Further explanation of academic probation and academic warning is found in the university catalog.)

 

A student-athlete who fails daily Bible or University Bible is automatically

placed on Bible probation for the succeeding semester and is ineligible to

compete until that probation is removed.  (See the explanation of Bible probation

in the university catalog.)

 

A student-athlete who exceeds the allotted number of absences for university

chapel is automatically placed on chapel probation for the following semester

and may not compete during the period of that probation.  The university

Student Handbook explains the other possible penalties of being on chapel probation and ways to remove it.

 

In the event the student-athlete is officially suspended from the university, he or she will be ineligible to participate in intercollegiate athletics.   Consult the university catalog for further information on reasons students are suspended, the consequences, and the appeals process.

 

The following two sections are divided between those entering a collegiate institution before August 1, 2003 and those entering on or after August 1, 2003.

 

Minimum NCAA Academic Requirements for those entering a collegiate institution full-time ON OR AFTER August 1, 2003

 

Maintain full-time status as a student during the season/semester of participation.  Be enrolled in at least a minimum full-time program (not less than 12 hours).

 

Maintain satisfactory progress To be eligible to compete, a student-athlete must:

 

Satisfactorily complete 24 hours of academic credit during the first academic year, 18 of which must come during the regular academic year (as opposed to the summer).

 

Satisfactorily complete 18 hours of academic credit each academic year after the initial year of enrollment.

 

Satisfactorily complete 6 hours of academic credit in a regular academic term of enrollment to be eligible for the next semester.

 

Designation of degree program.  By the beginning of the student-athlete's third year of enrollment, the student must designate a degree program of studies leading towards a bachelor's degree, including transfer students.

 

Thereafter, the student-athlete must make satisfactory progress towards that degree.

 

Student-athletes who entered Lipscomb or any other college on or after August 1, 2003 must meet the following percentage of degree and cumulative GPA requirements:

 

A student entering his or her fifth semester (third year) of collegiate enrollment must have successfully completed at least 40 percent of the course requirements in the student-athlete's specific degree program and present a cumulative GPA of 2.00.

 

A student-athlete who is entering his seventh semester (fourth year) of enrollment must have successfully completed at least 60 percent of the course requirements of his or her specific degree requirements and present a cumulative GPA of 2.00.

 

A student-athlete entering his or her ninth semester (fifth year) of enrollment must have successfully completed at least 80 percent of the course requirements of his or her specific degree requirements.

 

Additional Regulations Affecting Satisfactory Progress

 

Remedial, tutorial or non-credit courses may be used only if they meet all the following criteria:

 

Courses must be considered prerequisites for specific courses acceptable for any degree program.

 

Courses must be given same weight as others in determining a student's status for full-time enrollment.

 

Such courses shall not exceed 6 semester hours, and the courses must be taken during the student's first academic year of collegiate enrollment.

 

Incomplete Grades -- A student receiving an incomplete grade may utilize the course in question to fulfill the minimum satisfactory progress requirements subject to the following conditions:

 

The "I" must be removed by the first day of classes of the following semester.

 

The course may be counted during the term in which the student initially enrolled in the course.

 

Repeated Courses -- Credit for repeated courses may be used only under the following conditions:

 

A course repeated due to an unsatisfactory initial grade may be utilized only once, and only after it has been satisfactorily completed.

 

Credit for a course that may be taken several times shall be limited by university regulations.

 

Prior Approval - Summer Courses at Other Institutions.  Prior approval from the Registrar's Office, in conjunction with the appropriate department chair, is required if courses taken at another college or university are to be utilized in determining the student's academic status.

Minimum Academic Requirements for Graduation

 

Students must meet all of the requirements covered in the university catalog in order to qualify for graduation.  Degree candidates at Lipscomb must complete a minimum of 132 semester hours (please refer to the University Undergraduate Catalog concerning the awarding of financial aid beyond 132 attempted hours) with a minimum GPA of 2.0 overall, 2.0 in their major, and 2.0 in their minor, on all work taken at Lipscomb.  At least 25 percent of the credit hours required for any degree program must be earned in course work at Lipscomb.  In addition, the last 30 hours of work on a degree must be done in residence at Lipscomb except upon written approval of the Provost.  For other stipulations, see the "Requirements for Graduation" section of the university catalog.

 

 

Academic Honesty

 

The university expects students to be honest in their academic work.  Academic dishonesty is viewed as an ethical issue and a violation of the principles of justice and personal responsibility inherent in the university's ideals as expressed in its Statement of Mission and Goals.  In particular, students must refrain from plagiarism, cheating, and collusion in connection with examinations and must acknowledge fully all sources and all assistance received in work submitted to the faculty for evaluation.

 

Lipscomb's student-athletes are expected to adhere to the university's Academic Honor Code as set out in the university Student Handbook.  Any infractions/violations on the part of a student-athlete which are reported by a faculty member or appropriate administrator to the Athletics Department  will subject that athlete to possible punishment from the Athletics Department in addition to penalties imposed by a faculty member, the Honor Code Council, and/or the Office of Campus Life--and may endanger the athlete's continued participation in Lipscomb's intercollegiate athletics program.

 

For further information on academic policies and procedures, consult Chapter Ten.

 

Outside Competition

 

The following page concerning outside competition is Bylaw 14.7 taken directly from the NCAA Manual.  Please familiarize yourself with this bylaw.  You must fill out an outside competition form (located in the Appendix) and submit it to the Compliance Office before engaging in any competition.

 

Change In Eligibility Status

 

NCAA Bylaw 14.1.10 reads as follows:

 

"If a student-athlete's academic eligibility changes at the end of a quarter or semester, the student-athlete shall become eligible or ineligible to compete on the date his or her eligibility is officially certified by the appropriate institutional authority.  In a case in which the student becomes eligible at the end of the term, the earliest date on which the student can become eligible to compete is the day after the date of the last scheduled examination listed in the institution's official calendar for the term that is ending.  In a case in which the student becomes ineligible, the ineligibility shall become effective not later than the first day of classes of the following semester or quarter.  In any case, if the student-athlete is academically eligible to compete at the time of the student-athlete's or the institution's first participation in an NCAA championship, he or she shall remain eligible for the remainder of the championship."

 

It has been confirmed by the Atlantic Sun Conference and the NCAA that it is permissible to certify student-athletes individually between terms.  To further clarify, one can become eligible at the end of a regular term and another can become ineligible at the beginning of the next regular term.  Both affected student-athletes would then be able to compete between regular terms.  It will be this institution's policy to follow NCAA Bylaw 14.1.10 for competition eligibility between regular terms.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter Four

 

Athletic Scholarships

General Information

It is important to remember that a coach initially has the authority to make a recommendation on the awarding, cancellation or reduction of an athletic scholarship, but the final decision rests with the Athletics Director and the Director of Financial Aid.

 

An athletic scholarship can cover only up to the following elements:

 

Tuition, up to 18 units in the fall and spring semesters only (more than 18 units per semester could be covered in specific approved circumstances).

 

On-campus room

 

On-campus board

 

Required institutional fees (only these fees will be covered: Technology, SGA, Graduation)

 

Required course-related books (each coach may set his/her own limit; however, $400 is used for equivalency computations)

 

An athletic scholarship is renewable each year and must be signed no later than the beginning of each academic year.

 

Please consult an Athletics Scholarship Contract for all requirements and restrictions with regard to awarding scholarships.

 

In accordance with institutional rules, when beginning a semester with more than 132 attempted hours, a scholarship extension must be requested of the financial aid office for a student-athlete to receive his/her athletics and/or institutional scholarships.

 

In accordance with institutional rules, when enrolled in less than a full-time program of studies (which can only be done in the semester the student-athlete is graduating), a load exception must be requested of the financial aid office for a student-athlete to receive his/her athletics and/or institutional scholarships.

 

It is important to note that each athletic team has an NCAA limit of scholarships that can be awarded in an academic year.  There are instances where other aid that you may be receiving is counted as part of those team limits (if you are receiving athletics aid).  Some athletic aid contracts may state a countable aid amount that you cannot exceed.  That is there to protect the limits that each team must meet.  If you have any questions, please contact your coach or the Compliance Office.

 

 

Maymester, Junemester and Summer Session Scholarships

 

Scholarships do not normally include summer session attendance.  In circumstances in which a student-athlete wishes to attend or must attend summer school to sustain progress toward a degree or to maintain academic eligibility for continued sports participation, scholarship support may be recommended by the coach and approved by the Athletics Director.  If you are able to secure athletics aid for a summer session, your aid can only be awarded to you at the same level that you received it the previous academic year [example -- if you were on a full scholarship, you could receive up to a full scholarship; if you received a portion of a full scholarship (tuition, $10,000, $5,000, etc.), you could receive up to that same percentage of a full scholarship].  If you have questions regarding this subject, please consult the Compliance Office.

Please refer to the university catalog for institutional regulations governing summer financial aid.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter Five

 

Athletically Related Activities

 

The NCAA has discovered through the national Student-Athlete Advisory Committee that there is confusion among student-athletes, in general, concerning countable athletically related activities.  There is a two page release from the NCAA addressing this subject in the Appendix of this Handbook.  Please review those pages and if you have any further questions about this subject, please contact the Compliance Office.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter Six

Drug Testing Policy and Procedures

PLEASE NOTE: COACHES IN EACH SPORT MAY HAVE ADDITIONAL POLICIES THAT ARE STRICTER THAN DEPARTMENTAL POLICIES CITED HEREIN.

 

Drug Policy

 

Drug use (excluding normal use of over-the-counter drugs such as aspirin and those drugs prescribed by a physician to treat a specific medical condition) is detrimental to the student-athlete and is prohibited.

 

Program

 

The Department of Intercollegiate Athletics at Lipscomb University firmly believes that the use of drugs (excluding normal use of over-the-counter drugs such as aspirin and those drugs prescribed by a physician to treat a specific medical condition) can be detrimental to the physical and mental well-being of its student-athletes, can seriously interfere with the performance of individuals as students and as athletes and can be extremely dangerous to the student-athlete and his/her teammates participating in athletic competition and practice. In light of these beliefs and concerns, the department has implemented a drug policy and is committed to a program to assist and benefit the student-athletes at Lipscomb University.   A mandatory screening program has thus been

instituted.

 

As a condition of participation in intercollegiate athletics at Lipscomb University, all student-athletes are required to sign a form stating they have read, understand and agree to comply with the drug policy and the consequences of any positive tests. This policy is reviewed with student-athletes at the beginning of each fall semester or the point at which a student-athlete commences his or her participation in intercollegiate athletics at Lipscomb University.

 

The basic goal of the drug program is prevention of drug use; however, education and assistance with drug-related problems are key components of the program.

 

Goals of the Program

 

To generally educate Lipscomb University student-athletes concerning the problems of drug use.

 

To educate any student-athlete identified with a problem regarding the use of drugs as it may affect the athlete and his/her team and teammates.

 

To provide a common mechanism for the detection and treatment of specific cases of drug use.

 

To provide reasonable safeguards to insure that every student-athlete is medically fit to participate in athletic competition.

 

To prevent drug use by Lipscomb University student-athletes.

 

To identify any student-athlete who may be using drugs and to identify the drug(s).

 

To encourage the prompt treatment of drug dependency.

 

 

Implementation of Program

 

At the beginning of the academic year, a presentation will be made to all intercollegiate athletic teams at Lipscomb University to outline and review the department's drug policy. A copy of this policy will be provided to each student-athlete. Each student-athlete will thereafter be asked to (1) sign a copy of the policy acknowledging receipt of a copy of this policy; (2) execute voluntary consent to the urinalysis testing required by the program; and (3) sign a statement authorizing the release of test results to a limited group of individuals.

 

Student-athletes and their parents/legal guardians are encouraged to ask questions or make suggestions at any time regarding this program. The Lipscomb University Athletics Department is committed to the success of this program and expects student-athletes to be equally committed.

 

Frequency of Testing

 

To ensure fairness and efficiency of the testing program, testing notification will come from the department's appointed drug testing coordinator. Tests will be administered on a random basis and may, or may not, be announced in advance. Tests may be administered at any time throughout the year. The number, timing and other procedures for testing shall be determined by the Lipscomb University Athletics Department in consultation with Baptist Sports Medicine.  However, according to institutional policy, if a student is suspected of drug use, he or she may be asked to submit to testing.

 

Testing Method

 

The drug testing shall consist of collecting a urine sample from the student-athlete under the supervision of a laboratory technician from Baptist LabPlus or such other agency as the Athletics Department may deem appropriate. Each urine sample shall be analyzed using such tests as the Athletics Department may deem appropriate for the presence of screened drugs. The testing agency shall report all test results to the administrator of the program. For purposes of this program, a positive result shall mean a test result which indicates, in the opinion of the outside agency performing such testing, the presence of one or more of the drugs on the NCAA's banned list. The student-athlete will be immediately notified of a positive test result.

 

Appropriate precautions will be taken to assure and maintain the accuracy and confidentiality of the test results including the maintenance of a documented chain of specimen custody to insure the proper identification and integrity of the sample throughout the collection and testing process. Additionally, precautions will be taken to assure the randomness of the subsequent testing.

 

Action On Positive Test Results

 

In the event of a positive test result, the Head Trainer will notify the Athletic Director, the Head Coach, an authorized physician, Senior Woman's Administrator, Faculty Athletic Representative, Dean of Students, and Compliance Officer.

 

All student-athletes whose positive test result is confirmed will be subject to, but not limited to, the following disciplinary actions (please remember that this is for athletic purposes; additional sanctions may apply from the Lipscomb University Student Code of Conduct).

 

 

 

First Offense

The student-athlete will be tested as often as deemed necessary.

The student-athlete may be required to attend counseling and evaluation sessions.

The student-athlete may be required to perform 40 hours of community service work, to be completed within two months of notification of the test result.

The student-athlete may be suspended for 25% of the total competitive sport season, which will carry over to the following season if necessary.  Any additional suspension time will be determined by the athletics director and/or head coach.

 

Second Offense

The student-athlete will be dismissed from the team immediately and his/her scholarship will be terminated.

 

PLEASE NOTE: OFFENSES ARE CUMULATIVE DURING THE STUDENT'S TENURE AT LIPSCOMB UNIVERSITY AND FAILURE TO APPEAR OR PROVIDE A SAMPLE MAY BE TREATED AS A POSITIVE TEST RESULT.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter Seven

Medical Policies

 

Injuries and Team Participation

 

It is the policy of the university Athletics Department that the health and physical welfare of every student-athlete be given top priority in any decision about playing time. The team physician or athletic trainer will allow no student-athlete who has suffered an incapacitating injury to practice or play until given clearance. If the injury is considered serious enough to have career-ending potential, then the clearance to practice/play must be in writing by the team physician.

 

General Policies

 

The university reserves the right to exclude a student-athlete from competition if there is any doubt at all as to the student-athlete's physical condition or ability to compete.

 

All student-athletes must consult one of the Athletic Trainers before seeing a physician. Only an athletic trainer familiar with the athlete and the injury may make an appointment for the athlete to see a doctor.

 

The only exception to the above procedure is when a coach, on a road trip without an athletic trainer, feels that there is an emergency that needs immediate attention.

 

If an athlete seeks medical attention without authorization from the athletic trainer, the costs will not be covered by the university Athletics Department insurance policy.

 

A student-athlete should not consult outside medical attention (i.e., podiatrist, chiropractor, etc.) for an athletically related injury without direct referral from the team physician.

 

Insurance

 

Because the medical insurance provided by the university Athletics Department is an "excess coverage policy," all student-athletes are expected to be covered by the health insurance of their parents/legal guardians.

 

The university Athletics Department insurance forms, sent to each student-athlete in August, and given to those who join a team after the mailing, must be completed and signed by the student-athlete and/or parents/legal guardian (if under the age of 18) before he or she will be allowed to participate in any practice or competition.

 

 

 

 

 

Physicals

 

Every student-athlete must have a physical performed by the team physician, as arranged by the athletic trainer, before he or she may participate in any practice or competition. The athletic training staff will arrange the schedule for team physicals after consulting with the coach for available times.

 

Medical Questionnaires

 

A medical questionnaire has been prepared for each student-athlete to identify his/her medical and injury history. The questionnaire is to be filled out prior to the time the student-athlete is given his or her physical. The questionnaire will be used by the physician and the athletic training staff to determine possible areas of concern.

 

Orthopaedic Treatment

 

Student-athletes will receive orthopaedic treatment only if all other means of diagnosis and therapy have been exhausted by the athletic trainer. Any bills incurred from missed physical therapy sessions will be the sole responsibility of the student -athlete.

 

Emergency Hospital Visits

 

An appointment with a physician for treatment of injuries must be made by one of the athletic trainers and will only be for injuries that are a direct result of an organized practice or game. The student-athlete will be responsible for all costs and payments which he/she incurs as a result of injury or illness not associated with intercollegiate athletics.

 

Emergency Procedures for All Practices and Competitive Sites

 

In order to make certain that our coaches and student-athletes have the best possible coverage, the athletic trainers have established the following principles and guidelines.

 

** It is the responsibility of the coaching staff to know and follow these policies**

 

Emergency Procedures Recommendations

 

DURING PRACTICE

 

Coaches and athletes should NEVER move an injured player if the injured player is UNCONSCIOUS, UNRESPONSIVE, or UNCERTAIN OF THE INJURY.

 

If an athletic trainer is not readily available, call the athletic training room.

 

In a non-emergency situation, the athletic trainer will evaluate the injury and give treatment as necessary.

 

If an ambulance is needed, a coach or player should call 911 and/or follow the emergency action plans posted at their respective venue

A member of the Athletics Department staff, preferably an athletic trainer, will follow or ride along with the ambulance to the hospital.

 

A member of the Athletics Department staff, preferably a coach or athletic trainer, will contact the family concerning the status of the injured player.

 

DURING A GAME

 

Coaches and athletes should NEVER move an injured player if UNCONSCIOUS, UNRESPONSIVE, or UNCERTAIN OF THE INJURY.

 

An athletic trainer should be the first on the court or field to assist an injured player. If the player can be moved, student-athletes may help transport the injured player to the sideline for further evaluation.

 

If a physician is needed, game management personnel will escort him/her to the floor or field.

 

If an ambulance is needed, game management personnel will call 9-1-1 or ask a Campus Safety Officer at the game to contact dispatch for an ambulance. The emergency action plan posted for the respected venue must be followed.

 

Game Event Staff will assist with crowd control of fans, players, and coaches. In addition, the Game Event Staff will assist Campus Safety in directing the ambulance from outside streets to the injured athlete as listed on the emergency action plan.

 

A member of the Athletics Department staff, preferably an athletic trainer, will follow or ride along with the ambulance to the hospital.

 

A member of the Athletics Department staff, preferably a coach or athletic trainer, will contact the family regarding the status of the injured player.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter Eight

Athletic Weight Room Policies

The weight room facility is limited to use by current student-athletes, coaches, staff, and classes.  Use of the facility by any other individual is prohibited.  This facility is subject to legal limitations and must be used under the supervision of a qualified individual.

 

Prior to participation, all athletes and users must have a physical.

Prior to participation, all athletes and users must attend an orientation on weight room policies, common risks in training, proper execution of various exercises, and the possible consequences of policy violations and improper lifting techniques.

Athletes are to use the workouts designed for their team.

If an athlete has an injury, he/she should obtain a modified workout program.

Athletes must wear proper lifting attire (shirts & shoes-tied) at all times.  No jeans, sandals, flip-flops, jewelry (loose necklaces, hanging earrings) or open toed shoes.

All athletes must bring dry shirts to change into if practice jersey is sweaty.

Athletes should not wear muddy shoes from fieldwork or practice.  (no cleats)

Athletes should show respect for equipment and facilities at all times: no feet on walls, leaning on mirrors, or walking across platforms.  Any spitting on the floor or the fountain or defacing the facility will result in immediate disciplinary action.

No equipment is to leave the weight room at any time.  No equipment is to be brought into the weight room at any time.  Utility benches are not to be moved.

No plates are to be left on bars or machines.  Return plates, dumbbells, bars, ropes, etc. to their proper storage racks.

Athletes are not to set bars, dumbbells, or plates on benches.

Athletes should move weights from the racks to the machines and bars only.  They should never set plates on the floor or lean them against equipment or walls.

Athletes should not drop or throw weights or dumbbells. 

Athletes should wipe off benches when finished using them if necessary.

Athletes must follow correct chalk procedure at all times.

No food, gum, tobacco, drinks, or banned substances allowed in the facility.

No crude comments or horseplay in the facility.  Show respect at all times.

Staff controls radio and TV settings. Athletes are not allowed in offices at anytime.

Supervisors are not responsible for personal belongings that are lost or stolen.

If you do not know how to use a piece of equipment or perform a certain lift ask!

Athletes must perform all squats in a squat rack, all power (Olympic) lifts on a platform (use only bumper plates), and all dumbbell work in the dumbbell area.

Always use collars and spotters when necessary.

Limited use of weight belts.  Belts of any type are not allowed on equipment.

All concerns and maintenance needs should be reported to the Strength Coach.

Be on time for scheduled workouts and call if going to miss.

Former athletes must have their programs approved and must sign a waiver form.

Policy Enforcement: any on duty Lipscomb Athletic Weight Room staff member has the authority to ask individuals who are not abiding by the facility's policies or who are creating an unsafe environment or a disruption to leave.

 

 

 

Athletic Weight Room Team Policy

 

The undersigned members of the _____________________________

 

have received and understand the Lipscomb University Strength &

 

Conditioning Athletic Weight Room Policies set forth herein. 

 

______________________    _______________________  ______________________

 

______________________    _______________________  ______________________

 

______________________    _______________________  ______________________

 

______________________    _______________________  ______________________

 

______________________    _______________________  ______________________

 

______________________    _______________________  ______________________

 

______________________    _______________________  ______________________

 

______________________    _______________________  ______________________

 

______________________    _______________________  ______________________

 

______________________    _______________________  ______________________

 

______________________    _______________________  ______________________

 

______________________    _______________________  ______________________

 

 

 

 

Signed by Strength Coach: ____________________

Date: _____________

 

 

 

 

 

 

Athletic Weight Room Policy Individual Waiver

 

 

I  _____________________________, have received and understand the

 

Lipscomb University Strength & Conditioning Athletic Weight Room Policies

 

set forth herein.  An injury that occurs in the strength facility is the sole

 

responsibility of the user, and Lipscomb University or the strength staff is

 

not held liable. 

 

 

 

Signed by user: ________________________

 

Signed by Strength Coach: ____________________

 

Date: _____________

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter Nine

Student-Athlete Grievance Policies

Student-Athlete Responsibilities

Participation in the Lipscomb athletics program is a privilege and each student-athlete is expected to behave according to the rules of his or her sport and of the university. In addition, the conduct of all student-athletes shall reflect the fact that by virtue of their participation in student athletic programs sponsored by Lipscomb, student-athletes are expected to exhibit a higher standard of behavior than might be expected of other students and to avoid conduct that is likely to appear improper.

Student-Athlete Rights

Each student-athlete at Lipscomb has the right to be treated with fairness and respect. Student athletic programs are first and foremost an educational experience and the safety, good health and well-being of the student-athlete is a top priority of the Lipscomb athletic program.

Student-Athlete Grievance Procedure

When a student-athlete believes that any of his or her rights have been violated by a member of the athletic department staff, the student should ordinarily attempt to resolve the matter by making an informal complaint to the person involved.

If the problem is not resolved to the student-athlete's satisfaction by contacting the person involved or if the student-athlete does not feel comfortable addressing the concern with the person involved, one of the following individuals can be consulted about options for resolution of the problem:  Director of Athletics, Assistant Director of Athletics/SWA, Assistant Director of Athletics/Compliance, Associate Director of Athletics, Faculty Athletics Representative.

Note: Issues regarding playing time, position on team, etc. are not grievable under this policy.

When the grievance involves a non-renewal or reduction of financial aid or refusal to grant a transfer release, please refer to the following additional formal grievance procedures.

Financial Aid Appeals

When the grievance involves a non-renewal or reduction of financial aid, the institution is required by NCAA bylaws to notify the affected student-athlete in writing that he/she has the opportunity for a hearing before a financial aid appeals committee.  Once the matter is heard by the financial aid appeals committee, the decision is considered final.  The following are the procedures that the financial aid appeals committee follows.

 

 

Financial Aid Appeals Committee Procedures

As per NCAA Bylaw 15.3.5.1.1, the institution shall notify in writing each student-athlete that has not had his/her athletic financial aid renewed (or has been reduced) for the ensuing academic year of the opportunity for a hearing before the institutional agency making the award.  This financial aid appeals committee shall have established reasonable procedures for promptly hearing such a request.  The responsibility for conducting such a hearing cannot be delegated to the university's athletics department or its faculty athletics committee.  The decision to renew or not renew the financial aid is left to the discretion of the institution, to be determined in accordance with its normal practices for students generally.  The following are guidelines that shall be followed for each case:

 

The committee shall be chaired by the director of financial aid.  The chairperson shall, at his/her discretion, name the other committee members, which shall be any university employee (except athletics department employees).  The committee shall not be restricted in its size.

Each committee member shall be familiar with NCAA Bylaw 15.3 of the NCAA Division I Manual.

The committee shall give each side involved in each case the opportunity to be heard (the student-athletes and/or his/her parents, in addition to the head coach of the sport involved).

The committee, at its discretion, may hear the appeal in a variety of communication forms (in writing, in person, by telephone, by videoconference, etc.).  However, once the method of communication has been established for that particular case, that method shall be used to hear both sides.

Once a decision for a particular case has been reached, the committee chair (or its designee) shall inform each side involved in writing.

 

Refusal of Transfer Release Appeals

When the grievance involves a refusal of a transfer release, the institution is required by NCAA bylaws to notify the affected student-athlete in writing that he/she has the opportunity for a hearing before a transfer release appeals committee.  Once the matter is heard by the transfer release appeals committee, the decision is considered final.  The following are the procedures that the transfer release appeals committee follows.

As per NCAA Bylaw 13.1.1.3.1, the institution shall notify in writing any student-athlete that has been denied permission to speak with another four-year institution concerning a subsequent transfer of his/her opportunity for a hearing before an institutional committee outside of the athletics department.  This transfer appeals committee shall have established reasonable procedures for promptly hearing such a request.  The decision to grant permission or not is left to the discretion of this committee.  The following are guidelines that shall be followed for each case:

 

The committee shall be chaired by the Dean of Students.  The chairperson shall, at his/her discretion, name the other committee members, which shall be any university employee (except athletics department employees).  The committee shall not be restricted in its size.

Each comm