Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Thomas College Student Athlete Handbook 2008-2009 Academic Year
Thomas College Student Athlete Handbook 2008-2009 Academic Year
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TABLE OF CONTENTS Page
Purpose 2
Thomas College Mission Statement 2
Division III Philosophy 3
Thomas Athletic Department Mission Statement 3
Thomas Goals and Learning Outcomes for Student Athletes 4
Academic Policies 16
Eligibility 16
Transfers 17
Class Attendance 18
Academic/Athletic Conflicts 18
Academic Honesty 19
Academic Resources 19
Grievance Procedure 20
Student Athlete Forms 21-24
Staff Directory 25
Important Campus Numbers 26
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PURPOSE
Through your hard work and talent, you have earned the privilege to wear an Thomas College uniform. You join a
tradition of excellence here at Thomas and we hope that you contribute to adding to that excellence. As a student-
athlete, you have a unique opportunity to pursue the highest level of play in collegiate athletics. It is our hope that
you experience mental, social, and emotional growth while competing in our program.
With all the opportunities that come to you as a student-athlete, you also have an increase in responsibility.
Wherever you go, you are now a representative of Thomas College and the athletic department. Whether you are
on or off the field, your actions reflect upon the school, your teammates, and the coaches. Thomas College is
dedicated to molding student-athletes of character and we stress that being able to wear the TC uniform is a
privilege, not a right.
This handbook is intended to give you important and helpful information to help you to succeed as a student and
athlete. It should answer any questions you may have.
In general, the student-athletes who participate in the 18 programs at Thomas College are expected to compete in
intercollegiate athletics under a model that emphasizes integrity and ethical conduct. Each program is an integral
part of the overall department, and each student-athlete‘s educational experience remains paramount.
MEN WOMEN
Baseball Basketball
Basketball Cross Country
Cross Country Equestrian
Football Field Hockey
Golf Lacrosse
Lacrosse Soccer
Soccer Softball
Tennis Tennis
Volleyball Volleyball
The primary mission of Thomas College is to instill students an understanding of and an appreciation for
professional and liberal studies. Deeply woven within this philosophy is the concept of applied learning, which has
been the hallmark of Thomas. Linking classroom and off campus work experience through required internships
remains the most distinguishing feature of the College.
Thomas has a vision for the total development of the individual within a community that fosters an appreciation of
cultural diversity, international awareness, community service, and moral and ethical values. Thomas is an
innovative and vibrant, student-centered institution that supports students in their pursuit of knowledge.
Naturally, no two students experience Thomas the same way or at the same pace. Yet, common threads run
through the fabric of the Thomas experience: increased self-confidence, stronger professional skills and
technological competencies, and perhaps the most valued of all, lives open to change.
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NCAA Division III Philosophy
―Colleges and universities in Division III place highest priority on the overall quality of the educational experience.
In so doing, they seek to strengthen the integration of objectives and programs in athletics with academic and
developmental objectives and to assure the integration of athletes with other students. To that end, the college
places special importance on the impact of athletics on the participants rather than on spectators, and greater
emphasis on the internal constituency (students, alumni, faculty, and special friends) than on the general public and
its entertainment needs.
1. Participation is encouraged by maximizing the number and variety of athletic opportunities in varsity, club and
intramural sports;
2. Participants receive the same treatment as other students. Similarly, athletes are not denied rights and
opportunities that would be available to them as non-athletes;
3. The athletic program is controlled, financed and staffed through the same general procedures as other
departments of the college;
4. Sports for men and women are given equal emphasis and the desired quality of competition is similar in all sports;
5. Students are supported in their efforts to reach high levels of performance by providing them with adequate
facilities, competent coaching and appropriate competitive opportunities with students from similar institutions;
6. Primary emphasis is given to in-season competition, but exceptional teams and individuals may be encouraged
through post-season championships. The purpose of the NCAA is to assist its members to develop this approach as
the basis for consistent, equitable competition and to do so in ways that minimize infringement on the freedom of
individual institutions to determine their own special objectives and programs.
The Department of Athletics and Recreation supports the mission of the College by providing an experiential
opportunity for individual development outside of the classroom. Backed by committed administrators, coaches and
faculty, all students are challenged and encouraged to reach their physical, intellectual, and social potential through
participation in a broad-based program of intercollegiate, club sport, intramural, and recreational offerings.
In addition, the Department encourages the development of sportsmanship and positive societal attitudes
throughout all College constituent groups; including students, faculty, staff, alumni, and spectators. We seek to
establish and maintain an environment that values and fosters the principles of fair play, athletic competition,
cultural diversity and gender equity. Within this environment, students are provided with experiences that honor
effort and perseverance, reward self-discipline, and promote mutual understanding and respect.
In pursuant to the College's mission, the Department seeks to change lives by engaging students in a variety of
offerings that encourage a healthy lifestyle while challenging participants to meet and exceed personal goals and
expectations through their experiences.
Revised 5/08
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Goals and Learning Outcomes
□ How to place athletics appropriately in a well-balanced, active life of study, work and play.
□ To set reasonable goals, design a plan to accomplish them, and appropriately measure their progress against
them.
□ How to effectively handle success or failure and praise or criticism.
□ That respect for opponents and governing rules is the crux of sportsmanship.
The student-athlete at Thomas College will be enrolled in a degree program that will enable him or her to obtain a
four-year degree. Academic progress of the student-athletes must take precedence over matters related solely to
intercollegiate athletics. The educational and personal development of the student-athlete is of foremost
importance and athletic talent will not be exploited at the expenses of the student. To this end, the College will
provide the best available coaching, facilities, equipment, and program direction consistent with its fiscal resources.
Code of Conduct
Because the athletic program is on the cutting edge of college public relations, there is no room for sordid or
embarrassing incidents to take place. Therefore, there are certain requirements, which are a part of the student-
athletes obligation to Thomas College.
a) Actively pursue an educational degree by attending classes and meeting the requirements of each
class.
b) Attend all practice sessions and contests unless otherwise excused by the head coach.
c) Recognize their responsibility for proper conduct at all times. This includes but is not limited to
campus activities, housing, tournaments, contests, trips or community events, which are
sponsored by Thomas College.
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d) All student-athletes must notify the athletic department before withdrawing from any course.
Non-notification may end in suspension.
e) Show proper consideration and respect for the rights and welfare of fellow students, opponents,
officials and spectators.
f) Be accountable for property damage or loss of property.
g) The use or possession of any alcohol or illegal drug at an NCAA event is strictly prohibited.
h) Display a proper attitude and assist the team in achieving discussed goals toward the preparation
for competition.
i) Wear game uniforms and attire as designated by the head coach and approved by the athletic
director.
j) Wear practice attire that is appropriate for the sport and conditions as approved by the head
coach.
k) Wear appropriated dress attire during College athletic trips.
As a member of the student body at Thomas College, each student-athlete must act in accordance with the
Handbook for Students, as published by the Office of Student Development. In addition, student-athletes are
accountable to the following authorities:
�Municipal ordinances, and State and Federal laws, both civil and criminal (―laws‖ );
�National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA);
�Thomas College (EC);
�Department of Athletics;
�Team Rules
Reporting Obligation: Every student-athlete is obligates to report his or her violations of the Code of
Conduct to his or her Head Coach or to the Director of Athletic within 24 hours of such violation.
Discipline Categories
The following forms of discipline may be used by the Athletic Department for warranted reasons:
• TEAM RULES: Coaches and their assistants are granted the capacity to set team rules that provide common
experiences for each team member within the parameters and scope of NCAA, Division III philosophy and the
mission of Thomas Athletic. Matters that affect only the team and its day-to-day operation are handled within the
team structure. However, severe disciplinary actions, such as dismissal from team or prolonged suspension, must be
reported to the Athletic Director for the purposes of record keeping, consistency and appropriateness.
• STUDENT-ATHLETE: Once a student is accorded the status of a varsity athlete, he or she is expected to act
in accordance with this Code of Conduct until the completion eligibility, including semester and summer breaks, or
such time that he or she is no longer a student-athlete at Thomas College. Students are bound by this Code at the
point at which there is intent to enroll at the College. The Athletic Department recognizes that college-aged
students may on occasion make inappropriate decisions in their personal live within our community. Within the
bounds of progressive discipline and educational, experiential learning, it is not the Athletic Department‘s wish to
punish student athletes for twice for the same offense. However, the Department reserves the right to decide if an
offense infringes on our mission and integrity and hand out an appropriate sanction ranging from suspension to
removal from the team.
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• TEAM FUNCTION: An athletic team function is defined as any gathering, whether on or off-campus, formal
or informal, where the intent or reason to gather is to conduct business or engage in any athletic or social activity
related to the team‘s purpose, and organized, arranged or initiated by Athletic Department staff, or team members.
If any standards established by the governing authorities are violated during a team function, and there is no clear
evidence that the team attempted any restraining action through its members, the team will be held responsible and
disciplinary action taken.
Any student found to be responsible for any violation of the Thomas College
Student Handbook Code of Conduct may be subject to suspension from athletic competition.
Alcohol
• The use, possession and sale of alcohol by persons under the age of 21 is illegal and punishable by the athletic
department, Dean of Student Office, city of Beverly, and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
• While not illegal, use of alcohol by student athletes aged 21and over present‘s risks to the entire Athletic
Department‘s pursuit of excellence and each individual‘s physical well-being.
• It is well documented that for up to 36 hours after consumption of even small amounts of alcohol in the body can
slow reaction time; distort balance, perception and hand-eye coordination; diminish strength and fine motor skills
and speed up the onset of fatigue.
• Obviously, the athletic department feels that the use of alcohol is counter-productive to its mission.
Unacceptable Behavior
1. Drinking and driving a motor vehicle.
2. The use of alcohol by student-athletes, managers, athletic trainers, coaches, or other athletic staff when
they are engaged in activities relating to their athletic roles, practices, contests, team trips, team meetings
locker room activities and banquets.
3. Use of alcohol that interferes with academic success or athletic performance, or leads to legal problems.
4. Irresponsible use of alcohol and/or intoxication in a public place (i.e., Town of Beverly)
5. Drinking with or providing alcohol or drugs to recruits, including specifically the individual host(s) to
whom the individual recruit is assigned.
6. Possession or use of alcohol or drugs under any circumstances in which such possession or use is
unlawful.
Tobacco
The use of tobacco products is prohibited for all student-athletes in all sports during practice and competition.
While not illegal, use of tobacco products by student athletes aged 18 and over present risks to the entire Athletic
Department‘s pursuit of excellence and each individual‘s physical wellbeing.
Drugs
The use, possession, and/or sale of chemical substances by those persons not authorized to do so through medical
prescription for personal use is forbidden by state and/or federal law. Additionally, the NCAA has determined that
certain substances are a dangerous to student-athletes and are banned. A student-athlete who has tested positive for
substance on the list of banned drugs shall be declared ineligible for further participation in postseason and regular-
season competition during the time period ending one calendar year after the incident. The list of banned
substances can be found at http://www.ncaa.org. Click on ―Education/Outreach‖ , then on ―Drug Testing
Program.‖
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Thomas Athletic Department Drug Suspension Policy
(November, 2005)
Preamble: As a member of the NCAA, Division III, we are bound to uphold the standards that govern it. The
drug testing policy of the NCAA calls for a 365 day suspension from all intercollegiate contests if a student athlete
tests positive for a banned substance. While we do not currently have an on-campus drug testing procedure, we will
use the standard ―held responsible‖ as established by the Thomas College Student Handbook, for determining
whether our athletes are using banned substances.
First Offense: If a student athlete is ‗held responsible‘ for using a banned substance, he/she will be suspended
from varsity, athletic competition for 50% of the season (originally scheduled games). If the offense occurs in the
second half of the season, then the season is, in effect, over, including all post season games.
For an out-of-season athlete, he/she will complete the suspension when the season begins.
For a fall offense by a spring athlete, it will be the first half of the spring season. For a spring offense by a fall
athlete, he/she will serve the suspension in the next academic year (provided he/she has eligibility remaining).
For two-sport athletes, they will be punished only for the season that they are in at the time of the offense.
Additionally, each athlete held responsible for drug use will have to complete a drug relapse prevention program
through a counselor made available by the Athletic Department and/or the College. The relapse prevention
counselor will certify completion of the program and formally discharge the athlete with a written evaluation.
The Director of Athletics must be in possession of the discharge before the athlete represents the institution in
outside competition. All discussions with counselor will remain confidential.
Second Offense: If a student athlete is ‗held responsible‘ for using a banned substance for the second time in
his/her four season career, he/she will be permanently suspended from all varsity athletic opportunities at Thomas
College.
Records concerning the four year career span of violations of the Thomas Student Handbook will be officially
stored the Office of Student Development and referred to as necessary for each offense.
Gambling Activities
Student-athletes shall not knowingly:
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Harassment
Harassment is defined a verbal or physical conduct interfering with an individual‘s performance or creating an
intimidating, hostile or offensive work, education or living environment. Harassment includes, but is not limited to,
slurs, verbal or physical conduct.
The College and the Athletic Department prohibits harassment based on, but not limited to, race, color, gender,
sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age or disability.
Sexual harassment is defined as sexual advances, requests for sexual favors or other verbal or physical conduct of a
sexual nature when (1) submission to such conduct is made a condition of the individual‘s education or work, (2)
submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for academic or employment
decision affecting such individuals, or (3) such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with
an individual‘s performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working, academic, athletic, or living
environment. Positive steps will be taken to eliminate harassment when it is discovered.
Persons found in violation of this policy will subject themselves to disciplinary action up to and including dismissal.
Hazing
As required by Massachusetts State Code, Chapter 536 of the Acts of 1985, The State Board of Regents has
promulgated HAZING REPORTING REGULATIONS for all colleges in Massachusetts. The Athletic
Department is required to inform you of the law and get your team‘s signed understanding and agreement to
comply with the law.
Applicable sections of the statute are as follows:
State Definition: Whoever is a principal organizer or participant in the crime of hazing, shall be punished by
a fine, or by imprisonment in a house of correction, or both.
The term ―hazing‖ as used in this section shall mean any conduct or method of initiation into any student
organization, whether on public or private property, which willfully or recklessly endangers the physical or
mental health of any student or other person. Such conduct shall include whipping, beating, branding,
forced calisthenics, exposure to weather, forced consumption of any food, liquor, beverage, drug or other
substance, or any other brutal or sexually inappropriate treatment or forced physical activity which is likely
to adversely affect the physical and mental health or safety of any such student or other person, or which
subjects such student or other person to extreme mental stress, including extended deprivation of sleep or
extended isolation.
Consent by any such student or other person shall not be available as a defense to any prosecution this
action. (You have the responsibility to reasonably foresee the results of your actions.)
Failure To Report Hazing: Whoever knows that another person is the victim of hazing as defined above and
is at the scene of such crime shall, to the extent that such person can do so without danger or peril to
himself or others, report such crime to an appropriate law enforcement official (or coach, athletic director,
Dean of Students, director of counselor or any College faculty or staff member) as soon as is reasonably
possible. Whoever fails to report is punishable by the State.
Internet
Student athletes will not post photographs, video, narrative descriptions or other content depicting or describing
themselves or teammates from any team gathering, event or social gathering or other event or circumstances that
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reflects negatively on Thomas, Thomas Athletics or the team. Because of our viewpoint on this issue, the Athletic
Department at Thomas has instituted a policy on Social Networking Websites.
The TC campus safety department and other local law enforcement agencies monitor these websites regularly as do
potential employers and internship supervisors as a way of screening applicants. In addition, many graduate
programs and scholarship committees also search these sites to screen candidates. TC student-athletes should be
very careful when using online social networking sites and keep in mind that sanctions may be imposed if these sites
are used improperly or depict inappropriate, embarrassing or dangerous behaviors.
Any postings that violate policy, misrepresent, or create a negative interpretation of you, the
department, or the institution could carry penalties as severe as dismissal from the institution and/or
loss of eligibility.
Good sportsmanship is an integral part of being a student-athlete at Thomas. One must conduct him or herself in a
respectful manner during competition at all times. The opponent and officials should always be respected and never
shown up. Your behavior as an Thomas student-athlete reflects directly on yourself, your team, the Athletic
Department and the institution. Thomas students and spectators are expected to abide by the following guidelines
when attending Thomas athletic events on or off-campus. In addition, Thomas athletes are urged to remind their
families, friends and others who attend Thomas athletic events of the following rules and regulations:
1. Cheer for your team in a positive manner and not against your opponents.
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2. Do not use abusive remarks, obscene gestures, or profane language towards officials, participants or
spectators.
3. All signs and banners should be of a positive nature.
4. Spectators (including parents) are not allowed in the playing area at any time during a scheduled contest.
5. Display good sportsmanship at all times.
6. Under NCAA rules, all artificial noisemakers are prohibited.
“The NCAA promotes good sporting behavior by student-athletes, coaches and spectators.
We request your cooperation by supporting participants and officials in a positive manner.
Profanity, racial or sexist comments, or other intimidating actions directed at officials, student-athletes, coaches or team representatives
will not be tolerated and are grounds for removal for the site of competition. Also, consumption or possession of alcoholic beverages or
tobacco products is prohibited.”
The Director of Athletics has complete and discretionary authority to interpret and construe the Code of Conduct.
The Code of Conduct may be modified and amended at any time. Student-athletes are responsible for keeping
themselves informed of the requirements of the Code of Conduct.
The Athletic Training staff is responsible for the prevention, medical care, treatment and rehabilitation of injuries
incurred by all student-athletes while participating in the intercollegiate athletics program. The philosophy of care is
to assess, treat and return the student-athlete to participation as quickly as possible without jeopardizing the
individual‘s health and welfare. It is the student-athlete‘s responsibility to maintain good health and training habits
that will minimize the risk of injury from strenuous physical activity.
The Athletic Training Room policies and procedures are designed to serve all student-athletes in the best possible
manner and to allow for the best available care. The use of the Athletic Training Room by a student-athlete is a
privilege which may be revoked if a student-athlete fails to comply with policies and procedures.
Student-athletes must:
Introduction
The Athletics Department at Thomas College recognizes that the abuse of drugs is a problem that mirrors
contemporary society. It is not possible to perform at the high level of athletic or academic standards set at Thomas
College if even minimal exposure to abusive (or street) drugs is allowed. There are many problems that drug use
combined with intercollegiate sports participation may cause which the non-athlete user does not face.
First, many drugs when used in conjunction with athletics participation, poses serious risks to the health of the
athlete. Symptoms of illness, temporary injury, and even death can be caused by such drug use. Second, the use of
certain drugs temporarily may improve some types of athletics performance and thereby create an unfair
competitive advantage for the person using them. Such uses of drugs may imperil the long-term health of the user.
Thomas College has been volunteered to participate in the NCAA Drug Testing/Education
Pilot Study for the 2007-08 and 2008-09 academic years. The philosophy of this program is two-fold. It involves
drug-education and NCAA drug testing. The drug test will be for five classes of banned substances:
1. Anabolic steroids
2. Street drugs
3. Stimulants
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4. Peptide hormones
5. Masking agents and diuretics
Random Selection
Thomas College and the NCAA contract with The National Center for Drug Free Sport, Inc.
(The Center) to randomly select student athletes for the Drug Education/Testing Pilot Program. To ensure
randomness in the selection process, the drug testing coordinator of Thomas College utilizes team rosters and a
random selection program from The Center to select the student athletes.
Testing
The drug testing coordinator will notify the student athlete that he/she was randomly selected for an institutional
drug test. The drug testing coordinator will have the student athlete complete the notification form indicating the
time and date the student athlete was informed of his/her drug test, and the place, time and date he/she is to arrive
at the collection site for the drug test. The student athlete will arrive at the stated time, place and date at the
collection site, show proof of identification and officially sign in. The student athlete will select a sealed collection
beaker from a supply and record his/her initials on the collection beaker‘s lid. A collector, serving to validate, will
monitor the furnishing of the specimen by observation in order to assure the integrity of the specimen until a
volume of at least 85 mL is provided. Validators will be of the same gender as the athlete and will observe the
voiding process. The validator must request the athlete to raise his/her shirt high enough to observe the midsection
area completely to rule out any attempt to manipulate the specimen. The athlete may not carry any items into the
restroom during the collection of the specimen. Once a specimen is provided, the athlete is responsible for keeping
the collection beaker closed and controlled. If the specimen is incomplete, the athlete must remain in the collection
station until the sample is completed. Once an adequate volume of the specimen is provided, the collector who
monitored the furnishing of the specimen by observation will sign that the specimen was directly validated and a
collector will check the specific gravity and if in range, measure the pH of the urine in the presence of the student
athlete. If the urine has a specific gravity below 1.010 as measured with a reagent strip, the specimen will be
discarded by the athlete. The athlete must remain in the collection station until another specimen is provided. The
athlete will provide another specimen following the same protocol as stated above. If the urine has a 1.010 specific
gravity or greater, the pH is then measured. If the urine has a pH greater than 7.5 or less than 4.5 as measured with
a reagent strip, the urine specimen will be discarded by the athlete. The athlete must remain in the collection station
until another specimen is provided. The athlete will provide another specimen. If the urine has a specific gravity of
1.10 and a pH between 4.5 and 7.5 as measured with a reagent strip, the specimen will be processed and sent to the
laboratory. Once a specimen meets the son-site specific gravity and pH parameters, the athlete will select a
specimen collection kit and a uniquely numbered Chain of Custody Form from a supply. A collector will record the
specific gravity and pH values on the Chain of Custody Form. The collector will ask the athlete to pour
approximately 60 mL of the specimen into the ―A vial‖ and the remaining amount (approximately 25 mL) into the
―B vial‖ in the presence of the collector. The collector will place the cap on each vial in the presence of the athlete;
the collector will then seal each vial with the appropriate bar codes matching the student athlete under the
observation of the athlete. Vials and forms sent to the laboratory shall not contain the name of the athlete. All
specimens will be sealed in a secured shipping case and the collector will prepare the case for forwarding. The
athlete, collector and witness will sign certifying that the procedures were followed as described in the protocol. Any
deviation from the procedures must be described and recoded. If deviations are alleged, the athlete will be required
to provide another specimen. After the collection has been completed, the specimens will be forwarded to the
laboratory and copies of any forms forwarded to The Center.
Results
Because this is a research pilot, individual results of the drug tests will not be provided to Thomas College
personnel, and there will be no sanctions for a positive drug test in this program. Institutions will receive, upon
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request, a report of the aggregate data from the drug tests conducted on their campuses. There will be no identifiers
such as names, gender, sport, race, etc attached to the report.
B. Anabolic steroids:
C. Diuretics:
D. Street drugs:
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Insurance*
Every student athlete must provide evidence of primary insurance. Primary insurance may be a policy issued
to your parents and/or legal guardian or the Student Accident and Sickness Insurance (purchased through
the College).
Thomas College Athletics provides supplemental insurance that can be used when the primary policy has
reached its limits. There is no premium to the student for this secondary policy; however, there is a $250
deductible payable at the time of claim.
The total coverage minimum for all student athletes regardless of how they are insured is $75,000.
Additionally, the NCAA provides catastrophic injury insurance that may be used in the case of some serious
injuries or when the $75,000 coverage has been exhausted.
*These paragraphs only generally summarize our insurance plan and are not meant for literal
interpretation. Some restrictions apply and are not mentioned here. For actual policy information on
Thomas’s supplemental policy and the NCAA’s catastrophic policy, please contact the athletic director.
• No student athlete shall be allowed to practice or compete until he/she has read, understood, and completed the
following 4 forms:
1. Acknowledgement and Assumption of Risk: means you understand that there is risk involved with
playing your sport and assume the responsibility for that risk.
2. Medical Insurance Questionnaire: proof of your primary coverage
3. Medical History Questionnaire
4. Medical Information Release: (Freshmen Only) allows us to get your health form from Thomas‘s Health
Center.
Dress Code
When traveling for competition it is expected that all members of the travel party represent themselves and the
College as professional members of the community. Coaches are to enforce a dress code which includes wearing
either a team travel suit, professional attire for females, and a shirt and tie for males. No shorts, flip flops, or hats
are to be worn while traveling. Ipod use should be limited to the bus and locker room only. Students should not be
walking through facilities while wearing headphones or talking on cell phones.
Stay with the team at all times and adhere to all curfews, check-in times and departure times.
Guests may only meet with you in common or public areas of hotels. No guests of either gender in your
room.
Alcohol is strictly prohibited regardless if the student is of legal drinking age.
All phone and cot charges are the responsibility of the student athlete.
Coaches have the right to inspect rooms at any time.
Gross misconduct can result in a student athlete being suspended from the remainder of the trip and/or
sent home immediately at his/her own cost. Such actions, despite occurring off campus, are still under the
jurisdiction of Thomas College and its officials such as the Athletic Director and the Dean of Students.
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Overnight Hosting of Prospective Student-Athletes (see appendix A & B)
All student-athletes who assist coaches with recruiting must follow the following guidelines:
Coaches and student-athlete hosts and prospective student-athletes must meet face-to face and agree on a
written itinerary.
The itinerary shall not include any location where drugs and alcohol are present.
Student-athlete hosts should immediately call the coach if there are problems with the guest.
No off campus activities or use of a private vehicle
Transportation
Thomas College has the responsibility to transport all athletes to and from all games. Student athletes must go with
the team from portal-to-portal. (Appendix C) To be released from this obligation, a ―Portal-to-Portal Release‖ form
must be on file with the head coach and Athletic Department before the trip begins. The party that releases you
must be a parent or legal guardian. Portal-to-Portal Release forms are available on the Thomas Athletics homepage.
If a student cannot make departure time, he/she will not attend that game. Private vehicles are not permitted for
transporting students to games.
ACADEMIC POLICIES
Eligibility
Thomas subscribes fully to the NCAA, Division III Philosophy Statement that places its highest priority on
the pursuit of a baccalaureate degree. The athletic department personnel work with student-athletes and the
faculty ensures that the integrity of academic responsibility is not compromised.
According to Section 14.4.1 of the NCAA bylaws to be eligible to represent an institution in intercollegiate
athletics competition, a student-athlete shall maintain satisfactory progress toward a baccalaureate or
equivalent degree at Thomas as determined by the regulations of Thomas.
In compliance with the NCAA and Thomas College officials, each student-athlete shall be currently
enrolled in a minimum, full-time, baccalaureate course of study of not less than 12 credits per semester and
maintain satisfactory academic progress. Students who drop below 12 credits at any point during the
semester are immediately ineligible for varsity sports.
1) Qualitative Standards: The student must maintain a satisfactory cumulative grade point average in
relation to the number of credits attempted as follows:
* Please note that “Credits Attempted” includes all credits attempted at any institution.
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First time, first year students whose cumulative grade point averages are between 1.0 and
1.8 at the end of their first semester of study at Thomas College will fall into the category of ‗academic deficiency‘.
Students with this status will be required to follow a prescribed academic plan of improvement. A student who fails
to follow the recommended plan and/or whose cumulative grade point average falls below 1.8 at the conclusion of
his/her second term will be placed on academic probation. It should be noted that whenever a student‘s GPA falls
below 1.0, he/she is subject to dismissal.
2) Quantitative Standards: A full-time student is expected to complete a Bachelor Degree within six
academic years. The College will evaluate student progress on the basis of the successful completion of a
minimum of twenty-one credits each year.
If a student fails to maintain either the qualitative or quantitative standards listed above, he or she will be placed on
Academic Probation or dismissed from the College.
For student athletes, anyone on Academic Probation and/or Academic Deficiency will be ruled ineligible for
intercollegiate competition until they attain the GPA and credits necessary to remove the designation. All returning
student athletes who are currently on probation must reach this new definition of Satisfactory Academic Progress to
regain their athletic eligibility.
Thomas College Athletics reviews each student athlete‘s progress at the conclusion of each semester.
Student athletes in NCAA, Division III have 10 full-time semesters (regardless of whether or not they
participated in athletics) to use their 4 seasons of eligibility.
Graduate students who have remaining seasons and semesters of eligibility may only compete at the
institution from which they received their bachelor degree.
Students must be full time (12 credits for undergraduates, 9 for graduate students) in order to participate,
except for their final semester immediately before graduation, during which they may be part-time.
Transfers
Students are encouraged to discuss any plans to leave the University with their coaches.
The NCAA has recently (January 2004) established a new procedure for students wishing to talk with coaches at
other Division III institutions. Students may download a ―Permission to Contact: Self Release‖ form from the
NCAA website at http://ncaa.org/. This form allows a 30-day window during which a student may have contact
with another Division III institution about the opportunity to transfer.
Students considering a transfer to a Division I or II institution must receive a release from the Director of Athletics
prior to talking to members of the coaching staff at the DI or DII institution.
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Restricted In-Season Activities
Sports other than basketball: Student-athletes may not compete in any non-collegiate, amateur competition during
the institution‘s intercollegiate season in the sport (e.g., tournament play, exhibition games or other activity). Doing
so will result in ineligibility for intercollegiate competition for the remainder of the season in his or her sport.
Exceptions to this restriction include participation in high school alumni games, the official Olympic Games, the
official Pan American Games, U.S. National Teams, the official World Championships and World Cup competition
and officially recognized state and national multi-sport events.
Basketball: A student-athlete who participates in any organized basketball competition except while representing the
institution in intercollegiate competition in accordance with the permissible playing season becomes ineligible for
any further intercollegiate competition in the sport of basketball. In Division III there are no restrictions on the
participation of student-athletes in outside basketball competition during the summer. An ―organized‖ competition
consists of one of the following conditions: teams are regularly formed or team rosters are predetermined;
competition is scheduled and publicized in advance; official score is kept; individual or team standings are
maintained; official timer or game officials are used; team uniforms are used; admission is charged; a team is
privately or commercially sponsored; or the competition is either directly or indirectly sponsored, promoted or
administered by an individual, organization or any other agency.
Any questions you have regarding your participation in competition outside the University or about any other
NCAA rules and regulations should be referred to your coach or the Athletic Director.
Class Attendance
The policy of the Athletic Department is that all athletes are expected to attend all classes and examinations. It is
understood that not all students can attend all classes. Absences fall into three main categories: a) absences because
of other class activities; b) absences because of official College functions; and c) absences because of personal
reasons.
The policy is that, regardless of the reason for the absence, the responsibility is upon the student to contact his/her
faculty member before the absence so that a mutual agreement can be reached regarding the worked to be
completed and how the course will be graded in light of the absence.
Individual faculty members may establish attendance standards in their course syllabi, which become criteria for
assessment and evaluation. A student who accumulates absences risks failure in the course. In extreme cases, a
student may be dismissed from a course which could render him/her ineligible for athletic competition and,
ultimately, from the College.
Academic/Athletic conflicts
The student-athlete must make an appointment to talk face to face with any faculty members teaching
classes where the conflict exists as soon as possible after receiving their travel schedules.
Upon notification of any non-scheduled contest (make-up games, tournaments, etc.), the student-athlete
must seek out any faculty members whose classes are in conflict and make an appointment to talk with the
faculty members immediately.
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After the student-athlete has made a good faith effort to contact the faculty member and has not been able
to, the student athlete must contact the faculty athletic representative and his/her coach and inform them
of the steps they have taken.
The faculty athletic representative will try to contact the faculty member on the student-athlete‘s behalf.
An agreement will be made between the faculty member and the student-athlete to resolve the conflicts to
the mutual benefit of everyone concerned with recognition that academics has priority over athletic
competition. (i.e. some games may have to be missed for academic conflicts.)
If the FAR is unable to contact the faculty member, he will then contact the Vice President for Academic
Affairs to determine what action is in the best interest of the College.
The Athletic Department and the Faculty Athletic Representative will assist students with making
arrangements for exam conflicts during post season play. However, athletes must keep their faculty
members informed throughout the semester that post season play is eminent.
Academic Honesty
The value of an Thomas degree is directly affected by the integrity that students have in completing assignments
and examinations for course requirements. Violations of these academic standards are serious and degrade the value
of an Thomas College education.
If a student is suspected of violating any standard of academic integrity, the faculty member will notify the following
in writing that a violation took place: the Vice President and Dean of the Undergraduate College, the Chair/Dean
of the school where the violations took place, and the Chair/Dean of the student‘s academic program.
For a first violation, the faculty member will determine the consequence. Students may appeal faculty decisions in
writing within one week to the Vice President and Dean of the Undergraduate College. Appeals will be heard by the
Academic Honesty Committee. The Committee‘s decision will be forwarded to the Vice President and Dean of the
Undergraduate College, the Chair/Dean of the school where the violations took place, and the Chair/Dean of the
student‘s academic program.
For subsequent violations, the faculty member will take the steps listed above with the same process occurring. If
the student does not appeal the subsequent violation or the student‘s appeal is unsuccessful, the Academic Honesty
Standards Committee will make an additional recommendation for disciplinary action to the Vice President and
Dean of the Undergraduate College. The decision of the Vice President and Dean of the Undergraduate College is
final. Any disciplinary action will be shared with the student‘s Academic Dean, who will notify the pertinent faculty.
A student who commits multiple academic integrity violations is subject to dismissal from the College.
Academic Resources
Grievance procedure
Coaches are expected to maintain high levels of professionalism at all times. The following procedure allows
students to express concerns about a relationship with a coach without negative repercussions for exercising their
rights.
The student athlete will notify the Athletic Director or Assistant Athletic Director in writing of a grievance
against the coach. The AD and/or Assistant AD will initially attempt to mediate.
If a satisfactory result cannot be reached, either party may request a hearing from the AD/Assistant AD.
The hearing committee will consist of the Faculty Athletic Rep and 2 coaches and 2 student athletes from
other sports.
The student athlete and the FAR will each choose a coach and a student athlete to be on the hearing
committee. Those members could be dismissed for conflict of interest and another member must be
selected.
The FAR will notify the AD when the committee is fully assembled and a hearing date will be set.
The grievance and results of any mediation or hearing are confidential for all parties involved.
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(Appendix A)
I will respect the rights and privacy of my guest yet will take responsibility for his/her
behavior.
Name:
Signature:
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(Appendix B)
Thomas Athletic Department
2008-09 Policies and Procedures
Thomas College
Welcome to Thomas! We are excited about your upcoming stay and believe that campus visits provide a unique
opportunity to experience firsthand life as a member of the Thomas community. We value this residential
community tremendously, and have high standards for the behavior of all of its members – including students,
members of the faculty and staff of the College, residents of Beverly, and all visitors to our campus.
The Student Handbook outlines Standards of Conduct we use to help guide students as they navigate their time as
members of the Thomas community. In order to help you understand our expectations of you and to help ensure
that your visit to Thomas is safe, productive, and enjoyable, there are several of these Standards of Conduct which
we feel are particularly relevant to your visit and which we would like to highlight here:
While a host is provided to help coordinate your stay, your host will not be supervising your behavior at all times
and you will ultimately be held responsible for your actions.
You will be subject to these Standards of Conduct throughout your visit and any violation may jeopardize
your admission decision.
We ask that you and your parents complete and sign the attached form and return it immediately upon your arrival
to the coach who is helping to coordinate your visit. Your signature shows that you understand our Standards of
Conduct and agree to adhere to them throughout your stay at Thomas. We also ask that you provide us with
contact information in case of an emergency. Best wishes and have a wonderful visit!
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(Appendix B)
Please complete the form and bring it with you to campus. It is required of every overnight prospective student and
you will not be allowed to stay overnight without its completion.
.
Name of Prospective Student: Date of Birth:
Home Address:
Home Phone: High School:
Student Statement:
I have read and fully understand the applicable Thomas College Standards of Conduct outlined on the first page
and agree to hold myself responsible to these Standards throughout my stay as a prospective student. I recognize
that my failure to adhere to these Standards may jeopardize my admission decision. I hereby release, indemnify, and
hold harmless Thomas College, its trustees, officers, agents, and employees from any and all liability, damage, claim
of any nature whosoever arising out of or in any way related to my participation in this visit.
Parent/Guardian Statement:
I give permission for my child to visit Thomas. I have read and fully understand the Standards of Conduct outlined
on the first page and agree that my child will be held responsible to these Standards throughout his/her stay as a
prospective student. I hereby release, indemnify, and hold harmless Thomas College, its trustees, officers, agents,
and employees from any and all liability, damage, claim of any nature whosoever which I may now or hereafter have
as the parent or legal guardian of said child, and also all claims or rights of action for damages which said child has
or hereafter may acquire, either before or after said child has reached majority, arising out of or in any way related to
my child‘s participation in this visit.
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(Appendix C)
Thomas Athletic Department
2008-09 Policies and Procedures
Thomas College Athletic Department from its portal-to-portal responsibility for the above-named student during
an away contest on (Date)
Thomas College will not be liable and culpable for any injuries, accidents, or other harm that may occur when the
student is released to another party for transportation.
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Athletic Department Administrative Staff
All begin (978) 232- Athletics Main # 2312 Athletics Fax # 2600
Thomas Athletic Department
2008-09 Policies and Procedures
Library 2279
Registrar 2064
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