2015-16 GULF SOUTH CONFERENCE

BYLAWS, REGULATIONS, POLICIES & PROCEDURES

This document incorporates all approved legislation through June 2015 Board of Directors Meeting

2015-16 GSC BYLAWS, REGULATIONS, POLICIES & PROCEDURES

This document incorporates all approved legislation through June 2015 Board of Directors Meeting TABLE OF CONTENTS Committee & Liaison Slate ................................................................................ 2 Regional Advisory Committee Representatives ................................................ 4 BYLAWS Article I: Board of Directors ............................................................................... 5 Article II: Officers ............................................................................................... 7 Article III: Membership ...................................................................................... 9 Article IV: Meetings ........................................................................................... 10 Article V: Voting Rules & Procedures ................................................................ 11 Article VI: Resignation of Members ................................................................... 12 Article VII: Finances ........................................................................................... 12 Article VIII: Conference Schedules .................................................................... 15 Article IX: Vacancy in Office ............................................................................... 15 Article X: New Rules & Interpretations ............................................................. 15 Article XI: Order of Business at GSC Official Meetings ...................................... 15 Article XII Eligibility ............................................................................................ 16 Article XIII: Financial Aid .................................................................................... 18 Article XIV: Recruiting ........................................................................................ 18 Article XV: Practice Dates & Lengths of Season ................................................ 19 Article XVI: Unsportsmanlike Conduct .............................................................. 19 Article XVII: Complaints ..................................................................................... 20 Article XVIII: GSC Rules Education ..................................................................... 20 Article XIX: Lightning Policy ............................................................................... 20 Article XX: Post-season Tournaments and Championships ............................... 20 Article XXI: Non-Conference Scouting Prohibition ............................................ 20 REGULATIONS, POLICIES & PROCEDURES Article I: General ................................................................................................ 21 Article II: Football .............................................................................................. 32 Article III: Volleyball ........................................................................................... 38 Article IV: Soccer ................................................................................................ 42 Article V: Cross Country ..................................................................................... 45 Article VI: Basketball .......................................................................................... 47 Article VII: Baseball ............................................................................................ 56 Article VIII: Softball ............................................................................................ 62 Article IX: Tennis ................................................................................................ 66 Article X: Golf ..................................................................................................... 70 Article XI: Outdoor Track & Field ....................................................................... 73 Article XII: Lacrosse, Women ............................................................................. 77 Article XIII: Athletic Trainers .............................................................................. 80 Article XIV: Sports Information .......................................................................... 85 Article XIII: Awards ............................................................................................ 89 FORMS Athletic Trainers | Medical Hardship Waiver .................................................... 103 General | Report of Unsportsmanlike Conduct ................................................ 105 Awards | Top Ten Nomination .......................................................................... 106 Awards | Hall of Fame Nomination ................................................................... 110

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Gulf South Conference 2015-16 Committee and Liaison Slate | * Eligible for re-appointment

OFFICERS / EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Term

President (chair) Dr. John Smarrelli Christian Brothers Year 2 of 2

Vice President Pres. Bill LaForge Delta State Year 2 of 2

Immediate Past Pres. Dr. Judy Bense West Florida Year 2 of 2

Secretary/Treasurer Matt Wilson Gulf South Conference Ex-Officio

Note: Commissioner is a member of Executive Committee in an Ex Officio/Non-Voting role and may also serve as the Secretary and/or Treasurer.

FINANCE, PERSONNEL & BENEFITS COMMITTEE Term

VP (Chair) Pres. Bill LaForge Delta State Year 2 of 2

CEO Dr. Don Dowless * Shorter Year 2 of 2

CEO Dr. Robert Altenkirch Alabama Huntsville Year 1 of 2

Commissioner Matt Wilson Gulf South Conference Ex-Officio

Note: Commissioner is a member of Committee in an Ex Officio/Non-Voting role.

APPEALS COMMITTEE Term

CEO (chair) Dr. Judy Bense West Florida Year 2 of 3

AD Larry Carpenter Lee Year 1 of 3

SWA Janet Montgomery * West Alabama Year 2 of 3

FAR Walter Schreiner * Christian Brothers Year 2 of 3

Note: The Immediate Past President shall serve as the CEO representative.

AWARDS COMMITTEE Term

AD Dave Scott * West Florida Year 2 of 3

AD Stan Williamson * West Alabama Year 2 of 3

SWA Dana George * Delta State Year 2 of 3

SWA Andrea Hudson Lee Year 1 of 3

FAR Scott Grubbs * Valdosta State Year 2 of 3

FAR Pat Roden * North Alabama Year 2 of 3

EXPANSION & STRATEGIC PLANNING COMMITTEE Term

CEO (chair) Pres. Bill LaForge * Delta State Year 2 of 3

CEO Dr. Don Dowless * Shorter Year 2 of 3

AD E.J. Brophy * Alabama Huntsville Year 2 of 3

SWA Donna Crone * Christian Brothers Year 2 of 3

FAR Bob Morris * West Georgia Year 2 of 3

Commissioner Matt Wilson Gulf South Conference Ex Officio

Note: Commissioner is a member of Committee in an Ex Officio/Non-Voting role

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CHAMPIONSHIPS COMMITTEE Term

CEO Dr. Don Dowless Shorter Year 2 of 3

AD Herb Reinhard Valdosta State Year 2 of 3

SWA Janet Montgomery West Alabama Year 2 of 3

FAR Mickey Smith West Alabama Year 2 of 3

SID Taylor Flatt Alabama Huntsville Year 2 of 3

AT Gerald Jordan Delta State Year 2 of 3

Commissioner Matt Wilson Gulf South Conference Ex Officio

Note: Commissioner is a member of Committee in an Ex Officio/Non-Voting role

ETHICS & CONDUCT COMMITTEE Term

Chair Andrea Anderson Gulf South Conference Ex Officio

FAR Jill Borchert Shorter Year 2 of 3

FAR Cooper Johnson Delta State Year 2 of 3

SWA Meghan Barter West Florida Year 2 of 3

SWA Laura Clayton Eady West Georgia Year 2 of 3

AD Brian Summers Christian Brothers Year 2 of 3

AD Stan Williamson West Alabama Year 2 of 3

Note: GSC SWA serves as chair and is Ex Officio.

OTHER COMMITTEE LIAISONS 1st Year

BASEBALL Tommy Sadler Union 2014-15

BASKETBALL (M/W) Larry Carpenter Lee 2015-16

XC/T&F (M/W) Dana George Delta State

FOOTBALL Daryl Dickey West Georgia

GOLF (M/W) Donna Crone Christian Brothers

LACROSSE (W) Laura Taube UAH 2015-16

SOCCER (M/W) Dave Scott West Florida

SOFTBALL Janet Montgomery West Alabama

TENNIS (M/W) Debbie Williams North Alabama

VOLLEYBALL Meghan Barter West Florida

ATHLETIC TRAINERS TBD

SID Ronnie Mayers Delta State 2015-16

#GSC#

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Gulf South Conference

2015-16 NCAA Regional Advisory Committee Rosters | NEW APPOINTMENTS IN YELLOW

SPORT NAME INSTITUTION END DATE

BASEBALL

Administrator Tommy Sadler Union 2017-18

Coach Skip Fite West Georgia 2018-19

BASKETBALL (M)

Administrator Matt Wilson Gulf South 2018-19

Coach Mike Nienaber Christian Brothers 2015-16

BASKETBALL (W)

Administrator Brian Summers Christian Brothers 2018-19

Coach Stephanie Yelton West Florida 2018-19

FOOTBALL

Administrator Daryl Dickey West Georgia 2018-19

Coach Brett Gilliland West Alabama 2018-19

GOLF (M)

Administrator Todd Vardaman North Alabama 2016-17

Coach Jared Purvis Valdosta State 2017-18

GOLF (W)

Administrator Laura Eady West Georgia 2018-19

Coach Adam Buie West Alabama 2016-17

SOCCER (M) - 1 rep per conference

Coach Bill Elliott West Florida 2018-19

SOCCER (W)

Administrator Dana George Delta State 2016-17

Coach Graeme Orr West Alabama 2016-17

SOFTBALL

Administrator Janet Montgomery West Alabama 2016-17

Coach Les Steudeman Alabama Huntsville 2016-17

TENNIS (M)

Administrator Tony Ngyuen West Florida 2016-17

Coach Brice Bishop North Alabama 2015-16

TENNIS (W)

Administrator Jake Marg West Florida 2018-19

Coach Michael Coleman West Georgia 2016-17

VOLLEYBALL

Administrator Laura Taube Alabama Huntsville 2018-19

Coach Melissa Wolters West Florida 2016-17

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BYLAWS

ARTICLE I: BOARD OF DIRECTORS

1.1 Composition of Board. The members of the Board of Directors shall consist of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of each of the members of the Corporation (Conference). 1.2 Authority of Board. The Board of Directors governs the Gulf South Conference. All GSC activities and business are subject to review and approval by the Board. 1.3 Standing Committees. Committee members must be employees of an active member institution that is in good standing. The standing committees of the GSC are:

SPORT COMMITTEES ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEES

Baseball Athletic Trainers (ATs)

Men's & Women’s Basketball Awards

Men’s & Women’s Cross Country/Track & Field Appeals

Football Championships & Schedules

Men's & Women's Golf Compliance

Women’s Lacrosse Ethics & Conduct

Men's & Women's Soccer Expansion & Strategic Planning

Men's & Women's Tennis Executive

Softball Finance, Personnel & Benefits

Volleyball Sports Information Directors (SIDs)

Student-Athlete Advisory (SAAC)

The Executive Committee may establish other standing committees. All non-sports standing committees, other than the Executive (defined below), Appeals, Awards, Strategic Planning, Ethics & Conduct, Personnel & Benefits, and Finance Committees, shall be comprised of one person from each member institution. All sports standing committees shall be composed of one person from each member institution sponsoring that sport. Member of administrative committees shall serve a three-year term with the exception of the Executive and Finance Committees which shall be two-year terms. (Updated 6/2015) 1.3.1 Chairs. All standing committees shall select their own chair. The chair shall serve a three-year term. (6/2015) 1.4 Permanent Working Groups. The GSC Permanent Working Groups are: Athletic Directors (ADs), Senior Woman Administrators (SWAs) and Faculty Athletics Representatives (FARs).

A. The ADs and SWAs shall meet at least twice-a-year and review proposals submitted by the various standing and ad hoc committees. They may also generate legislation of their own for submission to the Board. The ADs and SWAs shall meet jointly to transact official business. The FARs are invited to attend those meetings.

B. The ADs, SWAs and FARs shall meet jointly at the Annual June meeting on the day prior to the Board. They may meet jointly at other times as needed.

C. The FARs shall meet at least once annually as a separate body and shall report to the Board at the Annual Meeting.

1.4.1 Chairs. All permanent working groups shall select their own chair. The chair shall serve a three-year term. (6/2015)

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1.5 Duties of the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee:

A. Effectuates and maintains the purposes and policies of this Conference as set forth in the Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws and other rules officially adopted by the GSC.

B. Determines and directs the affairs of the Conference on matters which arise when the Board is not in session if such matters cannot be disposed of under the existing Articles and Bylaws, Rules and Regulations, NCAA Rules, or precedents at the NCAA or GSC level.

C. Interprets the GSC Articles & Bylaws as well as other rules adopted by the membership when the Commissioner seeks advice or when the Commissioner is unavailable.

1.6 Appeals Committee. The incoming President of the Conference shall select the members of the Appeals Committee. Terms shall be for two years. The manual will indicate the expiration date. No school shall have more than one representative on this Committee. The President may not serve on the Committee. This Committee shall include one CEO, one SWA, one AD and one FAR. The Committee:

A. Hears any properly filed appeal of any decision made by the Commissioner. B. Sees that the following appeals procedure is strictly adhered to:

1) Appeals must be submitted in writing via next business day overnight delivery to the Commissioner

within 14 days after the official decision was rendered. Faxes and e-mail are not permitted. 2) The institution's CEO, FAR and Director of Athletics must all sign the appeal letter. If the appeal

involves a student-athlete, the appeal must be made through his/her institution. In all cases, the appellant institution must recommend a course of action other than that levied by the Commissioner.

3) Upon receipt of a valid appeal, the Commissioner shall inform the chair of the Appeals Committee, who shall then:

a. Schedule a meeting of the Appeals Committee for not later than 21 days after the appeal period has ended; and

b. Notify all interested parties by next business day overnight delivery, as to the date, time and place of the meeting, and include any pertinent written materials, a copy of the Commissioner’s decision with rationale and the institution’s grounds for appeal and proposed course of action.

4) If the Chair of the Appeals Committee is from the institution submitting the appeal, the Past President of the Conference shall replace the Chair. If that past chair is not available or is involved in the case, the Commissioner shall use a random draw to select another CEO to serve as the Chair.

5) The representative(s) of the institution(s) involved in the appeal are precluded from participating in the organization of the committee, serving as member(s) of the Committee during the entire hearing process or voting regarding the appeal. The Chair shall appoint an interim replacement to the Committee when a Committee member’s institution is involved in the appeal. The replacement should hold the same institutional title as the original member of the committee.

6) A minimum of three members of the Appeals Committee shall constitute a quorum. 7) The Commissioner shall present the case and the basis for the ruling. Additional materials may be

presented via e-mail or fax, with copies to the appealing institution. 8) The institution (and individual when appropriate) shall present the information relative to the appeal.

This presentation shall include a written brief of the facts and any supporting documentation. 9) The Commissioner, appealing institution (and individual when appropriate), and members of the

Appeals Committee may ask questions of any witness. 10) Copies of all documents related to the case shall be made part of the minutes of the hearing.

C. After hearing the case, the Committee may take any action it deems appropriate, including:

1) Uphold the Commissioner’s decision and/or impose additional penalties such as

a. Suspend or place on probation any member of the institution found in violation of any rules, regulations or policies of the GSC or NCAA.

b. Prohibit any member institution from participating in a GSC-sponsored meet, tournament, championship, playoff or regular season event.

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c. Prohibit any member institution from being recognized as the GSC Champion in any sport(s). d. Prohibit any individual from participating in a GSC meet, tournament or championship; NCAA

or GSC playoff or regular season event; or any post-season event. e. Prohibit any individual from competing for any member institution. f. Use its discretion to assess penalties for any violations that are not specifically covered by the

existing GSC Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, Rules, Regulations, Policies and Procedures or Playing Rules.

2) Instruct the Commissioner to reconsider the case, with any points of emphasis or specific concerns it wishes addressed; or

3) Grant the appeal and require the Commissioner to modify the original decision as the Committee sees fit.

1.7 Faculty Athletics Representatives (FARs) Working Group is comprised of the FAR from each active member institution and shall:

A. Receive, review and suggest changes to the Bylaws, Regulations, Policies & Procedures, and submits recommended changes to the Board. This does not preclude the ADs, SWAs or Commissioner from making recommendations.

B. Assists the Commissioner and GSC Compliance Officer with all compliance issues, including but not limited to the interpretation of NCAA and GSC Rules and Policies, administration of NCAA and GSC Coaches’ Exams, reviewing and updating GSC eligibility and participation rules and forms, etc.

1.8 Ethics & Conduct Committee.

A. Shall be comprised of two ADs, two SWAs, two FARs and the GSC SWA (chair). B. Receives all complaints regarding conduct and ethics referred to it by the Commissioner. C. Make recommendations about such complaints to the Commissioner. If an institution is involved in a

violation complaint, that institution’s committee member shall not have a vote during its consideration. D. Recommends changes to the rules of conduct established by the GSC.

1.9 Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC). Each institution must sponsor a Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), comprised of at least one student-athlete from each of the GSC Championship sports it conducts at the varsity level. The Chair of that campus SAAC, or an institutionally approved designee, serves as its representative to the GSC SAAC.

A. The GSC SAAC shall meet with the Commissioner at least once a year to discuss issues of importance to the student-athletes of the Conference, focusing primarily on student-athlete welfare.

B. The NCAA selects the GSC Chair from nominees submitted to the NCAA. The Chair serves as the GSC’s National SAAC representative and must attend the December and June Athletic Director/Senior Woman Administrators Meetings, the Annual Board Meeting, and the entire annual GSC SAAC meeting or send a designee approved by the GSC Commissioner. If the SAAC Chair incurs two unexcused absences in the same academic year (July 1-June 30), that Chair shall be replaced. An absence is considered excused if an approved designee attends, or if there is a death, illness or other emergency.

ARTICLE II: OFFICERS

2.1 Election of Executive Committee Members. The following Conference officers shall be elected from the members of the Board of Directors and shall serve on the Executive Committee for two-year terms beginning with the adjournment of the annual summer meeting at which they are elected: President Vice President (serves as President-Elect) Immediate Past President Secretary Treasurer

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Commissioner (Ex-officio non-voting) The immediate past president shall serve on the Executive Committee for a two-year term, provided that his/her institution is a GSC active member in good standing, and he/she continues to be employed as the CEO at that institution. If he/she is unable to serve, the next preceding past president who is still the CEO of the institution that he/she represented while serving as the Conference president shall fill the vacancy. All officers shall be elected at the GSC annual summer meeting. 2.1 Powers and Duties of the President.

A. Chairs all Board and General Session meetings. B. Appoints all standing and special committees and their chairs, unless otherwise provided herein. C. Calls all special meetings of the Conference and Executive Committee. D. Represents the Conference in all of its business and is legally empowered to bind the GSC when the

Commissioner is unavailable. 2.3 Powers and Duties of the Vice President (President Elect). The Vice President performs the duties of the President in the latter's absence or disability. The Vice President also serves as chair of the Expansion & Strategic Planning Committee and the Finance Committee. 2.4 Powers and Duties of the Secretary.

A. Issue all notices of all meetings. B. Keeps the minutes of all meetings. C. Has charge of the seal of the Corporation, if any. D. Serves as custodian for all corporate records. E. Makes such reports and performs such duties as are incident to his/her office or which may be delegated by

the President or Board of Directors. F. The Commissioner may serve as the Secretary of the Corporation.

2.5 Powers and Duties of the Treasurer.

A. Upon the request of the President and/or Board of Directors, provides an account of all transactions and the financial condition of the Corporation.

B. Ensures that an annual audit of the conference’s finances is conducted by an appropriate firm, and provides the audit report to the Board.

C. Performs such additional duties as are incident to the office or as may be delegated to that office by the President or by the Board of Directors.

D. The Commissioner may serve as the Treasurer of the Corporation. 2.6 Powers and Duties of the Commissioner. The Commissioner is the CEO of the GSC, and:

A. Interprets and enforces the GSC Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, Rules and Regulations, and Sports Rules, as well as the rules and regulations of the other regulatory bodies to which the GSC is accountable, including, but not limited to, the NCAA.

B. Is legally empowered to bind the conference to contracts and other enforceable instruments, provided such documents and contracts are within the powers bestowed upon the Commissioner per these Bylaws.

C. Maintains a complete record of all athletic activity engaged in by the Conference membership. D. Has discretionary power to make such inspections and investigations of the activities of member

institutions, as he/she deems necessary. E. Receives and keeps a record of every properly executed National Letter of Intent (NLI), Conference Grant-In-

Aid (GIA) and Eligibility List. The Commissioner or a designated compliance officer shall review all such documents and inform the institution of any defects that render the document void.

F. Imposes all penalties prescribed by the GSC Constitution and Bylaws, as well as those penalties in the NLI program, for rule and regulations violations. The Commissioner may:

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1) Fine, suspend or place on probation any member institution found in violation of any rule,

regulation or policy of the GSC or NCAA. 2) Prohibit any member institution or student-athlete from participating in a GSC-sponsored meet,

tournament, championship, playoff or regular season contest/event. 3) Prohibit any member institution or individual from being recognized as the Conference champion

because of GSC or NCAA violations. 4) Use his/her discretion in affixing penalties for violations, which are not specifically covered by

existing GSC Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, Rules, Regulations, Policies and Procedures. The Commissioner is intentionally given broad powers to act in these situations.

G. At his/her discretion, publicize any penalties assessed, such public announcements to be made only by the Commissioner or appropriate designee.

H. Handles all requests for eligibility rulings, such requests to be made only by the FAR, or in his/her absence, the Director of Athletics at the petitioning institution. The following information must be supplied as part of the request:

1) The student-athlete's full name and appropriate identification number 2) The first dates of all matriculations at all junior and four-year post-high-school institutions

attended. 3) A statement that the NCAA Clearinghouse as a qualifier/non-qualifier cleared the student-athlete. 4) A transfer statement from the institution from which the student-athlete transferred, stating

whether or not he/she would have been academically eligible to participate had he/she remained at the previous institution, seasons of competition utilized, number of years receiving financial aid and type, etc.

5) All pertinent information regarding part-time attendance and terms of non-attendance. 6) A statement as to prior participation in athletics (number of years and sports) at the collegiate

level.

I. Receives all complaints or protests about game officials by GSC coaches and/or institutions, or by officials regarding the conduct of coaches, students and/or staff, or by any involved party regarding the conduct and procedures surrounding and during a contest.

J. Updates, publishes and disseminates the GSC Bylaws, Rules, Regulations, and Conference rules particular to specific sports, by posting them on the secure portion of the GSC web site (www.GSCSports.org). Also updates and provides copies of the Articles of Incorporation, and provides a copy to each Director.

K. Keeps all records of the Conference. L. Invoices each Conference member for dues and other costs. M. Submits a detailed statement of all receipts and disbursements of funds to the Directors at the Annual

Meeting. An outside auditing firm shall audit the Conference each year. N. Posts a Conference directory, media guides for football, volleyball, men's & women's basketball, baseball

and softball, and weekly news releases when appropriate, on the GSC web site. O. Assesses any penalties for any scheduled contest, which is not played. P. Undertakes any projects assigned by the Board and makes any reports requested by the Board. Q. May serve as the Board’s Secretary and Treasurer, provided the Conference’s finances are annually audited.

NOTE: Members may appeal the Commissioner’s decisions to the Appeals Committee (per Article I, Section 5).

ARTICLE III: MEMBERSHIP 3.1 Classes of Membership. The Board and shall establish and define classes of membership, which shall include:

A. Conditional – institutions which have established a relationship with the GSC while preparing their applications for NCAA D-II membership with a stated intent to also enter the GSC Membership Process (see Regulations, Policies & Procedures);

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B. Provisional Year One – institutions that have been officially accepted into the first year of the GSC Membership Process. Provisional Year One institutions have no voting rights but must meet all of the requirements set forth in the appropriate sections of the GSC Regulations, Policies & Procedures) and shall be assessed an annual dues fee to be set by the Executive Committee (effective for schools entering the membership process after July 1, 2013);

C. Provisional Year Two – institutions that have been officially accepted into the second year of the GSC Membership Process. Provisional Year Two members have no voting rights and must comply with all of the requirements set forth in the appropriate sections of the GSC Regulations, Policies & Procedures and shall be assessed an annual dues fee to be set by the Executive Committee (effective for schools entering the membership process after July 1, 2013);

D. Provisional Year Three – institutions that have been officially accepted into the third year of the GSC Membership Process (note that for D-I schools re-classifying to D-II, this is the starting point in their membership process). Provisional Year Three members have no voting rights and must comply with all of the requirements set forth in the appropriate sections of the GSC Regulations, Policies & Procedures and shall pay the full annual dues set for “active” members; and,

E. Active – full members of the GSC with all rights that vest therewith, subject to any limit imposed by the conference Bylaws and Operating policies.

3.2 Categories of Membership. Within those Classes of Membership, Categories of Membership shall be established and defined by the Board:

A. “Active Members” sponsor at least 10 of the sports in which the GSC conducts official league championships and have full voting rights.

B. “Affiliate Members” sponsor less than 10 of the sports in which the GSC conducts an official league championship, but fully participate in regular season and GSC Championships in those sports. Affiliate Membership is at the discretion of the Board. Voting rights are limited to matters directly affecting those sports.

3.3 Requirements for Membership. The Board shall establish the requirements for Classes and Categories of Membership and for the Membership Process (see Regulations, Policies & Procedures).

ARTICLE IV: MEETINGS 4.1 General Rules. All meetings referenced in this Bylaw may be conducted face-to-face or via conference call, unless otherwise specified herein. Fifty-percent of the active membership’s Directors constitute a quorum for Board meetings unless otherwise stated herein; fifty-percent of the active membership’s appropriate representatives constitutes a quorum for all other meetings unless otherwise stated herein. 4.2 Board Meetings.

A. Annual Summer Meeting. The Board shall meet face-to-face annually in June on a date selected by the Chair and published at least six months in advance.

B. Optional Winter Meeting. After reviewing any proposals from the ADs/SWAs December meeting, recommendations from the Commissioner, and any other business, the Executive Committee will determine whether a January meeting is necessary. If deemed necessary, notice shall be made to all Board members on or before the December 20 immediately following that ADs/SWAs meeting. This Board meeting may be via conference call or face-to-face. It is suggested that the meeting occur at the NCAA Convention if it is face-to-face.

4.3 Special Meetings of the Board. The President may call special meetings; a majority vote of the Executive Committee or a one-third affirmative vote by the members of the Board shall also be sufficient to call a special meeting. Special meetings require a 21-day notice period, are not mandatory and absences are not penalized. 4.4 Emergency Meetings of the Board. The President may call emergency Board meetings to deal with urgent time-sensitive matters as needed. Absences from such meetings are not penalized.

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4.5 Rules at Board Meetings. The Board may vote on matters as it chooses, whether in “General Sessions” or “Executive Sessions.” The only person permitted to cast an institutional vote at a Board Meeting is that institution's Director (CEO). There are no exceptions, no proxies, no letters delegating the vote and no votes cast in absentia. If a CEO is unavailable due to illness, injury or other emergency, the institution’s Board of Trustees may designate another representative to attend the General Session; the Chair may invite such representative into the Executive Session. Such substitute representatives have speaking rights but may not vote. 4.6 Executive Committee Meetings. The Executive Committee shall meet as needed. 4.7 General Sessions. These Board meetings are open to all GSC CEOs, ADs, SWAs, FARs and anyone else invited by the Chair, the Executive Committee or the Commissioner. 4.8 Other Meetings. Official regular meetings of all other committees and groups are mandatory, and will be called and set by the Commissioner at least 30 days prior to the scheduled meeting date, except that emergency meetings may be called on less notice. The format and method are at the discretion of the Commissioner, who may choose to conduct such meetings via conference calls, teleconferences or face-to-face. A quorum shall be 50% of the institutions or individuals who are members of that group. No institution shall be penalized for failing to be represented at an emergency meeting.

A. The Commissioner must receive minutes of all official and emergency Board meetings within two days after the meeting adjourns.

B. The Commissioner shall sanction any institution that goes unrepresented at an official regular meeting unless an excused absence was granted. Excused absences for all meetings other than those of the Board and its Executive Committee are at the Commissioner’s discretion.

C. There shall be no “secret meetings” of any kind. If the GSC has divisions, there shall be no “division-only” meetings.

ARTICLE V: VOTING RULES & PROCEDURES 5.1 Votes. Each active member institution is entitled to one vote at any meeting of the Board of Directors. Each affiliate member institution is entitled to one vote on any issue specific to the sport(s) in which it holds that membership at any meeting of the Board. When the Board is conducting official business, that vote may only be cast by the Director from that institution. There are no proxies and no substitute or interim Directors for voting purposes, but the Chair may invite such substitutes to attend the meeting and grant speaking privileges. 5.2 Active Members. Only Directors representing “active or affiliate members in good standing” as defined in these Bylaws may vote. Directors may vote on any proposal, regardless of whether their institution sponsors the sport or is directly affected. 5.3 Quorum. A majority of the potential voting Directors constitutes a quorum. 5.4 Absences. Any member institution that sends no Director (CEO) to two consecutive directors' meetings automatically loses its voting privileges and will not be eligible for any GSC Championships or Playoffs. The institution may petition for reinstatement at the next meeting its Director attends. The Directors in attendance will consider petitions for excused absences presented by any Director. Excused absences do not count towards the consecutive absence penalty. 5.5 Special Voting Rules. If the GSC has distinct Divisions, and if either Division has two or more active members than the other Division(s), then when the Board considers legislation pertaining to the GSC Constitution, Bylaws, Executive Regulations, Policies and Procedures or the GSC Rules for a sport, such legislation must be approved by a majority of Directors in each Division. For those items requiring a two-thirds vote in favor, two-thirds of the Directors in each Division must vote in the affirmative.

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ARTICLE VI: RESIGNATION OF MEMBERS

6.1 Consideration Period. The resignation of a Conference member shall only be considered at the Annual June Meeting. 6.2 Deadline for Notice. The Commissioner must receive notice of an “Active” member’s intent to resign 396 days in advance of consideration. The Commissioner must receive this notice in writing no later than 31 days prior to the June Meeting that takes place a year before the resignation is to be considered. (Example: an institution wishing to resign at the 2016 meeting must submit such notice so that the Commissioner receives it not later than May 22, 2015; such resignation to be considered at the June 2015 meeting. If approved at the June 2015 meeting, the effective date of the resignation is July 1, 2016.) 6.3 Restrictions to Consideration. The resignation of a member shall not be considered if such member is in bad standing, under suspension or in arrears on its dues or other obligations to the GSC. 6.4 Contracts for Athletic Competition. The resignation of a member renders all contracts for future athletic events versus all Conference members null and void. If institutions agree to compete after the resignation, new contracts must be drawn and signed. 6.5 Resignations by Candidacy and Provisional Members. Resignations by non-active members are subject to the rules set forth in the Membership Process stated in the GSC Regulations, Policies & Procedures.

ARTICLE VII: FINANCES

7.1 Dues. The annual active membership dues shall be established at the Board’s annual Summer Meeting. Each football-playing school participating in the GSC-TV LIVE package may be assessed an additional fee to be determined by the Commissioner. Schools that do not participate in the GSC-TV LIVE package may be assessed a fee for any team that qualifies for any other GSC-originated production in which it participates.

A. Annual dues will be invoiced during July. Payment should be made no later than August 31.

B. Any member institution delinquent in payments for 9 months may be expelled from the Conference.

C. All dues and other membership costs shall be made payable to the Gulf South Conference and remitted to the Commissioner's Office.

D. “Conditional” members entering the GSC Membership Process shall pay a refundable application fee

equal to 50% of the active membership dues in effect at the time they are accepted as “conditional” members.

E. If an institution moves directly into “Provisional Year One” without ever entering “conditional”

membership, it shall pay 50% of the active membership dues in effect on the date upon which it enters “Provisional Year One” as its application fee.

F. During “Provisional Year One and Year Two”, an institution shall pay annual dues at the rate of 50% of

the “active” member dues in effect during each of those years.

G. Upon acceptance into “Provisional Year Three,” an institution shall pay the difference between its original payment and the active member dues set for the year in which it shall be a provisional member (at which point its application fee is converted into a non-refundable “initiation fee,” and shall also pay the full dues for the provisional year. All payments are due not later than August 1. No fees or dues

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shall be returned if the institution withdraws from the membership process after the start of its “Provisional Year Two” status (July 1).

H. If an institution moves directly into “Provisional Year Three” (e.g., it is coming direct from Division I), it

shall pay the full application (initiation) fee not later than the August 1 immediately following its acceptance as a “Provisional Year Three.” If the institution is playing a full GSC schedule, it must also pay full dues for the upcoming year; if it is not, the first dues payment is due in the year in which it achieves active member status.

I. Prospective Conference members shall reimburse the Conference for any on-site visits made by the

Commissioner and the Membership & Strategic Planning Committee in conjunction with evaluating the institution's application. Institutions accepted into the GSC Membership Process shall reimburse the conference for all visits made by Conference staff during its First- and Second-Year Candidacy years.

7.2 Additional Assessments. Additional assessments may be levied by the Commissioner as needed, subject to the approval of the Executive Committee or the entire Board. 7.3 Television Receipts (Regular Season Events). When GSC member institutions participate in televised contests that are not part of a league agreement, the following rules apply:

A. The member institution originating the game or securing the broadcast for any athletic event involving a sport officially sponsored by the GSC shall retain the first $5,000 of any rights fee paid by the broadcasting or production company.

B. The balance of the each rights fee shall be paid to the GSC. The Commissioner shall divide such fees as follows:

1) If two GSC teams participate, two equal shares shall be paid to each participating institution,

and one equal share to each of the other members and the Conference. 2) If one GSC team participates, two equal shares shall be paid to that institution and one share

to each of the other members and the Conference treasury. C. A licensing fee shall be paid to the Conference by any television station that uses the GSC logo, name or

trademark in any way during a commercial broadcast. 7.3. Receipts from Post-Season Competition. When a member institution receives receipts in excess of the covered expenses defined and paid by the sponsoring organization(s) as its share of the receipts for competing in post-season competition, it retains 75% of that net; the remainder (25%) shall be remitted to the GSC Office for distribution among the member schools as follows: one equal share for each of the other member institutions and one for the GSC. 7.4 Reserve Fund. Net income and any other unused funds from the annual budget, shall be reported to the Directors and retained in the GSC Reserve Fund. The Board may use the fund at its discretion at any time. 7.5 Probation and Its Effect on Revenue Sharing. Any institution placed on probation by either the NCAA or GSC is prohibited from participating in any of the revenue sharing referred to in 7.1-7.4. Probations are institutional (e.g. if violations in the tennis program lead to probation for that program, the institution is penalized and cannot share in any distribution of Conference income from any source). Furthermore, any member placed on probation for acts which occurred in a preceding year(s) must remit its share of any revenues distributed by the Conference for that sport. (For example, if violations in women's softball occurred in 2011-2012 and are dealt with and penalized in 2013-14, then any reimbursements for expenses and any share in any profits for distributions for that sport from 2011-12 and 2012-13 must be returned to the Conference.) 7.6 Conference Reimbursements for Costs Associated With Hosting GSC Playoffs and Tournaments.

A. Men’s & Women’s Basketball: If a member institution hosts the GSC Men’s & Women’s Basketball

Championship Tournament, the Conference will pay for all standard game costs including: game officials,

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scorer's table staff, security, ticket-takers and -sellers, reasonable publicity costs pre-approved by the Commissioner, etc. Reimbursements for staff (i.e., scorer's table employees) will be at the regular season rate paid by the host institution. Banquets and receptions are not reimbursable. All expenses must be pre-approved by the Commissioner through a budget submitted at least 10 days in advance of the start of the event.

B. Other Sports: The Conference provides up to $1,800 in reimbursements for pre-approved costs incurred hosting GSC Championship events. If the event includes the men’s and the women’s championship, the limit is $2,500 combined. The Conference pays all approved officials’ fees at a rate contracted by the Commissioner or his/her designee. Failure to submit a budget for pre-approval by the Commissioner shall result in no reimbursement. Banquets are not reimbursable expenses.

7.7 Protection of the Conference Name & Logo. The Gulf South Conference name and logo are copyrighted and trademarked under U.S. Federal Law. No institution, organization, business or club may use the Gulf South Conference name, the letters “GSC” or the logo for any purpose or reason, whether income-producing or not, without the expressed written consent of the Commissioner, unless otherwise provided for in these Bylaws. Furthermore, no member institution, organization, business or club may sell or distribute anything at any Gulf South Conference Championship or Crossover Tournament Event without the expressed written consent of the Commissioner. The Commissioner is empowered to license the sale of any merchandise, or other items, whether GSC or not, at all events. 7.8 Employees of the Conference.

A. The Board will select the Commissioner and determine his/her compensation. Hiring and termination decisions must be by a two-thirds majority of the active membership of the GSC. In no case will the Commissioner be terminated on less than 90 days notice. The Commissioner’s contract shall be a three-year, annually renewable agreement. The Commissioner shall be evaluated bi-annually by the Board and shall be informed of any significant deficiencies in writing by its Chair, with an opportunity to respond either in writing or in person to the Board, prior to any decision to terminate employment.

B. The Commissioner hires the other employees of the Conference and has sole jurisdiction for their hiring and termination. Compensation rates shall be determined by the Board at the Annual Summer Meeting as part of the annual operating budget.

1) The Conference funds the following full-time positions for 2015-16:

a. Assistant Commissioner for Championships and Operations; b. Assistant Commissioner for Compliance and Special Events who shall also be designated

Senior Woman Administrator; c. Director of Strategic Communications; d. Director of Engagement e. Other assistants as needed; and, f. Interns as the Commissioner sees fit.

2) The following individuals shall be contracted with on a fee basis, but are not employees of the Conference: a. Supervisor(s) of Men’s & Women’s Basketball Official; b. Supervisor of Football Officials; c. Evaluators/Observers for Football and Basketball Officials (game-by-game basis); d. Supervisor of Baseball Umpires; e. Supervisor of Soccer Officials; f. Supervisor of Softball Umpires (6/2015) g. Sales and advertising agents; and, h. Broadcasting & Production personnel for Television, Radio & Live Streaming.

C. No full-time or part-time employee of the Conference, or any member of an employee’s immediate families,

shall officiate any contests between GSC members.

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D. In those sports in which the Conference and its employees serve as the assigning body for the on-field/on-court officials, those officials are considered independent contractors and are not employees of the Conference.

ARTICLE VIII: CONFERENCE SCHEDULES

8.1 General. If an active member sponsors a varsity team in a sport in which the GSC conducts a championship, it must participate in the GSC regular season schedule and any post-season GSC or NCAA events for which it qualifies. “Active” members may obtain a waiver of this requirement from the Commissioner for the first year in which they sponsor a new sport. First- and Second-Year Candidacy and Provisional Members shall participate as provided for in the Membership Process Rules. Failure to meet the regular season scheduling requirement will result in disqualification from all post-season play, including any NCAA Tournament or Championship for which the school may have qualified. 8.2 Team Sports Schedules. The Conference Office will issue GSC Conference Schedules for all team sports except soccer, tennis, and softball. There are no regular-season scheduling requirements for golf and cross country, but active members sponsoring those sports must participate in those GSC Championships. 8.3 Changes in Schedules. All contests must be played in the order in which they are scheduled by the Conference; however, the date, site and time of a contest may be changed via a signed written agreement between the Directors of Athletics from each of the involved institutions, which must then be approved by the Commissioner. Additional, sport specific rules may govern schedule changes. All changes are at the Commissioner’s discretion. 8.4 Officials Assignors. The Conference may authorize the Commissioner to contract with an assignor for officials for any sports approved by the Board. The Commissioner shall contract for officials for post-season league competition; if the host organization or institution secures the officials, their compensation must be pre-approved by the Commissioner. 8.5 Sunday Competition. The conference conducts regular and post-season competition on Sundays and holidays. No member institution may refuse to compete on Sundays or holidays.

ARTICLE IX: VACANCY IN OFFICE 9.1 Vacancy in Office. If a member of the Executive Committee or the Commissioner is unable to continue in her/his position between meetings of the Conference, the Board shall fill that position.

ARTICLE X: NEW RULES & INTERPRETATIONS 10.1 Effective dates. New rules adopted by the Conference take effect immediately unless otherwise specified. 10.2 Interpretations. The Commissioner interprets all rules and regulations of the Conference. All interpretations are effective immediately, subject to appeal to the Appeals Committee. Requests for interpretations must be in writing and signed by the CEO, FAR, AD or Registrar from the member institution making the inquiry.

ARTICLE XI: ORDER OF BUSINESS AT GSC OFFICIAL MEETINGS Sec. 1. Call to order, attendance & announcements Sec. 2 Approval of Agenda Sec. 3. Approval of the minutes from the preceding meeting(s), as necessary Sec. 4. Commissioner's Report

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Sec. 5. Standing Committee Reports A. Executive B. Finance, Personnel & Benefits C. Expansion & Strategic Planning D. Awards E. Ethics & Conduct F. Championships & Schedules G. Sports Information Directors (SIDs) H. Athletic Trainers (ATs) I. Compliance J. Student-Athlete Advisory (SAAC). K. Sports Committees - Presented by Liaisons

1. Baseball 2. Men’s & Women’s Basketball 3. Women’s & Men’s Cross Country/Track & Field 4. Football 5. Men’s & Women’s Golf 6. Women’s Lacrosse 7. Softball 8. Women’s & Men’s Tennis 9. Men’s & Women’s Soccer 10. Volleyball 11. Special reports and ad hoc committee reports.

L. Appeals M. Other Committees

Sec. 6. Old Business Sec. 7. New Business Sec. 8. Executive Session

A. Nominations Committee Report B. Election of Officers C. Appointment of Standing Committees of CEOs D. Finance, Personnel & Budget Committee Report: Evaluation of Personnel & Salary/Benefits,

Recommendations and Financial Report/Audit. E. Approval of Next Year’s Operating Budget or current budget report; Other Financial Matters F. Selection of a site for next year's meeting

Sec. 9. Adjourn

ARTICLE XII: ELIGIBILITY 12.1 Rules Interpretations. The Conference adheres to all NCAA Eligibility Rules applicable to Division II and may establish additional more restrictive rules applicable to conference members only. Interpretations and decisions regarding NCAA rules may be obtained from the GSC or the NCAA as appropriate. Copies of any inquiries to the NCAA, as well as decisions by the NCAA, must be available upon request to the GSC Office. Requests for eligibility answers must be submitted electronically. The Commissioner handles all inquiries regarding GSC Rules. Updated to reflect current practice 6/14 12.2 National Letters of Intent (NLIs). The Conference participates in the NLI program and requires that all members abide by its rules. (See Policies & Procedures) 12.3 Transfers Between GSC Schools. Student-athletes who transfer from one GSC member to another who plan to play the same sport at the new institution must have written permission from the athletics director of the preceding institution in order to be eligible immediately; otherwise, they must sit out a year. (See Regulations, Policies & Procedures)

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12.4 Non-NLI Signee Transfers. GSC schools shall not continue to recruit a two-year or four-year transfer student who has signed a Grant-In-Aid Agreement with another GSC member institution.

A. If a prospect obtains a full and complete release from an NLI, the prospect is barred from attending another GSC school unless the school the prospect signed with releases the prospect because the prospect signed a GIA with a GSC school.

B. If the prospect is officially denied admission to the institution, the prospect becomes recruitable by other GSC members; no permission or waiver from the institution that officially denied her/him admission is needed.

12.5 Determining When A Student-Athlete Has Become or Is Ineligible. Any situation that raises questions about a student-athlete’s eligibility, regardless of the reason, shall be reported to the Commissioner and/or the NCAA immediately for a determination as to whether the circumstances have, in fact, rendered the student-athlete ineligible. If the student-athlete is determined to be ineligible, the institution must officially report this to the NCAA and GSC, and may choose to petition for restoration of eligibility. Institutions are reminded that delays may lead to forfeits and other penalties. Reports should include all of the details and include signed and dated written statements from all of the involved parties. 12.6 Penalties for Using Ineligible Players. A member institution that uses an ineligible player in an event shall forfeit that event. The Commissioner and/or the NCAA may impose additional penalties. The following penalties are the minimums:

A. Individual Competition in which team scores are kept. If the ineligible player is discovered prior to the completion of competition, the last player eliminated by that ineligible player shall be reinstated as the de jure winner of that last event. Whenever possible, the seedings and pairings shall be adjusted to reflect the new result. All wins by that ineligible player shall also be forfeited, and the point standings shall be changed to reflect losses for every event in which the player competed. If the ineligible player is discovered after the completion of the championship, any individual championships or place finishes earned shall be forfeited to the next highest person, and all points earned as a result of the ineligible player shall be subtracted from the team totals for that championship. This may lead to a change in the team championship and the point totals under the all-sports trophy formula.

B. Team Competition Using Ineligible Players. Any team using an ineligible player shall forfeit the event in which the ineligible player competed.

1) If the ineligibility is discovered during the regular season, any contest won while using the ineligible player shall be “forfeited” and changed to a loss in the standings, which shall be recalculated.

2) If the ineligibility is discovered after the regular season, but before the start of the GSC Playoffs or Tournament, the standings shall be recalculated and any changes in participation or seeding shall reflect the forfeits as losses.

3) If the ineligibility is discovered after the start of the GSC Playoffs or Tournament, the team in violation shall forfeit every event in which the ineligible player participated. If that eliminates the team, then the last team eliminated by the team using the ineligible player may be reinstated at the discretion of the Commissioner.

4) If the ineligibility is discovered after the team has earned the GSC's automatic bid to an NCAA National Tournament, but before the start of that Tournament, the GSC shall send the runner-up team as its representative.

5) If the ineligibility is discovered after the NCAA Championship has been completed for that sport, the institution must immediately report the circumstances to the Commissioner. A full report is due within 30 days. The Commissioner may levy sanctions as he/she sees fit.

12.7 Further Penalties for Using Ineligible Players. If an institution discovers that a student-athlete is ineligible, that institution must immediately declare the student-athlete ineligible and submit all information concerning the ineligibility to the Commissioner. This should include name, class, sport, contest(s) in which he/she played, years in which he/she competed, the reason(s) why the student-athlete is ineligible, how the indelibility was discovered and what steps will be taken to prevent this from happening again. The Commissioner will review the situation, determine whether or not the student-athlete is ineligible and then make recommendations to the institution.

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Requests for reinstatement and reports to the NCAA Enforcement Department should be handled through the Commissioner. GSC penalties may be imposed in addition to any imposed by the NCAA.

A. Institutions using ineligible players may be placed on GSC probation, which may be limited to the sport in which the violation occurred, or extended to as many teams as the Commissioner deems appropriate.

B. Institutions using ineligible players may forfeit championships and other awards after the year in which they were earned. The statute of limitations shall be six years for forfeiture of championships and awards.

12.8 Violations. Recruiting and other violations must be reported to the NCAA, whether through the Commissioner or direct to the NCAA with a copy to the Commissioner, and are punishable by probation, suspension, prohibiting the student-athlete from competing for the institution, institutional probation or suspension, and any other penalties the Commissioner deems appropriate. 12.9 Allegations of ineligible athletes at member institutions. The Commissioner shall investigate all written allegations regarding the use of ineligible players by a member institution upon receipt of a formal complaint signed by the CEO of the protesting institution. Oral claims will generally not be investigated. 12.10 Eligibility Lists. The Gulf South Conference requires that the Eligibility Checklist available through the NCAA portal Compliance Assistant be filed with the conference office five business days prior to the first date of competition. For student-athletes who become eligible after the initial filing date, Supplemental Lists must be filed prior to the first competition in which that student-athlete faces an outside team. (See Regulations, Policies & Procedures). 12.11 Squad Lists. The Gulf South Conference precisely follows the forms and filing deadlines mandated by NCAA Bylaw 15.5.5. Before the conclusion of the academic year the above referenced Financial Aid Form Summary must be filed at the conference office along with the Financial Aid Detail Report for purposes of record keeping for non-countable aid. 12.12 Medical Hardship Waivers. NCAA rules mandate that the conference administer all Bylaw 14.2.5 Waivers, which should be submitted to the GSC Compliance Officer via the GSC Form in this Manual. (See Regulations, Policies & Procedures)

ARTICLE XIII: FINANCIAL AID 13.1 Grants-In-Aid. GSC members must use the current Gulf South Conference Athletic Grant-in-Aid form that is posted on line at the GSC secure web site for athletic financial aid offers and commitments. (See Regulations, Policies & Procedures) 13.2 Grant-In-Aid Equivalency Limitations. The Conference uses the NCAA maximums for team equivalencies (see Regulations, Policies & Procedures).

ARTICLE XIV: RECRUITING 14.1 General. Member institutions and the representatives of their athletic interests as defined by the NCAA, shall abide by all sections and interpretations of NCAA Bylaw 13, and all other applicable rules. All coaches & staff members must pass the NCAA Division II Coaches Certification Exam for the current year before they may recruit off-campus. (Note: the D-I exam does not satisfy this requirement unless the coach is coaching a D-I sport.) The certification period is from August 1 of the year in which the exam is passed until July 31 of the following calendar year. NCAA rules govern the administration of the exam and penalties when a coach fails it. 14.2 Improper Inducements and Offers. Any institution or representatives of its athletic interests which makes any improper offer or inducement to a potential student-athlete, or which otherwise violates NCAA or GSC recruiting rules, shall be penalized by the Commissioner. The Commissioner may place the institution on probation, declare it

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ineligible for post-season competition, reduce the number of scholarship equivalencies or take any other action he/she deems appropriate. 14.3 Periods of Contact, Evaluation and No Contact. The NCAA publishes a calendar detailing the periods of contact, evaluation and no contact for each sport (available online). Coaches should obtain a copy of this calendar.

ARTICLE XV: PRACTICE DATES & LENGTHS OF SEASONS 15.1 General. The NCAA limits the length of season, number of competitions/contests/dates, and practice opportunities for all sports. Coaches should consult the appropriate Sections of NCAA Bylaw 17 to review their sports’ limits. Coaches are reminded about NCAA Bylaws 17.1.5.4 (Required Day Off---one calendar day per week) and 17.1.5.5.2 (No Class Time Missed for Practice Activities).

ARTICLE XVI: UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT 16.1 General. The Gulf South Conference prohibits unsportsmanlike conduct by student-athletes, coaches, spectators, administrators, staff or officials. The Commissioner shall penalize unsportsmanlike conduct, whether during the regular season, GSC Championships and Playoffs, or NCAA Regionals and Championships. The Conference shall adopt a Code of Conduct for its institutions’ student-athletes, coaches, staffs and other institutionally sponsored groups and may set specific standards for fan behavior.

A. Definition. Unsportsmanlike conduct includes, but is not limited to: physical and oral acts, written or spoken words or other actions that would incite participants and those in attendance; threatening gestures and words; obscenities, and race-, religious-, nationality- or sex-based statements (whether spoken, signed, gestured, written or printed); public criticism of officials, conference officers, the Conference in general, and other member institutions and their employees; confrontations between officials and student-athletes coaches, or confrontations between student-athletes from opposing teams and/or coaches from opposing teams; baiting or taunting; and any other act of omission or commission that would discredit the institution, sport, conference or NCAA. The Commissioner has final judgment as to what constitutes an act of unsportsmanlike conduct.

B. Reports of Unsportsmanlike Conduct. Any flagrant unsportsmanlike conduct by student-athletes, coaches, administrators, staff or spectators at an athletic event must be reported by the Director of Athletics, FAR or CEO of the involved institution to the Commissioner within 24 hours of the incident. This specifically includes the ejection of any player, head or assistant coach, staff member, graduate assistant, etc., regardless of the reason for the ejection. The report should be filed using the form contained in the Policies & Procedures section. The Commissioner shall investigate the incident and assess penalties, and will advise the Presidents of the disposition of the case. Penalties will be reported to the Presidents, ADs and party or parties involved within five days of the decision. Appeals must follow the appropriate Bylaw requirements.

C. Power of the Commissioner. If the Commissioner is present at an event and observes the unsportsmanlike conduct first-hand, the Commissioner may immediately penalize the offending party(ies). This may include suspension from the event, removal from the facility, etc.

16.2 Ban on Tobacco Products. The use of any tobacco products during practice, competition, and warm-ups at conference-sponsored events such as banquets, meetings and clinics is absolutely prohibited. This restriction applies to all coaches, student-athletes, support personnel, staff and administrators. Violators will be ejected from the event without warning and will not be permitted to participate in that event. Pre-game warm-up periods are considered part of the event for the purposes of this rule, so violations during those times will mean ejection from the next event in which the violator is supposed to participate.

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ARTICLE XVII: COMPLAINTS 17.1 Formal Complaints Between Institutions. Formal complaints against another GSC member must be made via a written signed letter from the CEO to the Commissioner, who shall then conduct an official inquiry into the matter. The Commissioner may also investigate any complaint he/she deems of sufficient basis to warrant an investigation. 17.2 Eligibility Challenges. Written challenges regarding the alleged ineligibility of a student-athlete enrolled at another GSC member institution, signed by the CEO of the petitioning institution and forwarded to the Commissioner must be investigated by the Commissioner. The Commissioner shall inform the challenged institution in writing within 10 days of the receipt of the challenge. All GSC member institutions shall be advised of the Commissioner's ruling within one week after the expiration date of the appeal or petition. The rationale for the decision shall be included in the notice.

ARTICLE XVIII: GSC RULES EDUCATION 18.1 GSC Rules Education. The Commissioner shall implement a rules education policy in conjunction with the FARs as needed. It may include exams, seminars, web-based materials, etc.

ARTICLE XIX: LIGHTNING POLICY 19.1 Lighting Policy. Each institution shall develop and adopt an official policy regarding the threat and/or appearance of lightning. This policy shall be available to the other member institutions for inspection and posted at the competition site or handed to the visiting team’s head coach upon arrival. The policy shall also be given to the officials assigned to work the contest. All GSC schools must have radar-based lightning detection systems. An institution that removes its team from the field because a standard lightning device sounds will not be penalized. Coaches, game-day administrator and game officials should be warned when lightning is detected within a 20-mile radius of the site. Teams shall be pulled off the field at the 8-mile mark; no one will be permitted to go back on the field until after the storm has cleared, so tarping must be done prior to that point. Once the teams are pulled, a minimum of 30 lightning-free minutes confirmed by the detector must elapse before teams may return to the field.

ARTICLE XX: POST-SEASON TOURNAMENTS & CHAMPIONSHIPS 20.1 Equal Representation by Division. If the GSC is comprised of more than one division, each division will be represented equally, provided there are enough teams and there is a difference of two or less teams competing in that sport in each division. If there is a difference of more teams, the Conference may adopt an imbalanced plan. 20.2 Hosting Tournaments. No coach shall agree to host any GSC Championship Event or in-season tournament without first obtaining the written consent of that institution’s athletic director and CEO. The decision to host binds the institution to provide all of the required services, including sports information, athletic training and maintenance support. Institutions should not rely on any additional funds being made available by the Conference, beyond those specifically set forth in these Bylaws and Regulations. It is important to consult the Regulations, Policies & Procedures section, as well as the specific GSC Sports Rules, Athletic Trainers and Sports Information Directors sections to make sure that all of the requirements are satisfied.

ARTICLE XXI: NON-CONFERENCE SCOUTING PROHIBITION 21.1 Out-of-Conference Scouting Policy. No GSC coach, assistant coach, graduate assistant, staff member, volunteer assistant or athletics administrator shall provide any information about any GSC team to any non-GSC team. The penalty shall be the suspension of that individual from the next scheduled league regular season or post-season contest immediately following the Commissioner’s determination that the violation occurred and a minimum $500 fine to the institution for failing to educate its representative/employee about this rule.

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2015-16 GSC REGULATIONS, POLICIES & PROCEDURES ARTICLE I

These Regulations, Policies and Procedures are binding upon all members of the GSC and require only a majority vote for changes unless otherwise set forth in the appropriate section. 1.1 NCAA Annual Convention. Each GSC institution must be represented at the NCAA Convention. The CEO of

each member is urged to attend; it is recommended that the AD, SWA and FAR also attend. Note: the GSC may conduct official meetings at the NCAA Convention.

1.2 Membership Process: The GSC has a “New Member Solicitation & Evaluation Process.” Institutions seeking

membership in the GSC shall participate in the membership process outlined below:

A. An institution must take the following steps prior to submitting the request for membership in the GSC: 1) Host the Commissioner for an investigative visit at the petitioning institution’s expense; 2) Host the GSC Expansion Committee for an evaluative visit at the petitioning institution’s expense; 3) Submit proof that its application for NCAA D-II Membership has been filed with the NCAA, with

copies of that application forwarded to and received by the GSC Commissioner and the Chair of the GSC Expansion Committee, along with a letter from its CEO confirming that it wishes to be considered for membership in the Gulf South Conference;

4) Receive a positive evaluation and recommendation from the GSC Expansion Committee to the GSC Executive Committee, which is empowered to admit the prospective member into the GSC Membership Process;

5) The prospective member’s CEO shall provide a signed letter to the GSC Commissioner and Chair of the CEOs requesting that it be considered for membership in the GSC and committing to compliance with all of the rules and requirements inherent thereto; and,

6) Submit a deposit of 50% of the current initiation fee with the letter referenced in “5.”

B. Once the requirements of Section A are met, the GSC Executive Committee shall vote to either accept or reject the request for membership. The Commissioner shall notify the institution of the decision. If the decision is affirmative, “conditional membership” is immediately granted and the institution must establish relationships with the GSC Office and undergo an educational visit by the GSC Commissioner and other staff to assist with any issues that arise.

1) Conditional membership ends upon:

a. The prospective member’s acceptance into the NCAA D-II Membership Process (at which point it moves into GSC “candidacy membership”);

b. The prospective member’s decision to withdraw from the NCAA D-II Membership Process; or

c. A decision by the GSC Executive Committee to terminate the “conditional membership” for any reason it deems appropriate, in which case its deposit shall be refunded.

C. The GSC Executive Committee or the GSC Board of Directors may grant “Provisional Year One Membership”

to any four-year institution that has been accepted into the NCAA D-II Membership Process. This class of membership carries no voting rights and no guarantee of advancing to any other class of membership, but “Provisional Year One Membership” institutions must be represented at all GSC meetings and must begin adhering to all GSC and NCAA D-II rules and regulations effective on August 1 following acceptance into “Provisional Year One Membership” status.

1) During the “Provisional Year One Membership,” institutions must:

a. Upon notice of acceptance, forward a check for 50% of the initiation fee (equal to 50% of the active member institution dues in effect for that year if the goal is “Full” membership; if the goal is “Affiliate” membership, 50% of the dues scheduled for the

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sport(s) in which affiliate membership is sought) to the GSC Office if it was never granted conditional membership, and pay a fee equal to 50% of the dues in effect for the ensuing year;

b. Begin a series of educational visits with the Commissioner and his staff; c. Participate in all GSC coaches, administrators, ATs and SIDs meetings; d. Play GSC schedules to the extent required by the league. If such contests are required,

the prospective member may only use NCAA- and GSC-eligible student-athletes and must complete all appropriate paperwork certifying those eligibilities and financial aid;

e. For those sports in which the GSC does not require full participation, establish scheduling relationships with as many GSC members as possible;

f. Begin recruiting entirely under NCAA rules. All incoming student-athletes must meet NCAA and GSC eligibility rules, even if they are admitted during the First Year “candidacy membership;”

g. Provide the GSC Commissioner and Expansion Committee with a mid-year update report detailing the progress the institution has made and confirming that it has complied with all NCAA and GSC rules regarding the recruiting of new student-athletes (due by the first January 31 following entry into candidacy membership);

h. Submit an end-of-the-year summary to the Commissioner and Expansion Committee so that it is received no later than May 31 of that year, detailing the progress it has made and confirming that all incoming student-athletes were recruited under NCAA and GSC rules and will be evaluated as to eligibility based upon NCAA and GSC rules; and,

i. Submit a letter from its CEO confirming that it wishes to continue in the GSC Membership Process, such letter to be received not later than May 31 of that year.

2) The GSC Commissioner and Expansion Committee shall evaluate the end-of-the-year summary and

make a recommendation to the GSC Executive Committee, which shall in turn: a. Approve the advancement of the prospective member into “Second Year of Candidacy

Membership;” b. Require the prospective institution to repeat the “First-Year Candidacy Membership”

with specific reasons and issues that need to be rectified; or, c. Remove the institution from the GSC Membership Process.

3) The applicant institution may appeal the decision of the Executive Committee to the GSC Board of

Directors, which has the final decision on all such appeals.

4) If an institution is required to repeat First-Year Candidacy, it must pay whatever dues are normally assessed to a Second-Year Candidacy school and must comply with all GSC and NCAA bylaws, rules, regulations, policies & procedures as if it had been advanced into Second-Year Candidacy by the NCAA and participate in all league schedules in which it has been included. It must also petition the NCAA for a waiver designating it as a D2 in-region counter for all sports sponsored by the GSC and meet all scheduling requirements to earn that waiver.

D. Following an affirmative recommendation by the Commissioner and GSC Expansion Committee, the GSC

Executive Committee or Board may grant “Provisional Year Two Membership” to any institution that has successfully completed the “Provisional Year One Membership” year.

1) During the “Provisional Year Two Membership” period, institutions shall:

a. Continue the educational visits with the Commissioner and his staff; b. If accepted into the process with a goal of “Active” membership, pay 50% of the dues

assessed to “Active” members for that year; if accepted with a goal of affiliate membership, pay 75% of the dues assessed for the sport(s) in which affiliate membership is sought;

c. Participate in all GSC coaches, administrators, ATCs and SIDs meetings; d. Seek and obtain any required waivers to be considered NCAA in-region D-II members for

scheduling purposes, and play full GSC schedules in all sports;

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e. Recruit entirely under NCAA and GSC rules and comply with all NCAA and GSC rules; f. Provide the GSC Commissioner and Expansion Committee with a mid-year update

report detailing the progress the institution has made and confirming that it has complied with all NCAA and GSC rules (to be received by the Commissioner and Expansion Committee no later than January 31 of the “Second-Year Candidacy Membership” year); and,

g. Submit an end-of-the-year summary to the Commissioner and Expansion Committee, detailing the progress it has made and confirming that all incoming student-athletes were recruited under NCAA and GSC rules and will be evaluated as to eligibility based upon NCAA and GSC rules, such summary to be received not later than May 31 of that year.

h. Submit a letter from its CEO, confirming its desire to advance in the GSC Membership Process, such letter to be received not later than May 31 of that year.

2) The GSC Commissioner and Expansion Committee shall evaluate the end-of-the-year summary and

make a recommendation to the GSC Executive Committee, which shall in turn: a. Approve the advancement of the prospective member into “Provisional Year Three

Membership;” b. Require the prospective institution to repeat the “Provisional Year Two Membership”

with specific reasons and issues that need to be rectified; or, c. Remove the institution from the GSC Membership Process, in which case its deposit

shall be refunded.

3) The applicant institution may appeal the decision of the Executive Committee to the GSC Board of Directors, which has the final decision on all such appeals.

4) If an institution is required to repeat Provisional Year Two, it must pay 100% of the dues assessed

to “Active” members, meet all of the requirements placed upon “Provisional Year Two” members and participate in all GSC schedules.

E. Following an affirmative recommendation by the Commissioner and GSC Expansion Committee, the

Executive Committee or Board may grant “Provisional Year Three Membership” to any institution that has successfully completed the “Provisional Year Two Membership” or an institution that is transitioning from D-I to D-II. Upon acceptance into “Provisional Year Three Membership,” an applicant institution must pay the remainder of its initiation fee (equal to one year’s dues at the time such membership is granted).

1) During the “Provisional Year Three Membership” year, institutions must: a. Continue the educational visits with the Commissioner and his staff; b. If accepted with a goal of “Active” Membership, pay the full dues assessed to “Active”

members for that year and also pay the second 50% of its initiation fee. If accepted with the goal of “Affiliate” Membership, pay the dues that are assessed to active “Affiliate” members for that (those) sport(s).

c. Participate in all GSC coaches, administrators, ATs and SIDs meetings; d. Seek and obtain any required waivers to be considered NCAA in-region D-II members for

scheduling purposes; e. Play full GSC schedules in all sports (note that this may be waived for D-I schools

reclassifying to D-II); f. Recruit entirely under NCAA and GSC rules and comply with all NCAA and GSC rules; g. Provide the GSC Commissioner and Expansion Committee with a mid-year update

report detailing the progress the institution has made and confirming that it has complied with all NCAA and GSC rules (to be received by the Commissioner and Expansion Committee no later than January 31 of the “Second-Year Candidacy Membership” year);

h. Submit an end-of-the-year summary to the Commissioner and Expansion Committee, detailing the progress it has made and confirming that it has complied with all NCAA

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and GSC rules, so that it is received at least 30 days prior to the GSC Board of Directors’ Annual Summer Meeting;

i. Submit a letter from its CEO, confirming that the institution wishes to continue in the GSC membership process and be considered for “Active Membership,” such letter to be received not later than 30 days prior to the GSC Board of Directors’ Annual Summer Meeting.

2) The GSC Commissioner and Expansion Committee shall evaluate the end-of-the-year summary and

make a recommendation to the GSC Executive Committee, which shall in turn: a. Recommend the advancement of the prospective member into “Active Membership” to

the GSC Board of Directors; or, b. Require the prospective institution to repeat the “Provisional Year Three Membership”

with specific reasons and issues that need to be rectified; or, c. Remove the institution from the GSC Membership Process, in which case its deposit

shall not be refunded.

3) The applicant institution may appeal the decision of the Executive Committee to the GSC Board of Directors, which has the final decision on all such appeals.

F. “Active Membership” and “Affiliate Membership” may be granted by a two-thirds affirmative vote by the

GSC Board of Directors following an affirmative vote by the GSC Executive Committee, which shall first consider the recommendations of the Commissioner and Expansion Committee.

1) There shall be two categories of “active membership”: full and affiliate. a. “Active” members shall compete in at least 10 GSC Championship Sports, including

men’s and women’s basketball and at least four other women’s sports (the number of women’s sports relates to whether or not an institution sponsors football – those that sponsor football may meet D2 minimums with four total men’s and six total women’s sports). The 2015-16 dues for “Active” members are $27,500. An additional assessment of $9,000 per school is in effect for football-playing members to cover production costs for GSC-TV LIVE. If the men’s and/or women’s basketball team(s) from a school that does not sponsor football participates in the GSC Basketball Final(s), that school shall be assessed for 25% of the production cost of the GSC-TV LIVE telecast for each such game in which its team competes.

b. “Affiliate members” shall compete in at least one sport in which the GSC conducts a championship. This class of membership is intended to address the scheduling and sports sponsorship needs of the GSC. For 2015-16, affiliate members shall pay dues of $7,500 for football, plus the $9,000 GSC-TV LIVE fee; $2,500 for active Division II members; $1,000 for provisional Division II members.

2) “Active” and “Affiliate Members” must comply with all of the NCAA and GSC Bylaws, all GSC Regulations, Policies & Procedures, and all sports playing rules of both organizations unless a specific exemption/waiver is granted by the appropriate governing body.

1.3 Institutional Responsibility for Game Environment. The GSC recognizes the need for all spectators to enjoy

quality competition in an atmosphere conducive to family attendance. Participants are reminded that there are fans of all ages and origins at most events. Unsportsmanlike conduct and misconduct by will not be tolerated, whether committed by participants (coaches, staff, student-athletes, etc.), administrators, faculty, cheerleaders, mascots, bands, fans, etc. All such behavior must be reported to the athletic director of the participating institutions and to the GSC Commissioner (see also Bylaw 16.1(b)).

A. Unsportsmanlike conduct and misconduct by spectators includes: verbal and/or physical threats; actual

or threatened interference with the event itself, those administering and officiating it, and/or with other fans; obscene gestures, signs, statements, etc., whether in English or another language; vandalism, criminal acts and/or the threat of such acts; and the failure to obey any reasonable instructions ordered by appropriate uniformed security or police, administrators or others charged with the operation of the event.

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1. The host institution is responsible for controlling spectator behavior. Extra measures should be taken to protect visiting team’s fans, especially if home team fans are allowed to sit near them.

2. Representatives of the visiting team(s) should assist with the control of their spectators and should sit with their own fans.

3. The Conference assumes no responsibility or liability for the acts of institutional employees, officials, spectators, student-athletes, etc.

B. Unsportsmanlike conduct and misconduct by participants includes all of the items in II-A. In addition,

the NCAA, GSC and recognized regulatory bodies may identify other acts of omission or commission as unsportsmanlike or misconduct (e.g., taunting). All such acts may be sanctioned. Participants are warned to refrain from verbal and physical abuse of officials, opposing coaches and student-athletes, and all spectators.

1.4 Institutional Obligation to Compete in All Scheduled Events.

A. All contracts versus GSC members must be honored. Unless there is an emergency such as inclement weather, vehicular or other accident, epidemic or other disease-related problems, natural disasters (i.e., earthquake or flood) or a loss of team personnel to the degree that a team cannot practically and/or safely compete, every GSC-member institution is obligated to honor all scheduled competition against GSC members.

1. GSC Competition Takes Precedence over non-GSC Events. In rare instances, GSC teams may be required to cancel competition against non-GSC opponents or non-league competition against GSC members in order to establish or complete the GSC league schedule, playoffs and/or championships. The Commissioner is empowered to order the cancellation of non-league events and mandate the make-up of league events. Contracts with non-league opponents should include a clause to this effect.

2. Make-Up Contests. In sports other than baseball, GSC members are encouraged to make up any league contest that could not be played on its original date as soon as the schedule permits. In baseball only, no make-up games are permitted after the scheduled weekend (see the baseball rules section regarding rainouts).

B. The Commissioner is empowered to order the make-up of any canceled league event, even if it forces the cancellation of another non-league or league event, regardless of the opponent.

1.5 National Letter of Intent. All GSC members must participate in and comply with the rules and regulations of the

NLI Program. Pay careful attention to the 7-day time limit between the date on which the institution issues the NLI and the last date on which the prospective student-athlete and his/her parents/guardians (if the signee is less than 21 years of age) MUST sign the NLI; the 14-day filing limit that requires that all completed NLIs MUST be filed with the GSC Office within 14 days of the prospective student-athlete's and parents' signatures; and the transfer rules that penalize student-athletes who do not live up to the terms of the NLI. Please note that dates, names, signatures, social security numbers and terms may NOT be changed, erased or altered by hand or machine - a new document must be issued.

1.6 Eligibility Lists. The Gulf South Conference requires that the Eligibility Checklist available through the NCAA

portal Compliance Assistant be filed with the conference office five business days prior to the first date of competition. For student-athletes who become eligible after the initial filing date, Supplemental Lists must be filed prior to the first competition in which that student-athlete faces an outside team.

1.7 Financial Aid. All schools must use the appropriate GSC Athletic Grant-in-Aid Form. Grants-in-aid may not be altered in any way and must be complete because they are contracts. Grants-in-aid are only valid offers for 30 days following the signature of the Director of Financial Aid or designee. The signed forms must be filed with the Conference Office prior to the date on which the Grant-In-Aid is effective. The student-athlete's parent/guardian, or another legal adult, must co-sign the grant if the student-athlete is less than 21 years of age on the date he/she signs the grant. A crisp, clear copy (or the original) must be filed with the Conference in a timely fashion. Faxes and e-mailed scans are permitted. The following may not be altered (erased, written over,

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“whited out,” etc.): names, dates, social security or student ID numbers, specifics of the grant amounts and types, and signatures. Equivalency limits (NCAA maximums)

1. Football (36.0) 2. Men's and Women's Basketball (10.0 for each team) 3. Baseball (9.0) 4. Men’s Golf (3.6) 5. Women’s Golf (5.4) 6. Men's Tennis (4.5) 7. Women's Tennis (6.0) 8. Women's Cross-Country without Track Team (6.0) 9. Women’s Cross-Country with Track Team (12.6) 10. Men's Cross-Country without Track Team (5.0) 11. Men’s Cross-Country with Track Team (12.6) 12. Volleyball (8.0) 13. Softball (7.2) 14. Women's Soccer (9.9) 15. Men's Soccer (9.0) 16. Men's and Women's Swimming (8.1 for each team)

1.8 Squad Lists/NCAA Team Financial Aid Form. The Gulf South Conference precisely follows the forms and filing

deadlines mandated by NCAA Bylaw 15.5.5. Before the conclusion of the academic year the above referenced Financial Aid Form Summary must be filed at the conference office along with the Financial Aid Detail Report for purposes of record keeping for non-countable aid.

1.9 Transfers. Please see the NCAA Bylaws for general rules regarding transferring to GSC schools and note the rules pertaining to permission to contact and official releases.

A. Under GSC Rules, when a student-athlete seeks to transfer from one GSC school to another, the

permission to contact and any subsequent release must come from the AD him/herself; a designee other than the CEO of the institution is not permitted to issue this permission. (In other words, the AD or CEO of the institution from which the student transferred must grant permission for that student-athlete to participate at the new school, or that student-athlete may not play that sport until he/she has completed a year of residence at the new institution. This is stricter than the NCAA One-Time Transfer Rule.)

B. REMINDER: NCAA rules require that any contact between a prospective transfer student and the

potential new institution must immediately be reported to the preceding school and permission to continue the contact must be obtained from the preceding school prior to continuing any recruiting, per NCAA Rules. A letter of “blanket release to all schools” is insufficient; a specific granting of permission to contact/recruit and subsequent separate written permission to play immediately to avoid the year of residency requirement.

EXCEPTION: If the institution from which the student-athlete is transferring was placed on probation for that sport by either the Conference or the NCAA, or has been denied the opportunity to compete as an institution in post-season play for rules violations, the institution seeking to recruit the prospective transfer must notify the current institution of its contact with the student-athlete contact but does not need permission to contact nor does it need a release of any kind to allow the s/a to compete. A copy of that notification must be forwarded to the GSC Office by the institution the prospective transfer is currently attending.

1.10 Medical Hardship Waivers.

A. A copy of the attending physician’s work-product contemporaneous to the evaluation and diagnosis (e.g., the physician’s notes from the examination), including the dates of treatment;

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B. A statement that the injury or illness diagnosed "rendered the student-athlete medically unable to participate for the remainder of the season." This statement must NOT include any editorializing about granting a red-shirt or hardship waiver. The physician must make it clear that the student-athlete was not able to return to participate in regular practice or contests for the rest of the year. Note: at the June 2012 meeting, the FARs reaffirmed the GSC requirement that the diagnosis and certification must be made by an MD or OD. Counselors, psychologists, social workers, etc., do not meet the GSC standard.

C. The schedule from the year in which the hardship occurred, the number of contests in which the student-athlete participated and the dates of such participation.

D. Physicians should not editorialize, mention “red-shirts” or “medical waiver” or request the waiver---they should make professional diagnosis and issue medical statements. The ADs, SWAs and FARs should handle the specification of the waiver and the reasons for it.

E. Inasmuch as the FARs have primary responsibility for Eligibility, it is recommended that FARs submit these waivers.

1.11Other Waivers. The NCAA Bylaw 14.4.3.5-a Medical Absence Waiver and the 14.4.3.5-b International Competition Waiver are also administered by the conference. 1.12 Public Relations. GSC-member institutions’ coaches, administrators, staff, volunteers and employees must

deal appropriately with fans and the media.

A. Post-Game Protocol. Head coaches of all GSC teams must be available to the media after an appropriate “cooling off” period (usually ten minutes after the coach’s team has entered its locker room). All coaches and student-athletes must treat the media with respect. Violations must be reported to the Commissioner and may be sanctioned.

B. Criticism of Officials and the Conference. Coaches, administrators, public address announcers, institutionally-retained officials, staff members and student-athletes shall not criticize officials or Conference employees in post-event or other interviews with the media and public. Violations must be reported to the Commissioner and may be sanctioned per the Unsportsmanlike Conduct Bylaw.

C. SID Responsibilities. See the SID section of this Operating Manual. D. Press Box, Press Row and Media Room Behavior. All SIDs, their staffs, game support personnel,

timers, scorers, etc., as well as members of the media, will be professional at all times; openly rooting for a team is expressly forbidden. Public address announcers are especially cautioned against unprofessional conduct and criticism of officials.

E. Telephone Needs. It is recommended that at least one open phone line be available at the site of the competition for calling in scores and receiving inquiries; however, there are specific requirements in some sports: 1. Football, Volleyball, Basketball, Baseball & Softball. There must be at least one “open” line and a

separate line for the official radio stations broadcasting for the visiting team installed prior to the first contest of the season and checked to make sure it is working prior to events. A cell phone is acceptable as long as that telephone number is consistent for the season.

2. GSC Championships. Two separate lines reserved for the GSC will be required when hosting a conference championship. Both must have direct dial long distance capability.

F. High-Speed Internet Requirement. All football press boxes & basketball press rows must have unrestricted high-speed internet access for all visiting SIDs, media and approved broadband companies.

G. Visiting Radio and Television. Host institutions must provide space and seating for visiting radio and television crews in locations comparable to those used by the host institution’s media. The view of the contest and quality of the work area must be similar. All broadcasters should be provided with the most up-to-date information possible. In order to protect the broadcasting rights of the competing institutions, neither team will provide a feed to the other school’s regular broadcasting area without written consent from the other team.

1.13 News Releases. The GSC Office will be the only initial source for official news information and releases

regarding such matters as All-Conference and All-Academic Teams, seasonal or weekly honors, membership changes, disciplinary investigations and decisions, changes in the Constitution, Bylaws, Rules, Regulations and

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Policies of the Conference, etc. Violations of this rule may result in serious penalties including fines and/or suspensions.

1.14 Travel Squad and Dress-Out Roster Limitations. The GSC limits the dress-out rosters for all league contests

between GSC teams. “Dress-out rosters” are defined as “the number of student-athletes who may be in uniform and participate in a league contest.” If contests versus non-GSC schools are considered “league” events, the dress-out limit will not apply unless the non-GSC opponent agrees to abide by them. The Conference does not limit “Travel Squads,” which are defined as “the number of student-athletes who may travel at the institution’s expense.”

The NCAA has important rules regarding travel at the institution’s expense. Ineligible student-athletes may NOT travel at the institution’s expense, regardless of the reason.

Dress-Out Limits:

Sport Home Visitor

Football: No limit 60

Cross Country 9 9

Soccer: 22 22

Men’s Basketball: No limit 14

Women’s Basketball: No limit 14

Baseball: 25/27 (see baseball rules) 25/27 (see baseball rules)

Softball: 20 20

Tennis: 9 9

Volleyball: No limit No limit

Golf: 6 6

Women’s Lacrosse 24 24

Note: For non-GSC league events, the travel squad limit and dress-out roster limit are left to the discretion of the institution unless limited by NCAA rules. This includes contests between GSC teams that are not league games or matches. For GSC Championships, other limits may apply; so check the specific sports rules.

Note: Only those student-athletes who are on the “dress-out roster” for a contest may participate in warm-ups or wear team uniforms (exception: see Baseball Rules). Other members of the home team may sit on the bench but must wear street clothes and may not participate in pre-event warm-ups. They are subject to all rules of conduct.

1.15 Conference Passes. Prior to September 1, the GSC shall send each member institution Official GSC Passes (up

to 36 for football-playing schools, up to 25 for all others) that admit the bearer and a guest, plus any dependent children, to all regular season intercollegiate events hosted by GSC members at no charge. These passes are for member institutions’ coaches, staff, faculty and administrators. They are not for student-athletes and their families and friends, nor may they be given to boosters. These passes are not valid for post-season events, such as the GSC Championship Tournaments and NCAA Regionals and Championships. Institutions needing more passes should contact the Commissioner in writing, listing for whom the extra passes are needed.

1.16 Schedules. Copies of all sports schedules for the upcoming year must be received at the GSC Office not later

than July 25th. Changes after that date must be reported to the Conference Office as soon as they are finalized. Some sports may require earlier filing of schedules to assign officials (e.g., football). See also BYLAW ARTICLE VII.

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1.17 Establishment of New Championships. Coaches of emerging sports may contact the Commissioner to arrange a meeting at which proposed GSC rules for a new championship may be drafted. There must be at least six member institutions sponsoring the sport before the GSC may conduct an official Championship. A formal proposal should be forwarded to the Commissioner in a timely fashion so that it can be sent to the ADs, SWAs and FARs for consideration prior to the next meeting of the GSC Board of Directors.

1.17.1 Championship Invitational. Emerging sports with less than six member institutions may be designated by the Board of Directors for a Championship Invitational. These sports should show potential for significant sport sponsorship growth within the conference. Championship Invitational participants would not be eligible for All-Sports Trophy points. For 2015-16, Men’s Track & Field and Women’s Lacrosse shall be designated as such. (6/2015)

1.18 Sports Liaisons and Committee Chairs. Each GSC Sport & Administrative Group is assigned an Administrator to

serve as that sport’s liaison to the Commissioner, FARs, ADs & SWAs, and the Board of Directors (CEOs). The liaison’s primary duty is to accurately and completely convey the proposals passed at the coaches’ meetings, including the rationales and any opposition, to the ADs/SWAs/FARs and CEOs.

A. Duties of the Liaisons & Committee Chairs.

1. Attend the annual meeting(s) for that sport or group. 2. Generate typed minutes from that meeting and forward them to the Commissioner so that he

receives them within two days after the meeting. 3. Attend the GSC Championship Tournament for that sport. (The conference covers the room, board

and reasonable travel costs for any liaison whose team does not qualify, or from the point of the team’s elimination, to enable the liaison to attend/remain at the event.)

4. Represent the coaches or administrators at ADs/SWAs, FARs and CEOs meetings. Liaisons should be prepared to answer questions about any proposals that come forward, as well as “move” all motions pertaining to that sport or group.

B. Liaison Assignments for 2015-16

Football Daryl Dickey, UWG

Volleyball Meghan Barter, UWF

Cross Country/Track & Field Dana George, DSU

Men’s & Women’s Soccer Dave Scott, UWF

Men’s & Women’s Basketball Larry Carpenter, Lee

Softball Janet Montgomery, UWA

Baseball Tommy Sadler, Union

Men’s & Women’s Tennis Debbie Williams, UNA

Men’s & Women’s Golf Donna Crone, CBU

Women’s Lacrosse Laura Taube, UAH

SAAC Laura Clayton Eady, UWG

Athletic Trainers Jennifer Grubbs, VSU

Awards Committee Andrea Anderson, GSC

SIDs Ronnie Mayers, DSU

Conduct Andrea Anderson, GSC

Championships & Scheduling Herb Reinhard, VSU 1.19 Ban on Use of All Tobacco Products. The GSC is 100% committed to enforcing its ban on the use of any

tobacco products at all GSC and institutional athletic events, including practices, meetings, banquets, contests, rules seminars, exam sessions, clinics, camps, etc. There are NO warnings and NO exceptions. Violators must be ejected immediately. SIDs, Athletic Trainers, Staff, Officials, FARs, Administrators, etc., are expressly included. See also BYLAW ARTICLE XV.

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1.20 Tiebreaker Policies. Tiebreakers will not be based on points- or goals-scored or any factor (e.g., goal

differential) that encourages a team to “run up the score.” The GSC opposes “running up the score” in all instances, and particularly against conference members.

1.21 Awards. The GSC’s awards policy is clearly stated in the Awards Section of this Operating Manual. Proposals

from coaches committees, other groups or the Commissioner that would change the current policies, types and numbers of awards MUST be submitted to the GSC Awards Committee (Chair: Andrea Anderson, GSC Office). The Committee makes its recommendation to the ADs/SWAs/FARs in June---this will be the only time changes in awards will be considered. No conference-wide, divisional or sport-specific awards limited to GSC student-athletes may be created or approved by any other group, whether from within or outside the GSC, without going through this process.

1.22 Secret Meetings. The GSC specifically prohibits secret meetings of sub-groups of coaches and/or

administrators. All meetings are to be publicized to all of the members. 1.23 Ban on In-Person Scouting. The GSC prohibits in-person scouting of other GSC teams during the regular

season, with the following exception: teams competing in regular season tournaments or classics that involve other GSC teams may watch those other teams play during that event. In cross-country and golf, it is understood that coaches will see other teams compete during regular season races, matches and tournaments without penalty. Unless otherwise specified in the sport-specific rules in this Operating Manual, coaches may request video of specific contests from other coaches. Such requests must be honored within a reasonable period of time. Shipping costs shall be borne by the school making the request, provided the quality of the video delivered is sufficient to make the video useful.

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2015-16 GSC REGULATIONS, POLICIES & PROCEDURES ARTICLE II | FOOTBALL

Liaison: Daryl Dickey, UWG (Phone: 770-286-0802) Supervisor of Officials: Jeff Roberson (903-278-9196) 2.1 General Policy Statement. NCAA Rules govern all GSC Football contests unless otherwise specified herein.

Coaches are expected to abide by all NCAA Rules and Codes of Ethics. 2.2 Participation. The following eight (8) schools compete: Delta State, Florida Tech (affiliate member),

Mississippi College, North Alabama, Shorter, Valdosta State, West Alabama and West Georgia. 2.3 Official Ball. GSC schools must use a Wilson official football approved for college play. For 2015, a specific

model number may be adopted. This is year three of a six-year agreement (expires July 1, 2018) with Wilson that includes the following: 1) Two free bonus footballs for every dozen purchased; 2) A team gear bag in each year of the agreement, provided the team purchases at least one dozen footballs; 3) A $500 credit for each head coach towards purchases from the Wilson catalogue at list price (provided the

school has purchased at least 12 balls that year) in each year of the agreement; 4) Any head coach whose teams earns an NCAA Tournament Bid gets an additional $500 credit 5) Any head coach whose team wins the NCAA D-2 Championship, earns another $500 credit towards

purchases from the Wilson catalogue at list prices (provided the 12-football purchase requirement has been met).

6) GSC football-playing members must display a Wilson banner, which will be provided by Wilson at no cost to the school or league, at their home football facility.

7) Bonus balls and credits will be provided by the authorized Wilson dealer when you make your purchase upon presentation of a letter of confirmation.

2.4 Game Conduct.

2.4.1 General Pre-Game Needs. Starting times will be strictly enforced. Locker rooms for officials should be available at least four hours prior to the scheduled kickoff time. Chain crews, timers, ball persons and all other support personnel directly involved in the conduct of the game must be available to meet with the officials at least one hour prior to the scheduled kickoff time. The home team must notify the visiting team in writing regarding any pre-game ceremonies or deviations from the standard pre-game warm-up procedures at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled contest. The pre-game warmup format and field diagrams in the CCA Football Officials Operating Manual shall be used for all regular season games hosted by a GSC team. A copy of these formats and field diagrams will be provided by the Director of GSC Football Officials prior to the start of the season and should be posted in the home and visiting locker rooms, and also provided to game management personnel.

2.4.2 Start Times. Starting times are established at the discretion of the home team.

2.4.3 Ball Persons. Home teams must furnish at least four ball persons. It is recommended that these

ball persons be of at least junior high school age and preferably high school age or college students. The home team may agree to use ball boys supplied by the visiting team, but the ultimate responsibility for providing ball persons remains the home team’s burden and the home team will be sanctioned for failure to provide them, regardless of any commitments made by the visiting team.

2.4.4 Dress-Out Limit. Dress-out limit for league games: 60 for the visitors and unlimited for the home team.

2.4.5 Halftime. Halftime is 20 minutes. The NCAA does not permit any exceptions to this rule. The halftime countdown does not begin until all game personnel (including staff) have left the field. If the facility favors either team with a shorter distance to its locker room, the team with the shorter trip remains on the field until the

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other team reaches the entrance to its locker room facility. Maximum total band time is 14 minutes. The host band director will notify the visiting band director, clock operator and the game's referee as to the allotted time for the visiting band to perform. The visiting band performs first. The clock operator times the performance of each band. Violations of time limitations will be penalized as delay of game infractions when play resumes and enforced as if they occurred on the kickoff. If both teams violate the limits, the home team will be the only one penalized.

2.4.6 Bands. Bands may play continuously during the game provided the players and officials can hear the whistle and counts. Bands may not be seated directly behind the visiting team's bench and must conduct themselves in a sportsmanlike manner. Per NCAA Rules, the band must be outside the 25-yard lines if located on the opposing team’s sideline. The head coach of the institution whose band violates this rule will be warned only once; if the band from his school violates the rule again, that team will be penalized for delay of the game. The institution that invited any outside band is responsible for its conduct as if it were that institution’s own band. Non-conference opponents must be informed about this rule prior to the game.

2.4.7 Artificial Noisemakers, Cannons, Guns and Fireworks. The use of artificial noisemakers is regulated by the NCAA playing rules at all games hosted by GSC schools unless otherwise expressly stated herein. The GSC prohibits the firing of cannons, guns, mortars or any other piece of artillery, as well as the use of fireworks, during all games while the ball is alive. (Cannons and guns may be fired, and fireworks set off, during pre-game ceremonies, half-time shows, after the end of regulation and any necessary overtime periods, and during post-game ceremonies. They may not be fired/set off after touchdowns or field goals unless the game ends as a result of that play.) NCAA Rules prohibit individuals who are subject to the playing rules (teams, coaches, staff, security, cheerleaders, bands, public address announcers and systems, etc.) from using artificial noise-makers in a manner that would prevent a team from hearing its signals or the officials’ whistles. Fans are permitted to use artificial noise-makers, as long as they do not prevent teams from hearing the signals being called or the whistle being blown, or create deception (e.g., a whistle in the stands that might be confused with that of the game officials).

2.4.8 Visiting Team’s Fans. Adequate space must be reserved for the visiting team’s fans, with sufficient security to ensure a comfortable game environment. The home team may allow its fans to sit on the visiting team’s side, but the home fans must remain between the 25 yard lines and the closest end zone to those seats. Specifically, they are not permitted to sit, congregate or otherwise gather directly behind the visiting team’s bench area and restraining lines. Additional security is recommended if an institution allows its fans to sit on the visiting team’s side.

2.4.9 Inclement Weather and Other Emergencies. If inclement weather, power failure or similar emergencies or events beyond the institution’s control force a stoppage of play, at least 60 minutes must elapse between the stoppage and a decision to terminate the contest, unless there is a clear and present danger to participants (e.g., earthquake or tornado). Every reasonable effort should be made to resume play when the problem is solved and both teams should be patient and cooperative. In the event of multiple stoppages, no game shall be resumed after midnight unless both head coaches and both directors of athletics agree.

2.4.10 Conference Video Productions. Below are typical requirements for hosting a game featured as part of the conference video production package.

A. Three (3) long distance capable phone lines must be installed in the area in which the production and satellite trucks will be parked (not in the press box).

B. A large triple circuit, three line power source (CAMLOCK system preferred) near where the trucks will be parked.

C. Special parking for 12-18 cars for the actual production crew (25 people). D. Access to the press box and all facilities at least eight (8) hours before the scheduled kickoff. E. Coaches, administrators and players must be available for interview sessions the evening before the

game and by specific arrangements on game day. F. Five cameras, all on the same side of the field, are typically used: one “high” camera at each 35-yard

line (either on permanent platforms or a built-to-specs ones that are at least 4’ x 8’ or on lifts that meet those specs); one “high” end zone (on top of the bleachers, a building or a platform or on a lift

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that is at least 4’ x8’) and one “low” end zone; and two sideline cameras. If lifts are needed for cameras, the platforms must be at least 8 feet long and 4 feet wide and must support the weight of the camera (up to 250 pounds) plus the operator (another 250 pounds) safely in all weather conditions. It is recommended that the cameras and broadcasting area be placed on the visitor’s side so that action video shows the home side crowd.

G. The sidelines must be cleared of all non-game personnel. H. At least seven (7) students or other adults to help the production company as volunteers. Additional

personnel needs will be specifically addressed by the production company. I. The GSC shall supply the on-field timeout coordinator (“red cap”). J. Ample space for the crew and broadcasters in the press box, preferably in a private area with no

outside noise distractions or traffic, and appropriate climate control., K. Sufficient soft drinks set our 2.5 hours prior to the scheduled kickoff and snacks, plus a pre-game meal

for a total of 30 people working the game (includes broadcasters). L. If an auxiliary press box is provided for the TV broadcasters, it must have appropriate lighting and

power sources, access to game stats, covering and sufficient protection from the elements. 2.5 Team Physician. The home team must provide a physician for the visiting team. A doctor must be at the site from the beginning of pre-game warm-ups until the end of the game. It is strongly recommended that emergency medical personnel and an ambulance be on-site for the entire game. 2.6 Video Exchange. All teams must use the conference approved online video exchange provider (currently, GSC uses Hudl). In-person scouting of conference opponents is prohibited. No member of the team, its coaching staff, athletic department personnel or anyone designated by them is permitted to attend a game between Conference member teams prior to the regularly scheduled football game against those GSC opponents. This includes non-league games. 2.6.1 Requirements.

A. Video must include two angles: tight end-zone angle and wide-angle press box view that includes all 22 players.

B. Wide-angle view must show the scoreboard and time at the beginning of each new possession. C. For non-conference games, the GSC school will be responsible for uploading all games, regardless

of home or away status. D. For games played between GSC schools, only the home team is required to upload games. The

visiting GSC team is not responsible for the upload of any league games. E. Each team must e-mail two complete game play-by-plays to a contact at its next league

opponent, starting lineups from its most recent game and up-to-date roster with heights and weights to its next opponent by 11:59 p.m., Saturday.

F. Video shall be posted within the defined time period. 1) The GSC home team must upload the game within four (4) hours of its completion or

11:59 p.m. local time (where the game was played) that day, whichever is later. Examples: a game ends at 5 p.m. – it must be uploaded in its entirety by 11:59 p.m. that night; a game ends at 10:30 p.m., it must be uploaded in its entirety no later than 2:30 a.m.

Failure to upload on time results in a $200 fine for the first offense, $300 for second offense, $400 for the third offense. If a fourth offense occurs, the matter will be referred to the GSC Executive Committee of CEOs.

2) Schools involved in non-conference away games on Saturdays must have their games uploaded by 1 p.m., Sunday. Games played prior to Saturday must be uploaded in their entirety by 11:59 p.m., Saturday. Failure to meet these time-frames. Incurs the same penalties as F-1.

G. All video equipment (camera, switcher, computer, etc.) utilized to capture game video must be set up according to specifications provided by the online video exchange provider. It is the responsibility of the team uploading the video to confirm settings. Failure to comply with the capturing settings resulting in poor quality or incomplete games, triggers penalties on the offending school, which must re-upload the game within four hours after being contacted by the

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opposing school and a $200 fine. Second, third and 4th offenses result in the same re-upload requirement and the fine goes up $100 each time. A fifth offense is referred to the GSC Executive Committee.

H. In case of catastrophic incident (massive equipment failure, lightning strike, etc.), the school that is unable to capture or upload a game shall immediately contact the online video exchange provider, who may be able to provide assistance. After that call, if it appears that the deadlines cannot be met, the school must immediately contact its opponent and offer a solution, and must also contact the Commissioner in writing, detailing the circumstances and proposing an equitable solution.

I. If your game is not available to your opponent, you will not be able to access your next opponent’s game.

J. All games played prior to the first GSC league contests will be uploaded, even if this creates a disparity in the number of games available to the competing teams.

2.7 Restrictions against providing Information to Non-GSC Member Institutions. GSC member institutions shall NOT provide any information about GSC member institutions football teams to any non-conference opponent. This includes written and oral reports, video, forwarding newspaper clippings or radio reports, etc. 2.8 Field Phones. Each team provides its own sets of field phones. The home team is not responsible for the visiting team's phones. Equalization of the phones will be enforced only when both teams are using stadium (host-team supplied) phones and one or more becomes inoperable. 2.9 Officials. The GSC Supervisor of Football Officials shall assign a seven-man crew comprised solely of GSC Football Officials Association members plus one Alternate Official for all regular season games hosted by a GSC member school, regardless of the opponent. (updated 6/2015)

A. Split-crews (officials assigned as part of the crew working a GSC game by another league) are prohibited. B. Officials shall be paid by the GSC. The 2015 fee is $325 per field official and $50 per Alternate Official. No

travel expenses are reimbursed. Schools are required to provide soft drinks in the locker room at halftime and a post-game meal. For those schools that do not have locker rooms with shower facilities at their stadiums, transportation must be provided to/from the officials’ locker room to/from the game site.

C. Prior to the start of the season, the GSC Supervisor of Football Officials will provide each GSC head football coach with a game-by-game list of the officials he has assigned to work all of that school’s games for at least the first eight weeks of the season. Changes are at the Supervisor’s discretion. Assignments for the final three weeks may be provided at a later date if based upon in-season performance; otherwise, the entire season’s assignments should be provided prior to the start of the regular season.

D. The GSC Supervisor of Football Officials or a designated observer will formally evaluate each official each time that official works and provide prompt feedback to each crew prior to its next assignment. The GSC Supervisor of Officials will also provide each head coach with an evaluation form for entire crews and includes a comment section for specifics. Each coach will complete one of these forms with 48 hour of his game and e-mail it to the GSC Office so that it is received not later than 5 p.m. on the Monday immediately after the game.

E. GSC Football Officials Association members are precluded from working games involving: 1. His/her alma mater; 2. His/her spouse’s alma mater if the spouse was an athlete there or was otherwise associated with

the athletic department in some capacity (e.g., cheerleader or employee/volunteer); 3. A school at which the official or the spouse is a booster or a member of that school’s booster

support organization; 4. Schools at which the official or spouse is on the Board of Trustees or employed full-time; 5. A school that his/her child attends; 6. A school that his/her child attended and, while enrolled there, was a member of an

intercollegiate team or otherwise involved with athletics (e.g., cheerleader or employee). F. Disciplinary Action: The GSC Supervisor of Football Officials will, through the Office of the Commissioner,

notify all of the GSC Athletic Directors when there are suspensions or other disciplinary measures taken against any GSC Football Official(s). No institution shall release any information about disciplinary actions taken by the Conference against any official(s) – that is the Commissioner’s sole prerogative.

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2.10 Determining the Conference Champion. Standings are based on winning percentage versus GSC opponents.

2.10.1 Eligibility. In order to qualify for the GSC Championship, teams must play the schedule assigned by the GSC.

2.10.2 Ties. The team with the highest winning percentage based on regular season league games played is the GSC Champion. If two or more teams have the same winning percentage, each shall be declared champion. 2.11 Tickets. There are no complimentary tickets for the visiting team at any GSC regular season league game. Ticket prices are determined by the home team. 2.12 Junior Varsity Programs. Any GSC school sponsoring junior varsity (jv) football shall submit that schedule to the Conference Office not later than September 6, 2014. These schedules shall be posted on the GSC web site. Teams must use printed rosters for all jv games. Squad and eligibility lists must be filed with the Conference Office. Any student-athlete who plays against outside competition uses a season of competition per NCAA Rules. This affects future eligibility. A Participation List must be filed with the Conference Office at the end of the season. 2.13 Annual Officiating Clinic. The GSC Football Officials Association and the Supervisor of Officials shall conduct an annual officiating clinic. The head coaches may attend the Annual GSC Football Officials Clinic. Dates are determined by the conference office. 2.14 Sideline Passes. Only duly authorized game participants, members of the media with a visible pass, emergency services staff, cheerleaders in uniform, band members, mascots, or institutional administrators and staff are permitted on the sidelines. Under no circumstances should boosters or other fans be on the field level adjacent to the playing area and team restraining boxes. For safety’s sake and crowd control, this rule must be strictly enforced. Furthermore, anyone on the sideline is held to the same NCAA Football Playing Rules of Conduct as the coaches, players and staff. 2.15 Annual Coaches Meeting. The GSC head football coaches shall meet via conference-call or in-person on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving or on a date selected by the Commissioner. 2.16 Awards. The following awards are provided for Football: Offensive Player of the Week, Defensive Player of the Week, Special Teams Player of the Week, Freshman of the Week, All-Conference (All-GSC) First Team and Second Team, Offensive Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, Offensive Freshman of the Year, Defensive Freshman of the Year (as defined in 15.2), Coach of the Year and All-Academic Team. No other awards are permitted.

2.16.1 Selection Process | Regular Season. The All-GSC process will be conducted at www.gscsports.org/voting. Coaches may only nominate their own players and they cannot vote for their own players. All-GSC Team consists of 31 First Team players and 31 Second Team players (Offense: 1-QB, 1-TE, 1-C; 2-G, 2-T; 2-RB, 4-WR, 1-AP. Defense: 4-DL, 4-LB, 4-DB. Special Teams: 1-K, 1-P, 1-RS, 1-Blocking Team & 1-Utility Special Teams Player).

November 4: The GSC SID opens up the nomination process online. November 10: Nominations must be submitted online by Noon. Coaches are allowed to nominate on

candidate for Offensive, Defensive, Offensive Freshman and Defensive Freshman of the Year. Nominations are not needed for Coach of the Year which is added by the GSC SID on the final ballot. November 12: The GSC SID activates the online ballot for voting. Coaches should vote for: Offense: 1QB, 1-TE, 1-C; 2-G, 2-T; 2-RB, 4-WR, 1-AP. Defense: 4-DL, 4-LB, 4-DB. Special Teams: 1-K, 1-P, 1-RS, 1-Blocking Team & 1-Utility Special Teams Player). Coaches should vote for two nominees in rank order for Offensive, Defensive, Offensive Freshman and Defensive Freshman of the Year and Coach of the Year.

November 16: Votes must be submitted online by Noon.

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November 18: The GSC Office officially releases the All-GSC Team (early notification on Nov. 18) 2.16.2 Selection Process | Weekly Awards. The GSC will honor a "Offensive Player of the Week,"

"Defensive Player of the Week," "Special Teams Player of the Week," "Freshman of the Week" (as defined in 15.2). The institutions will submit nominations at www.gscsports.org/voting by Noon (Central) on Sunday and the Conference Office staff will select the Weekly Award winners. The GSC SID will give the institutions early notification of the winners on Sunday by 5:00 pm (Central).

2.16.3 Selection Process | All-Academic. The Football All-Academic Team consists of 25 student-

athletes. GSC All-Academic Teams will be selected jointly by the FARs and SIDs. Complete details of the All-Academic process can be found in the GSC Awards Manual.

January 4: The GSC SID opens up the nomination process online. January 6: Nominations must be submitted online by Noon. January 8: The GSC SID activates the online ballot for voting. January 11: Votes must be submitted online by Noon. January 13: The GSC Office officially releases the Fall All-Academic Team.

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2015-16 GSC REGULATIONS, POLICIES & PROCEDURES ARTICLE III | VOLLEYBALL

Liaison: Meghan Barter, UWF (850-474-3055; Cell: 850-393-2239) 3.1 General Policy Statement. NCAA Rules apply to all GSC Volleyball matches unless otherwise specified herein. 3.2 Participation. The following 11 schools compete: UAH, Christian Brothers, Lee, Mississippi College, North Alabama, Shorter, Union, Valdosta State, West Alabama, West Florida, West Georgia. Note: Matches versus reclassifying institutions (Mississippi College) count in the standings but such institutions are not eligible for GSC or NCAA postseason competition. 3.3 Official Ball. The official ball is the Molten IV58L Super Touch in either style. It must be used for all League matches and all regular season play hosted by a GSC member institution. GSC schools may not purchase any other brand of volleyball, whether for matches, practices or camps, per the terms of the contract. 3.4 Schedule. Member institutions shall play a double round-robin schedule. The Commissioner will issue the conference schedule. All matches must be best-of-five. 3.5 Pre-Match Protocol. The official NCAA Pre-Match Protocol shall be used for all GSC matches. The court must be set up and available to both teams at least 60 minutes prior to the start of the match. 3.6 Warm-Ups. The hour preceding the official warm-up time shall be divided so that the first 30 minutes are reserved for a “walk through” by the home team, and the second 30 shall be for the visiting team. 3.7 Public Address Announcement – Sportsmanship. The public address announcer shall read the Sportsmanship Statement in the 2014 NCAA Volleyball Championship Handbook prior to each match hosted by a GSC member. It must also be printed in the game program. 3.8 Dress-Out Limits & Total Team Substitutions. NCAA Rules limit total team substitutions to 15 per team, with unlimited entries per player. There shall be no dress out limit for any team. 3.9 Uniforms. The home team will wear light color uniforms on the first day of a conference series and wear dark color uniforms on the second day of the series unless previously agreed upon by both coaches. 12/2013 3.10 Standings. Only matches listed as official league matches count in the standings. Standings shall be determined by winning percentage. 3.11 Minimum Standards for Officials. Officials must be NAGWS-state rated or USVBA certified officials for all GSC in-season events and the Championship Tournament. Line judges must use flags at all GSC matches. Officials must be paid prior to the start of the match.

A. No person listed on a volleyball team’s GSC Eligibility or NCAA Squad Lists may judge lines in conference league matches. If only one official is present at the scheduled starting time, the match shall start on time.

B. If the officials are late, both teams are entitled to the standard 20-minute warm-up beginning from the point at which the officials arrive unless both coaches agree to a different warm-up.

C. Line judges must be PAVO-certified, or certified by state or regional chapter or participating in a recognized regional certification program.

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3.12 Scouting. In-person scouting for regular season matches is prohibited. No GSC coach or staff member associated with volleyball may attend a match involving any other GSC team except for in-season tournaments, the GSC Championship Tournament and the NCAA Tournament. 3.12.1 Video Exchange. GameTapeXchange is the video exchange service for the GSC. Requirements for exchange are listed below

A. Video shall be captured from a baseline angle on the home bench side of the court. Exemptions from this requirement will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the Commissioner. 6/2015

B. The home team must complete the upload of its match no later than 11:59 p.m. or 4 hours after the completion of its match, whichever is later, on the day the match is played.

C. If two GSC teams play at a neutral site, the designated home team for that match will be responsible for completing the upload within six hours of arriving back at its campus.

D. If a GSC team plays a non-GSC opponent on the road or at a neutral site, the GSC team is responsible for completing the upload within six hours of its arrival back on its campus.

E. All video equipment (camera, switcher, computer, etc.) utilized to capture game video must be set up according to specifications provided by the online video exchange provider. It is the responsibility of the team uploading the video to confirm settings. Failure to meet these deadlines and/or uploading poor quality video shall be sanctioned by the Commissioner – first offense $200, second $300 and third $500 if in the same season. Continued non-compliance may lead to other sanctions such as exclusion from the GSC Tournament.

3.13 Statisticians. Prior to the start of the season the head coach shall meet with and educate all stat crew members as well as the SID or designee responsible for volleyball stats and reporting. The host team’s SID or an appropriately trained designee must attend all volleyball matches hosted by the institution, and is responsible for collecting and distributing accurate statistics within a reasonable time after the completion of each match. 3.14 Towels. At least five bench towels will be available at the visiting team’s bench. 3.15 Athletic Trainers. The athletic trainer’s room and a certified athletic trainer must be available at least 90 minutes prior to the start of each League match. 3.16 Administrators at Every Match. The host school must assign an administrator to attend every GSC match hosted at its institution. 3.17 Ball Rotation. Ball rotation is mandatory at all GSC League and Championship Tournament matches. At least two people shall work the rotation. 3.18 Awards. The following awards are provided for Volleyball: Offensive Player of the Week, Defensive of the Week, Freshman of the Week, All-Conference (All-GSC) First Team and Second Team, Player of the Year, Freshman of the Year (as defined in 15.2), Coach of the Year, All-Tournament Team, Tournament Most Outstanding Player and All-Academic Team. No other awards are permitted. .

3.18.1 Selection Process | Regular Season. The All-GSC process will be conducted at www.gscsports.org/voting. Coaches may only nominate their own players and they cannot vote for their own players. All-GSC Team consists of nine First Team players and nine Second Team players regardless of position.

November 4: The GSC SID opens up the nomination process online.

November 9: Nominations must be submitted online by Noon. Teams may also nominate one candidate for Freshman of the Year. Nominations are not needed for Player or Coach of the Year which are part of the final ballot process. 6/2015

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November 11: The GSC SID activates the online ballot for voting. Coaches should vote for nine players in rank order. The player with the highest point total will be named GSC Player of the Year. Coaches shall vote for Freshman of the Year and Coach of the Year separately with the highest vote getter earning the award. 6/2015

November 13: Votes must be submitted online by Noon.

November 16: The GSC Office officially releases the All-GSC Team (early notification on November 15) 3.18.2 Selection Process | Tournament. The All-Tournament Team consists of six players plus a Most

Outstanding Player (seven total members). The team will be selected by the head coaches of participating teams based on their finish in the

championship. The champion earns three selections (including Most Outstanding Player), the runner-up earns two selections and each non-advancing semifinalist earns one player. Each coach will be asked to list their selections after their final tournament contest is completed. 6/2015

3.18.3 Selection Process | Academic. The Volleyball All-Academic Team consists of 10 student-athletes. GSC All-Academic Teams will be selected jointly by the FARs and SIDs. Complete details of the All-Academic process can be found in the GSC Awards Manual.

January 4: The GSC SID opens up the nomination process online.

January 6: Nominations must be submitted online by Noon.

January 8: The GSC SID activates the online ballot for voting.

January 11: Votes must be submitted online by Noon.

January 13: The GSC Office officially releases the Fall All-Academic Team.

3.18.4 Selection Process | Weekly Awards. The GSC will honor a “Offensive Player of the Week”, a "Defensive Player of the Week” and a “Freshman of the Week” (as defined in 15.2). The institutions will submit nominations at www.gscsports.org/voting by Noon (Central) on Monday and the Conference Office staff will select the Weekly Award winners. The GSC SID will give the institutions early notification of the winners on Monday by 2:00 pm (Central).

CHAMPIONSHIP TOURNAMENT 3.19 Tournament Format. The conference tournament will be a six-team, three-day single elimination tournament. First round matches shall feature No. 6 at No. 3 and No. 5 at No. 4. Semifinals and final will be hosted by the top seed with No. 1 playing winner of No. 3 vs No. 6 and No. 2 playing the winner of No. 4 vs No. 5. 6/2014 3.20 Tournament Dates. The dates for the championship shall be determined by the membership. First round matches shall be conducted on the Tuesday preceding the championship final and hosted by the highest seed in each match. The semifinals and final will be hosted by the top seed and shall be conducted on Saturday and Sunday. 6/2014 3.21 Match Times. All start times shall be recommended by the host institution and approved by the conference office. First round matches are recommended to be held no earlier than 6:00pm local time and no later than 7:30pm local. Semifinal matches are recommended to be held at 2:00pm and 4:30pm local time with the final conducted no earlier than noon and no later than 2:00pm and shall be determined by the host institution and approved by the conference office. 6/2014 3.22 Tiebreakers. In the event of a tie for a seed, the NCAA Rulebook Tie-Breaker Method “B” will be used (listed below).

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Method B-Head to Head Competition and Point Differential

1. Match record - Total Competition in the league 2. Match results - Head to Head in league play 3. Game record - Head to Head in league play 4. Game record - Total Competition (all games combined in league play) 5. Point differential of match(es) between tied teams 6. Point differential based on total competition 7. Coin flip

Point differentials shall be determined by subtracting the total points lost from the total points won for each team in league play. The highest plus or the lowest minus remainder shall be considered the superior team for tie-breaking purposes. Win, loss, and forfeit points are not used. Actual match and game scores are used. 3.23 Host Institution. The “host institution” for the GSC Championship Tournament is treated as a neutral site host. It is not automatically the “home” team for matches but it handles all of the administrative duties of the host team. The “home” team for each match is the higher seeded team; when like seeds meet, a coin toss determines the “home” team for official scoring and warm-up purposes. The “host” team is always the “home” team on the scoreboard. If the first place team is unable to host, or its facility is deemed inadequate by the Commissioner, the second place team shall host, and on down the standings until a suitable host is found. Teams may not host the Tournament in their first year of play in the GSC league. 3.24 Host Responsibilities. The host institution is responsible for all costs of the tournament, including a certified athletic trainer who is on-site for all practices & matches, other than for officials. The GSC covers up to $1,800 in pre-approved expenses, provided a budget is submitted and approved at least one week prior to the tournament. All gate receipts are remitted to the Conference Office. 3.25 Statistics and Results. The host institution must provide statisticians for all matches and transmission of results to the media and the conference office at the end of each day of competition. 3.26 Officials. Officials must be USVBA or NAGWS state-rated with significant college experience. Line judges must be certified at the high school level or higher, or be an NIRSA collegiate player or a USAV Level “A” or above member to work the GSC Tournament. Line judges must be appropriately attired per NCAA rules and use flags in all matches. 3.27 Championship Meeting. The coaches of the involved teams shall meet prior to the start of the Tournament to finalize the seedings and discuss any other issues. 3.29 Protest Committee. The protest committee is comprised of the tournament director, head official and the GSC Volleyball Liaison. If the Liaison’s team is involved, the Liaison is replaced by a coach or administrator from a team that is not affected by the protest, provided one is available; if no one else is available, the Committee shall proceed without the Liaison. The Commissioner shall hear any appeal of the Protest Committee’s decision and otherwise review such decision before it is finalized. 3.29 Pre-Game Warm-Ups. The NCAA Pre-Match Warm-Up format, which provides 41 minutes of on-the-court time, will be used for the GSC Tournament.

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2015-16 GSC REGULATIONS, POLICIES & PROCEDURES ARTICLE IV | SOCCER (M/W)

Coordinator of Officials: Eric Ackermann (251-776-3571 | ericsoccerhome@aol.com) Liaison: Dave Scott (850-291-9108)

4.1 General Policy Statement. NCAA Rules apply to all GSC Soccer matches unless otherwise specified herein. 4.2 Participation.

4.2.1 Women’s Soccer. All GSC full members and Spring Hill (affiliate member) compete. Note: Matches versus reclassifying institutions (Mississippi College, Spring Hill) count in the standings but such institutions are not eligible for GSC or NCAA postseason competition. 4.2.2 Men’s Soccer. The following 10 schools compete: UAH, Christian Brothers, Delta State, Lee, Mississippi College, Shorter, Spring Hill (affiliate member), Union, West Alabama, West Florida. Note: Matches versus reclassifying institutions (Mississippi College, Spring Hill) count in the standings but such institutions are not eligible for GSC or NCAA postseason competition. 4.3 Official Ball. There is no official ball. Teams may select their own official ball for regular season play and the host institution will provide the official ball for championship play in the first round of the GSC Tournament only. For semifinals and finals, the GSC shall provide the same game ball designated for NCAA Championship play. 6/2015 4.4 Schedule. Member institutions shall play a single round-robin schedule. The Commissioner will issue the conference schedule. League matches may be played at neutral sites, as part of regular season tournaments or as home-away alternate year scheduling if both institutions mutually agree and indicate in writing to the Commissioner that a match shall count as the league match. All conference matches shall be played not later than the final weekend of October. 4.5 Standings. A points standing system will be used for conference standings. Standings will be listed from most points to least points where a win equals three (3) points; a tie equals one (1) point; a loss equals zero (0) points. 4.6 Dress-Out Limits. For league and GSC Championship Tournament matches, there is no travel squad limit, but the dress-out limit is 22 student-athletes for both teams. There are no limits for non-league matches versus GSC or non-GSC teams. 4.7 Bench Area/Officials Table: The host institution must provide a secure area behind both benches and the scorer's table. A uniformed security guard shall escort the officials off the field after all matches. 4.8 Officials. The conference will assign officials for all GSC matches. Institutions shall be responsible for assignment of non-conference matches. For 2015, the fee schedule is $175.00 for the referee, $130.00 for each assistant referee and $50.00 for a fourth official (used at the institution’s discretion for regular season play). Member institutions are responsible for payment and arrangements must be made prior to the start of the game. Schedules should be submitted to the coordinator of officials by May 31. 4.9 Yellow/Red Cards: The GSC will post the cumulative number of red and yellow cards assessed against each player on GSC teams on its web site and on the NCAA Red Card Site so that records and NCAA-mandated suspensions are correctly handled. 4.10 Ball Retrievers. The host institution must supply at least four ball retrievers of appropriate age. 4.11 Awards. The following awards are provided for Soccer: Fair Play Award, Player of the Week, Defender of the Week, Freshman of the Week, All-Conference (All-GSC) First Team and Second Team, Player of the Year,

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Freshman of the Year (as defined in 15.2), Coach of the Year, All-Tournament Team, Tournament Most Outstanding Player and All-Academic Team. No other awards are permitted.

4.11.1 Selection Process | Regular Season. The All-GSC process will be conducted at www.gscsports.org/voting. Coaches may only nominate their own players and they cannot vote for their own players. All-GSC Team consists of 11 First Team players and 11 Second Team players (11 (1-GK, 3-F, 4-MF, 3-D).

October 21: The GSC SID opens up the nomination process online. October 26: Nominations must be submitted online by Noon. Coaches are allowed to nominate two

candidates for Player of the Year and one candidate for Freshman of the Year. Nominations are not needed for Coach of the Year which is added by the GSC SID on the final ballot.

October 28: The GSC SID activates the online ballot for voting. Coaches should vote for: 1-GK, 3-F, 4-MF and 3-D. Coaches should vote for three players in rank order for Player of the Year with the player receiving the most points named the Player of the Year. Only vote is needed for Freshman and Coach of the Year.

October 30: Votes must be submitted online by Noon. November 2: The GSC Office officially releases the All-GSC Team (early notification on November 1)

4.11.2 Selection Process | Tournament. The All-Tournament Team consists of 11 players plus a Most

Outstanding Player (12 total members). The All-Tournament Teams will be selected by the head coaches of each of the participating teams based on their finish in the championships. The champion earns four selections, the runner-up three, and the third and fourth place teams two each, for a total of 11 honorees. The Most Outstanding Player (MOP) will be nominated by the coaches playing in the championship game and selected by the sports information directors in attendance. One person from each team that plays in the Championship Game will be nominated by his/her head coach. The MOP will be one of the 11 members of the All-Tournament Team (the MOP does not create a 12th honoree).

4.11.3 Selection Process | Weekly Awards. The GSC will honor a “Player of the Week”, a “Defender of

the Week” and “Freshman of the Week” (as defined in 15.2). The institutions will submit nominations at www.gscsports.org/voting by Noon (Central) on Monday and the Conference Office staff will select the Weekly Award winners. The GSC SID will give the institutions early notification of the winners on Monday by 2:00 pm (Central).

4.11.4 Selection Process | All-Academic. The Soccer All-Academic Team consists of 11 student-athletes.

GSC All-Academic Teams will be selected jointly by the FARs and SIDs. Complete details of the All-Academic process can be found in the GSC Awards Manual.

January 4: The GSC SID opens up the nomination process online. January 6: Nominations must be submitted online by Noon. January 8: The GSC SID activates the online ballot for voting. January 11: Votes must be submitted online by Noon. January 13: The GSC Office officially releases the Fall All-Academic Team.

4.11.5 Fair Play Award. The GSC shall recognize annually a Fair Play Award. The three conference teams

who have accumulated the fewest cards (yellow and red cards combined) throughout the course of the season shall be nominated for the award. Coaches shall vote on the winner from the nominees. Voting process shall be conducted following the conclusion of the GSC Tournament.

November 9: The GSC SID sends the list of three teams to the coaches. November 11: Votes must be submitted online by Noon. November 12: The GSC Office officially releases the award winners

6/2015

CHAMPIONSHIP TOURNAMENT

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4.12 Tournament Format. The conference tournament will be a six-team, three-day single elimination tournament. First round matches shall feature No. 6 at No. 3 and No. 5 at No. 4. Semifinals and final will be hosted by the top seed with No. 1 playing winner of No. 4 vs No. 5 and No. 2 playing the winner of No. 3 vs No. 6. If the men’s and women’s championship is held jointly, the semifinals for each tournament will be held in consecutive matches. The conference in conjunction with the host shall determine the order of play. 6/2014 4.12.1 Facilities. All GSC facilities used for regular season play shall also be approved for GSC postseason play. Any new facilities or renovations to current facilities should attempt to meet minimum NCAA Regional hosting requirements to the greatest degree possible. 6/2015 4.13 Tournament Dates. The dates for the championship shall be held the weekend immediately preceding the first round of the NCAA Regional. First round matches shall be conducted on the Tuesday preceding the championship final and hosted by the highest seed in each match. The semifinals and final shall be conducted on Friday and Sunday with the top seed hosting each round. 6/2014 4.14 Match Times. All start times shall be recommended by the host institution and approved by the conference office. 6/2014 4.15 Tournament Participants. The top six (6) teams in the final regular season standings will qualify for the Championship and be seeded according to their standing. 4.16 Tiebreaker. The tiebreaker format shall be as follows:

A. Two-way ties. For seeding or determining the final playoff berth use the following tie-breaker system: 1) Head to head result in GSC league match; 2) GSC power rating: determined by awarding 5 points for a league win, 1 pt. for a league tie, 1

additional pt. for a league shutout win, 1 pt. for goals scored up to three per match; 3) Least Total Goals Allowed in all GSC matches combined; and, 4) Commissioner's coin toss.

b. Multiple team ties. For seeding or determining the final playoff berth:

1) The head-to-head league results among the teams will break the tie (if one team has a better record in league matches against the other teams involved in the tie, it gets the advantage);

2) Power rating as explained above; 3) Least goals allowed in all league matches; and, 4) Commissioner’s coin toss.

4.17 Travel and Dress-Out Squad Roster Limits. There are no travel squad size limits for the GSC Championship Tournament, but only 22 players may dress for and play in each match. Teams may change their 22-player roster prior to each match during the Tournament. Players who are not listed on the dress-out roster for a match may sit on the team bench (subject to NCAA Rules) but must wear street clothes and may not participate in warm-ups or other game-related activities, and are subject to all rules of conduct. 4.18 All-Tournament Team. The All-Tournament Team will be selected by the head coaches of each of the participating teams based on their finish in the championships. The champion earns four selections, the runner-up three, and the third and fourth place teams two each, for a total of 11 honorees. The coaches will name the players from their own teams after their teams are either eliminated in the Semi-Finals (each losing team’s coach selects two of his/her own players) or after the Final (the winner names four players from his/her own team, the loser, three). The Most Outstanding Player (MOP) will be nominated by the coaches playing in the championship game and selected by the sports information directors in attendance. (One person from each team that plays in the Championship Game will be nominated by his/her head coach.) The MOP will be one of the 11 members of the All-Tournament Team. 4.19 Officials. The Commissioner contracts the match officials.

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4.20 Practice. Practice is permitted on the day preceding the first round and semifinals, provided there are sufficient fields and time slots available at the Tournament site. The Commissioner will assign practice times based upon availability. Should a neutral site be used, no GSC squad may practice or compete on the championship match pitch at any time during the NCAA Fall season prior to the start of the GSC Championship Tournaments unless the Commissioner grants the team(s) a waiver. Teams must participate in any community engagement activities held in conjunction with the Championships unless excused by the Commissioner. 4.21 Additional Responsibilities of the Host Institution or Organization. The host must supply ball boys/girls, official table staff, certified athletic trainer and staff, emergency services plan, official scorer, clock operator and public address announcer, plus any other necessary support personnel.

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2015-16 GSC REGULATIONS, POLICIES & PROCEDURES ARTICLE V | CROSS COUNTRY (M/W)

Liaison: Dana George, Delta State (662-846-4300 office, 662-719-0055 cell)

5.1 General Policy Statement. NCAA Rules apply to all GSC Cross Country competitions unless otherwise specified herein. 5.2 Participation. Each member sponsoring the sport at a varsity level must send a full team to compete at the GSC Championship.

5.2.1 Women’s Cross Country. All GSC members compete. Note: Reclassifying institutions (Mississippi College) may participate in the championship but are not eligible for awards. 5.2.2 Men’s Cross Country. The following 11 schools compete: Alabama Huntsville, Christian Brothers, Lee, Mississippi College, North Alabama, Shorter, Union, Valdosta State, West Alabama, West Florida, West Georgia. Note: Reclassifying institutions (Mississippi College) may participate in the championship but are not eligible for awards. 5.3 Regular Season Competition. There shall be no official conference competition prior to the championship meet. Institutions shall post all meet results and times on their athletics websites. The GSC shall provide a link to season results from the main sport page on the GSC website. CHAMPIONSHIP MEET

5.4 Course Distance. 5.4.1 Women. The women’s race shall be 5000 meters (5K). 5.4.2 Men. The men’s race shall be 8000 meters (8K). 5.5 Entrants. The GSC meet dress-out roster limit is nine (9) student-athletes. All entrants must wear numbers on the front and back of their uniforms. 5.6 Championship Date. The conference championship meet shall be held two weeks prior to the NCAA Regional. The men and women shall run on the same date. 5.7 Championship Format. . The team with the best score wins the championship, provided at least five of its runners finish the course. Teams may enter up to nine individuals, but only the best five count in the team’s final score; however, the sixth and seventh finishers from a team may displace runners from other teams to drop them to lower finishes. 5.8 Starting Times. Each year, men and women will alternate start times. Women shall run first in even years and men shall run first in odd years. Preferred start times are 9:00am and 10:00am local time. 5.9 Pre-Race Meeting. The host shall schedule a meeting for all coaches the day before the meet. Starting box assignments, review of previous year results and discussion of meet procedures will be among topics covered. 5.10 Course Inspection. The course shall be available for inspection and practice on the day before the championship meet. 5.11 Results. Results shall be posted as soon as possible following the meet and allow for a 30-minute period for challenges and protests unless waived by all coaches.

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5.12 Awards. The following awards are provided for Cross Country: Runner of the Week, Freshman Runner of the Week, All-Conference (All-GSC) First Team and Second Team, Individual Medalist, Freshman of the Year (as defined in 15.2), Coach of the Year and All-Academic Team. No other awards are permitted.

5.12.1 Selection Process | Regular Season. All-Conference and yearly awards are performance-based honors and are determined by finishing times at the annual GSC Cross Country Championship Meet. The 1st through 10th finishers are automatically assigned to the First Team , while the 11th through 20th finishers are automatically Second Team.

The first-place runner earns the "Individual Medalist" and the freshman with the best time is named “Freshman of the Year.” The head coaches will select the "Coach of the Year" via an e-mail vote to the Cross Country Liaison on the Monday immediately after the Championship meet (October 24, 2015). All votes must be received no later than 5 p.m. Central Time. Coaches cannot vote for themselves. The results will be released by the GSC on Tuesday, October 27. 5.12.2 Selection Process | Weekly Awards. The GSC will honor a “Runner of the Week” and a “Freshman Runner of the Week” (as defined in 15.2). The institutions will submit nominations at www.gscsports.org/voting by Noon (Central) on Wednesday and the Conference Office staff will select the Weekly Award winners. The GSC SID will release the official results on Wednesday by 2:00 pm (Central).

5.12.3 Selection Process | All-Academic. The Cross Country All-Academic Team consists of seven

student-athletes. GSC All-Academic Teams will be selected jointly by the FARs and SIDs. Complete details of the All-Academic process can be found in the GSC Awards Manual.

January 4: The GSC SID opens up the nomination process online. January 6: Nominations must be submitted online by Noon. January 8: The GSC SID activates the online ballot for voting. January 11: Votes must be submitted online by Noon.

January 13: The GSC Office officially releases the Fall All-Academic Team.

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2015-16 GSC REGULATIONS, POLICIES & PROCEDURES ARTICLE VI | BASKETBALL (M/W)

Coordinator of Officials: John Caldwell (901-486-3873 | jandpc1@comcast.net) Liaison: Larry Carpenter, Lee (423-614-8440)

6.1 General Policy Statement. NCAA Rules apply to all GSC Basketball games unless otherwise specified herein. 6.2 Participation. All GSC members compete. Note: Games versus reclassifying institutions (Mississippi College) count in the standings but such institutions are not eligible for GSC or NCAA postseason competition. 6.3 Official Ball. GSC schools must use the Wilson Official NCAA Basketball for all games. This is year one of a five-year agreement (expires June 30, 2019). 6/2014 6.4 Schedule. Member institutions shall play a double round-robin schedule. The Commissioner will issue the conference schedule. All games will be scheduled as doubleheaders. The order of play and starting times shall be agreed upon by both institutions. 6.4.1 Schedule Changes. Member institutions may request schedule changes by mutual agreement of the participating institutions. The request shall be sent from the Director of Athletics (or designated administrator) via email from both institutions including any additional information necessary for consideration. The Commissioner will consider the effect of the request and either approve or not approve the request. 6.5 Standings. Only games listed as official league games count in the standings. Standings shall be determined by winning percentage. 6.6 Dress-Out Limits. The dress-out limit for regular season conference games and GSC Championship games is 14. 6.7 Practice. The visiting team has the right to a closed practice at a reasonable time, subject to any special limitations of the facility (e.g. Phys. Ed. classes use the second floor behind the bleachers). 6.8 Pre-game Protocols. The court must be available for pre-game warm-ups at least 27 minutes before tip-off time. For doubleheaders, after the first game of a GSC league doubleheader, as soon as the floor has been cleared and dust mopped, the clock shall be set at 25:00 and started. The introductions for the second game shall begin when the clock reads 0:00. If the first game runs late, the same procedure applies unless otherwise agreed to by both coaches or set by the Commissioner or his/her designee. No activities (e.g. awards ceremonies) may be conducted during those 25 minutes without prior consent from both of the second game’s head coaches. 6.9 Starting Times. The first game of each doubleheader must start at the scheduled time. All pre-game ceremonies must be completed prior to the scheduled starting time, including the national anthem, senior nights, etc. For the second game of doubleheaders, once the floor is cleared and dust-mopped, the clock shall be set at 25:00 to count down to the start of the second game. 6.9.1 Saturday Start Times. All Saturday doubleheaders shall be scheduled to start no later than 2:00pm local time. Exemptions to this policy may be requested by mutual agreement of participants. 6/2015 6.10 Court Restrictions. Teams participating in the second game of a doubleheader shall not be on the court within one hour of the start of the first game of a doubleheader, nor shall they be on the court

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during halftime of the first game of a doubleheader. For single games, only the participating teams may be on the court within one hour of game time or during halftime. 6.11 Halftime Policies. Halftime shall be the standard 15 minutes unless otherwise agreed to by both head coaches. The host team must provide a blackboard with chalk and an eraser OR a writing board with a magic marker/felt pen and eraser, seats for at least 18 people and water for the visiting team in the locker room. Halftime activities must be completed within the first 10 minutes because the final five minutes are required for on-the-court warm-ups prior to the second half. 6.12 Table Personnel. The host team is responsible for providing and paying scorers, timers, shot clock operators and other game management personnel. Table personnel should be appropriately trained and experienced, and preferably not undergraduate students or employees with ties to the team. Only the game clock operator is permitted to wear an official’s jersey. 6.13 Officials. The conference will assign three-person officiating crews for all GSC games, conference and non-conference. For 2015-16, the fee schedule is $225.00 per game per official. Coaches may not “scratch” any official.

6.13.1 Locker Room. Host institutions shall supply towels, soap and soft drinks (halftime and post-game) for the officials' locker room(s) and shall ensure that these rooms are clean, have hot water, adequate lockers and heat, and functioning door locks. These rooms should be used exclusively by the officials from 60 minutes prior to the scheduled starting time of the first game until 60 minutes after the completion of the final game. A security guard shall escort the officials off the court, be stationed outside the locker room while the officials are inside and ensure their safe departure after the game, even if it means escorting them to their personal vehicles.

6.13.2 Split Crews. GSC rules prohibit using split crews at any game hosted by a GSC member.

For neutral site and road games versus non-GSC opponents and for the NCAA Tournament, the GSC will assign officials to split crews. 6.14 Scouting. All coaches and staff members are responsible for understanding and adhering to the rules for conference scouting outlined below: Providing scouting information (through any means – video, written, oral, etc.) to non-conference opponents concerning conference member teams is prohibited, except as detailed in 6.14.4(B). Providing scouting information to conference member teams concerning non-conference opponents is permitted.

6.14.1 In-Person Scouting | Preseason & Regular Season. No GSC school may do any in-person scouting of another GSC member during preseason competition or regular season games. EXCEPTION: Coaches may attend games involving other GSC teams during in-season tournaments if their own team is competing in that tournament.

6.14.2 In-Person Scouting | GSC Tournament. Coaches may attend all games at the GSC Championship Tournaments, regardless of affiliation or participation.

6.14.3 Video Exchange | Regular Season. The GSC will use Synergy as its official video

exchange and editing service provider. Each institution must subscribe at the minimum level to the service. The host team must record the entire game from the side opposite the team benches and provide the visitors with a crisp, clear copy immediately after the game unless the visiting team opts to do its own recording. Space and a nearby power source must be provided for the visiting team to record the game if requested in advance. The score and game time shall be shown as often as possible, especially when play is stopped; all in-bounds plays shall be included. Videographers are required to film all unsportsmanlike conduct, including post-game incidents.

6.14.4 Video Exchange Procedures.

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A. For all games involving two GSC teams and for all non-conference games in which the GSC team is the home team, the GSC home team is responsible for filming and then uploading the game, which must be on the web site by not later than 10 a.m. the next day.

B. For games versus non-GSC schools that are played at non-GSC schools, the GSC team must upload the game by Noon on the day it returns from the road game. EXCEPTION: Teams that play between January 1-6 must post their by 10 a.m. the next day.

C. Beyond the access provided through the Synergy service, no uploads or access to any games, or any other information about any GSC team may be given to a non-GSC school or its representatives except as required by the NCAA in the National Championship Tournament.

D. All video equipment (camera, switcher, computer, etc.) utilized to capture game video must be set up according to specifications provided by the online video exchange provider. It is the responsibility of the team uploading the video to confirm settings.

E. Failure to meet those standards or otherwise capture the settings outlined shall result in the offending school re-uploading its game within four hours after being so-informed by the opposing school and a $200 fine. Each succeeding offense results in the same four-hour requirement and an additional $100 per fine (so the second offense is $300, etc.) A fifth offense by the same team shall be referred to the GSC Executive Committee.

F. In case of catastrophic incident (massive equipment failure, lightning strike, etc.), the school that is unable to capture or upload a game shall immediately contact the online video exchange provider, who may be able to provide assistance. After that call, if it appears that the deadlines cannot be met, the school must immediately contact its opponent and offer a solution, and must also contact the Commissioner in writing, detailing the circumstances and proposing an equitable solution.

G. If your game is not available to your opponent, you will not have access to that opponent’s games. 6.14.5 Penalties for Violations. The Commissioner shall enforce the ban on scouting and the

video exchange to the letter of the law and levy penalties for violations. The penalty for failure to deliver requested video within a reasonable time may include denial of video for future games, reduction of squad size for the game with that team and/or other penalties.

6.14.6 Video Exchange | GSC Postseason. The video exchange rules are in effect for the GSC Tournament. First round winners may scout the other teams in-person, but will also receive DVDs of their games at the site as soon as possible following the completion of games. 6.15 NCAA Boxes and Statistics. The home team must provide complete NCAA halftime and post-game boxes to both teams in a timely fashion. The halftime and post-game statistics must include complete NCAA Boxes. The home team must also provide a convenient phone for the visiting SID to make all post-game phone calls (the visiting SIDs calls should take precedence because of the need to travel after the game). Both teams must use NCAA-style scorebooks. High-speed internet access is required at courtside, with access for both teams’ SIDs and media. 6.16 Time-Outs. If either or both teams have a commercial radio or television broadcast of the game, then NCAA Playing Rule 5, Article 14-10 D (the first time out called during the second half shall become a time out the length of the media time out) page 63 of the NCAA Basketball Rule Book) applies and the time-outs will be at the next dead ball after the 16:00, 12:00, 8:00 and 4:00 marks in each half. These media time-outs must be 75-seconds. If a team calls a 75-second time-out after the 16:00 mark and before a media time out can be called, that time out also serves as the media time out. It is recommended that all teams keep a copy of the time out rule page from the NCAA Rule Book at the scorer’s table. Internet radio and television broadcasts are considered commercial broadcasts for purposes of this rule if they include paid sponsorships, advertising or pay-per-view fees. 6.17 Security. The host team must provide adequate security for the officials, visiting teams & fans. 6.18 Bands & Fan Behavior. Organized bands are welcome at Conference basketball games, but will not be permitted to play behind the visiting team's bench or in its immediate vicinity. NCAA rules prohibit

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bands from playing while the ball is alive. Artificial noisemakers, clickers and air horns are forbidden. Bands may not use instruments as artificial noisemakers (e.g., banging them on the floor) while the ball is alive, or engage in other unsportsmanlike conduct. The host Director of Athletics is responsible for removing illegal noisemakers from the arena. A restraining area of at least 10 feet is required between the visiting team’s bench and the host school’s fans. The first five rows behind the visiting team's bench should be reserved for the visiting team's fans or left vacant if attendance permits, with the understanding that they may be sold as season tickets for non-students. The host institution should exercise increased vigilance if it sells those seats to its own fans.

6.18.1 Unsportsmanlike Conduct. Unruly fans should be warned once by the host school’s Director of Athletics and/or security, before being re-seated in another area. Ejection from the arena is mandatory if the unruly individual(s) refuse to cooperate.

6.18.2 Sportsmanship Statement. The GSC does not tolerate obscene or threatening language, chants, signs or gestures; racial- or religious-based derogatory remarks or signs; fan interference with the conduct of the game; and other socially unacceptable behavior. Violations should be reported to the host Director of Athletics immediately. GSC institutions MUST make a sportsmanship announcement before each game.

Suggested wording for pre-game announcement: "Ladies and gentlemen, we'd like to remind you that college basketball is a family game. (names of both institutions) and the Gulf South Conference ask that you choose your language carefully and think about how you behave. Unsportsmanlike conduct will not be tolerated. Violators will be re-seated or ejected from the building. Let's keep GSC basketball a family game!"

6.19 Spirit Teams | Regular Season. Uniformed cheerleaders, mascots and dance teams will be admitted free to all regular season and GSC Championship Tournament games.

6.19.1 Entry on to the Playing Area. Mascots and cheerleaders may enter the playing area only during full timeouts and other extended dead ball periods (e.g., injury), and shall not engage in any unsportsmanlike conduct at any time prior to, during or after the game(s).

6.19.2 Use of Megaphones. Megaphones shall be used for voice-direction only. Per the NCAA Playing Rules for basketball, they may not be banged on the floor, struck with the hand or otherwise used as artificial noise-makers.

6.19.3 Language & Abusive Behavior. Derisive language directed at the opposing team or the game officials is prohibited. The host institution must prevent any interference with the game and the officials. Any cheerleader, mascot or fan who violates these rules will be sanctioned. Violations may result in forfeiture of the game or immediate ejection from the arena. A second offense of this nature by the same individual will result in immediate ejection from the arena.

6.19.4 Halftime Routines. Regular season: halftime routines and time limits are at the discretion of the host institution. At the GSC Championship Tournament, they are at the Commissioner’s discretion. 6.20 Tickets. The host institution must provide at least 48 participant passes (24 for the men and 24 for the women) and set aside at least 24 seats for the visiting teams’ players and staff. These are not “complimentary tickets.” GSC rules prohibit complimentary tickets for the visiting team for any games between Gulf South Conference teams (this includes non-league games between GSC members).

6.20.1 Home team tickets: NCAA rules permit each member of the host team to list the names of up to four persons designated to receive one complimentary ticket to each home game. The person designated must SIGN for the ticket and show positive ID. Season passes for families and other guests of players are strictly prohibited. The list is on a game-by-game basis. There are no advance complimentary tickets.

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6.21 Awards. The following awards are provided for Men's and Women's Basketball: Player of the Week, Freshman of the Week, All-Conference (All-GSC) First Team and Second Team, Player of the Year, Freshman of the Year (as defined in 15.2), Coach of the Year, All-Tournament Team, Tournament Most Outstanding Player and All-Academic Team. No other awards are permitted.

6.21.1 Selection Process | Regular Season. The All-GSC process will be conducted at www.gscsports.org/voting. Coaches may only nominate their own players and they cannot vote for their own players. All-GSC Team consists of five First Team players and five Second Team players regardless of position.

February 19: The GSC SID opens up the nomination process online. February 24: Nominations must be submitted online by Noon. Coaches are allowed to nominate

one candidate Freshman of the Year. Nominations are not needed for Coach of the Year which is added by the GSC SID on the final ballot.

February 26: The GSC SID activates the online ballot for voting. Coaches should select 10 players regardless of position in rank order. The player listed at the top of 10-player list will receive 10 points, while the final player listed will receive 1 point. The player receiving the most points will be named the Player of the Year.

February 28: Votes must be submitted online by Noon. February 29: The GSC Office officially releases the All-GSC Team (early notification on March 1).

6.21.2 Selection Process | Weekly Awards. The GSC will honor a “Player of the Week” and a

“Freshman of the Week” (as defined in 15.2). The institutions will submit nominations at www.gscsports.org/voting by Noon (Central) on Monday and the Conference Office staff will select the Weekly Award winners. The GSC SID will give the institutions early notification of the winners on Monday by 2:00 pm (Central).

6.21.3 Selection Process | All-Tournament. The All-Tournament Team consists of five players

plus a Most Outstanding Player (six total members). The GSC SID will distribute the ballot to voters before the start of the Championship Game.

6.21.4 Selection Process | All-Academic. The Basketball All-Academic Teams consists of five

student-athletes. GSC All-Academic Teams will be selected jointly by the FARs and SIDs. Complete details of the All-Academic process can be found in the GSC Awards Manual.

March 8: The GSC SID opens up the nomination process online. March 11: Nominations must be submitted online by Noon. March 15: The GSC SID activates the online ballot for voting. March 18: Votes must be submitted online by Noon.

March 21: The GSC Office officially releases the Winter All-Academic Team. CHAMPIONSHIP TOURNAMENT

6.22 Tournament Format. The conference tournament will be an eight-team, three-day single elimination tournament. First round matches shall feature No. 8 at No. 1, No. 7 at No. 2, No. 6 at No. 3 and No. 5 at No. 4. Semifinals and final will be held on consecutive days following the quarterfinals. The semifinals for each tournament will be held in consecutive matches. The conference in conjunction with the host shall determine the order of play. 6/2014 6.23 Tournament Dates. The dates for the championship shall be held the weekend immediately preceding the first round of the NCAA Regional. First round matches shall be conducted on the Tuesday preceding the championship final and hosted by the highest seed in each match. The semifinals and final shall be conducted on consecutive days. For 2016, the finals site shall be the Hanna Center in Birmingham, Ala. 6/2014

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6.24 Game Times. All start times shall be recommended by the host institution and approved by the conference office. 6/2014 6.25 Tournament Participants. The top eight (8) teams in the final regular season standings will qualify for the Championship and be seeded according to their standing. 6.26 Seeding. Teams are seeded based on their finish in the regular season standings. 6.27 Tiebreaker. The tiebreaker format shall be as follows:

A. Two-way Ties. The following methods (in order) will be used to break the tie: 1) Head-to-head results from league games; 2) If the teams split their league games, or did not play any league games against each

other, their records against the first place team in their Division determines the tie-breaker.

3) If they are still tied, then their record against the second place team (and continuing straight down through the standings, if necessary) shall break the tie.

4) If those records are identical, then their records against common opponents from the other Division, played at common sites, will be examined.

5) If that fails, then their record against common opponents from the GSC, regardless of site, will be used.

6) The final tie-breaker is a coin toss by the Commissioner.

B. Three-way Ties: (if breaking the tie leaves a two-way tie, handle that two-way tie as above)

1) If one team has a better record in head-to-head competition against the other tied

teams, that team is placed ahead of the other tied teams and any remaining tie that needs to be broken will be resolved using the two-way tiebreakers above.

2) If “1” does not work, the team with the best record against the highest team in the standings in your own division that is not involved in the tie gets the advantage; if that does not work, continue down the standings until the tie is broken.

3) If “2” does not work, then the team with the best record against common GSC opponents in league games at common sites gets the advantage; if that fails, then the team with the best record against common non-GSC opponents at common sites will be used to break the tie.

4) If “3” does not work, then the Commissioner will put the names in a hat and conduct a blind draw. The first team drawn receives the higher seed. Any remaining two-way tie-breakers will be broken using the two-way tie formula above.

C. Four-way Ties: Will be treated like three-way ties. Once the four-way tie is broken, the

resultant three- or pair of two-way ties are broken using the process in “A” or “B”, above. If the remainder was a three-way tie, when that three-way tie is broken, use “A” for the remaining two-way tie.

6.28 Team Travel. Any reimbursement for travel is at the Commissioner’s discretion and subject to approval by the Board of Directors. If funds are available, each team will receive up to $1,000 towards documented travel costs (a copy of the bill for airfares, rental cars or charter bus, or at their institutional rate if using university-owned buses or vans must be submitted) if sufficient funds remain after all expenses are paid; if after all of the travel reimbursements are paid, there is still a net balance, any remaining funds will be divided into 29 shares---each participating team shall receive one share each time it plays a GSC tournament game. One share is retained by the GSC.

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6.29 Expenses. The Conference pays all of the standard costs associated with operating the GSC Tournaments, including officials’ fees, table personnel fees, etc. if they are not paid by the host organization. For tournament games at on-campus venues, all costs associated with the conduct and operation of the GSC Basketball Championship Tournaments must be pre-approved by the Commissioner if the host institution seeks reimbursement. Generally, the GSC will pay for all officials, table personnel (at regular season rates), ticket printing and sales, reasonable pre-approved publicity, up to $750 for security and up to $200 for hospitality. It is expected that the host institution will assume some of the unreimbursed costs of hosting the tournament. Certain expenses are NOT reimbursable, such as banquets and receptions. 6.30 Tournament Staff. In order to ensure that the media relations and table staffing needs for the entire Tournaments are met, the SID (or a designee pre-approved by the Commissioner) from each participating team, must remain at the Tournament Site until the entire Tournament is over, or until each individual is released by the Commissioner. Volunteers will be solicited before anyone is required to stay after his/her team is eliminated. The SIDs are expected to work at their own games and at games in which their teams are not competing. If an SID is required to stay after his/her team is eliminated, lodging will be paid by the GSC. Every effort will be made to release as many SIDs as quickly as possible, with distance, mode of transportation and conflicting home events all considered. 6.31 Admission Policy.

A. There are no complimentary tickets for participating teams. Media/staff/officials credentials may be provided to bona fide working personnel. Participation passes may be provided to student-athletes competing in the Tournament, coaches, athletic trainers, managers, scorers, camera persons and other approved members of an institution's traveling party defined by the Conference. GSC CEOs shall be issued passes admitting the bearer, an adult and any minor children accompanying them. All other non-media/non-worker passes must be approved by the Commissioner.

B. Ticket prices will be set by the Commissioner after discussion with the host institution or

organization. The minimum prices are $3 for students attending the participating institutions upon presentation of a valid ID and $5 for general admission for single games; $4 and $6 for doubleheaders; and $5 and $8 for "single-day, all games" tickets. Higher prices may be charged for reserved or prime seating locations. Children 6-18 will be admitted to single games at the student price; children who are less than 6 years of age are admitted free as guests of the GSC. The Commissioner shall decide whether to offer a discounted "all-sessions" tournament ticket package.

C. For tournament games at on-campus venues, each traveling institution is guaranteed 250

tickets or 1/10th of the actual seating capacity, whichever is less. Unsold blocks of tickets for visiting teams must be returned to the host institution at least 30 hours before the first game or they must be paid for at full face value. Facsimile tickets may be sold at the traveling institutions.

D. Participating teams, coaches and staff members may watch all of the games in either

tournament, without restriction, assuming that no disciplinary issues arise. There are no restrictions on in-person scouting by GSC personnel in these Tournaments, including coaches from other GSC teams who wish to attend the Tournaments.

6.32 Host Responsibilities.

6.32.1 Crowd Control. Adequate security must be provided. A uniformed security guard must be stationed at each of the benches.

6.32.2 Game Staff & Support. Provide all table personnel, public address announcer, clock

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operators, statisticians, media assistants, certified athletic trainers, phone lines and phones, work areas, sports information functions, etc., for all games, and issue passes.

6.32.3 Statistics. NCAA Half-Time summaries must be furnished to both teams in a timely fashion. NCAA Final Boxes are expect to be finished within 20 minutes of the end of the game.

6.32.4 Game Balls. Provide an approved official game ball for each game and 10 for warm-ups. 6.33 Concessions. If there is a host institution, it retains all of the income from the sale of food and beverages; if there is a sponsoring organization, concession income will be negotiated by the Commissioner. In either case, the Conference reserves the right to all merchandising. No institutional, local or host organization’s goods may be sold without permission of the Commissioner, who may license the institution or organization(s) to produce and sell authorized Conference Championship items. In the event of licensing, all designs must be pre-approved by the Commissioner, and a fee paid to the GSC. 6.34 Officials. GSC Coaches may submit a list of recommended officials for the Conference Championship Tournaments, but such lists must be received at the GSC Office on or before Feb. 1. The on-the-court officials, plus one reserve official at the officials table, are assigned by the GSC Basketball Supervisors. Fees are set by the Commissioner. Both teams should station scorers at the official's table. 6.35 Practice.

6.35.1 Neutral Site. Practice times and sites may be assigned by the host organization, subject to approval by the Commissioner. If the site is not available, teams may practice at other locations.

6.35.1 On-Campus. The host institution will either schedule on-the-court practice times for all participants or inform all participants that no on-the-court time is available (in which case each team may look for alternate practice sites). In all cases, a 25-minute “shoot-around” on the tournament court shall be provided for each team that plays that day, times to be approved by the Commissioner. 6.36 Player Introductions. Use the NCAA recommended alternate introduction (Guard from Team "A", Guard from Team "B"; etc.). Public address announcers note: you are "hosting" a tournament, not a home game. Tone, style and inflection should be neutral and professional. 6.37 Halftime & Postgame Protocols. If both teams enter and leave the court through the same area, the team seated furthest from the locker room entryway remains at its bench until the entire opposing team has entered its locker room. 6.38 Awards & Trophies. The Championship Trophy will be presented on the court as soon as possible after the championship game. The All-Tournament Team and MVP shall be announced first. 6.39 Financial Report. If the Tournament(s) is(are) played at (a) campus home site(s), the Director of Athletics at the host institution or the sponsoring organization shall file a complete financial report with the Commissioner within 10 days after the completion of the Tournament. The GSC Office may provide the appropriate form(s). If the Tournament is held at a GSC school, all gate receipts shall be remitted to the Commissioner, who will issue reimbursement checks to the host school to cover all pre-approved expenses. 6.40 Team Lodging. The GSC assigns teams to specific hotels at neutral site competition unless otherwise determined by the Commissioner. Teams must stay at the assigned hotels. 6.41 Spirit Teams | Postseason. Regular season rules (see 6.19) apply except that the cheerleaders, bands and mascots shall remain under the basket at the end of the court next to which their team is seated for neutral site events. Cheerleaders, mascots and band members must be in uniform & enter in one group. Bands are limited to 20 free passes.

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6.42 Additional Rules. All points not specifically covered in this section will be governed by the NCAA Basketball Championship Handbook, subject to the discretion of the commissioner.

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2015-16 GSC REGULATIONS, POLICIES & PROCEDURES ARTICLE VII | BASEBALL

Coordinator of Umpires: Mike McCray (205-454-6322 | mmccray16@aol.com) Liaison: Tommy Sadler, Union (732-267-8010) 7.1 General Policy Statement. NCAA Rules apply to all GSC Baseball games unless otherwise specified herein. 7.2 Participation. All GSC members compete. Note: Games versus reclassifying institutions (Mississippi College) count in the standings but such institutions are not eligible for GSC or NCAA postseason competition. 7.3 Official Ball. GSC schools shall use Diamond baseballs for all games. The GSC shall use the D1-WS Low Seam baseball. This is year two of a three-year agreement (expires June 30, 2016). 7.4 Official Bat. GSC schools shall use approved Easton bats for all games. No other brand may be used. This is year four of a four-year agreement (expires June 30, 2015 7.5 Schedule. Member institutions shall play a single round robin. The Commissioner will issue the conference schedule. 7.5.1 Series Format. Each conference series shall be three games played over two days. The doubleheader shall feature a nine-inning first game and a seven-inning second game. Single games shall be nine innings. Standard scheduling will be a Saturday doubleheader and a Sunday single game. All games must be played during the originally scheduled weekend unless approved through process outlined in 7.5.2. Tripleheaders are not permitted. 7.5.1.1 Easter Weekend Exception. On Easter weekend, the standard schedule shall be a Friday single game and Saturday doubleheader. By mutual agreement, participants may request a format change through the process outlined in 7.5.2. 7.5.2 Schedule Changes. Member institutions may request schedule changes by mutual agreement of the participating institutions. The request shall be sent from the Director of Athletics (or designated administrator) via email from both institutions including any additional information necessary for consideration. The Commissioner will consider the effect of the request and either approve or not approve the request. 7.5.2.1 Schedule Changes | Weather Related. Schedule changes related to predicted inclement weather should follow the process outlined in 7.5.2 with the following additional guidelines. The series may be scheduled to begin as early as Friday or end as late as Monday, but must be played on consecutive days with no more than two nights stay on the road for the visiting teams. No games may be made up after the scheduled weekend. If Monday is used, it must be a single game that begins between noon and 3:00pm unless the visiting team’s institution is officially closed or the travel distance makes a later starting time reasonable. 7.5.3 Cancellation. Any decision to cancel baseball competition must be made between administrators of the competing institutions. Any decision on cancellation should be delayed as late as possible. Every effort must be made to complete the competition, even if only a portion of the series may be played. The conference office should be notified of any decision to cancel a portion of a conference series. 7.5.3.1 Result of Cancelled Games. Games that began but did not finish due to cancellation are subject to NCAA rules with three potential outcomes: No Game; Shortened Game; Tie Game.

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7.5.4 Halted Game. Conference series play will use the Halted Game rule on the first day of the conference series only. Halted games shall be completed before the final day’s regularly scheduled game begins. No more than one additional game may be played after the conclusion of the halted game.

7.5.4.1 Exception | Halted Game. If game one of a series may be declared a complete game

(with winner and loser) subject to NCAA rules, that game would be considered a complete shortened game and not subject to the Halted Game rule. 6/2015 7.6 Standings. Only games listed as official league games count in the standings. Standings shall be determined by winning percentage. 7.7 Dress-Out/Squad Limits. The dress-out limit for regular season conference games and GSC Championship games is 25. Two additional players may dress for the entire weekend to participate in pre-game activities and in-game warm-ups but may not play. Coaches are required to exchange rosters prior to the first game of each series and the Championship. There shall be no changes in the roster once it is submitted. There is no travel squad limit. The penalty for violation is forfeiture of all games involved. 7.8 Crowd Control. The head coach and athletic director at the host institution are responsible for crowd control and security. It is recommended that the area behind the visiting team's dugout be reserved for the visiting team's fans or left empty unless the attendance requires the sale/use of those seats. 7.9 Umpires. The conference shall assign two-person umpire crews for all GSC games. Institutions shall select their own assignor for non-conference games which may also be the GSC Supervisor of Umpires. For 2014-15, the fee schedule is $525.00 per series per umpire and one hotel room with two beds for one night. Member institutions are responsible for payment and arrangements must be made prior to the start of the game. Coaches may not “scratch” any official. 7.10 Ten-Run Rule. The NCAA 10-run rule is in effect for the regular season and the entire GSC Tournament. 7.11 Facilities. 7.11.1 Infield Warm-Up Screens. Host teams shall place an extra screen in front of second base during pre-game practice.

7.11.2 Tarps. The dirt areas of the infield must be “tarped” the night before a conference game. 7.12 Lightning Policy. A warning must be issued to the coaches, game administrator and umpires when lightning is detected within a 20-mile radius of the site. It is recommended that the field be “tarped” at that point. Teams must be pulled off the field when lightning is detected at the 8-mile mark; once the teams are pulled, no one is permitted to go back on the field until after the storm has cleared (note: it is too late to put the tarp on the field once that 8-mile detection occurs). There must be a 30-minute lightning-free interval before teams may return to the field. 7.13 Lineups. Lineups for single games and first games of doubleheaders must be submitted to the press box at least 30 minutes prior to the scheduled game time. Lineups for the second games of doubleheaders must be submitted at least 15 minutes prior to the start of the game. 7.14 Awards. The following awards are provided for Baseball: Player of the Week, Pitcher of the Week, Freshman of the Week, All-Conference (All-GSC) First Team and Second Team, Player of the Year, Pitcher of the Year, Freshman of the Year (as defined in 15.2), Coach of the Year, All-Tournament Team, Tournament Most Outstanding Player and All-Academic Team. No other awards are permitted.

7.14.1 Selection Process | Regular Season. The All-GSC process will be conducted at www.gscsports.org/voting. Coaches may only nominate their own players and they cannot vote for their own

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players. All-GSC Team consists of 16 First Team players and 16 Second Team players (4-starting pitchers; 1-reliever; 1-C; 4-OF, 1-1B, 2B, 3B, SS, DH and the next highest voted infielder).

April 20: The GSC SID opens up the nomination process online. April 25: Nominations must be submitted online by Noon. Coaches are allowed to nominate two

candidates for Player and Pitcher of the Year and one candidate for Freshman of the Year. Nominations are not needed for Coach of the Year which is added by the GSC SID on the final ballot.

April 27: The GSC SID activates the online ballot for voting. Coaches should vote for one player at each position except for Outfield and Starting Pitcher of which they will select four players. Coaches should vote for two nominees in rank order for Player, Pitcher, Freshman and Coach of the Year.

April 29: Votes must be submitted online by Noon. May 4: The GSC Office officially releases the All-GSC Team (early notification on May 3)

7.14.2 Selection Process | Weekly Awards. The GSC will honor a “Player of the Week”, a “Pitcher of

the Week” and “Freshman of the Week” (as defined in 15.2). The institutions will submit nominations at www.gscsports.org/voting by Noon (Central) on Monday and the Conference Office staff will select the Weekly Award winners. The GSC SID will give the institutions early notification of the winners on Monday by 2:00 pm (Central).

7.14.3 Selection Process | All-Tournament. The All-Tournament Team consists of nine players plus a

Most Outstanding Player (10 total members). The GSC SID will distribute the ballot to voters before the start of the Championship Game.

7.14.4 Selection Process | All-Academic. The Baseball All-Academic Team consists of 10 student-

athletes. GSC All-Academic Teams will be selected jointly by the FARs and SIDs. Complete details of the All-Academic process can be found in the GSC Awards Manual.

TIMELINE TBD CHAMPIONSHIP TOURNAMENT

7.15 Tournament Format. The conference tournament will be a six-team, four- or five-day double elimination tournament. The GSC shall use the NCAA six-team, double elimination bracket. 6/2014 7.16 Tournament Dates. The dates for the championship shall begin the second Saturday preceding the earliest starting date for the NCAA Region Tournament. 6/2014 7.17 Tournament Site. The top seed shall host the GSC Championship. 6/2014 7.18 Game Times. All start times shall be recommended by the host institution and approved by the conference office. 6/2014 7.19 Tournament Participants. The top six (6) teams in the final regular season standings will qualify for the Championship and be seeded according to their standing. 7.19.1 Ties for Final Tournament Spot.

A. If two teams are tied for the final playoff berth, their record against each other in the League games is the first criteria. If they split, or did not play, then they shall play one nine-inning tiebreaker game the Monday preceding the start of the Championship Tournament. Tuesday and Wednesday will be the rain dates. A coin toss determines the home team. The game is played at that team's field if it is available; if not, the game is played at the other team's field, but the coin toss winner will be the home team. If rain prevents the tiebreaker from being played before Thursday, apply the tiebreakers in "C" below.

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B. If three teams tie for the final playoff berth, and one team has a better record against the other tied teams, that team shall get the final berth. If that does not break the tie, examine the records against the first place team and down through the standings until one team has the advantage or one team is eliminated; if this eliminates one team, break the tie between the remaining two teams as if it were a two-way tie (See "A" above). If that fails, the three teams are placed in a hat and a random draw team will have the choice of playing at home on both tiebreaker dates OR taking a first day bye and playing at the winner of the first day.

C. If two teams are tied for first place, use head-to-head in-league results as the tiebreaker. If

that fails, the team with a better record in common site/common opponent league games versus the highest team that is not involved in the tie gets first place. If that fails, continue down the standings until one team has the advantage. If that fails, consider the record against all common opponents at common sites. If that fails, toss a coin.

7.20 Seeding. Teams are seeded based on their finish in the regular season standings 7.21 Tiebreaker. The tiebreaker format shall be as follows:

A. Two-way Ties. The following methods (in order) will be used to break the tie: 1) Head-to-head results from league games; 2) If the teams split their league games, or did not play any league games against each

other, their records against the first place team in their Division determines the tie-breaker.

3) If they are still tied, then their record against the second place team (and continuing straight down through the standings, if necessary) shall break the tie.

4) If those records are identical, then their records against common opponents from the other Division, played at common sites, will be examined.

5) If that fails, then their record against common opponents from the GSC, regardless of site, will be used.

6) The final tie-breaker is a coin toss by the Commissioner.

B. Three-way Ties: (if breaking the tie leaves a two-way tie, handle that two-way tie as above)

1) If one team has a better record in head-to-head competition against the other tied teams, that team is placed ahead of the other tied teams and any remaining tie that needs to be broken will be resolved using the two-way tiebreakers above.

2) If “1” does not work, the team with the best record against the highest team in the standings in your own division that is not involved in the tie gets the advantage; if that does not work, continue down the standings until the tie is broken.

3) If “2” does not work, then the team with the best record against common GSC opponents in league games at common sites gets the advantage; if that fails, then the team with the best record against common non-GSC opponents at common sites will be used to break the tie.

4) If “3” does not work, then the Commissioner will put the names in a hat and conduct a blind draw. The first team drawn receives the higher seed. Any remaining two-way tie-breakers will be broken using the two-way tie formula above.

C. Four-way Ties: Will be treated like three-way ties. Once the four-way tie is broken, the resultant

three- or pair of two-way ties are broken using the process in “A” or “B”, above. If the remainder was a three-way tie, when that three-way tie is broken, use “A” for the remaining two-way tie.

7.22 Practice Opportunities. No team, including the host team, shall practice on the day preceding the start of the tournament. During the Tournament, either the host organization or the host team will provide all participating teams with a practice field and/or opportunity for one hour prior to competition on each day of

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the Tournament, provided such facilities are available either on- or off-campus, and not the actual competition field. 7.23 Home/Visiting Team Selection. The top three teams based on the final regular season standings are the home teams in the first round. For succeeding rounds, the NCAA Baseball Handbook format will be followed. Uniform colors, practices, etc., will follow the NCAA Baseball Handbook, except that the host team will remain in its normal home dugout regardless of whether it is "home" or "away." 7.24 Umpires. The GSC Supervisor of Baseball Umpires shall select the umpires for the Tournament based upon his evaluations. The Commissioner negotiates their fees, which will not exceed the game fee paid to umpires working the NCAA D-II Regionals. The Conference houses the umpires and may provide a per diem. Three-umpire crews will be used for the first three days; four-umpire crews will work the final two days. 7.25 Athletic Trainers and Other Support Services. The host organization or institution is responsible for providing a certified athletic trainer at all practices and games associated with the Championship, even if the event is at a neutral site. The host organization or institution is also responsible for field maintenance, housekeeping, drinking cups, water, retrieval of game balls, telephone/press box services, etc., unless prior arrangements have been made with the GSC. At neutral sites, the sponsoring organization may require the assistance of the participating teams and/or the host institution with tarping the field and other game operations. The phone number for emergency medical services shall be posted in both dugouts during all practices and games. 7.26 Finances. The Conference pays all of the costs associated with the umpires.

A. If a GSC institution serves as the host, the Conference reimburses the host institution up to $1800 for pre-approved costs incurred hosting the tournament; additional reimbursement is subject to pre-approval by the Commissioner and will not exceed the gross income from the tournament. A championship budget must be submitted to the Commissioner and approved at least two weeks before the championship begins; failure to do so will result in no reimbursements to the host team. If there is a net profit, it will be divided into nine equal shares and distributed back to the participating teams and one share to the GSC Office.

B. The host organization (or the GSC school hosting the tournament if a neutral site is not used) retains the concession rights and keeps all income earned there EXCEPT that the Conference reserves the right to sell GSC logo and Championship Tournament Merchandise (i.e., T-shirts), or license the host institution or organization to do so. If a licensing agreement is worked out, the design(s) must be pre-approved by the Commissioner and a licensing fee paid to the GSC.

7.27 Balls. DIAMOND SPORTS, INC., provides 30 dozen free game balls. It also provides 12 dozen promotional youth league balls to “trade” for returned foul balls, ground rule doubles, homeruns, etc. Each team shall bring two dozen game balls in case they are needed. 7.28 Rain or Other Problems. There will be one designated rain day for the championship. If the entire week’s weather is likely to make the designated site unplayable, the Commissioner may relocate the tournament after consultation with the participating coaches and athletic directors. Every attempt to stay within a reasonable distance of the original site will be made. Rainouts after the tournament begins will be handled on a case-by-case basis. If no games can be played, the Commissioner will determine the champion after consultation with the baseball liaison and GSC Executive Committee. Criteria will include: record against all GSC teams; record against regionally ranked teams; record against non-GSC opponents at common sites; pitching depth and statistics; record in the second half of the season; and any other statistics or results available. 7.29 Tarps. The host team(s) or organization is (are) responsible for removing the tarps at the start of the day. A representative of the host team shall supervise all tarping and removals for the remainder of the day/night. If the tarping is required during pre-game or while the game is in progress, the two competing teams are responsible for tarping and removing the tarp (and rolling it up). If it needs to be put on between games, the teams scheduled to compete in the next game shall do it. The teams that play the final game of the

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day/night shall tarp the field at the conclusion of all activity, unless the host organization contracts to handle this.

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2015-16 GSC REGULATIONS, POLICIES & PROCEDURES ARTICLE VIII | SOFTBALL

Liaison: Janet Montgomery, UWA (205-499-8242) 8.1 General Policy Statement. NCAA Rules apply to all GSC Softball games unless otherwise specified herein. 8.2 Participation. All GSC members compete. Note: Games versus reclassifying institutions (Mississippi College) count in the standings but such institutions are not eligible for GSC or NCAA postseason competition. 8.3 Official Ball. GSC schools shall use the Wilson NCAA approved ball for all games. This is year two of a three-year agreement (expires June 30, 2017). 8.4 Schedule. Member institutions shall play a single round robin. The Commissioner will issue the conference schedule. All regular season contests must be completed on or before the Sunday preceding the start of the GSC Championship. For festival years, the joint baseball/softball schedule shall be adjusted for softball playing institutions, moving “week 11” to a week “0” at the front of the schedule. 6/2015 8.4.1 Series Format. Each conference series shall be three games played over two days. Standard scheduling will be a Saturday doubleheader and a Sunday single game. All games must be played during the originally scheduled weekend unless approved through process outlined in.8.4.2. Tripleheaders are not permitted. 8.4.1.1 Easter Weekend Exception. On Easter weekend, the standard schedule shall be a Friday single game and Saturday doubleheader. By mutual agreement, participants may request a format change through the process outlined in 7.5.2. 8.4.2 Schedule Changes. Member institutions may request schedule changes by mutual agreement of the participating institutions. The request shall be sent from the Director of Athletics (or designated administrator) via email from both institutions including any additional information necessary for consideration. The Commissioner will consider the effect of the request and either approve or not approve the request.

8.4.2.1 Schedule Changes | Weather Related. Schedule changes related to predicted inclement weather should follow the process outlined in 8.4.2 with the following additional guidelines. The series may be scheduled to begin as early as Friday or end as late as Monday, but must be played on consecutive days with no more than two nights stay on the road for the visiting teams. No games may be made up after the scheduled weekend. If Monday is used, it must be a single game that begins between noon and 3:00pm unless the visiting team’s institution is officially closed or the travel distance makes a later starting time reasonable.

8.4.3 Cancellation. Any decision to cancel softball competition must be made between administrators of the competing institutions. Any decision on cancellation should be delayed as late as possible. Every effort must be made to complete the competition, even if only a portion of the series may be played. The conference office should be notified of any decision to cancel a portion of a conference series. 8.4.3.1 Result of Cancelled Games. Games that began but did not finish due to cancellation are subject to NCAA rules with three potential outcomes: No Game; Shortened Game; Tie Game.

8.4.4 Halted Game. Conference series play will use the Halted Game. Halted games shall be completed before the final day’s regularly scheduled game begins. 8.5 Standings. Only games listed as official league games count in the standings. Standings shall be determined by winning percentage.

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8.6 Eight-Run Rule. The NCAA 8-Run Differential Rule is used in regular-season play (if, at any point after five full innings or 4.5 if the home team is ahead, both teams have had an equal number of innings at bat, and one team leads by eight or more runs, the game is over). 8.7 International Tie-Breaker. Applies in the top of the 10th inning, regular season games only 8.8 Tarps. All teams must have tarps that cover the entire dirt portion of the infield. 8.9 Awards. The following awards are provided for Softball: Player of the Week, Pitcher of the Week, Freshman of the Week, All-Conference (All-GSC) First Team and Second Team, Player of the Year, Pitcher of the Year, Freshman of the Year (as defined in 15.2), Coach of the Year, All-Tournament Team, Tournament Most Outstanding Player and All-Academic Team. No other awards are permitted.

8.9.1 Selection Process | Regular Season. The All-GSC process will be conducted at www.gscsports.org/voting. Coaches may only nominate their own players and they cannot vote for their own players. All-GSC Team consists of 15 First Team players and 10 Second Team players (4-starting pitchers; 1-reliever; 1-C; 4-OF, 1-1B, 2B, 3B, SS, DH and the next highest voted infielder).

The All-GSC First Team will be selected by position: 3-P (highest vote-getter is the “Pitcher of the Year”), 3-OF, 1-Cc, 1-SS, 1-2B, 1-1B, 1-3B, 1-DP/Utility and 3-At-large (chosen after the position players have been selected).

Each coach votes for three nominees per position, ranking them #1 (3 points), #2 (2 points) and #3 (1 point). The player receiving the most points at each position is First Team.

Selection of the three at-large players: After all positions are chosen for First Team All-GSC, a second ballot will go out to rank all remaining vote getters. Coaches shall vote for three of those nominees, ranking them in preferred order. The top three vote-recipients will be At-Large First Team All-GSC.

The All-GSC Second Team will be selected by position after the First Team has been completed, with the highest remaining vote recipient at each position (in the case of outfielders, the next three remaining) earning the berth.

April 15: The GSC SID opens up the nomination process online. April 22: Nominations must be submitted online by Noon. Coaches are allowed to nominate one

candidate for Player of the Year and two candidates for Freshman of the Year. Nominations are not needed for Coach of the Year which is added by the GSC SID on the final ballot.

April 25: The GSC SID activates the online ballot for voting and sends the GSC Golfstat Report to the Golf Liaison for distribution to the coaches. Coaches should select six players for All-GSC in rank order with the player receiving the most points named the Player of the Year. Only one vote is needed for Freshman and Coach of the Year.

April 26: Votes must be submitted online by Noon.

April 28: The GSC Office officially releases the All-GSC Team (early notification on April 27). 8.9.2 Selection Process | Weekly Awards. The GSC will honor a “Player of the Week”, a “Pitcher of the

Week” and “Freshman of the Week” (as defined in 15.2). The institutions will submit nominations at www.gscsports.org/voting by Noon (Central) on Monday and the Conference Office staff will select the Weekly Award winners. The GSC SID will give the institutions early notification of the winners on Monday by 2:00 pm (Central).

8.9.3 Selection Process | All-Tournament. The All-Tournament Team consists of 10 players plus a Most

Outstanding Player (11 total members). A designated committee may select an All-Tournament Team and a Tournament MOP. A committee consisting of the tournament staff, representatives of the GSC Office, SIDs who attend the entire tournament and the supervisor of umpires will make the selection. The Tournament Director will chair the committee.

8.9.4 Selection Process | All-Academic. The Softball All-Academic Team consists of 10 student-

athletes. GSC All-Academic Teams will be selected jointly by the FARs and SIDs. Complete details of the All-Academic process can be found in the GSC Awards Manual.

TIMELINE TBD

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CHAMPIONSHIP TOURNAMENT

8.10 Tournament Format. The conference tournament will be a six-team, three-day double elimination tournament. 6/2014 8.11 Tournament Dates. The Championship shall be conducted the weekend preceding the earliest starting date for the NCAA Region Tournament. 6/2014 8.12 Tournament Site. The top seed shall host the GSC Championship. 6/2014 8.13 Game Times. All start times shall be recommended by the host institution and approved by the conference office. 6/2014 8.14 Tournament Participants. The top six (6) teams in the final regular season standings will qualify for the Championship and be seeded according to their standing. 8.15 Seeding. Teams are seeded based on their finish in the regular season standings 8.16 Tiebreaker. The tiebreaker format shall be as follows:

A. If one team has played more league games than the other, the team that played more games will earn the higher seed;

B. head-to-head record; C. record against the highest seeded team not involved in the tie, and continue down the seedings until

the tie is broken; D. coin toss by the Commissioner.

8.17 Tournament Director. The Commissioner will select a tournament director who is not affiliated with any of the participating schools. The GSC Softball Liaison may serve in this capacity; it is preferred that a member of the GSC Office Staff be the Tournament Director. 8.18 Field Requirements – Neutral Site. All Championship Tournament games must be played on fields with fence distances of 200 down the lines and 210 to centerfield, skin infields and tarps. 8.19 International Tiebreaker Rule. It will not be used in the GSC Championship Tournament. 8.20 Eight-Run Rule. Applies after 4.5 innings in all Championship Tournament games. 8.21 Inclement Weather.

A. If no games are played on the first day or the first two days, the championship begins a day/two days later and remains a double elimination tournament.

B. If no games are played on the first three days, the championship starts on the rain date and becomes a single-elimination tournament.

C. If no games can be played prior to or on the rain date, the regular season first place team is declared

the champion. The Commissioner will determine which team receives the NCAA automatic bid to the NCAA Regional, after consultation with the GSC Softball Liaison (if her team is not involved).

D. If games are played on the first, second or third day, but rained out one of the other days, the

championship remains a double elimination tournament provided the rain date is playable. If the rain date is not playable, then the undefeated teams are named co-champions.

E. If games are played up to the point of starting the championship game, but weather prevents that

game from being played at all, the undefeated team is the champion.

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F. If the losers bracket team defeats the winners bracket team, and weather prevents the continuation

or completion of the final game, co-champions are declared.

G. The Commissioner is empowered to make any scheduling changes that are necessary. 8.22 Budget & Expenses. Up to $1,800 is available to the host school for expenses pre-approved by the Commissioner. 8.23 Umpires. The Commissioner contracts with the umpires working the GSC Championship Tournament. All must be ASA certified. The Alabama ASA Association handles the game assignments. Coaches shall complete the Umpire Evaluation Form after every GSC Tournament game in which their team plays. 8.24 Banquet. There will be no pre-tournament banquet or meal.

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2014-15 GSC REGULATIONS, POLICIES & PROCEDURES ARTICLE IV | TENNIS (M/W)

Liaison: Debbie Williams, UNA (256-765-4788) 9.1 General Policy Statement. NCAA Rules apply to all GSC Tennis matches unless otherwise specified herein. 9.2 Participation.

9.2.1 Women’s Tennis. The following 11 schools compete: UAH, Christian Brothers, Delta State, Lee, Mississippi College, North Alabama, Shorter, Valdosta State, West Alabama, West Florida, West Georgia. Note: Matches versus reclassifying institutions (Mississippi College) count in the standings but such institutions are not eligible for GSC or NCAA postseason competition. 9.2.2 Men’s Tennis. The following 10 schools compete: UAH, Christian Brothers, Delta State, Lee, Mississippi College, North Alabama, Shorter, Valdosta State, West Alabama, West Florida. Note: Matches versus reclassifying institutions (Mississippi College) count in the standings but such institutions are not eligible for GSC or NCAA postseason competition. 9.3 Ball. The NCAA Championship ball shall be the official ball for all GSC regular season and post-season play. In all dual matches, three new balls will be awarded to start play. If the match requires a third set, three new balls will be awarded if requested by either or both players, provided the request is made prior to the start of the third set. [Note: The Wilson WRT1071/US Open Extra Duty is the NCAA Championship ball through August 2016] 6/2015 9.4 Schedule. Each member institution must schedule every school in the league and make up any rained out matches prior to the final permissible playing date. If teams choose to play each other more than once, only the pre-designated league match counts in the standings; if it is rained out or canceled for any other reason, it must be rescheduled immediately. All matches must be made up on or before the Sunday immediately preceding the Conference Championship Tournament unless otherwise instructed by the Commissioner. If continued inclement weather or other circumstances beyond the control of the teams prevents them from making up the match, the Tennis Liaison shall recommend to the Commissioner the appropriate seeding of the teams for the Conference Tournament. The Commissioner shall make the final decision. 9.4.1 Schedule Submission. Teams must submit copies of their final complete schedules (including all non-league contests against GSC and non-GSC opponents) to the GSC Tennis Liaison and the Commissioner not later than the January 15 preceding the start of the season. Any team that fails to play its entire league schedule is subject to sanction and fines ($200 for the first match, $300 for the second and $400 for each additional match) by the Commissioner. 9.4.2 Inclement Weather. In the event a match cannot be played on the original scheduled date:

A. If the visiting team has not traveled (left campus), the coaches shall immediately select a new date prior to the final regular season playing date and play at the original site;

B. If the visiting team has traveled (left campus), the match shall either be made up on another mutually agreeable date & site, or on the final Sunday prior to the GSC Tournament.

C. If the Sunday prior to the GSC Tournament is not playable, the match shall be made up at the GSC Tournament site the date prior to the start of the GSC Tournament.

9.5 Scoring and Match Length. The NCAA official scoring rules are used for all matches. GSC regular season dual matches must be played to the nine-match completion unless weather or other unusual circumstances intervene; in GSC regular season multiple-team events, matches will end after a team has won five matches. 9.6 Supervision of Teams. Each team must be accompanied by an official institutional employee legally qualified to serve as the on-site coach; otherwise, the match will not be played and will be forfeited. 9.7 Seeding of Players. All teams must play their best players in descending order, beginning with the best player as the No. 1 singles entry. Follow this procedure through No. 6 singles. The doubles teams should be

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entered in the same order. If a team enters less than six singles, it must still follow the same order (i.e., if their No. 1 singles player does not make the trip, No. 2 becomes No. 1 for that day, etc.). NCAA Rules mandate that players must be placed in the appropriate location in their lineups and that no individual may be moved up or down more than one seed from match to match. Teams shall use the ITA Lineup Dispute Form and submit it to the Tennis Liaison, who shall resolve any regular season lineup issues. 9.8 Coaching. The NCAA Rules regarding on-the-court coaching during matches will be strictly enforced. 9.9 Awards. The following awards are provided for Tennis: All-Conference (All-GSC) First Team and Second Team, Player of the Year, Freshman of the Year (as defined in 15.2), Coach of the Year and All-Academic Team. No other awards are permitted.

9.9.1 Selection Process | Regular Season. The All-GSC process will be conducted at www.gscsports.org/voting. Coaches may only nominate their own players and they cannot vote for their own players. All-GSC Team consists of eight First Team players and eight Second Team players.

April 4: The GSC SID opens up the nomination process online. April 8: Nominations must be submitted online by Noon. Coaches are allowed to nominate one

candidate for Player and Freshman of the Year. Nominations are not needed for Coach of the Year which is added by the GSC SID on the final ballot.

April 12: The GSC SID activates the online ballot for voting. Coaches should vote for eight players in rank order. The player with the highest point total will be named GSC Player of the Year. Only vote is needed for Freshman and Coach of the Year.

April 19: Votes must be submitted online by Noon. April 21: The GSC Office officially releases the All-GSC Team (early notification on April 20)

9.9.2 Selection Process | All-Academic. The Tennis All-Academic Team consists of six student-athletes.

GSC All-Academic Teams will be selected jointly by the FARs and SIDs. Complete details of the All-Academic process can be found in the GSC Awards Manual.

TIMELINE TBD

CHAMPIONSHIP TOURNAMENT

9.10 Tournament Format. The conference tournament will be an eight-team, three- or four-day single elimination tournament. The men’s and women’s championships will be held jointly. A team scoring format is used. There will be no individual champion. NCAA rules are modified so that once a team has won five points, thereby clinching the team match, any ongoing individual matches are stopped 6/2014 9.11 Tournament Dates. The dates for the championship shall begin the Thursday immediately preceding NCAA selections if facilities are available. Otherwise, the championship shall begin the Thursday immediately preceding the third full weekend in April. 6/2014 9.12 Tournament Site. The tournament site shall be determined by the membership. For 2016, Lagoon Park & O’Connor Park in Montgomery, Ala., host the tournament. When more than one site is used (e.g., Lagoon Park and Alabama State or Connor), the Quarterfinals and Semifinals for each tournament shall be played at the same site if multiple matches are played by the same team on the same day. 6/2014 9.13 Match Times. All match times shall be recommended by the host institution and approved by the conference office. No matches will start after 9 p.m. local time without the consent of the Commissioner. 6/2014

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9.14 Tournament Participants. The top eight (8) teams in the final regular season standings will qualify for the Championship and be seeded according to their standing. All teams are required to stay until they have completed all of the matches for which they qualify. 9.15 Tiebreaker. The tiebreaker format shall be as follows:

1) Head-to-Head (in a three-way tie, if “A” beats “B” and “C”, then “A” gets the advantage; In a four-way tie, if “A” and “B” are both 2-1 versus “C” and “D”---which means that “C” and “D” are automatically 1-2 versus “A” and “B”---then “A” and “B” get the advantage and their tie is treated as head-to-head, etc.). For three-way ties, after the three-way tie is broken and one team is placed ahead of the other, the two remaining tied teams will use head-to-head to break their tie. If that fails, 2) Most singles & doubles matches won against GSC opponents in league matches (those that count in

the standings). If that fails, 3) Most singles and doubles sets won against GSC opponents in league matches. If that fails, 4) Most singles & doubles games won against GSC opponents in league matches, and if that fails, 5) A coin toss.

9.16 Coaches Meeting. The men's & women's coaches will meet annually the night prior to the start of the GSC Tennis Championship Tournaments. This meeting is mandatory for all head coaches, regardless of whether their team is involved in the Championship. 9.17 Practice. Teams may practice on the day prior to the start of the tournament. If the Championship is at a neutral site, the tennis liaison shall inform all participating teams as to any pre-tournament practice opportunities at the site; however, if all teams cannot be accommodated, then there shall be no practices at the site on the day prior. If the tournament is hosted on a member institution’s campus, that institution shall notify the liaison regarding practice opportunities and the liaison will coordinate the times and sites. 9.18 Lineups. The lineup for the GSC Championship Tournament must be consistent with the regular season lineup and must be submitted to the GSC Tennis Liaison at least one week prior to the start of the GSC Tournament for review/approval. In case of injury or illness, all players shall be moved up the ladder---the replacement player should be placed at the bottom. Players must play in the position in which they played most of their in-season matches. The roster and lineup must also be sent to the tournament director at least one full week prior to the start of the tournament. 9.19 Supervision. Each team must be accompanied by the head coach for the entire tournament unless special permission is obtained from the Commissioner for an assistant to supervise the team. 9.20 Minimum Standards for Host Facilities. Host institutions or organizations must have at least 18 courts within a 10-mile radius of each other. It is strongly preferred that there be at least six courts at each site. 9.21 Duties of the Host School. The host school must provide the other schools with times and places of the coaches meetings, practice areas, an area map, meal opportunities and restaurants, lodging possibilities, etc., as well as the playing particulars, at least two weeks prior to the start of the Championship Tournament. The host school must also obtain officials for all matches, subject to the approval of the Commissioner. The host school's SID is responsible for e-mailing the tournament results to the GSC Office and media after each session is completed on each day of the tournament. The tournament results must be forwarded immediately. The host school must also provide ice, water and an athletic trainer at each site utilized during the Championship. The Conference purchases the match balls and has them shipped to the site unless the host school has a better financial arrangement, in which case it will be reimbursed for the balls; at neutral sites, the sponsoring organization provides the balls. 9.22 Tournament Director and Officials. The host organization (neutral sites) or the head coach of the host school (if on a member institution’s campus) will designate a tournament director, preferably the director of athletics at that institution. The coach may not designate him/herself. At least one USTA certified official must be provided for each match; at least two shall work the Finals.

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9.23 Unsportsmanlike Conduct. Referees and umpires are ordered to enforce all NCAA and GSC Rules regarding conduct and ethics. Foul language and unsportsmanlike conduct must be penalized. Questions involving unsportsmanlike conduct, ethics violations, other misconduct, or other tournament-related issues, shall be resolved at a meeting of all of the coaches for that tournament, chaired by the tournament director. The institutions involved will not vote on the matter. The decision of the coaches may be appealed to the GSC Commissioner. 9.24 Selection of Host Institution. As long as the Tournament is played at a neutral site, the host institution shall work in conjunction with the host organization to handle all needs. The closest tennis-sponsoring institution shall serve in that capacity. If the Tournament returns to campus sites, then an alphabetical rotation of all schools that sponsor tennis shall be followed. If an institution only sponsors men’s or women’s tennis, it must host both championship tournaments or it will be skipped in the rotation. If an institution declines to host or does not have access to enough championship-quality courts, the opportunity to host is “passed” to the next institution in the rotation. First-year members are not eligible to host. 9.25 Rain or Other Problems. Sunday shall be reserved as a rain date. In the event inclement weather makes it unlikely to play on any given day of the Tournament, if indoor courts are available at a reasonable distance and cost, and in a practical format (enough courts at any one time and no significant competitive advantage to any one team or teams), the tournament shall move to that facility and continue indoors. If no indoor courts are available, the rain date policy takes effect. If the rain continues, matches will be doubled-up on Sunday (the rain date) in order to complete the Tournament If rain or other problems prevent play on the first day, the tournaments are played Friday-Sunday. If the first two days are rained out, the tournaments are played in their entirety on Saturday-Sunday. If all three days are unplayable, the first place teams are declared the GSC Champions and earn any applicable automatic bids. Every effort shall be made to complete the tournament in three days including doubling-up matches. 6/2015 9.26 Hotels. The City of Montgomery requires that all participating teams stay at hotels located inside the city limits as part of its sponsorship arrangement. A list of preferred hotels should be provided by the City, and teams must stay at those hotels.

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2015-16 GSC REGULATIONS, POLICIES & PROCEDURES ARTICLE X | GOLF (M/W)

Liaison: Donna Crone, CBU (cell 901-351-3478) 10.1 General Policy Statement. NCAA Rules apply to all GSC play unless otherwise specified herein. 10.2 Participation.

10.2.1 Women’s Golf. The following eight (8) schools compete: Christian Brothers, Lee, Shorter, Spring Hill (affiliate member), Union, West Alabama, West Florida, West Georgia. Note: Reclassifying institutions (Spring Hill) may participate in the championship but are not eligible for awards. 10.2.2 Men’s Golf. The following 11 schools compete: Christian Brothers, Delta State, Lee, Mississippi College, North Alabama, Shorter, Union, Valdosta State, West Alabama, West Florida, West Georgia. Note: Reclassifying institutions (Mississippi College) may participate in the championship but are not eligible for awards. 10.3 Awards. The following awards are provided for Golf: Golfer of the Month, Freshman Golfer of the Month, All-Conference (All-GSC) First Team and Second Team, Player of the Year, Freshman of the Year (as defined in 15.2), Coach of the Year, All-Tournament Team, Individual Medalist and All-Academic Team. No other awards are permitted.

10.3.1 Selection Process | Regular Season. The All-GSC process will be conducted at www.gscsports.org/voting. Coaches may only nominate their own players and they cannot vote for their own players. All-GSC Team consists of six First Team players and six Second Team players.

April 15: The GSC SID opens up the nomination process online. April 22: Nominations must be submitted online by Noon. Coaches are allowed to nominate one

candidate for Player of the Year and two candidates for Freshman of the Year. Nominations are not needed for Coach of the Year which is added by the GSC SID on the final ballot.

April 25: The GSC SID activates the online ballot for voting and sends the GSC Golfstat Report to the Golf Liaison for distribution to the coaches. Coaches should select six players for All-GSC in rank order with the player receiving the most points named the Player of the Year. Only one vote is needed for Freshman and Coach of the Year.

April 26: Votes must be submitted online by Noon.

April 28: The GSC Office officially releases the All-GSC Team (early notification on April 27). 10.3.2 Selection Process | All-Tournament. The All-Tournament Team and Individual Medalist

award are performance-based honors and are determined by finishing times at the annual GSC Golf Championship Tournament. The 1st through 5th top scores in the 54-hole Tournament are recognized as the All-Tournament Team. The first-place finisher is the "Individual Medalist."

10.3.3 Selection Process | Weekly Awards. The GSC will honor a “Golfer of the Month” and a

“Freshman Golfer of the Mont” (as defined in 15.2). The institutions will submit nominations at www.gscsports.org/voting by Noon (Central) on the first Thursday in September, October, November, March and April. The Conference Office staff will select the Monthly Award winners. The GSC SID will release the official results on Thursday by 2:00 pm (Central).

10.3.4 Selection Process | All-Academic. The Golf All-Academic Team consists of seven

student-athletes. GSC All-Academic Teams will be selected jointly by the FARs and SIDs. Complete details of the All-Academic process can be found in the GSC Awards Manual.

TIMELINE TBD

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CHAMPIONSHIP 10.4 Tournament Format. A three-day, single site, 54-hole medal play championship, with an optional practice day at the site. There shall be three rounds of 18 holes each. 6/2014, 6/2015 10.5 Tournament Dates. The tournament begins on the Sunday following the third full weekend in April. 6/2015 10.6 Tournament Site. The membership shall determine the site. For 2016, Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at the Shoals shall be the site. 10.7 Tournament Participants. Each GSC “active” member institution sponsoring golf must participate with a full team (the minimum is four eligible players; a maximum of five is permitted, but only the top four scores count). The head coach or another designated institutional staff member must attend the appropriate pre-tournament coaches’ meeting(s). 10.8 Tournament Host. Golf Championships will be hosted by "active" member institutions in alphabetical order, provided such institution(s) have been active members for at least one year prior to the date of the Championships. Institutions shall present their plans for hosting at the coaches' meeting the year prior to which they are scheduled to host. An institution may decline the opportunity to host, but must do so 16 months prior to the date on which the institution is scheduled to host. UNA shall host the 2016 championships. 6/2014 10.9 Tournament Fees. Institutions shall pay an entry fee for the championship set by the conference office in consultation with the host institution and tournament course. This includes the Saturday practice round, range balls, tournament rounds, commerative shirt, carts and a lunch on Sunday and Monday for the players and coaches. 10.10 Tournament Hotel. A required host hotel stay shall be communicated to the participants. 10.11 Pre-Tournament Banquet. The host institution will set up a Banquet for the evening prior to the start of play. The costs will be borne by the teams. Attendance is not mandatory. Please meet all RSVP deadlines and headcount requirements. 6/2013 10.12 Incomplete Tournament. If the Tournament cannot be completed for any reason (e.g., inclement weather), any combination totaling 18 holes of completed play, or a multiple of 18, will determine the GSC Champion. If more than a multiple of 18 holes has been completed, the scores will revert back to the last multiple of 18 completed by all teams. In the event that play on the final day has to be stopped and cannot be resumed, team ties and medalist ties will be decided by the last hole completed by all involved in the tie(s). 10.13 Tie-Breakers. If two or more teams finish in a tie, those teams tee off on a hole selected by the course pro and play sudden death. If two or more individuals finish tied, they will tee off on a hole selected by the course pro and play sudden death. In the event of a team and individual tie, the team tie will be played off first. 10.14 Caddies & Carts. Caddies are not permitted unless there is an exception under the NCAA Rules. Carts must be used by all of the men and women for all 36 holes on the first day of play; carts will not be used on the second day. 10.15 Annual Coaches Meeting. The GSC coaches shall meet on Sunday at the Championship Tournament, immediately after the practice round. The tournament format will be reviewed by the host pro. Coaches may be assigned responsibilities in the conduct of the tournament. An infractions committee of three coaches shall be selected to handle any penalties, disqualifications and rules

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questions. If a problem arises involving one of the infractions committee member's players, that member shall be replaced by another coach whose team is not impacted. 10.16 Scoring System. Use the NCAA Division II scoring system. The NCAA Hard Card Rule is used for the GSC Men’s & Women’s Tournaments. Women Only: There is a 10-stroke limit for all holes. 10.17 Tee-Off Times & Pairings. A split start or shotgun start may be used. If it is not, then first day tee-off times are based current team Golfstat rankings as of two weeks prior to the championship. Pairings for the GSC Tournament are by team scores. No two players from the same institution shall be paired, nor shall they play in the same group. 6/2015 10.18 Future Tournament Sites. The Tournaments will be hosted by a GSC school using an alphabetical rotation. If a school only sponsors men’s or women’s golf, it must host both. 6/2013

A. The host school recommends its choice of site at the coaches meeting conducted at the championship one year prior to the year in which it is scheduled to serve as host.

B. The host school must present the site, fee structure and all proposed arrangements at the coaches meeting the year prior to hosting.

C. The site must be approved by the ADs/SWAs and CEOs in the standard GSC process. D. If a school does not wish to host, it must notify the Liaison and the Commissioner on or before

the December 1 sixteen months prior to the year in which it is scheduled to host. 10.19 Neutral Site. A neutral site is not required. If a team hosts an in-season tournament at that course, it must invite every GSC golf team to participate. Golfers may play other courses located at the site (e.g., men may play the course used for the women’s championship and vice-versa). 10.20 Range-Finders. Range-finders are permitted. 10.21 Post-Tournament Ceremonies. Teams are not required to stay for the post-championship awards presentation ceremony unless a shotgun start is used on the final day of that tournament. 10.22 GolfStat. The Conference shall subscribe to the GolfStat Conference Results/Rankings & Team Results as long as the cost is less than $300/year.

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2015-16 GSC REGULATIONS, POLICIES & PROCEDURES ARTICLE XI | OUTDOOR TRACK & FIELD (M/W)

Liaison: Dana George, Delta State (662-846-4300 office, 662-719-0055 cell)

11.1 General Policy Statement. NCAA Rules apply to all GSC Track & Field competitions unless otherwise specified herein. 11.2 Participation. Each member sponsoring the sport at a varsity level must send a full team to compete at the GSC Championship.

11.2.1 Women’s Track & Field. The following eight (8) schools compete: Alabama Huntsville (see note 2), Christian Brothers, Lee, Mississippi College, North Alabama, Shorter (see note 2), West Alabama, West Georgia. Note: Reclassifying institutions (Mississippi College) may participate in the championship but are not eligible for awards. Note 2: Due to pre-existing affiliate agreements with the Peach Belt Conference, Alabama Huntsville and Shorter begin competition in 2017 for the GSC Championship but are available for regular season and postseason awards. 11.2.2 Men’s Track & Field. The following six (6) schools compete: Alabama Huntsville (see note 2), Christian Brothers, Lee, Mississippi College, Shorter (see note 2), West Alabama. Note: Reclassifying institutions (Mississippi College) may participate in the championship but are not eligible for awards. Note 2: Due to pre-existing affiliate agreements with the Peach Belt Conference, Alabama Huntsville and Shorter begin competition in 2017 for the GSC Championship but are available for regular season and postseason awards. 11.3 Regular Season Competition. There shall be no official conference competition prior to the championship meet. Institutions shall post all meet results and times on their athletics websites. The GSC shall provide a link to season results from the main sport page on the GSC website. CHAMPIONSHIP MEET

11.4 Championship Site. The site shall be determined by the membership. A site recommendation shall be made by a majority vote of the coaches committee. Sites shall be determined at least two years in advance. Any member institution with adequate facilities my host the championship. Facilities must have an eight-lane track. Note: Currently only Mississippi College and Shorter have access to adequate facilities and desire to host the championship. The coaches committee recommends alternating sites for a four-year period with Shorter hosting in 2016 and 2018 and Mississippi College in 2017 and 2019. In year three of the four-year period, additional host sites will be evaluated. 11.5 Championship Date. The dates shall be determined by the membership and shall not conflict with institutional final exam periods. Note: For 2016, the coaches commitee recommends the championship be held on the following dates for the next four seasons: Thursday-Saturday, April 21-23, 2016 Thursday-Saturday, April 20-22, 2017 Thursday-Saturday, April 19-21, 2018 Thursday-Saturday, April 25-27, 2019. 11.6 Championship Schedule. A recommended time schedule shall be provided by the conference. Should a host site need to modify the recommended time schedule due to facility constraints, the Games Committee and Conference Office will make the necessary schedule adjustments. 11.7 Travel Squad. There will be no limit to travel squads.

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11.8 Entries. Teams may enter a maximum of five competitors per event. Teams may enter only one team in relay events. An official entry form must be submitted by each school through the conference’s approved process and deadlines as established in the annual championship handbook. All entrants must have an entry mark set in outdoor competition during the current year for each event entered or the competitor must be entered with “no mark” for that event. 11.9 Meet Events. All NCAA Championship events shall be contested. 11.9.1 Heats. All events shall be finals only except for the men’s and women’s 100 Meters (M/W), 100 Hurdles (W), 110 Hurdles (M). Prelminary heats will be run in these events if more than 12 competitors are scheduled to compete. In any “Finals Only” event which has multiple sections run against time, the fastest section shall run last. 11.9.2 Seeding. Seeding shall be determined by the games committee and done based on verified times on each team’s entry form. 11.10 Scoring. In alignment wit hthe NCAA Championships, the top eight finishers in each event will score (10-8-6-5-4-3-2-1). 11.11 Officials. The host institution shall secure the appropriate number of officials to conduct the championship. Among the officials, the following roles shall be specifically filled: Head Meet Official (may also serve as Head Running, Head Field or Head Combined Events Official) Head Running Events Official Head Field Events Official Head Combined Events Official (may also serve as Head Meet, Head Running or Head Field Official) Starter Clerk of the Course Public Address Announcer 11.12 Games Committee. A Games Committee shall be appointed for the championships consisting of the chair of the coaches committee, the host institution Head Coach, the GSC Administrative Liaison who will serve as chair of the committee, the meet director, and the previous year’s host institution Head Coach. The games committee shall make decisions regarding situations that occur where resolution is not covered in the rules and regulations of the NCAA or the Gulf South Conference operating policies or championship handbook. 11.13 Awards. The following awards are provided for Track & Field: Track Performer of the Week, Field Performer of the Week, Freshman Performer of the Week – as defined in 15.2, All-Conference, All-Academic, Most Outstanding Overall Performer, Most Outstanding Track Performer, Most Outstanding Field Performer, Most Outstanding Freshman Performer – as defined in 15.2, Coach of the Year. No other awards are permitted.

11.13.1 Selection Process | Championship. All-Conference and Tournament/Championship awards are performance-based honors and are determined by at the annual Championship Meet. The top finisher in each event shall be named first team All-Conference and the second place finisher shall be named second team All-Conference. Top three finishers in each event shall receive a medal. Most Outstanding Performers shall be the student-athlete with the highest point total at the championship meet: Most Outstanding Overall Performer, Most Outstanding Track Performer, Most Outstanding Field Performer, Most Outstanding Freshman Performer.

11.13.2 Selection Process | Yearly Awards. Track Athlete of the Year, Field Athlete of the Year, Freshman

of the Year as defined in 15.2 and Coach of the Year shall be determined by a vote of the coaches. The selection process will be conducted at www.gscsports.org/voting. Coaches may only nominate their own student-athletes and may not nominate more than one student-athlete for each award. Coaches may not vote for their own student-athletes. All coaches shall be added to the ballot by the conference office.

April 25: The GSC SID opens up the nomination process online. April 26: Nominations must be submitted online by Noon. The GSC activates the online ballot for voting.

Coaches should vote for one player at each position. April 27: Votes must be submitted online by Noon.

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April 28: The GSC Office officially releases award winners (early notification provided on April 27) 11.13.3 Selection Process | Weekly Awards. The GSC will honor a “Track Performer of the Week”, “Field Performer of the Week” and a “Freshman Performer of the Week” (as defined in 15.2). The institutions will submit nominations at www.gscsports.org/voting by Noon (Central) on Wednesday and the Conference Office staff will select the Weekly Award winners. The GSC SID will release the official results on Wednesday by 2:00 pm (Central).

11.13.4 Selection Process | All-Academic. The All-Academic Team consists of 11 student-athletes. GSC

All-Academic Teams will be selected jointly by the FARs and SIDs. Complete details of the All-Academic process can be found in the GSC Awards Manual.

TIMELINE TBD

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2015-16 GSC REGULATIONS, POLICIES & PROCEDURES ARTICLE XII | LACROSSE (W)

Liaison: Laura Taube, UAH | 256-824-6332

12.1 General Policy Statement. NCAA Rules apply to all GSC Lacrosse competitions unless otherwise specified herein. 12.2 Participation. The following four (4) institutions compete: UAH, Montevallo (affiliate member), Shorter, Young Harris (affiliate member). 12.3 Schedule. Member institutions shall play a single round-robin schedule. The conference shall designate home sites and each institution shall set the dates for competition by December 1 annually. If teams choose to play each other more than once, only the pre-designated league match counts in the standings. 12.3.1 Cancellation Procedures. Any decision to cancel completion must be made between administrators of the competing institutions with consultation of the conference office. Any decision on cancellation should be delayed as late as possible. 12.3.2 Rescheduling Procedures. Teams may reschedule any game cancelled or postponed due to inclement weather by mutual agreement with consultation of the conference office. 12.4 Official Ball. Teams may select their own official ball for regular season play and the host institution shall provide the official ball for conference tournament play. 12.5 Standings. Only games listed as official league games count in the standings. Standings shall be determined by winning percentage. 12.6 Dress-Out Limits. For GSC regular season and tournament contests, there shall be no travel squad limit but the dress-out limit shall match NCAA Championship play at 30 student-athletes in uniform. 12.7 Scouting/Video Exchange. Each institution shall follow the video exchange policy of the IWLCA accordingly. In-person scouting shall be governed by NCAA policy. 12.8 Officials. Officials shall be assigned and paid by the host institution. For GSC Championship play, the conference shall use the host’s local assignor to coordinate coverage and the conference shall be responsible for all fees. 12.9 Practice. Practice times for road contests must be requested through the host institution prior to the first allowable date of competition. 12.10 Awards. The following awards are provided for Lacrosse: Player of the Wek, Defensive Player of the Week, Freshman of the Week, All-Conference (All-GSC), Player of the Year, Freshman of the Year (as defined in 15.2), Defensive Player of the Year, Coach of the Year, All-Tournament Team, Tournament Most Outstanding Player, All-Academic Team. No other awards are permitted. 12.10.1 Selection Process | Weekly Awards. The GSC will honor a “Player of the Week”, a “Defensive Player of the Week’ and “Freshman of the Week” (as defined in 15.2). The institutions shall submit nominations at www.GSCSports.org/voting by Noon (Central) on Monday and the Conference Office staff will select the Weekly Award winners to be announced on Tuesday weekly. The GSC communications staff will give the institutions early notification of the winners on Monday by 2:00pm (Central). 12.10.2 Selection Process | Regular Season. The All-GSC process will be conducted at www.GSCSports.org/voting. Coaches shall nominate their own players but may not vote for their own players. All-

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GSC Team shall consist of 12 individuals: One goalkeeper, three defenders, three midfielders, three attackers and two at-large selections. For Superlative awards, coaches shall nominate one candidate for each award. Nominations are not needed for Coach of the Year.

April 11: The GSC opens up the nomination process online.

April 15: Nominations must be submitted online by noon.

April 17: The GSC activates the online ballot for voting. Coaches shall vote for 12 individuals including at least one goalkeeper, three defender, three midfielder and three attacker. The two individuals with the highest vote totals beyond the 10 mandated spots shall be added to the all-conference team. For superlative awards, coaches shall rank their top-two players with the highest ranked individual receiving three points and second highest ranked individual receiving one point. The individuals with the most points shall earn the awards.

April 18: Votes must be submitted online by 3:00pm (Central).

April 20: The GSC officially releases the yearly awards. 12.10.3 Selection Process | Tournament. The All-Tournament team consists of 11 players plus a Most Outstanding Player (12 total members). The All-Tournament Teams shall be selected by the head coaches of each participating teams based on their finish in the championships. The champion earns five selections including the Most Outstanding Player, the runner-up earns three selections and the third and fourth place teams earn two selections each. 12.10.4 Selection Process | All-Academic. The Lacrosse All-Academic Team consists of 12 student-athletes. GSC All-Academic Teams will be selected jointly by the FAR’s and SID’s. Complete details of the All-Academic process can be found in the GSC Awards Manual.

TIMELINE TBD CHAMPIONSHIP

12.11 Championship Format. The Conference tournament shall be a four-team, three-day single elimination tournament. The top seed will host the event. The preferred days of competition will be on Friday and final on Sunday. 12.12 Championship Date. The dates shall be determined by the membership and, to the greatest degree possible, shall not conflict with institutional final exam periods. Note: For 2016, the dates shall be Friday, April 22-Sunday April 24. 12.13 Match Times. All start times shall be recommended by the host institution and approved by the conference office. 12.14 Participants. If seven or fewer teams compete in the regular season, the top four teams based on regular season conference winning percentage shall advance to the conference tournament. If eight or more teams compete in the regular season, the top six teams based on regular season conference winning percentage shall advance to the conference tournament. 12.15 Practice. The host shall provide all participating teams with a practice opportunity on the day prior to the championship and the day between rounds. The conference shall assign practice times. 12.16 Tiebreaker. The tiebreaker format shall be as follows:

a. Compare tied teams’ (two or more) won-loss percentage versus all teams involved in the tie; b. Compare tied teams’ won-loss percentage versus the top ranked team not involved in the tie, descending

to the next highest placed team until an advantage is gained; c. Compare tied teams’ in-region, non-conference winning percentage; d. Coin flip.

12.17 Additional Host Responsibilities.

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a. Provide game sufficient amount of official game balls; b. Staffing all game personnel, including, but not limited to, tournament director, ball retrievers, timer,

official scorer, public address announcer, security, ticket operations; c. Provide certified athletic trainer coverage.

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2015-16 GSC REGULATIONS, POLICIES & PROCEDURES ARTICLE XIII | ATHLETIC TRAINERS

Liaison: TBD 13.1 General Policy Statement. Prompt quality health care to student-athletes at all athletics events and competitions is the primary mission of all GSC athletic training personnel. These regulations will assist in attaining this goal. The GSC mandates that all student-athletes receive equitable treatment from GSC athletic training departments. The same level of coverage and equipment must be provided to men’s and women’s teams. The GSC Athletic Trainers information page can be found at http://www.gscsports.org/sports/2011/5/26/GEN_0526110623.aspx? Each athletic trainer should regularly access this site to check for updates and exchange information. 13.2 Priority Coverage. All GSC competitions must receive priority coverage from the host institution’s athletic training staff. An athletic training staff member must be available for all competitions; when possible, a Certified Athletic Trainer (AT) should be available. For collision and contact sports, such as football, basketball, baseball, softball, volleyball and soccer, an AT must be present at the site. It is recommended that this coverage be extended to all collision and contact sports athletic activities, including practices. 13.3 Pre-Season Courtesy Sheets. Prior to the start of the school year (or at least one month prior to the first contest of each season), all GSC institutions must provide GSC Athletic Courtesy Sheets to each GSC member institution by placing the information on your school’s web site. The courtesy sheet must include:

A. emergency information including contact phone numbers for all sports medicine staff, types and locations of emergency equipment, EMS access and information;

B. a detailed map of the campus, the competition area and the route to the nearest hospital; C. the location of the athletic training facility(ies); D. the institution’s official lightning policy; and, E. athletic training facility operating hours, types and availabilities of modalities, access during

non-operational hours, and all use restrictions. 13.4 Special Needs. The visiting AT should contact the host AT at least two weeks in advance if there are any special needs for their upcoming visit and/or if the team will be traveling without an AT. 13.5 Individual Host. The host institution will assign an assistant athletic trainer or athletic training student to greet the visiting team’s athletic trainer and “reorient” the visiting athletic trainer as to the location of all practice and competition facilities. If the host AT will not be on-site during the event, an athletic training student must be on-site and serve as the host. This athletic training student must be certified in CPR and First Aid by a national organization, and be familiar with and have immediate access to the institution’s Emergency Action Plan. 13.6 Emergency Phone Numbers. Host institutions must post the emergency phone number for ambulance service in a prominent place at each telephone that is located at the practice and competition sites. In football, an ambulance must be on-site for the entire game. 13.7 Supplies. The visiting team must provide its own perishable athletic training supplies. If it runs out of a particular item, the host athletic trainer should provide the item if possible, and the visiting team must replace the supplied item as soon thereafter as possible. The host school will not supply shower towels. 13.8 Visiting Teams Not Accompanied by an AT. The host institution, when available, may provide athletic training services to visiting teams unaccompanied by a member of their own athletic training staff.

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This is subject to each institutions policies and procedures on providing care outside of their own student-athletes. The visiting team’s AT must advise the host institution’s AT at least two days in advance if a team will not be accompanied by its own AT or AT staff member. The visiting team’s AT must fax or e-mail the host AT an “Athletic Training Treatment Letter” at least two days prior to the event. Liability issues will limit the authorized permissible treatments to non-electrical modalities when the visiting team’s AT does not accompany the team.

The head coach should also be notified. If the visiting team is not accompanied by an AT, then the host institution’s AT should provide the necessary assistance in an emergency. Note: in most jurisdictions, athletic training students are not legally competent to provide health care beyond basic first aid unless they are under the direct supervision of their institution’s AT. For example, the evaluation and management of possible head or neck injuries is not basic first aid and usually must be handled by an AT in order to meet state minimum professional care standards. 13.9 Game Officials. The host institution’s athletic training staff will provide athletic training services to the game officials working the contest. 13.10 Supplies. All supplies listed below will be replenished by the host institution as needed.

13.10.1 Football.

A. Lockerroom: 1) Two 10-gallon coolers of ice water and at least 300 cups; 2) Ice chest with injury ice and bags; 3) Water source or hose; 4) Trash cans with liners; 5) 75 sports drinks or bottled waters on ice (provided at least three hours before kickoff); 6) At least four taping/evaluation tables or the equivalent; and, 7) A sharps and biohazard container.

B. On the Field 1) Four 10-gallon coolers of ice water and at least 500 cups; 2) Ice chest with injury ice and bags; 3) Water source or hose; 4) Large trash can with liner; 5) Two 5-gallon buckets for ice towels---host schools do NOT supply towels; 6) Radio communication to host AT; 7) One host athletic training student if available; 8) One cooler table; 9) One examination table; and, 10) One Biohazard container;

C. Emergency Equipment and Services 1) On-site EMS crew which must be in place from the start of warm-ups until 30 minutes

after the conclusion of the game; 2) An AED; 3) Spine board with head immobilization unit; 4) Rapid form immobilization splint kit; 5) Suture kits; 6) At least one physician; 7) Non-emergency team for spine board applications; 8) Emergency team for spine board applications; 9) Use of athletic training room for treatment as needed; 10) Access to off-campus phone line; and, 11) Host team’s physician or another MD must in attendance during the entire game.

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13.10.2 Basketball & Volleyball.

A. Practice/Shoot around 1) Water and Cups will be provided at the host’s practice/competition facility pending

appropriate notification by the visiting institution. B. In the lockerroom:

1) One 5-gallon cooler filled with ice water and at least 100 cups; and, 2) One taping table or access to the athletic training room. On the Bench 1) One 10-gallon cooler of ice water’ 2) 100 cups; 3) Ice chest with injury ice and bags; and, 4) Biohazard container.

C. Emergency Equipment and Services 1) ATC on duty or accessible; 2) EMS on call; 3) An AED; 4) Spine board, splints, crutches, etc., within easy access; 5) Non-emergency transportation as needed; and, 6) Use of athletic training room for treatments as needed.

13.10.3 Baseball and Softball. A. Practice/Shoot around

1) Water and Cups will be provided at the host’s practice/competition facility pending appropriate notification by the visiting institution.

B. n the Dugout: 1) One 10-gallon cooler of ice water at the start of the game if there are no operating water

fountains & at least 100 cups per game (200/doubleheader); 2) Ice chest with injury ice and bags; and, 3) One biohazard container.

C. Emergency Equipment and Services (located in the home team’s dugout) 1) AT on duty or accessible; 2) EMS on call; 3) An AED; 4) Spine board, splints, crutches, etc. 5) Non-emergency transportation as needed; 6) Use of athletic training room for treatments as needed; and, 7) Access to off-campus phone line.

13.10.4 Soccer. A. Practice/Shoot around

1) Water and Cups will be provided at the host’s practice/competition facility pending appropriate notification by the visiting institution.

B. On the Bench 1) Two 10-gallon coolers of ice water with at least 300 cups; 2) Ice chest with injury ice and bags; 3) One biohazard container; 4) One examination table; 5) Two 5-gallon buckets for ice towels---host school does NOT supply towels; 6) Water source or hose; and,

C. Emergency Equipment and Services - Same as Baseball/Softball.

13.10.5 Cross Country.

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A. At the Course 1) One station with a minimum of two 10-gallon cooler per station; 2) 200 cups and one five-gallon bucket or cooler for ice towels at that station; 3) Ice chest with injury ice and bags at each station; 4) Biohazard container at each station; 5) An AED; 6) One examination table at each station 7) Two 5-gallon buckets for ice towels at each station---in this case ONLY, the host institution

DOES SUPPLY TOWELS; and, 8) Radio communication with the host AT.

B. Emergency Equipment and Services – Same as Baseball/Softball/Soccer

13.10.6 Tennis.

A. At the courts 1) One 10-gallon cooler of ice water for every two courts; 2) One ice chest with injury ice and bags at each site; 3) One biohazard container at each site; 4) An AED: 5) Radio communication between all sites and the host AT; and, 6) One examination table per site.

B. Emergency Equipment and Services – Same as Baseball/Softball/Soccer/Cross Country.

13.10.7 Lacrosse. TBD

13.10.8 Track & Field, Outdoor. TBD 13.11 Drug, Alcohol and Tobacco. Athletic trainers, assistants and athletic training students must educate all student-athletes as to the dangers of narcotic drug, alcohol and tobacco use and assist their institution with enforcing the strict prohibition against the use of such products at all GSC & institutional events including practices, meetings and contests. Violations should be reported to the Athletic Director and Faculty Athletics Representative. Tobacco use by athletic trainers and their assistants, including athletic training students, at any GSC or institutional event is a violation of conference policy and will not be tolerated. ATs should ensure that ALL of their student-athletes report any over-the-counter, as well as prescription, drugs & supplements said student-athletes are using so as to prevent any disqualification by the NCAA or Conference. The NCAA banned substance list should be discussed in detail, and copies posted in lockerrooms and the athletic offices. The NCAA and any institutional drug-testing policies should also be completely explained,.including a clear delineation of the possible penalties for violations. Student-athletes should be reminded that the NCAA’s list of banned substances is updated periodically during the year and that they should remind their athletic training staff about all drug use. 13.12 Championships. A host institution or organization is selected for each GSC Championship Tournament and Playoff. In some instances, this is based upon finish in the standings (Volleyball – No. 1 seed); in most cases, it is pre-determined by geographics and availability of staff . The host institution bears the ultimate responsibility for the athletic training needs of all of the participating teams, except that those teams must bring their own perishable supplies (e.g., tape & wound care materials). Furthermore, this does not relieve the participating teams from their obligation to bring an AT to the event in the contact sports, even if it means paying a part-time AT for that event. The intent of this rule is to relieve

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the host AC from the care of multiple teams because there might be simultaneous injuries (e.g., on adjacent fields in baseball). The host institution will provide the same supplies as required for regular season competition (see above). 13.13 Annual Meeting. The ATs will meet in Birmingham on Wednesday-Thursday, May 27-28, 2015. 13.14 Lighting Policy. A warning should be issued to the coaches, game-day administrator and game officials when lightning is detected within a 20-mile radius of the site. Once teams are pulled off the field at the 8-mile mark, no one will be permitted to go back on the field until after the storm has cleared, so tarping must be done prior to that point. Once the teams are pulled there must be a 30-minute lightning free interval before teams may return to the field.

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2015-16 GSC REGULATIONS, POLICIES & PROCEDURES ARTICLE XIV| SPORTS INFORMATION Liaison: Ronnie Mayers (DSU)

14.1 General Policy Statement. The Sports Information Director is the vital link between an institution’s athletic program and the GSC Office and the Media. Although individual institutions may have specific needs, these guidelines are designed to ensure smooth interaction between the GSC Office and its member institutions. The SIDs shall meet at least once each academic year, preferably on the same day as the Spring Sports coaches. When the GSC incorporates a new member into its playing schedule, that new member must immediately comply with all of these Guidelines. A. Pre-Season Preparations (Prior to the start of the season):

1. Provide all opponents and the GSC Office with a prospectus containing an alphabetical and/or numerical roster (both are required for Football) listing the numbers, names, classes, positions, heights, weights (men only), hometowns, and high schools of each athlete; the upcoming schedule and previous season’s results; complete coaching staff information, etc. (Note: it is understood that there will be updates and changes, but this gets us a start for the season.) This information should be provided to the GSC Office by the final Friday in July.

2. Contact all opponents’ SID’s and place them on your mailing list. In addition, forward local media

addresses and any limitations (e.g., some may only want to receive information during the two weeks prior to your game) to the GSC Office and your opponents’ SIDs.

3. Inform opponents’ SIDs if you and/or a representative(s) will/will not accompany your team. In

addition, inform the host SID if you have any specific needs (i.e. statistics, early deadlines, etc.).

4. Apprise all visiting SIDs of press box services available and methods for obtaining working credentials. Notify each visiting SID of any changes with respect to press credentials, seating details, sideline passes, completed schedules, statistics, etc., well before the start of the game.

5. Football, Basketball, Baseball, Softball, Soccer and Volleyball: make sure that functional high-

speed internet access is available in press boxes and on press row areas.

B. Game Day and Press Box/Area Procedures

1. Provide game programs and complete game notes for both teams to the media and the opposing SID’s staff, noting number changes, starting line-ups and other corrections.

2. Have an NCAA Statistician’s Manual and NCAA Rulebook available in the press area and at the

scorer’s table and assist with the enforcement of the NCAA rules.

3. Provide a complete package of statistics for each sport, using NCAA guidelines and forms.

4. Home and visiting statisticians and official scorekeepers must sit together in the football press box area and at the basketball scorer’s table.

5. Visiting media and SIDs should receive the same courtesies and materials as the home media.

6. The press box, scorer’s table and press room are work areas for professionals. Rooting or excessive noise will NOT be tolerated.

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7. Establish and distribute a locker room and post-game interview policy for the media.

8. For Football, the visiting team’s SID should provide a spotter to assist the home team with the compilation of in-game statistics, emphasizing the defensive stats (if requested).

9. The host SID is responsible for reporting the final score to the GSC Office, wire services, opposing SID’s Office (if the SID did not make the trip) and all pertinent media immediately following the conclusion of the contest. The host SID should update the institution’s web site as soon as possible (preferably immediately after the contest), but no later than the following morning. Other duties (e.g. a written account of the contest) should be handled afterwards.

10. The host SID and/or assistant should remain in the working press area until the visiting SID, any staff and all of the media representatives are accommodated.

14.2 Conference Reporting and Statistics

A. Reporting

1. The reporting responsibility should be handled by one person (either the SID or a designee). The GSC Office should be contacted promptly with the results and statistics requested by the GSC Sports Information Staff. All institutions are required to e-mail their reports to mikeanderson@gscsports.org and michaelstagno@gscsports.org .

2. At the beginning of each season (Fall/Winter/Spring), the GSC Office will notify each SID

regarding the statistics and reporting dates for the upcoming season. Whenever possible, e-mail is the preferred method of reporting.

3. Each SID will be notified by e-mail when the updated GSC stats and release are on the

Conference web site. SIDs must print out the reports and distribute them to the appropriate individuals at their institution (i.e., Coaches, AD’s, SWA’s, President’s, etc.).

B. Statistics

1. Prior to the start of each season, the GSC Staff will clearly define its needs for results & statistics. 2. When reporting scores, be sure to highlight any team and/or individual institution, conference or

NCAA records set. This enables us to release the most accurate information possible.

3. GSC Team and Individual Statistics will be based on all games played (not just league games).

C. Nominations

1. Players of the Week. The GSC Staff will coordinate the selection of a “Player-of-the-Week” for every sport except Men's and Women's Tennis. The nomination process will be conducted online using the Conference’s Awards Website http://www.gscsports.org/voting. All nominations must be completed correctly and may not be considered if any requested information is omitted. A “one-strike” policy will apply to each season (Fall, Winter and Spring) - (note: this is by season, not by each sport). The first time an incomplete or incorrect nomination form is received, the SID will be contacted and given an opportunity to correct the nomination. Subsequent incomplete or incorrect nominations will not be considered during that season. The forms should list the categories so that they match the StatCrew Software.

2. As part of the weekly report, SIDs should nominate deserving student-athletes from their

respective teams. SIDs bear the primary responsibility for this function, but are encouraged to

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consult with their coaches before making the nominations. SIDs should also provide any relevant notes or information pertaining to their nominations.

3. All-Conference Teams. The SIDs are responsible for coordinating the nominations of their

student-athletes. A pre-season calendar listing the nomination dates, voting procedures, etc., will be distributed. Unless otherwise designated, the GSC Office will release All-GSC Teams two days prior to the start of the respective Conference tournaments. In all sports in which the nominations are by position (e.g., baseball, softball and volleyball), the nominee must have played in at least 50% of his/her team’s games at that position. The SID shall review the nominations and completed ballots for all All-Conference Teams.

4. All-Academic Teams. SIDs shall work jointly with their FAR in nominating and voting for All-

Academic Teams and Honor Rolls. The SID should confirm the FAR’s availability vis-à-vis the nomination and voting dates at the beginning of the academic year. If the FAR is unavailable, the SID should request that the FAR designate a substitute. If the SID is unavailable, a designee may serve in her/his absence.

5. The GSC Office will release the All-Academic Teams and Honor Roll after each season (see the

Awards section of the GSC Manual). Note: Many institutions’ fall semesters do not end until late December, so the Fall All-Academic Team will be released in January.

14.3 Hosting Conference Championships

A. Organization

1. Planning should be done several months in advance at pre-selected sites, and as soon as possible for those determined by regular season results. SIDs’ financial needs must be included in championship budgets, so the SID should consult the Athletics Director regarding the budget submitted to the Commissioner. Be proactive---don’t wait to be consulted.

2. Host institutions should determine their staff needs and responsibilities as soon as possible.

3. Prepare a checklist and establish guidelines (e.g., details and personnel required) for a smooth

and effective operation of the championship.

B. Communications

1. The conference office shall provide the host institution with a one-page roster sheet or flip card template for use at championship events.

2. Requests by the host SID for mailing/fax lists, pictures, statistics, and general team information

should be sent out ASAP. He/She should also review the program and related material from previous years. Materials such as pictures should be returned after the Championship.

3. A copy of the GSC Manual, NCAA Statistician’s Manual, NCAA Championship Manual and NCAA

Rulebook for that sport must be available at all times. These publications contain policies and procedures for the administration and conduct of Championships and must be easily accessed.

4. The host site or the conference office (neutral site competitions only) shall provide a photographer on the final day of championship competition.

C. Press Facilities and Service

1. Adequate space and accommodations are required for all legitimate members of the media, videographers and administrators. There must be at least one “open” phone line at the scorer’s

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table/press box reserved for incoming/outgoing score reports/requests (per GSC Executive Regulations) for Basketball, Baseball and Softball. There must be a second available internet connection reserved for GSC use (primarily for TAS Live software updates). Sufficient broadband capacity must be available to allow for GSC-TV LIVE live-streaming.

2. The host SID must provide an ample number of telephone and electrical outlets for Football,

Baseball, Softball, Volleyball and Basketball. There must be at least one “open” line and a separate line for the official visiting radio broadcast installed prior to the first contest of the season and checked to make sure it is working prior to events. The Commissioner is authorized to grant a waiver of this rule to any institution which cannot provide the hard line for the radio broadcasts at a reasonable cost – in such cases, the host institution must provide a cell phone of the highest possible quality to serve the purpose.”

3. For football and basketball: high-speed internet access must be available to all members of the

media and visiting SIDs prior to, during and after the contest. Phone lines and space for radio broadcasters must be provided upon request for softball, baseball, basketball, football, volleyball and soccer.

4. A working media room/area away from the general public shall be provided for easy

dissemination of information before, during, and after the event. Food and beverages should be available. As a courtesy, consider the dietary needs of the media and staff working the game when stocking these areas.

5. Prepare a press package containing useful information not included in the Championship

program.

D. GSC Basketball Championships & Baseball Championship 1. The SID or an approved designee from each participating institution is required to stay at the

Championship site to assist with statistics, media services, hosting, etc., until the completion of these Tournaments if there is insufficient staffing. This decision will be made by the Commissioner. Volunteers will be requested first, and every reasonable effort made to accommodate those with longer return trips home or conflicting league events. The GSC will pay for any reasonable pre-approved additional expenses incurred.

2. SIDs should plan to have substitutes or assistants cover any conflicting home events.

E. Official Results

1. At the conclusion of the Championship, one clean, detailed report should be sent to the GSC Office, as well as all pertinent individuals at the participating institutions (AD, SWA, SID, Head Coach, etc.)

2. If photographs are shot during the Championship, inform all participating institutions of this

service and the procedures for obtaining copies.

3. Send results to specialized media (e.g., Collegiate Baseball), web sites and organizations.

4. Provide complete results to all major media, including but not limited to, wire services, local daily newspapers, and local radio/TV outlets.

14.4 Meetings. For 2015-16 the annual GSC SID meeting will be part of a two-day workshop on May 25-May 26, 2016.

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2015-16 GSC REGULATIONS, POLICIES & PROCEDURES ARTICLE XV | AWARDS

Liaison: Andrea Anderson, GSC Assistant Commissioner for Compliance (205-991-9880) 15.1 General Policy Statement. GSC recognizes team championships and certain individual achievements by awarding trophies, plaques and certificates. The GSC only pays for and sanctions the awards listed herein. The GSC name and logo may not be used in support of any other award without the expressed written consent of the Commissioner. 15.2 Freshman Defined. A "freshman" is any student-athlete who is competing in his/her initial season at the collegiate level in the particular sport. This designation shall only apply to student-athletes who have not exhausted their eligibility in another sport. 15.3 New Awards. Coaches committees or any other body recognized by the Conference may propose new awards during their annual meetings, but proposals will only be considered at the June ADs/SWAs/FARs meeting and will only be voted upon by the CEOs at their June meeting. Experimental (emerging) sports do not qualify for any awards. 15.4 FAR and SID Participation. In all instances in which an FAR is involved in the process, if the FAR will not be available during the appropriate time frame, the FAR may designate a replacement faculty member or administrator who is not employed in athletics. This designee must have access to all academic records at the institution, and must be empowered by the institution to certify academic records and status. Similarly, if an SID will be unavailable, the SID may designate another qualified person to act in her/his behalf. 15.5 Team championships: A trophy will be awarded to the GSC championship team in each sport in which the Conference conducts an official championship. Unless otherwise specified herein, the GSC Champion is the team that wins the Championship Tournament in that sport. (Note: at least six teams must compete for a championship in order for it to be official unless the CEOs grant a waiver.) A separate regular season champion trophy will be awarded for all sports that compete in a conference mandated regular season. When ties cannot be broken, multiple awards are presented. GSC Champions may purchase jewelry recognizing that accomplishment from our official, exclusive provider, Balfour. 6/2015 15.6 Division Championships: In sports in which the Conference is split into Divisions, the first place team(s) will be recognized, but no award provided by the Conference. Division champions may purchase a pre-determined consistent trophy recognizing the accomplishment through the Conference Office. Division champions trophies shall be significantly smaller than the conference championship trophies. They may also purchase “division champion” or “regular season champion” championship jewelry from our official, exclusive provider, Balfour. When teams tie for a Division Championship, the tie will not be broken except for seeding purposes for playoffs/championship events. 15.7 Individual Championships: For individual sports (cross country and golf), the individual who finishes first shall receive a plaque in addition to any award earned by his/her team. 15.8 All-Conference: The Conference will present awards to student-athletes selected as First Team All-Conference (All-GSC) in the numbers listed below. Second Team members may receive certificates that are printed from a template approved by the Commissioner at the institution’s expense. For sports in which All-Conference selection is based on finish in an event (cross country), selection is automatic. In all other sports, student-athletes must be nominated by their own head coach. Also, in sports in which the honors are selected by position, the nominee must have played in at least 50% of her/his team’s games at that position.

The coaches shall vote via the conference web site. No coach is permitted to vote for a nominee from his/her own team. If the sport is played in divisions, the coaches may choose to select either one team from the entire conference or a team from each Division. If selected by Division, the teams from each Division comprise the All-

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Conference Team for that sport. Ties are not broken. The actual vote shall be cast by the head coach. The Commissioner is empowered to rectify any situations that appear to be inherently unfair in the voting results.

15.8.1 Composition. The All-GSC First and Second Teams shall be comprised as follows:

Men's Cross Country: 10 (First Team-Top Ten Finishers at the GSC Championship Meet, Second Team 11-20th place finishers) Women's Cross Country: 10 (First Team-Top Ten Finishers at the GSC Championship Meet, Second Team 11-20th place finishers) Football: 26 First and Second Team (Offense: 1-QB, TE, C; 2-RB, 2-WR, 2-G, 2-T; Defense: 4-DL, 4-LB, 4-DB; Special Teams: 1-K, P, K/P Returner & One Other Special Team Player) Women's Soccer: 11 First and Second Team (1-GK, 3-F, 4-MF, 3-D) Men's Soccer: 11 First and Second Team (1-GK, 3-F, 4-MF, 3-D)

Women's Volleyball: 7 First and Second Team (Not by position) Men's Basketball: 5 First and Second Team (Not by position) Women's Basketball: 5 First and Second Team (Not by position)

Baseball: 16 (First Team: 4-starting pitchers; 1-reliever; 1-C; 4-OF, 1-1B, 2B, 3B, SS, DH and the next highest voted infielder.) 15 (Second Team: 4-starting pitchers; 1-reliever; 1-C; 4-OF, 1-1B, 2B, 3B, SS,

DH) Men’s Golf: 6 First and Second Team Women’s Golf: 6 First and Second Team Softball: 15 (First Team: 3-OF; 3-P; one 1B, 2B, SS, 3B, C & DP; and 3 at-large) 12 (Second Team: next highest score at each position) Men's Tennis: 8 First and Second Team Women's Tennis: 8 First and Second Team 15.9 All-Academic: GSC All-Academic Teams will be selected jointly by the FARs and SIDs for all sports in which the conference conducts an official championship. Members of the GSC All-Academic Teams will receive certificates. The minimum grade point average to qualify is a 3.20 overall as posted on the student-athlete's official transcript. Freshmen are not eligible for the All-Academic Teams, nor is any s/a who has not spent a full year in residence at the sponsoring GSC school and passed 24 semester hours or 36 quarter hours that count towards an identifiable degree program during the year at that school. The s/a must have established academic credentials at the sponsoring institution for at least two semesters or three quarters prior to the selection process. No one is eligible for an All-Academic Team until he/she has attained at least sophomore status at that school. Special cases shall be referred to the Commissioner.

A. The All-GSC Academic Team nominees must be starters or significant contributors. Candidates must have lettered in the current year in order to be eligible.

B. Although the threshold for selection is grade point average, other factors such as leadership, academic

curriculum, community service, etc., may be considered when determining the All-GSC Academic Team.

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C. The All-Academic Team's size shall be based on the number of student-athletes required to play the sport (e.g., 6 volleyball, 10 baseball, etc.). The All-Academic Teams are comprised as follows:

Football 25 Volleyball 6 Cross Country 7 Soccer 11 Basketball 5 Baseball 10 Softball 10 Golf 7 Tennis 6 15.10 Academic Honor Roll: The GSC recognizes every student-athlete who has achieved a grade point average of 3.00 out of a possible 4.00 when it releases its annual "Academic Honor Roll". Institutions should submit the names of all qualified team members who competed against outside competition. Student-athletes who only practiced, but did not compete against outside competition, are not eligible. (No certificates are awarded for this honor.) 15.11 All-Tournament Teams: The coaches may recommend procedures for selecting All-Tournament Teams for all sports in which the GSC conducts a championship tournament. They may also select a “Most Outstanding Player” (MOP) for the Tournament. These teams shall be comprised as listed below: Baseball 10 + MOP Men's Basketball 5 + MOP Women's Basketball 5 + MOP Men’s Golf 6 + MOP (includes Medalist) Women’s Golf 5 (includes Medalist) Men's Soccer 11 + MOP Women's Soccer 11 + MOP Softball 10 + MOP Volleyball 6 + MOP The selection may be done by the media, SIDs, representatives of the Commissioner's Office, officials, and other uninvolved parties who are present for the entire championship event; however, the process is left up to the coaches. Student-athletes selected to the All-Tournament Team will receive a medallion in recognition of the honor, unless otherwise provided in these rules. 6/2015 15.12 "Weekly Honors.” Sport-specific weekly honors for any sport may be selected by the GSC Office. "Player of the Week" and all similar weekly awards are divisional for those sports that conduct in-season division-based play; if the sport is not played in divisions, there shall be one league-wide award in each category. 15.13 "Player of the Year" and "Freshman of the Year". The coaches in each sport may select a "Freshman of the Year." The coaches in the team sports may also select a "Player of the Year." These selections shall be done as part of the All-GSC process. Candidates for "Freshman of the Year" must be nominated by their own coach. POTY candidates must be nominees for All-GSC. 15.14 "Coach of the Year." The coaches in each sport may select a "Coach of the Year" either by vote or by automatically awarding it to the coach whose team wins the GSC Championship. If it is done by vote, it shall be part of the All-GSC process. Only tennis automatically awards its “Coach of the Year” to the championship team's coach. 15.15 All-Sports Championship Trophies: The institution(s) whose men's teams receive the most total points based on the formula set forth below, and the institution(s) whose women's teams receive the most total points based using the same formula, will receive separate ALL-SPORTS CHAMPIONSHIP TROPHIES. Ties result in multiple trophies. The Conference Office will update the standings for the All-Sports Trophies at the end of each playing season.

A. The process for the Men’s and Women’s Trophy are as follows: 1. Only “active” members as defined by the GSC Bylaws qualify for the All-Sports Trophy. “Affiliate”

members in specific sports, as well as schools in the GSC Membership Process, are not eligible; 2. Only those sports in which the GSC sponsors official championships will be included in the calculation; 3. Calculations will be based on the following:

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a. Sports will be ranked by regular season finish and by tournament finish (two separate calculations). For those sports which do not conduct official regular season GSC league competition, the entire calculation will be based upon finish at the GSC Championship event for those sports (golf and cross country at this time).

b. Points will be awarded in descending order based upon the number of GSC “active” members officially sponsoring each sport (i.e., eight points for a first-place regular season finish in men’s basketball because all eight GSC active members sponsor that sport). For sports with “affiliate” members (i.e., FIT in football), the affiliate member(s) shall be included in determining the total number of points available.

c. Once the two sets of rankings are compiled (regular season standing and tournament finish), the following formula shall be used: for those sports that conduct an official GSC regular season, regular season finish (standings) will be count towards 75% of the final overall rank and tournament finish counts at 25%. The two numbers shall be added together to produce the official “score” for each team sponsored by each school. For those that do not conduct regular season league play, finish at the GSC Championship event for that sport shall count 100%.

d. Men’s & Women’s Basketball will be counted for every school because they are the only two sports our Bylaws mandate for membership in the GSC.

e. The top four next highest finishes for each sport by each school will be counted. 15.16 Overall All-Sports Trophy. The process for the Overall All-Sports Trophy is the same as the Men’s/Women’s All-Sports Trophy process except that all of each school’s sponsored GSC sports finishes (regular season and championships) will be used for calculation (see above). 15.17 "Top Ten" Awards: Each year the Conference will select at least five men and five women as its "Top Ten" Award winners based on the criteria used for the Commissioner's Trophy, with the most outstanding male and female earning the Commissioner's Trophies. Ties in the voting may be broken at the discretion of the Commissioner or may result in more than five men and/or five women earning the honors. The "Top Ten" will be invited to the GSC Annual Banquet, with their meal and housing to be paid for by the Conference. 15.18 Commissioner’s Trophies: Each year, the Conference recognizes the most outstanding male and female athlete with the presentation of its most prestigious award. The criteria extend beyond outstanding athletic prowess; included are leadership qualities, school and community service, academic success, character and sportsmanship.

A. As soon as the final NCAA Spring Sports Championships have been completed, the Commissioner will solicit nominations from each institution. Schools may nominate a maximum of one male and one female athlete for these awards, and must complete the official nomination form provided by the GSC. The nomination form is included in the Appendix.

B. The Commissioner will select a committee composed of one Director of Athletics, one Senior Woman

Administrator, one Faculty Athletics Representative and one Sports Information Director to assist with the selection. The Commissioner may consult with any other individuals or constituencies he/she sees fit.

C. The Commissioner will review the votes of the Committee and make the final decision.

D. The winners and their parents or guardians will be invited to attend the GSC Annual Banquet in June.

The cost of the winners' dinner and lodging for one night will be paid by the GSC; reasonable costs incurred for transportation may be paid by the winners' institutions. Per NCAA Bylaw 16.1.6.5, the actual and necessary expenses for the award-winners families may not be paid by the institution.

15.19 Individual Awards: In sports for which there is an individual winner based on score or time, the GSC recognizes the outstanding achievements of individuals.

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A. Golf: the individual finishing with the best score at the GSC Championship Meet will receive a plaque.

The true freshman with the best score is also recognized.

B. Men's & Women's Cross Country: the individual finishing with the best time at each GSC Championship receives a plaque.

15.20 GSC Hall of Fame. The GSC will provide a Hall of Fame.

1. Completed nomination forms for the GSC Hall of Fame must be submitted to the Conference office not later than March 31st each year.

2. A candidate will only be considered if she/he played a GSC Championship Sport while his/her institution was an

active member of the Gulf South Conference. If that institution left the GSC prior to the completion of the nominee’s career, only those season played while that institution was an active member will be considered.

3. The Selection Committee may begin soliciting nominees from former GSC members beginning five (5) years after

the Hall of Fame’s inception.

4. The following individuals are eligible for nomination and selection: (a) An athletics department staff member employed by a GSC member for a minimum of five (5) years (b) A GSC office staff member employed by the Conference for a minimum of five (5) years (c) A former GSC student-athlete who competed at the nominating institution for a minimum of two years and completed his/her final season of competition not less than five years ago

5. Once an individual is nominated, his/her nomination remains active for three years. 6. Each member institution may nominate one (1) candidate in each category per year. The nomination form is at

the end of this Awards Section.

7. Each member institution shall have a maximum of two (2) inductees per year.

8. No more than five (5) individuals will be inducted per year.

9. A committee comprised of one Sports Information Director, Athletics Director, Senior Woman Administrator, Faculty Athletics Representative and one At-Large member will select the inductees each year. The committee members shall be from different GSC. The current President of the Gulf South Conference is as an ex-Officio member. Appointments to this committee shall be made by the Commissioner with approval from the Athletic Directors and Senior Woman Administrators and will be on a three-year rotating basis to ensure continuity of the process.

10. Inductees will be invited to the annual GSC Awards Banquet where they will be presented with plaques. A

plaque will also be given to the honorees’ school for display on that campus. The GSC office will display plaques in honor of the inductees, as well as publish on the Gulf South Conference website.

15.21 Special Recognitions: From time to time, special awards may be made in recognition of outstanding service to the Gulf South Conference. Members of the GSC Executive Committee who rotate off that Committee shall be recognized at their final June Meeting of service. The outgoing GSC President shall also be recognized. 15.22 Sport-by-Sport Selection Guidelines.

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Baseball Awards. The following awards are provided for Baseball: Player of the Week, Pitcher of the Week, Freshman of the Week, All-Conference (All-GSC) First Team and Second Team, Player of the Year, Pitcher of the Year, Freshman of the Year (as defined in 15.2), Coach of the Year, All-Tournament Team, Tournament Most Outstanding Player and All-Academic Team. No other awards are permitted.

Selection Process | Regular Season. The All-GSC process will be conducted at www.gscsports.org/voting. Coaches may only nominate their own players and they cannot vote for their own players. All-GSC Team consists of 16 First Team players and 16 Second Team players (4-starting pitchers; 1-reliever; 1-C; 4-OF, 1-1B, 2B, 3B, SS, DH and the next highest voted infielder).

April 20: The GSC SID opens up the nomination process online. April 25: Nominations must be submitted online by Noon. Coaches are allowed to nominate two candidates for

Player and Pitcher of the Year and one candidate for Freshman of the Year. Nominations are not needed for Coach of the Year which is added by the GSC SID on the final ballot.

April 27: The GSC SID activates the online ballot for voting. Coaches should vote for one player at each position except for Outfield and Starting Pitcher of which they will select four players. Coaches should vote for two nominees in rank order for Player, Pitcher, Freshman and Coach of the Year.

April 29: Votes must be submitted online by Noon. May 4: The GSC Office officially releases the All-GSC Team (early notification on May 3)

Selection Process | Weekly Awards. The GSC will honor a “Player of the Week”, a “Pitcher of the Week” and

“Freshman of the Week” (as defined in 15.2). The institutions will submit nominations at www.gscsports.org/voting by Noon (Central) on Monday and the Conference Office staff will select the Weekly Award winners. The GSC SID will give the institutions early notification of the winners on Monday by 2:00 pm (Central).

Selection Process | All-Tournament. The All-Tournament Team consists of 10 players plus a Most Outstanding

Player (11 total members). The GSC SID will distribute the ballot to voters before the start of the Championship Game.

Selection Process | All-Academic. The Baseball All-Academic Team consists of 10 student-athletes. GSC All-Academic Teams will be selected jointly by the FARs and SIDs. Complete details of the All-Academic process can be found in the GSC Awards Manual.

TBD: The GSC SID opens up the nomination process online. TBD: Nominations must be submitted online by Noon. TBD: The GSC SID activates the online ballot for voting. TBD: Votes must be submitted online by Noon. TBD: The GSC Office officially releases the Spring All-Academic Team.

Basketball

Awards. The following awards are provided for Men's and Women's Basketball: Player of the Week, Freshman of the Week, All-Conference (All-GSC) First Team and Second Team, Player of the Year, Freshman of the Year (as defined in 15.2), Coach of the Year, All-Tournament Team, Tournament Most Outstanding Player and All-Academic Team. No other awards are permitted.

Selection Process | Regular Season. The All-GSC process will be conducted at www.gscsports.org/voting. Coaches may only nominate their own players and they cannot vote for their own players. All-GSC Team consists of five First Team players and five Second Team players regardless of position.

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February 19: The GSC SID opens up the nomination process online. February 24: Nominations must be submitted online by Noon. Coaches are allowed to nominate one candidate

Freshman of the Year. Nominations are not needed for Coach of the Year which is added by the GSC SID on the final ballot.

February 26: The GSC SID activates the online ballot for voting. Coaches should select 10 players regardless of position in rank order. The player listed at the top of 10-player list will receive 10 points, while the final player listed will receive 1 point. The player receiving the most points will be named the Player of the Year.

February 28: Votes must be submitted online by Noon. February 29: The GSC Office officially releases the All-GSC Team (early notification on February 28).

Selection Process | Weekly Awards. The GSC will honor a “Player of the Week” and a “Freshman of the Week”

(as defined in 15.2). The institutions will submit nominations at www.gscsports.org/voting by Noon (Central) on Monday and the Conference Office staff will select the Weekly Award winners. The GSC SID will give the institutions early notification of the winners on Monday by 2:00 pm (Central).

Selection Process | All-Tournament. The All-Tournament Team consists of five players plus a Most Outstanding

Player (six total members). The GSC SID will distribute the ballot to voters before the start of the Championship Game.

Selection Process | All-Academic. The Basketball All-Academic Teams consists of five student-athletes. GSC All-Academic Teams will be selected jointly by the FARs and SIDs. Complete details of the All-Academic process can be found in the GSC Awards Manual.

March 8: The GSC SID opens up the nomination process online. March 11: Nominations must be submitted online by Noon. March 15: The GSC SID activates the online ballot for voting. March 18: Votes must be submitted online by Noon. March 21: The GSC Office officially releases the Winter All-Academic Team (early notification on March 18).

Cross Country

Awards. The following awards are provided for Cross Country: Runner of the Week, Freshman Runner of the Week, All-Conference (All-GSC) First Team and Second Team, Individual Medalist, Freshman of the Year (as defined in 15.2), Coach of the Year and All-Academic Team. No other awards are permitted.

Selection Process | Regular Season. All-Conference and yearly awards are performance-based honors and are determined by finishing times at the annual GSC Cross Country Championship Meet. The 1st through 10th finishers are automatically assigned to the First Team, while the 11th through 20th finishers are automatically Second Team.

The first-place runner earns the "Individual Medalist" and the freshman with the best time is named “Freshman of the Year.” The head coaches will select the "Coach of the Year" via an e-mail vote to the Cross Country Liaison on the Monday immediately after the Championship meet (October 24, 2015). All votes must be received no later than 5 p.m. Central Time. Coaches cannot vote for themselves. The results will be released by the GSC on Tuesday, October 27.

Selection Process | Weekly Awards. The GSC will honor a “Runner of the Week” and a “Freshman Runner of the

Week” (as defined in 15.2). The institutions will submit nominations at www.gscsports.org/voting by Noon (Central) on Wednesday and the Conference Office staff will select the Weekly Award winners. The GSC SID will release the official results on Wednesday by 2:00 pm (Central).

Selection Process | All-Academic. The Cross Country All-Academic Team consists of seven student-athletes. GSC All-Academic Teams will be selected jointly by the FARs and SIDs. Complete details of the All-Academic process can be found in the GSC Awards Manual.

January 4: The GSC SID opens up the nomination process online.

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January 6: Nominations must be submitted online by Noon. January 8: The GSC SID activates the online ballot for voting. January 11: Votes must be submitted online by Noon. January 13: The GSC Office officially releases the Fall All-Academic Team (early notification on January 12).

Football

Awards. The following awards are provided for Football: Offensive Player of the Week, Defensive Player of the Week, Special Teams Player of the Week, Freshman of the Week, All-Conference (All-GSC) First Team and Second Team, Offensive Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, Offensive Freshman of the Year, Defensive Freshman of the Year (as defined in 15.2), Coach of the Year and All-Academic Team. No other awards are permitted.

Selection Process | Regular Season. The All-GSC process will be conducted at www.gscsports.org/voting. Coaches may only nominate their own players and they cannot vote for their own players. All-GSC Team consists of 31 First Team players and 31 Second Team players (Offense: 1-QB, 1-TE, 1-C; 2-G, 2-T; 2-RB, 4-WR, 1-AP. Defense: 4-DL, 4-LB, 4-DB. Special Teams: 1-K, 1-P, 1-RS, 1-Blocking Team & 1-Utility Special Teams Player).

November 4: The GSC SID opens up the nomination process online. November 10: Nominations must be submitted online by Noon. Coaches are allowed to nominate on candidate

for Offensive, Defensive, Offensive Freshman and Defensive Freshman of the Year. Nominations are not needed for Coach of the Year which is added by the GSC SID on the final ballot. November 12: The GSC SID activates the online ballot for voting. Coaches should vote for: Offense: 1-QB, 1-

TE, 1-C; 2-G, 2-T; 2-RB, 4-WR, 1-AP. Defense: 4-DL, 4-LB, 4-DB. Special Teams: 1-K, 1-P, 1- RS, 1-Blocking Team & 1-Utility Special Teams Player). Coaches should vote for two nominees in rank order for Offensive, Defensive, Offensive Freshman and Defensive Freshman of the Year and Coach of the Year.

November 16: Votes must be submitted online by Noon. November 18: The GSC Office officially releases the All-GSC Team (early notification on November 17)

Selection Process | Weekly Awards. The GSC will honor an "Offensive Player of the Week," "Defensive Player of

the Week," "Special Teams Player of the Week," "Freshman of the Week" (as defined in 15.2). The institutions will submit nominations at www.gscsports.org/voting by Noon (Central) on Sunday and the Conference Office staff will select the Weekly Award winners. The GSC SID will give the institutions early notification of the winners on Sunday by 5:00 pm (Central).

Selection Process | All-Academic. The Football All-Academic Team consists of 25 student-athletes. GSC All-

Academic Teams will be selected jointly by the FARs and SIDs. Complete details of the All-Academic process can be found in the GSC Awards Manual.

January 4: The GSC SID opens up the nomination process online. January 6: Nominations must be submitted online by Noon. January 8: The GSC SID activates the online ballot for voting. January 11: Votes must be submitted online by Noon. January 13: The GSC Office officially releases the Fall All-Academic Team (early notification on January 12).

Golf

Awards. The following awards are provided for Golf: Golfer of the Month, Freshman Golfer of the Month, All-Conference (All-GSC) First Team and Second Team, Player of the Year, Freshman of the Year (as defined in 15.2), Coach of the Year, All-Tournament Team, Individual Medalist and All-Academic Team. No other awards are permitted.

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Selection Process | Regular Season. The All-GSC process will be conducted at www.gscsports.org/voting. Coaches may only nominate their own players and they cannot vote for their own players. All-GSC Team consists of six First Team players and six Second Team players.

April 15: The GSC SID opens up the nomination process online. April 22: Nominations must be submitted online by Noon. Coaches are allowed to nominate one candidate for

Player of the Year and two candidates for Freshman of the Year. Nominations are not needed for Coach of the Year which is added by the GSC SID on the final ballot.

April 25: The GSC SID activates the online ballot for voting and sends the GSC Golfstat Report to the Golf Liaison for distribution to the coaches. Coaches should select six players for All-GSC in rank order with the player receiving the most points named the Player of the Year. Only one vote is needed for Freshman and Coach of the Year.

April 26: Votes must be submitted online by Noon. April 28: The GSC Office officially releases the All-GSC Team (early notification on April 27).

Selection Process | Weekly Awards. The GSC will honor a “Golfer of the Month” and a “Freshman Golfer of the

Month” (as defined in 15.2). The institutions will submit nominations at www.gscsports.org/voting by Noon (Central) on the first Thursday in October (covers Sept.), November (covers Oct.) and April (covers March) and the second Thursday in March (covers Feb.). The Conference Office staff will select the Monthly Award winners. The GSC SID will release the official results on Thursday by 2:00 pm (Central).

Selection Process | All-Tournament. The All-Tournament Team and Individual Medalist award are performance-

based honors and are determined by finishing times at the annual GSC Golf Championship Tournament. The 1st through 5th top scores in the 54-hole Tournament are recognized as the All-Tournament Team. The first-place finisher is the "Individual Medalist."

Selection Process | All-Academic. The Golf All-Academic Team consists of seven student-athletes. GSC All-Academic Teams will be selected jointly by the FARs and SIDs. Complete details of the All-Academic process can be found in the GSC Awards Manual.

TBD: The GSC SID opens up the nomination process online. TBD: Nominations must be submitted online by Noon. TBD: The GSC SID activates the online ballot for voting. TBD: Votes must be submitted online by Noon. TBD: The GSC Office officially releases the Spring All-Academic Team.

Lacrosse Awards. The following awards are provided for Lacrosse: Player of the Week, Defensive Player of the Week, Freshman of the Week, All-Conference (All-GSC), Player of the Year, Freshman of the Year (as defined in 15.2), Defensive Player of the Year, Coach of the Year, All-Tournament Team, Tournament Most Outstanding Player, All-Academic Team. No other awards are permitted. Selection Process | Weekly Awards. The GSC will honor a “Player of the Week”, a “Defensive Player of the Week’ and “Freshman of the Week” (as defined in 15.2). The institutions shall submit nominations at www.GSCSports.org/voting by Noon (Central) on Monday and the Conference Office staff will select the Weekly Award winners to be announced on Tuesday weekly. The GSC communications staff will give the institutions early notification of the winners on Monday by 2:00pm (Central). Selection Process | Regular Season. The All-GSC process will be conducted at www.GSCSports.org/voting. Coaches shall nominate their own players but may not vote for their own players. All-GSC Team shall consist of 12 individuals: One goalkeeper, three defenders, three midfielders, three attackers and two at-large selections. For

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Superlative awards, coaches shall nominate one candidate for each award. Nominations are not needed for Coach of the Year.

April 11: The GSC opens up the nomination process online.

April 15: Nominations must be submitted online by noon.

April 17: The GSC activates the online ballot for voting. Coaches shall vote for 12 individuals including at least one goalkeeper, three defender, three midfielder and three attacker. The two individuals with the highest vote totals beyond the 10 mandated spots shall be added to the all-conference team. For superlative awards, coaches shall rank their top-two players with the highest ranked individual receiving three points and second highest ranked individual receiving one point. The individuals with the most points shall earn the awards.

April 18: Votes must be submitted online by 3:00pm (Central).

April 20: The GSC officially releases the yearly awards. Selection Process | Tournament. The All-Tournament team consists of 11 players plus a Most Outstanding Player (12 total members). The All-Tournament Teams shall be selected by the head coaches of each participating teams based on their finish in the championships. The champion earns five selections including the Most Outstanding Player, the runner-up earns three selections and the third and fourth place teams earn two selections each. Selection Process | All-Academic. The Lacrosse All-Academic Team consists of 12 student-athletes. GSC All-Academic Teams will be selected jointly by the FAR’s and SID’s. Complete details of the All-Academic process can be found in the GSC Awards Manual.

TBD: The GSC SID opens up the nomination process online. TBD: Nominations must be submitted online by Noon. TBD: The GSC SID activates the online ballot for voting. TBD: Votes must be submitted online by Noon. TBD: The GSC Office officially releases the Spring All-Academic Team.

Soccer

Awards. The following awards are provided for Soccer: Player of the Week, Defender of the Week, Freshman of the Week, All-Conference (All-GSC) First Team and Second Team, Player of the Year, Freshman of the Year (as defined in 15.2), Coach of the Year, Fair Play Award, All-Tournament Team, Tournament Most Outstanding Player and All-Academic Team. No other awards are permitted.

Selection Process | Regular Season. The All-GSC process will be conducted at www.gscsports.org/voting. Coaches may only nominate their own players and they cannot vote for their own players. All-GSC Team consists of 11 First Team players and 11 Second Team players (11 (1-GK, 3-F, 4-MF, 3-D).

October 21: The GSC SID opens up the nomination process online. October 26: Nominations must be submitted online by Noon. Coaches are allowed to nominate two candidates

for Player of the Year and one candidate for Freshman of the Year. Nominations are not needed for Coach of the Year which is added by the GSC SID on the final ballot.

October 28: The GSC SID activates the online ballot for voting. Coaches should vote for: 1-GK, 3-F, 4-MF and 3-D. Coaches should vote for three players in rank order for Player of the Year with the highest with the player receiving the most points named the Player of the Year. Only vote is needed for Freshman and Coach of the Year.

October 30: Votes must be submitted online by Noon. November 2: The GSC Office officially releases the All-GSC Team (early notification on November 1)

Selection Process | GSC Fair Play Award. The GSC shall recognize annually a Fair Play Award. The three conference teams who have accumulated the fewest cards (yellow and red cards combined) throughout the course of the

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season shall be nominated for the award. Coaches shall vote on the winner from the nominees. Voting process shall be conducted following the conclusion of the GSC Tournament.

November 9: The GSC SID sends the list of three teams to the coaches. November 11: Votes must be submitted online by Noon. November 12: The GSC Office officially releases the award winners

Selection Process | Weekly Awards. The GSC will honor a “Player of the Week”, a “Defender of the Week” and

“Freshman of the Week” (as defined in 15.2). The institutions will submit nominations at www.gscsports.org/voting by Noon (Central) on Monday and the Conference Office staff will select the Weekly Award winners. The GSC SID will give the institutions early notification of the winners on Monday by 2:00 pm (Central).

Selection Process | All-Tournament. The All-Tournament Team consists of 11 players plus a Most Outstanding

Player (12 total members). The All-Tournament Teams will be selected by the head coaches of each of the participating teams based on their finish in the championships. The champion earns four selections, the runner-up three, and the third and fourth place teams two each, for a total of 11 honorees. The Most Outstanding Player (MOP) will be nominated by the coaches playing in the championship game and selected by the sports information directors in attendance. One person from each team that plays in the Championship Game will be nominated by his/her head coach. The MOP will be one of the 11 members of the All-Tournament Team (the MOP does not create a 12th honoree).

Selection Process | All-Academic. The Soccer All-Academic Team consists of 11 student-athletes. GSC All-

Academic Teams will be selected jointly by the FARs and SIDs. Complete details of the All-Academic process can be found in the GSC Awards Manual.

January 4: The GSC SID opens up the nomination process online. January 6: Nominations must be submitted online by Noon. January 8: The GSC SID activates the online ballot for voting. January 11: Votes must be submitted online by Noon. January 13: The GSC Office officially releases the Fall All-Academic Team (early notification on January 12).

Softball

Awards. The following awards are provided for Softball: Player of the Week, Pitcher of the Week, Freshman of the Week, All-Conference (All-GSC) First Team and Second Team, Player of the Year, Pitcher of the Year, Freshman of the Year (as defined in 15.2), Coach of the Year, All-Tournament Team, Tournament Most Outstanding Player and All-Academic Team. No other awards are permitted.

Selection Process | Regular Season. The All-GSC process will be conducted at www.gscsports.org/voting. Coaches may only nominate their own players and they cannot vote for their own players. All-GSC Team consists of 15 First Team players and 10 Second Team players (4-starting pitchers; 1-reliever; 1-C; 4-OF, 1-1B, 2B, 3B, SS, DH and the next highest voted infielder).

The All-GSC First Team will be selected by position: 3-P (highest vote-getter is the “Pitcher of the Year”), 3-OF, 1-Cc, 1-SS, 1-2B, 1-1B, 1-3B, 1-DP/Utility and 3-At-large (chosen after the position players have been selected).

Each coach votes for three nominees per position, ranking them #1 (3 points), #2 (2 points) and #3 (1 point). The player receiving the most points at each position is First Team.

Selection of the three at-large players: After all positions are chosen for First Team All-GSC, a second ballot will go out to rank all remaining vote getters. Coaches shall vote for three of those nominees, ranking them in preferred order. The top three vote-recipients will be At-Large First Team All-GSC.

The All-GSC Second Team will be selected by position after the First Team has been completed, with the highest remaining vote recipient at each position (in the case of outfielders, the next three remaining) earning the berth.

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April 13: The GSC SID opens up the nomination process online. April 18: Nominations must be submitted online by Noon. Coaches are allowed to nominate one Player of the

Year and one Freshman of the Year. Nominations are not needed for Coach of the Year which is added by the GSC SID on the final ballot.

April 20: The GSC SID activates the online ballot for voting. For Player, Freshman and Coach of the Year, coaches should vote for three players in rank order with the player receiving the most points winning each award

April 25: Votes must be submitted online by Noon. April 26: The GSC Office officially releases the All-GSC Team (early notification on April 25)

Selection Process | Weekly Awards. The GSC will honor a “Player of the Week”, a “Pitcher of the Week” and

“Freshman of the Week” (as defined in 15.2). The institutions will submit nominations at www.gscsports.org/voting by Noon (Central) on Monday and the Conference Office staff will select the Weekly Award winners. The GSC SID will give the institutions early notification of the winners on Monday by 2:00 pm (Central).

Selection Process | All-Tournament. The All-Tournament Team consists of 10 players plus a Most Outstanding

Player (11 total members). A designated committee may select an All-Tournament Team and a Tournament MOP. A committee consisting of the tournament staff, representatives of the GSC Office, SIDs who attend the entire tournament and the supervisor of umpires will make the selection. The Tournament Director will chair the committee.

Selection Process | All-Academic. The Softball All-Academic Team consists of 10 student-athletes. GSC All-Academic Teams will be selected jointly by the FARs and SIDs. Complete details of the All-Academic process can be found in the GSC Awards Manual.

TBD: The GSC SID opens up the nomination process online. TBD: Nominations must be submitted online by Noon. TBD: The GSC SID activates the online ballot for voting. TBD: Votes must be submitted online by Noon. TBD: The GSC Office officially releases the Spring All-Academic Team.

Tennis

Awards. The following awards are provided for Tennis: All-Conference (All-GSC) First Team and Second Team,

Player of the Year, Freshman of the Year (as defined in 15.2), Coach of the Year and All-Academic Team. No other awards are permitted.

Selection Process | Regular Season. The All-GSC process will be conducted at www.gscsports.org/voting. Coaches may only nominate their own players and they cannot vote for their own players. All-GSC Team consists of eight First Team players and eight Second Team players.

April 4: The GSC SID opens up the nomination process online. April 8: Nominations must be submitted online by Noon. Coaches are allowed to nominate one candidate for

Player and Freshman of the Year. Nominations are not needed for Coach of the Year which is added by the GSC SID on the final ballot.

April 12: The GSC SID activates the online ballot for voting. Coaches should vote for eight players in rank order. The player with the highest point total will be named GSC Player of the Year. Only vote is needed for Freshman and Coach of the Year.

April 19: Votes must be submitted online by Noon. April 21: The GSC Office officially releases the All-GSC Team (early notification on April 20)

Selection Process | All-Academic. The Tennis All-Academic Team consists of six student-athletes. GSC All-

Academic Teams will be selected jointly by the FARs and SIDs. Complete details of the All-Academic process can be found in the GSC Awards Manual.

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TBD: The GSC SID opens up the nomination process online. TBD: Nominations must be submitted online by Noon. TBD: The GSC SID activates the online ballot for voting. TBD: Votes must be submitted online by Noon. TBD: The GSC Office officially releases the Spring All-Academic Team.

Track & Field

Awards. The following awards are provided for Track & Field: Track Performer of the Week, Field Performer of the Week, Freshman Performer of the Week – as defined in 15.2, All-Conference, All-Academic, Most Outstanding Overall Performer, Most Outstanding Track Performer, Most Outstanding Field Performer, Most Outstanding Freshman Performer – as defined in 15.2, Coach of the Year. No other awards are permitted.

Selection Process | Championship. All-Conference and Tournament/Championship awards are performance-based honors and are determined by at the annual Championship Meet. The top finisher in each event shall be named first team All-Conference and the second place finisher shall be named second team All-Conference. Top three finishers in each event shall receive a medal. Most Outstanding Performers shall be the student-athlete with the highest point total at the championship meet: Most Outstanding Overall Performer, Most Outstanding Track Performer, Most Outstanding Field Performer, Most Outstanding Freshman Performer.

Selection Process | Yearly Awards. Track Athlete of the Year, Field Athlete of the Year, Freshman of the Year as

defined in 15.2 and Coach of the Year shall be determined by a vote of the coaches. The selection process will be conducted at www.gscsports.org/voting. Coaches may only nominate their own student-athletes and may not nominate more than one student-athlete for each award. Coaches may not vote for their own student-athletes. All coaches shall be added to the ballot by the conference office.

April 25: The GSC SID opens up the nomination process online. April 26: Nominations must be submitted online by Noon. The GSC activates the online ballot for voting.

Coaches should vote for one player at each position. April 27: Votes must be submitted online by Noon. April 28: The GSC Office officially releases award winners (early notification provided on April 27)

Selection Process | Weekly Awards. The GSC will honor a “Track Performer of the Week”, “Field Performer of the Week” and a “Freshman Performer of the Week” (as defined in 15.2). The institutions will submit nominations at www.gscsports.org/voting by Noon (Central) on Wednesday and the Conference Office staff will select the Weekly Award winners. The GSC SID will release the official results on Wednesday by 2:00 pm (Central).

Selection Process | All-Academic. The All-Academic Team consists of 11 student-athletes. GSC All-Academic

Teams will be selected jointly by the FARs and SIDs. Complete details of the All-Academic process can be found in the GSC Awards Manual.

TBD: The GSC SID opens up the nomination process online. TBD: Nominations must be submitted online by Noon. TBD: The GSC SID activates the online ballot for voting. TBD: Votes must be submitted online by Noon. TBD: The GSC Office officially releases the Spring All-Academic Team.

Volleyball

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Awards. The following awards are provided for Volleyball: Offensive Player of the Week, Defensive of the Week, Freshman of the Week, All-Conference (All-GSC) First Team and Second Team, Player of the Year, Freshman of the Year (as defined in 15.2), Coach of the Year, All-Tournament Team, Tournament Most Outstanding Player and All-Academic Team. No other awards are permitted.

Selection Process | Regular Season. The All-GSC process will be conducted at www.gscsports.org/voting. Coaches may only nominate their own players and they cannot vote for their own players. All-GSC Team consists of nine First Team players and nine Second Team players regardless of position.

November 4: The GSC SID opens up the nomination process online. November 9: Nominations must be submitted online by Noon. Teams may also nominate one candidate for

Freshman of the Year. Nominations are not needed for Player and Coach of the Year which are part of the final ballot process.

November 11: The GSC SID activates the online ballot for voting. Coaches should vote for nine players in rank order. The player with the highest point total will be named GSC Player of the Year. Coaches shall vote for the Freshman and Coach of the Year separately with the highest vote getter earning the award.

November 13: Votes must be submitted online by Noon. November 16: The GSC Office officially releases the All-GSC Team (early notification on November 15)

Selection Process | Weekly Awards. The GSC will honor an “Offensive Player of the Week”, a "Defensive Player

of the Week” and a “Freshman of the Week” (as defined in 15.2). The institutions will submit nominations at www.gscsports.org/voting by Noon (Central) on Monday and the Conference Office staff will select the Weekly Award winners. The GSC SID will give the institutions early notification of the winners on Monday by 2:00 pm (Central).

Selection Process | All-Tournament. The All-Tournament Team consists of six players plus a Most Outstanding

Player (seven total members). The team will be selected by the head coaches of participating teams based on their finish in the championship.

The champion earns three selections (including Most Outstanding Player), the runner-up earns two selections and each non-advancing semifinalist earns one player. Each coach will be asked to list their selections after their final tournament contest is completed.

Selection Process | Academic. The Volleyball All-Academic Team consists of six student-athletes. GSC All-Academic Teams will be selected jointly by the FARs and SIDs. Complete details of the All-Academic process can be found in the GSC Awards Manual.

January 4: The GSC SID opens up the nomination process online. January 6: Nominations must be submitted online by Noon. January 8: The GSC SID activates the online ballot for voting. January 11: Votes must be submitted online by Noon. January 13: The GSC Office officially releases the Fall All-Academic Team (early notification on January 12).

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BYLAW 14.2.5 MEDICAL HARDSHIP WAIVER FORM Please use this form for all NCAA Bylaw 14.2.5 Medical Hardship Waiver requests. It simplifies the process. Be sure to attach the complete schedule for the year in question, clearly identifying the contests in which the s/a competed. You must also include the contemporaneous medical documentation (generated by the doctor when the injury or illness occurred and showing evaluation & treatment dates). Remember: GSC rules require that an MD certify the condition and make the determination.

INSTITUTIONAL INFORMATION: Institution Submitting This Form: ___________________________ Date Submitted: ___________ Individual Submitting This Form: ___________________________ Phone #: _________________ Sport: _____________ Year (Season) For Which Waiver is Sought: _______ (e.g., 2012-13)

STUDENT-ATHLETE INFORMATION: Name: ___________________________ Phone # for s/a: ___________________ Date of Birth: ___________________________ Injury – Date on Which It Happened: ______________ OR Illness – Date You Became Ill: _________ To Whom Did You Report the Injury/Illness? ________________ When? ______________________ I hereby Grant Permission for my institution, the attending physician(s) and the Gulf South Conference to process this waiver request and authorize them to obtain all pertinent medical records accordingly. _____________________________________ __________________________ Signature of Student-Athlete Date Signed by Student-Athlete

ATHLETIC TRAINER INFORMATION: ATC’s Name: __________________________ Phone #: _______________________________ Nature of Injury: ____________________________________________________________________ Date on Which S/A First Reported Injury or Illness: ________________ If an Injury, Were you There When It Happened? _______________ If you were NOT There, Who Treated it Initially? _______________________________________ Regardless of Who Treated It, What First Aid or Initial Treatment Was Applied? ____________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ Did you send the student-athlete to a physician immediately? YES or NO Did the s/a participate again during the same season (after suffering this injury or illness)? YES or NO

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ATTENDING PHYSICIAN INFORMATION: Physician’s Full Name: _____________________ Phone #: _______________ FAX: _________ Address: ____________________________________________ Athlete’s Name: _________________ E-Mail: ______________________ Best Time(s) To Contact You: _____________________ Date on Which You First Saw The Patient For This Injury/Illness: _________________________________ Diagnosis on That Date: _________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________ Treatment: _____________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________ Subsequent Dates on Which You Saw the Patient: _____________________________________________ Any Changes In Diagnosis or Treatment: (Attach additional pages if needed) _______________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________ Did This Injury/Illness Render the Student-Athlete Medically Unable to Participate for the Remainder of the Season? _____________ (Yes or No) A) If “yes” Date on Which You Made That Determination: ____________________ Reason for That Determination: _________________________________________________________ B) If “no”, have you subsequently released the s/a to resume athletic participation: _________ (Yes or No)

If you have released him/her, on what date was she/he released? ____________________ C) If you have NOT YET released the s/a to resume athletic participation, on what date do you reasonably believe the s/a might be released? ____________________________ ________________________________________ _____________________ Actual Signature of Attending Physician Date Signed (must be physician’s signature---not a stamp & not signed by a secretary, assistant, administrator or nurse) ________________________________________ _____________________ Affirmation by Compliance Officer, AD, FAR or Date Signed Other Duly Authorized Representative of the Institution Submitting this Form _______________________________________ _____________________ Phone Number of Compliance Officer, etc., E-Mail Address of Person Submitting this Form Submitting this Form

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Gulf South Conference Report of Unsportsmanlike Conduct

GSC Article XV Section 1. B: Reports of Unsportsmanlike Conduct. Any flagrant unsportsmanlike conduct by student-athletes, coaches, administrators, staff or spectators at an athletic event must be reported by the Director of Athletics, FAR or CEO of the involved institution to the Commissioner within 24 hours of the incident. This specifically includes the ejection of any player, head or assistant coach, staff member, graduate assistant, etc., regardless of the reason for the ejection.

SEE BOTTOM OF PAGE FOR REPORTING INSTRUCTIONS Date of report:________________ Your institution: ______________________ Name, title & phone # of person submitting report: ___________________________________ Sport in which incident occurred: ____________ Competition date: _____________________ Home Team: __________________________ Visiting Team: ________________________ Name of Ejected Player(s): ___________________________________________________________________________ Name of Ejected Coach: __________________________________________________________ Name of Ejected Staff Member/Administrator: _________________________________________ Name of Ejected Fan(s) (if available): _____________________________________ Student? YES NO ____________________________________ Student? YES NO Ejected by (official, athletic administrator, security/police): _____________________________ If ejected by official, provide his/her name and phone# or e-mail address: Reason for ejection: Future penalties, if any, imposed on athlete, coach, or fan: The host institution’s Director of Athletics MUST send written notification to the GSC Commissioner and the visiting team’s Director of Athletics within 24 hours that a misconduct event occurred. However, the “Report of Unsportsmanlike Conduct” form must come directly from the AD, FAR, or CEO of the institution whose participant was ejected. The GSC Commissioner must receive this form within 48 hours of the alleged incident. Please attach extra pages as needed. E-MAIL: mwilson@gscsports.org

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2014-15 TOP TEN & COMMISSIONER’S TROPHIES NOMINATION FORM Name: ______________________ Sport(s): ____________________ School: ______________________ Position(s): ____________________ Cumulative GPA: ________ Class: _______ Major(s)/Second Field: __________________________________________________

Athletic Achievements During the Current Academic Year A. All-America? YES NO If “Yes,” what level? (First/Second/Third Team, etc.) B. All-Region? YES NO If “yes,” what level? C. All-GSC? YES NO If “yes,” what level? Other athletic awards/achievements for the current academic year: A. Team captain? YES NO Starter? YES NO B. GSC SAAC Rep? YES NO Team SAAC Rep? YES NO C. All-GSC? YES NO 1st Team or 2nd Team D. All-Region YES NO 1st Team 2nd Team Honorable Mention

Which organization(s)? E. All-American YES NO 1st Team 2nd Team Honorable Mention Which organization(s)? F. List Player of the Week Honors: _____________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ G. Other awards/achievements: ________________________________________________________

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Academic-Athletic Awards During the Current Academic Year A. Academic All-America? YES NO 1. Organization: ________________________ Level: _________________ 2. Organization: ________________________ Level: _________________ B. Academic All-Region? YES NO 1. Organization: _______________________ Level: ________________ 2. Organization: _______________________ Level: ________________ C. Academic All-GSC? YES NO D. GSC Academic Honor Roll? YES NO Other Academic-Athletic Awards During the Current Year: A. ________________________________________________________________________________ B. ________________________________________________________________________________ C. ________________________________________________________________________________ D. ________________________________________________________________________________ Other Non-Athletics Awards for the Current Academic Year (e.g., leadership, “citizen of the university,” “Who’s Who in Colleges & Universities, etc.): A. ________________________________________________________________________________ B. ________________________________________________________________________________ C. ________________________________________________________________________________ D. ________________________________________________________________________________

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Significant On-Campus Extra-curricular Activities: A. ________________________________________________________________________________ B. ________________________________________________________________________________ C. ________________________________________________________________________________ D. ________________________________________________________________________________ Significant Off-Campus Activities (community service): A. ________________________________________________________________________________ B. ________________________________________________________________________________ C. ________________________________________________________________________________ D. ________________________________________________________________________________ List Achievements from the nominee’s previous academic years here (include year): A. All-America: ____________________________________________________________________ B. All-Region: ______________________________________________________________________ C. All-GSC: ______________________________________________________________________ D. Academic All-America: __________________________________________________________ E. Academic All-Region: __________________________________________________________ G. Academic All-GSC: __________________________________________________________ H. Other Athletics Awards: __________________________________________________________ I. Other Academic Awards: __________________________________________________________

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Tell Us WHY this Nominee is Deserving of GSC Top Ten Status: (you may attach additional pages as needed, including any detailed letters of support --- but please do not use general letters with no specifics.)

Contact information for Nominee: E-mail: _______________________ Cell Phone: _______________________ Name/Cell Phone Number of Individual Submitting this Nomination: _______________________ E-mail Address of Individual Submitting Form: _______________________ Signature Certifying That All Information Contained Herein Is Accurate and Complete/Date: _______________________/__________ Date Signed and Submitted to the GSC Office: __________________________________

#GSC#

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Gulf South Conference Hall of Fame Requirements

1. Nomination forms for the Gulf South Conference Hall of Fame must be submitted to the

Conference office not later than March 31st each year. 2. Credentials of the nominee will only be accepted for the time a member institution is/was a fully

affiliated member of the Gulf South Conference.

3. Nominees from former Gulf South Conference members may be solicited by the selection

committee five (5) years after the inception of the Hall of Fame.

4. The following individuals are eligible for nomination and selection: (a) athletics department staff member at a GSC member institution for a minimum of five (5) years (b) GSC office staff member for a minimum of five (5) years (c) former GSC student-athlete who competed at the nominating institution for a minimum of two years and completed their last season of competition not less than five years ago

5. Each member institution may nominate one (1) candidate in each category per year.

6. Each member institution shall have a maximum of two (2) inductees per year.

7. No more than five (5) individuals will be inducted per year.

8. A committee made up of one Sports Information Director, one Athletics Director, one Senior

Woman Administrator, one Faculty Athletics Representative and one At-Large member will select the inductees each year. Each member of this committee shall be from different schools in the league. The current President of the Gulf South Conference shall serve as an ex-Officio member. Appointments to this committee shall be made by the Commissioner with approval from the Athletic Directors and Senior Woman Administrators and will be on a three year rotating basis to ensure continuity of the process.

9. Inductees will be invited to the annual GSC Awards Banquet where they will be presented with

plaques. A plaque will also be given to the honorees’ school for display on that campus. The GSC office will display plaques in honor of the inductees, as well as publish on the Gulf South Conference website.

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Gulf South Conference Hall of Fame Nomination Form

Nomination forms for the Gulf South Conference Hall of Fame must be submitted to the Conference office. The following individuals are eligible for nomination and selection: (a) athletics department staff member at a Gulf South Conference member institution for a minimum of five (5) years; (b) Gulf South Conference office staff member for a minimum of five (5) years; (c) former Gulf South Conference student-athlete from a member institution a minimum of five (5) years prior to nomination. Please Submit Photograph of Nominee with Nomination Form (Name of Institution Submitting Nomination) (Person Submitting Nomination) Nominee's Full Name ___________ Male _ Female Member Institution __________________ Institutional Staff Member _ _ Years Served at Member Institution Conference Staff Member Years Served at Conference Office Institutional Student-Athlete Dates of participation at institution Address __________________ City _______ State __ Zip Code Cell/Home Phone Number _____________ ___ Email ________________________ We will not accept a Nomination Form without the nominees Phone and Email information

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Gulf South Conference Hall of Fame Nominee Information Form

Nominee's Full Name _______ Date ______ Institution __________________ 1. Nominee's Qualifications for Hall of Fame:

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2. Past or Current Service to NCAA, Gulf South Conference, Member Institution:

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3. Professional/Employment History:

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4. Education:

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#GSC#