ATHLETIC HANDBOOK 2010-2011 · CNCC Athletic Handbook/ Revision B-8-2009 / 8/18/2009 / Page 4 of 4...

CNCC Athletic Handbook/ Revision B-8-2009 / 8/18/2009 / of 1

ATHLETIC HANDBOOK 2010-2011


COLORADO NORTHWESTERN COMMUNITY COLLEGE SPARTANS

ACADEMIC AND ATHLETIC POLICIES Introduction Student athletes are representatives of Colorado Northwestern Community College (CNCC) and must achieve success in both the athletic and academic realm. This handbook provides guidance on the conduct that student athletes are expected to achieve as participants in intercollegiate athletics and the expectations for student athletes, coaches and Athletic Department staff. While this handbook provides a template of the basic characteristics of behavior expected from student-athletes, coaches and Athletic Department staff, it is not intended to be inclusive of all situations that may be encountered. Specific questions regarding the operation, policies, procedures, rules, and regulations pertaining to the CNCC Intercollegiate Athletic Program should be directed to Head Coaches and/or Athletic Department Administrators. These policies are intended to be complementary to those governing regular non-athlete students and student-athletes are expected to follow both sets of standards as outlined in the CNCC Student Handbook and Athletic Handbook. Mission Statement CNCC’s Athletic Department is comprised of Men’s and Women’s Basketball, Women’s Softball, Men’s Baseball and Women’s Volleyball programs. These sports participate in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division I Scenic West Athletic Conference (SWAC). Coaches, assistants, trainers, administrators and student-athletes are expected to develop cohesive teams that can compete within the conference while following all legal and ethical standards. Athletic Code of Conduct Student-athletes, coaches and administrators have specific responsibilities as outlined in this handbook. Each athlete is expected to understand, that at a minimum, they are to follow the policies described in the CNCC Athletic Handbook, CNCC Student Handbook, the Athletic Code of Conduct, NJCAA Bylaws, and the rules for the sport in which they participate. Student-athletes: • shall maintain behavior that is in conformity with all of the written contract team rules and

expectations of their coach and understand that if they have any questions about those expectations or team rules, it is their responsibility to ask the Coach and/or Athletic Director to clarify such rules;

• shall not consume or possess illegal drugs (including steroids) and a violation of this policy will result in immediate expulsion from the team and a forfeiture of all athletic grant monies for current semester and any further semesters, whether that violation occurs on or off campus (random drug testing may be performed);

• shall understand that they may not violate the CNCC alcohol and tobacco policy and a violation will result in disciplinary action and/or suspension from the team, whether that violation occurs on or off campus, and if removed from the team, the student-athlete may have athletic grant monies for the current semester and any further semesters rescinded;


• shall understand that academics are of equal importance to excelling in the sport in which they participate and that they have to balance sport participation with academics and course schedules;

• shall keep their instructors informed of their participation in a sport and aspects such as travel so they can keep up with course work and that resources are provided by the college, such as advisors and coaches, to achieve academic success;

• shall not be involved in any activity that would reflect poorly on, or exhibit socially unacceptable behavior that disgraces the sports team, players, coaches, Athletic Department, or Colorado Northwestern Community College;

• shall not quit the team; • shall not have four (4) unexcused absences in any class and if excessive unexcused absences

(4 or more) result understand that they will be placed on probation for lack of attendance and that further absences will result in suspension from the team and potential forfeiture of scholarship for the current semester and any future semesters;

• shall be checked for athletic class attendance and grade status on a regular basis and if at any time grade status is of a concern the Athletic Department can take action up to and including suspension or expulsion from the team based on eligibility concerns, and potential forfeiture of scholarship for the current semester and any future semesters, and;

• shall understand that non-compliance with Code of Conduct Agreement can result in disciplinary action from the Athletic Department.

Drug, Alcohol, and Tobacco Policy Student athletes are considered representatives of Colorado Northwestern Community College (CNCC) and are expected to adhere and acknowledge the tobacco, alcohol, and drug policy statement. Acknowledgement is considered a student athletes statement that they will operate within the boundaries of the policy and denounce the use of alcohol, tobacco, or illegal drugs. Student athletes must complete the drug testing consent form before they are allowed to participate in athletics. CNCC will conduct random drug testing. No prior notification will be given to an athlete or their coach as to when the testing may occur.

Policy The premise of this policy is that the illicit use of drugs and use of alcohol and tobacco does not foster athletic excellence. CNCC does not condone nor will it tolerate substance abuse by its athletes as we intend to build athletic excellence. Before a student athlete is allowed to participate in a sport they are to read and discuss all aspects of expected habits of behavior with their coach and sign the Athletic Code of Conduct Agreement and the Drug, Alcohol and Tobacco Use Agreement. Once the student athlete agrees to abide by these agreements they may participate in the sports program.

Cause Being honest to oneself and making good personal decisions is part of what all athletes have to learn on the path to excellence. CNCC intends to promote personal responsibility as part of individual athletic discovery and therefore the athletic drug-testing program will be implemented in the following manner. Student athletes will be given the benefit of the doubt. Testing will only be implemented if an athlete demonstrates “probable cause” or an individualized reasonable


suspicion is established based on performance and/or certain symptoms indicative of either street drugs or performance-enhancing drugs. If there is a reasonable suspicion that an athlete is using/abusing drugs or alcohol a mandatory test will be required of that athlete. Eligibility Colorado Northwestern Community College (CNCC) adheres to the eligibility rules established by the NJCAA, and other applicable CNCC sport affiliations, for all student-athletes. Registered full-time students are eligible for intercollegiate competition in accordance with the applicable rules of these organizations and as established by other CNCC policies. Full-time student athletes may participate in intercollegiate sports and receive their scholarship grant when they maintain a cumulative 2.0 grade point average (GPA) for more than 12 credit hours for each fall and spring semester of the academic year with a total cumulative 2.0 GPA for 30 credit hours for each academic year (fall, spring, and summer). If a cumulative GPA falls below 2.0, athletes shall be given a one semester probation during which they are to increase their GPA. If they cannot increase their GPA to meet the cumulative 2.0 of 30 credit hours over one academic year, they will be suspended from play and any scholarship granted will be rescinded for the next academic year. Students, who have not been enrolled in a college for twelve (12) or more credit hours (full time) for a period of eighteen (18) months or longer, are exempt from previous term and/or cumulative grade requirements for purposes of participation. In order to be eligible for play all student-athletes must meet the requirements stated in this manual and be certified by the college that they meet the minimum standards of NJCAA Division I to maintain non-interrupted athletics participation. Students encountering academic difficulties may take approved summer courses at CNCC or another institution in order to restore athletic eligibility and/or achieve the 30 credit hour per semester requirement. For academic work from another institution to be accepted for eligibility purposes, a transfer credit with a grade of “C” or better is required. Credit will not be accepted until the Registrar receives an official transcript and approves of the transfer. Athletic Grants / Financial Aid All athletic financial assistance is outlined in a “Letter of Intent”. The “Letter of Intent” defines what financial assistance is going to be provided by the college. It is a signed agreement between the student-athlete and the college stating that both parties will meet the obligations stated therein. If this agreement is not exercised by the signing of all required parties (athletic director, coach, college president/representative and student-athlete) then no agreement exists between the college and student-athlete regardless of other documents and/or verbal commitments. Financial Assistance will not be granted and a “Letter of Intent” will not be executed for a student-athlete unless the following conditions are met and maintained: • Application for Federal and State financial aid is made through the CNCC financial aid

office. Student athletes are rarely granted a complete financial package and most assistance


is supplemented with personal and/or federal and/or state financial aid. In the event a “Letter of Intent” is offered and a student athlete does not make a financial aid application within 60 days after registration, all athletic grants will be canceled and any outstanding account balances must be paid in full or registration will be canceled.

• Eligibility, as stated above, must be maintained. • A student-athlete cannot be suspended from an athletic team for disciplinary reasons and/or

resign from a sport without the permission of the coach. Student and College Insurance Before an athlete may practice or participate in any college athletic event, student-athletes are required to provide proof of and paperwork for primary insurance coverage, and evidence of an annual physical examination which states they may participate in practices and competitions. College insurance for the intercollegiate athletic program is maintained on an annual basis and its intended purpose is to provide “excess” coverage in addition to an athletes’ primary insurance. In general, this means that the College Athletic Insurance Plan will take effect after all “personal” insurance options have been explored. Insurance covers those who are participating in a supervised and authorized practice session or intercollegiate competition. The policy does not cover any illness that may occur during the sport season or illness and injury occurring outside the intercollegiate sport season. The policy will cover re-injuries or aggravations of previous injuries if the athlete has been cleared by his or her physician to participate in the sport. When a sports-related injury occurs, athletes are to secure the appropriate paperwork from the Head Coach of the sport for that student-athlete. Completed forms are to be returned to the Head Coach of the sport of the participating student-athlete who is to forward the completed paperwork to the Athletic Director who will forward them to the College Insurance Agent. Student-athletes are required to submit all claims to their own insurance carriers’ before submittal to the college carrier. The colleges insurance carrier will only act upon and pay through an “explanation of benefits (EOBs). Billing sent directly from medical clinics, hospitals, etc will not be acted upon. Failure to follow the prescribed procedure can cause forfeiture of insurance benefit resulting in the student-athletes having to assume responsibility for total payment of charges. Transportation and Safety Policies Safely using equipment and transporting personnel is the overriding objective expected of all staff who assume transportation responsibilities. No personnel are to knowingly utilize defective equipment or drive and transport personnel in conditions not conducive to safe travel. All the following policies are to be followed in utilizing equipment and transporting personnel: Only department-certified CNCC employees are permitted to drive CNCC vehicles. Certification shall consist of the ability of personnel utilizing equipment and transporting personnel to demonstrate they have the appropriate, and valid driving license(s), to operate the equipment. When more than one vehicle is used by a team or group, vehicles will travel together in caravan style as a unit at all times. In cases of inclement weather, all vehicles in the convoy are to stop and all the drivers are to evaluate weather and driving conditions. The adult supervisor in charge, after considering each driver input, will make a final decision as to the nature of immediate and future travel.


When possible, all vehicles should be off the road by 11:00 p.m. If an accident should occur, the driver involved, and/or adult supervisor in charge, must complete the accident report form found in the glove compartment of each vehicle. The completed form must be submitted to the maintenance department immediately upon returning to campus. Immediate emergency notifications made to the college are to occur through the Colorado Northwestern Community College main phone line at 970-675-2261. Any violation of transportation policies can result in a loss of travel privileges and/or dismissal from employment with the college. Student-athletes not allowed to use their own vehicles for transportation except under extraordinary circumstances and with prior approval of the Athletic Director, and only after, agreeing in writing that CNCC and the State of Colorado are not responsible or liable for any personal injury or damage to their personal vehicle during such transportation. A student-athlete may not take team members with them in their own vehicular transport. Equipment Policy Coaching staffs are responsible for controlling athletic equipment and supplies. Coaches are to keep supply lists with information of equipment type, make, model, numbers of and to whom it is assigned. Equipment and supplies issued to student-athletes (to include game and practice uniforms) is to be returned no later than the last day of classes in which the season ends or one week after the last athletic competition in that sport if that sports season ends after the end of a semester. Student-athletes will be billed for all issued equipment not returned as stipulated. If issued equipment is not returned within two weeks after the due dates noted above, the full cost of the equipment will be billed the student-athlete. Once unreturned equipment has been billed to the student it cannot be returned. Equipment is considered returned when accepted by the head coach of the sport for which the equipment is used. Equipment is to be returned clean and folded. If a student is billed, for not returning equipment, a freeze will be put upon the release of the student-athletes transcripts until their bill is fully paid. Each student athlete is responsible for the equipment checked out to them. Athletes are not to trade equipment with other athletes or teammates and must return their equipment themselves to the head coach. Residency Policy All student athletes must live in the residence halls and follow all Student Life residency requirements. Athletic Discipline


Head coaches are granted a reasonable degree of autonomy regarding the disciplinary action that may be taken with student-athletes on their teams. Student-athletes are responsible for understanding Athletic Department and team policies/rules, and the commensurate penalties for breaking policies/rules. The policies contained in the CNCC Athletic Handbook and the Athletic Code of Conduct represents the minimum expectations to be followed by all student-athletes. Head coaches are to ensure implementation of these and other approved (by the Athletic Director) team policies and procedures. No student athlete is permitted to participate in a sport until after they have signed that they have read, understood, and agreed to follow these policies and procedures and those of the team in which they are going to participate. A signed Athletic Code Agreement for a potential student-athlete must be on file in the Athletic Department Office before final execution of a “Letter of Intent”. In cases where student-athletes and coaches are in disagreement over disciplinary sanctions, and/or in cases where student athlete appeal may be warranted, the Director of Athletics or designee will review the situation and render a decision. The Director of Athletics may uphold, overturn, or modify a coach’s decision. In the event that a student-athlete disagrees with the decision of the Director of Athletics, the student-athlete may appeal in writing that decision to the President of the College. The decision of the President is final. The athletic disciplinary system in no way replaces or cancels the CNCC Disciplinary Phase System as outlined in the CNCC Student Handbook. The penalties out lined in this section are only applicable to student-athletes. Violators of both the polices/rules of the Athletic Department and those in the CNCC Student Handbook, are subject to discipline as outlined in both systems. The Housing Director shall notify coaches of all PHASE violations. First violations include those noted in Athletic Department and/or general student PHASE I violations. Violators are required to meet with the Head Coach of the sport in which the athlete participates. After conferring with the Athletic Director, the Head Coach will discuss the disciplinary measures with the student-athlete about the resulting disciplinary actions which can include community service, fines for property destruction, and game suspensions. Second and substantial violations include those noted in Athletic Department as breaches of the Athletic Code of Conduct and/or general student PHASE II violations. Violators are required to meet with the head coach of the sport in which the athlete participates and the Athletic Director. After considering the situation, the Head Coach and Athletic Director will measure out disciplinary actions which can include community service, fines for property destruction and multi-game suspensions, suspension from team play, removal from the team, and loss of scholarship. Third and serious violations include those noted in Athletic Department as breaches of the Athletic Code of Conduct and/or general student PHASE III violations. Violators are required to meet with the head coach of the sport in which the athlete participates and the Athletic Director. After considering the situation, the Head Coach, Athletic Director and Vice President will measure out disciplinary actions which can include community service, fines for property destruction and multi-game suspensions, suspension form team play, removal from the team, and loss of scholarship. Severe violations include those noted in Athletic Department as breaches of the Athletic Code of Conduct and/or general student PHASE IV violations. Violators are required to meet with the Head Coach of the sport in which the athlete participates, Athletic Director, and College


President. After considering the situation these individuals will measure out disciplinary actions which can include suspension from team play, removal from the team, loss of scholarship and expulsion from the school. Student-Athlete Ethical Responsibilities Student athletes are expected to perform in an ethical manner as both as student and athlete. There is a difference, yet overlap, between following Codes of Conduct and acting in an ethical manner. Acting in an ethical manner is a more encompassing act and involves greater self control, discipline, and maturity. Student athletes must follow the Code of Conduct however the Athletic Department expects that all athletes will attempt to act in a ethical manner to the greatest degree possible. This requires: • Conformity to all rules, policies and expectations of the NJCAA, Scenic West Athletic

Conference, CNCC, the Athletic Department, and the coaching staff. • Maintaining acceptable academic standards. • Communicating with instructors and coaches. • Being responsible with financial matters. • Reporting all injuries to coaches and trainers. • Completing all forms and paperwork on a timely manner. • Dressing, speaking and acting in a civil and appropriate manner on and off campus. • Traveling with the team as requested and required. Athletes shall be ready to travel unless

they are requested not to and/or extenuating circumstances arise and written approval is obtained from the coach for exception that they not ravel with the team.

Academic Support The Learning Center is an academic support program that offers tutoring and individual walk-in assistance for students requiring help in English, math, reading, study skills, vocabulary, and spelling. Coaches, in conjunction with the Student Success Coordinator and Advisor may require study hall times for specific athletes or groups of athletes. Additionally, student athletes can, and should, take advantage of

• their Academic advisor • the Counselor • the Math Lab • the Writing Lab • the Student Success Coordinator • the Coach

When necessary, an intervention meeting with the coach, the student, the advisor and/or the faculty, will be arranged with the goal of facilitating student success at CNCC.


Form 1 Colorado Northwestern Community College

Athletic Code of Conduct Agreement I understand that I have specific responsibilities that are outlined in this handbook and I understand that each Head Coach will provide me a copy of any additional rules for the sports program in which I will participate. I understand that at a minimum the policies described in the CNCC Athletic Handbook, CNCC Student Handbook, those policies stated as the Athletic Code of Conduct, and those rules for the sport in which I participate, represent the expectations of student-athletes. Student-athletes: • shall maintain behavior that is in conformity with all of the written contract team rules and expectations of their

coach and understand that if they have any questions about those expectations or team rules, it is their responsibility to ask the Coach and/or Athletic Director to clarify such rules;

• shall not consume or possess illegal drugs (including steroids) and a violation of this policy will result in immediate expulsion from the team and a forfeiture of all athletic grant monies for current semester and any further semesters, whether that violation occurs on or off campus (random drug testing may be performed);

• shall understand that they may not violate the CNCC alcohol and tobacco policy and a violation will result in disciplinary action and/or suspension from the team, whether that violation occurs on or off campus, and if removed from the team, the student-athlete may have athletic grant monies for the current semester and any further semesters rescinded;

• shall understand that academics are of equal importance to excelling in the sport in which they participate and that they have to balance sport participation with academics and course schedules;

• shall keep their instructors informed of their participation in a sport and aspects such as travel so they can keep up with course work and that resources are provided by the college, such as advisors and coaches, to achieve academic success;

• shall not be involved in any activity that would reflect poorly on, or exhibit socially unacceptable behavior that disgraces the sports team, players, coaches, Athletic Department, or Colorado Northwestern Community College;

• shall not quit the team; • shall not have four (4) unexcused absences in any class and if excessive unexcused absences (4 or more) result

understand that they will be placed on probation for lack of attendance and that further absences will result in suspension from the team and potential forfeiture of scholarship for the current semester and any future semesters;

• shall be checked for athletic class attendance and grade status on a regular basis and if at any time grade status is of a concern the Athletic Department can take action up to and including suspension or expulsion from the team based on eligibility concerns, and potential forfeiture of scholarship for the current semester and any future semesters, and;

• shall understand that non-compliance with Code of Conduct Agreement can result in disciplinary action from the Athletic Department.

I, , have read and agree to abide by the policies/rules of the Athletic Handbook. Additionally, I have received my personal copy of the CNCC Student Handbook and understand it is my responsibility to read, understand, and follow the policies/rules in that manual. Athlete’s Signature: Date: Coach’s Signature: Date: Athletic Director Signature: Date:


Form 2

Colorado Northwestern Community College Alcohol, Drug, Controlled Substance Use

Student-Athlete Agreement The use of illicit, controlled, and/or performance enhancing substances (alcohol, cocaine, marijuana, anabolic steroids and other drugs) by student-athletes of Colorado Northwestern Community College is neither condoned nor tolerated. Student-athletes who violate this policy are subject to the following disciplinary actions, and students for which there is reasonable suspicion of use may be subject to any or all of the following disciplinary actions: 1. Immediate indefinite suspension from the intercollegiate athletic program pending a determination by the Coach, Athletic Director and Vice President of Student Services. 2. Cancellation of student-athlete’s athletic scholarship. 3. Potential requirement that the student-athlete undergo drug screen testing. Failure to comply with this requirement will result in automatic suspension from team(s) and possible forfeiture of scholarship. The student-athlete will be financially responsible for tests which return positive. The Athletic Department will reimburse the student-athlete for payment of tests which return negative. 5. Student-athletes found to be involved in the illegal distribution/possession of illicit drugs including alcohol through (transfer or sale) may also face criminal charges according to State and Federal law and disciplinary action according to the Student Code of Conduct. This policy applies to all student-athletes and will be strictly enforced. Student-athletes who wish to appeal disciplinary action taken against them for violation of this policy must indicate their intent to appeal, in writing, to the President of the College within five academic work days. Failure to comply with this deadline will result in forfeiture of the student-athlete’s right to appeal. The outcome of the appeal as determined by the President shall be final. My signature below serves as verification that I have read, understand and agree to abide by the provisions of the CNCC Athletic Department Substance Use Policy Student-Athlete (Signature) Date Student-Athlete (Print) Coach for Sport(s) in which student is participating. Name Date Name Date Name Date


Form 3 COLLEGIATE RISK MANAGEMENT INSURANCE

Student Information Personal Information Student Name: Soc Sec#: - - Address: Pho#: Father’s Name: Mother’s Name: Address: Phone Number: Father’s Employer Name: Mother’s Employer Name: Primary Physician Name: Address: Insurance Information Insurance Company Name: Address: Phone Number: Policy Holder Name: ID Number: I certify that the foregoing information is true and correct. Student Signature: Date: Authorization to Release Information I authorize any Health Care Provider, Insurance Company, Employer, Person or Organization to release information regarding medical, dental, mental, alcohol or drug abuse history, treatment or benefits payable, including disability or employment related information, to Collegiate Risk Management Insurance, the Plan Administrator, or their employees and authorized agents fo the purpose of validating and determining benefits. Signature: _________________________________ Date: ______________


Form 4 COLLEGIATE RISK MANAGEMENT INSURANCE To be Completed by Organization: Policy Number: Organization/School Name: Colorado Northwestern Community College Address: 500 Kennedy Drive Rangely, CO 81648 Pho. No. [ 970 ] 675- 3285 Name of Team/Sport (if applicable): Varsity Club/Intercollegiate Other: Dates of event [if STUDENT – date school started]: Organizational sponsored activity: ___Yes ___No Type of Activity: If employed, was injury/sickness related to claimant’s employment? ___Yes___ No Type of Benefits Claimed: _____Accidental-Medical-Date of Accident hr a.m p.m Location of Accident: Description of Accident: Type of injury or illness: First Treatment Date: Loss of Time: Dates Claimed: Dated: Signature of Organization Official and Title To Be Completed By Claimant ---- Or By Parent Legal Guardian If Claimant Is A Minor Claimant’s Name: Social Security Number: - - Age: Male: Female: Address/Contact Information of Parent’s, Guardian or Claimant: Name/Address/Contact Information of Family Physician: Has Treatment been completed? ____ YES ____ NO Father, Guardian or Claimant’s (if adult) Employer, Name/Address/Contact Information: Mother or Spouse’s Employer, Name/Address/Contact Information: Name of all companies/policies/certificate numbers and effective dates for insurance coverage or prepaid health plans: I hereby certify that all above information is true and complete. Signature: Date:


Form 5

Athletic Department Form ~

AUTHORIZATION TO RELEASE INFORMATION

I authorize CCoolllleeggiiaattee RRiisskk MMaannaaggeemmeenntt to release information regarding medical, dental, mental, alcohol or drug abuse history, treatment or benefits payable, including disability or employment related information, to: ________________________________________________________________ or their employees and authorized agents for the purpose of validating my claim and for reporting purposes. A photo copy of this authorization shall be as valid as the original. __________________________________ __________________

Signature Date


Form 6 STUDENT ATHLETE CHECKLIST STUDENT NAME____________________________ SPORT _____________________________________ _____ Letter of Intent (LOI) _____ Copy of Insurance Card _____ CNCC Personal Medical History _____ Physical Form _____ Parent/Guardian form and Insurance Information _____ Collegiate Risk Management Forms _____ Scholarships, Grants, etc. _____ Copy of Transfer Transcripts (if applicable) _____ Athletic Code of Conduct Signature Sheet *This information must be in each student/athletes file

ATHLETIC HANDBOOK 2010-2011 · CNCC Athletic Handbook/ Revision B-8-2009 / 8/18/2009 / Page 4 of 4...

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Transcript of ATHLETIC HANDBOOK 2010-2011 · CNCC Athletic Handbook/ Revision B-8-2009 / 8/18/2009 / Page 4 of 4...