2012-2013 Student-Athlete

Handbook

Table of Contents Section 1.0 I am a Seahawk

1.1 Lamar State College-Port Arthur Athletics Mission Statement 1.2 Athletics Philosophy 1.3 Athletics Objectives 1.4 Varsity Teams 1.5 Seahawk Athletics Directory

Section 2 College and Athletics Policies 2.1 Student-Athlete Code of Conduct 2.1.1 Policy Regarding Good Sportsmanship 2.1.2 Policy Regarding Social Network Sites 2.2 Student Grievance Policy 2.2.1 Rules and Regulations 2.2.2 Grievance Procedures within the Department of Athletics 2.2.3 Grievance Procedures within the College 2.3 Arrest Policy 2.4 Background Checks Section 3 Academic Resources 3.1 Academic Integrity Principle 3.2 Registration 3.2.1 Office of Advising 3.2.2 Withdrawing from class 3.3 Academic Support 3.3.1 Academic Advising-Athletics 3.3.2 Progress Reports 3.3.3 Tutoring 3.3.4 Study Hall 3.4 Academic Advising-LSCPA 3.5 Academic Scholastic Probation and Suspension 3.6 Computer Labs 3.7 Athletics Missed Class Policy 3.8 Sport Scheduling Guidelines 3.9 Text Book program 3.10 College Academic Services 3.11 Life Skills

Section 4 Accountability Policy 4.1 Point Procedure 4.2 Sanction Procedure 4.3 Study Hall Point Accumulations 4.4 Disciplinary Actions Section 5 Athletic Awards 5.1 Athletics Award Policy 5.1.2 Letter Award System and Criteria 5.2 All Sports Award Banquet 5.3 Championship Awards 5.3.1 Recipients 5.4 Special Awards 5.5 Individual Sports Award Ceremonies 5.6 Athletic Director’s Honor Roll Section 6 Athletics Resources 6.1 Sports Equipment and Apparel 6.2 Varsity Strength and Conditioning 6.3 Athletic Training 6.3.1 Sports Medicine Staff 6.3.2 Athletic Trainer 6.3.3 Injuries and Illness 6.3.4 Athletic Training Room Rules and Regulations 6.3.5 Insurance Coverage for Scholarship Student-Athletes 6.3.6 Insurance Coverage Requirements for Non-Scholarship Student Athletes 6.3.7 Insurance Requirements for Dance Team 6.3.8 International Student-Athletes 6.3.9 HMO’s 6.3.10 Insurance Policy Changes 6.3.11 Compliance with Insurance Company Requests 6.3.12 Exclusions and limitations of LSCPA Secondary medical Insurance 6.3.13 Non-Sport Related Injury/Illness procedures 6.3.14 Dental Care 6.3.15 Contact Lens Policy 6.3.16 Medical Bills 6.3.17 Insurance Claim Procedures 6.3.18 Physician Referrals/Consultations 6.3.19 Missed Doctor Appointment Policy 6.3.20 Medical Second Opinions 6.3.21 Confidential Health Information 6.4 LSCPA Athletic Drug Testing Policy 6.4.1 Athletics Policy on Tobacco

6.4.2 NCAA Banned Drugs 6.5 Event Ticket Policy Section 7 NJCAA Eligibility Rules 7.1 Requirements for Entering and continuing Student-Athletes 7.2 Athletic Eligibility 7.3 Hardship 7.4 Physical Exam 7.5 Transfer 7.6 Amateur Status Section 8 Financial Aid 8.1 Financial Aid Guidelines 8.1.2 Lamar State College-Port Arthur Policy 8.1.3 NJCAA Limits on Financial Aid 8.1.3 Course Related Books Included in Grant in Aid 8.2 Grant in Aid Renewals, Non-Renewals and Graduation 8.3 Non-Renewal or Reduction in Financial Aid 8.4 Summer School Financial Aid 8.5 Course Repeat Policy Section 9 Housing 9.1 Housing of Student-Athletes

Section 1- I am a Seahawk 1.1 Lamar State College-Port Arthur Athletics Mission Statement

Lamar State College-Port Arthur is committed to the pursuit of excellence in instruction, scholarly activity and public service. Within the Mission of the College, the Athletics Program will become an integral part of the institution and its education programs. Athletics will develop a comprehensive program within the guidelines of the College, operate in compliance with NJCAA regulations and enjoy success at the highest level of competition while maintaining the best interest of the student-athlete and the academic integrity of the institution. Lamar State College-Port Arthur is committed to the pursuit of excellence. To that end, Athletics will strive to:

• Create an environment that affords student-athletes the opportunity to complete their personal goals and to realize their full academic and athletic potential at Lamar State College-Port Arthur regardless of race, creed, color, sex, age, national origin or disability with respect to participation in the athletic program.

• Reflect a commitment to the academic success, the physical and emotional well-

being, sportsmanship and the social development of the student-athlete and to equal opportunity.

• View student-athletes as an integral part of the student body.

• Dedicate all programs to excellence based on the highest standards of integrity

and serve as a credit to the college, community and state.

• This Mission Statement articulates the philosophy of Athletics and reflects a clear understanding of the supportive role of athletics in the broader institutional mission.

1.2 Athletic Philosophy

The Lamar State College Athletics Program is maintained as a vital component of the student body. The admissions, academic standing and academic progress of the student-athletes are consistent with the policies and standards adopted by the College for the student body in general. Student-athletes are provided an educational environment conducive to the development of the person as a whole-intellectually, socially, spiritually, physically and morally. The Student-athletes are provided an opportunity and encouraged to progress toward the degree of their choice and have the opportunity to develop their athletic abilities in an environment consistent with high standards of scholarship, sportsmanship, leadership and institutional loyalty.

Further it is recognized that a positive, well-run intercollegiate athletic program:

• Is important part of a well-rounded College dedicated to the service of a broad range of student, Faculty, and public interests;

• Can and should develop character, maturity and a sense of fair play as well as

athletic excellence and physical vigor;

• Shall be conducted in a manner designed to protect and enhance the physical and educational welfare of student-athletes;

• Recognizes student-athletes as amateurs where there participation should be

motivated primarily by education and the physical mental a social benefits to be derived;

• Understands that student participation in intercollegiate athletics is an avocation,

and student-athletes should be protected from exploration by professional and commercial enterprises;

• Fosters pride in the College among students, faculty and citizens of Port Arthur

and Southeast Texas;

• Generates revenues to support, at least in part, intercollegiate teams and student-athletes in those sports;

• Abides by the letter and spirit of the law requiring nondiscrimination on the basis

of sex, race, creed or national origin and practices this to the fullest in their hiring and recruitment practices for staff and coaches, thus always maintaining a diverse gender balanced group of student-athletes and staff.

1.3 Athletic Objectives

Among the objectives of the Intercollegiate Athletics Program are the following:

• To encourage scholarship, sportsmanship, fair play, and a sense of responsibility among all student-athletes, students, faculty and staff and spectators at the athletic events;

• To have the College represented by men and women whose conduct reflects credit on the institution and who are making satisfactory progress in degree programs and to provide appropriate academic counseling, advisement and support;

• To field disciplined and competitive student-athletes and teams recruited, coached

and supported by skilled people who are dedicated to the observation of the spirit, as well as the letter, of all applicable rules;

• To schedule appropriate competitions for the student-athletes and teams, while keeping in mind that the student-athletes are students first and should miss as little as class time as possible due to travel and competition;

• To have the College’s Athletics Department recognized as a leader among ethical, non-discriminatory and well-managed departments by avoiding the appearance as well as the fact of impropriety and by producing programs characterized overall by excellence;

• To provide superior athletic training and medical support for the student-athletes; 1.4 Varsity and Spirit Teams at Lamar State College-Port Arthur

Varsity Teams Men’s Basketball Softball Spirit Teams Dance Line Mascot

1.6 Seahawk Athletic Staff

Mailing Address Physical Address Department of Health, Fitness and Sport 1800 Lakeshore Dr. Box 310 Port Arthur, Texas 77641 Port Arthur, TX 77641

Phone (409)-984-6291 Fax (409)-984-6067

Administration Scott Street Director of Athletics 6291 streetsa@lamarpa.edu Erin Peltier Athletic Business Manager 6291 erin.peltier@lamarpa.edu Athletic Training Cheryl Guidorzi Head Athletic Trainer 6298 guidorzicm@lamarpa.edu Basketball Lance Madison Head Basketball Coach 6296 madisonle@lamarpa.edu Chad Kish Assistant Basketball Coach 6297 kishcr@lamarpa.edu Anthony Anderson Assistant Basketball Coach 6297 andersonaq@lamarpa.edu Fitness Jodi Broussard Fitness Coordinator 6294 BeasleyJL@lamarpa.edu Softball Vance Edwards Head Softball Coach 6293 EdwardsMV@lamarpa.edu Megan Rowe Assistant Softball Coach 6290 RoweMN@lamarpa.edu Casey Goodman Assistant Softball Coach 6290 goodmancj@lamarpa.edu Spirit Brooke Ancelet Dance Line Coordinator 6291 DoyleBA@lamarpa.edu

Lamar State College-Port Arthur Athletics Staff

Section 2.0 – Athletics Policies 2.1 Student-Athlete Code of Conduct 2.1.1 Pursuant to approval by the Director of Athletics, each head coach is expected to

establish and publish rules and regulations regarding the general control of student-athletes in his or her charge. These rules and regulations will cover appearance, practice, classroom attendance, academic responsibility, punctuality, dress code and appearance of student-athletes on team trips, and general standards of behavior. It is a policy of the athletic department that each coach makes it clear to the student-athletes in his or her charge the acceptable standards of behavior and conduct for student-athletes that are expected. Further emphasize that each athlete is also a student is equally required to adhere to the conduct code outlined in the Student Handbook for Lamar State College-Port Arthur. Each coach also will make clear that appropriate disciplinary action will be enforced by the coaches when these standards are not observed.

It is the responsibility of the coach that the student-athletes realize their responsibilities.

A student-athlete must realize and understand that he or she is an amateur athlete and that financial aid has strict limitations governed by the College and the appropriate conference and/or the NJCAA. The student-athlete must also realize that as a student-athlete representing an intercollegiate sport, he or she is much more “recognizable” than a member of the student body. It is important that the student-athlete has a sense of responsibility to represent his or her sport in the classroom and on campus in a manner that will reflect credit on student-athletes in general and certainly on his or her team in particular.

2.1.2 Policy Regarding Good Sportsmanship

One of your responsibilities as a student-athlete is to always display good sportsmanship in practice and at all athletic events. Don’t enter a competition worried about your opponent’s performance. Enter a competition with the idea of giving your best performance. Compete hard but play fair. Treat your fellow competitors equally and with respect. Don’t make excuses or discuss a teammate’s shortcomings. Support team efforts by encouraging team work and mutual effort. Enter each competition expecting fairness.

When you attend other athletic events, remember that you are expected to demonstrate good sportsmanship. The Seahawk Athletic Department expects sportsmanlike conduct of its student-athletes and will not tolerate any of the following behaviors:

• Physically abusing an official, coach, athlete, opponent or spectator

• Throwing objects at an individual, spectator or across a field or arena

• Seizing equipment or cameras from officials or media

• Inciting players or spectators to violence or any behavior which insults or defiles an opponent

• Encouraging Lamar State College-Port Arthur fans to boo an opposing team when

introductions are made

• Using obscene or inappropriate language or gestures to officials, opponents, team members or spectators

• Making public statements which are negative, controversial, or not in compliance

with the Department’s policy on media relations (See Sports Information section in this handbook)

• Violating generally recognized intercollegiate standards or the values and

standards associated with Lamar State College-Port Arthur as determined by your head coach and approved by the Director of Athletics.

• Your coach may have more specific expectations concerning behavior, dress or

sportsmanship. If so, he or she will inform you of this.

• Support your coach and College and concentrate on playing well. Good sportsmanship comes easy if you are proud of your performance.

2.1.3 Social Networking Sites

Lamar State College-Port Arthur Athletic Department does not place any restrictions on a student-athlete’s use of social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, etc.; However, student-athletes are representatives of Lamar State College-Port Arthur and therefore, always in the public eye and should do nothing to embarrass themselves or Lamar State College-Port Arthur. Student-athletes should be aware that these sites are NOT private and that any information, pictures, or comments that are posted on these sites have the potential to be viewed by the public at large. In addition, student-athletes should be aware that ethical conduct standards apply to any information that is submitted electronically and/or posted to these sites. Student-athletes should refrain from posting your home address, local address, phone numbers, birth date or other personal information. You could be opening yourself up tom internet predators. At the request of each coach or administrator, the student-athlete must allow immediate access to any social networking site of which they are a member. Coaches and/or

administrators will be responsible for monitoring these sites for inappropriate material posted by student-athletes. Any inappropriate material or comments found on the internet that is in violation of the standards or philosophies of Lamar State College-Port Arthur, Seahawk Athletics, or NJCAA may result in disciplinary action and possible termination from the team.

2.2 Student Grievances

2.2.1 Rules and Regulations

Students at Lamar State College-Port Arthur are expected to comply with the rules and regulations of the College. The University Catalog is the primary source of information on academic rules. The Student Handbook and Code of Conduct provide pertinent information regarding a student’s Rights and Responsibilities and Rules and Regulations. This information is available on the World Wide Web under Students and Parents. Note: This grievance procedure does not cover grievances related to financial aid or harassment. Details of the student’s financial aid grievance policy can be found in the financial aid section. All harassment issues are posted in the Student Handbook and may be located at: http://www.lamarpa.edu/?url=/dept/ss/studenthandbook/sec3.html#sexualharassment .

2.2.2 Grievance Procedures within the Athletic Department

Lamar State College-Port Arthur Athletics recognizes the importance of providing an efficient procedure for a timely and fair resolution of any non-academic grievance which occurs within the Department of Athletics. It is the expectation of the Department that every attempt be made to resolve any complaint or grievance via informal procedures before filing a formal grievance. However, if a satisfactory resolution of the problem proves impossible through the informal procedures, the student-athlete may choose to file a formal grievance. The Grievance Procedures are meant to resolve matters affecting the student-athletes performance or participation in the College’s athletic programs; i.e., (1) complaint involving an athletic team, coach or employee of the Department of Athletics, (2) athletic administrative policies or procedures, (3) dismissal/suspension from a team.

2.2.3 Informal Procedures

Any student-athlete with a complaint or grievance involving an athletic team, coach, department official or policy should discuss and attempt to resolve the complaint or grievance with the person(s) involved. All persons involved in the process should make every attempt to resolve the problems as promptly as possible. In the event that a satisfactory resolution cannot be reached by the parties involved, the following actions may be taken by the grievant.

1. The grievant may consult informally and confidentially with the Director of Athletics.

With the aid of the Director of Athletics, the grievant may attempt to identify other approaches for resolving the problem. After the consultation, the grievant should make an additional attempt to resolve the problem with the person(s) involved.

2. If no satisfactory resolution of the complaint or grievance can be achieved, the grievant may call together the persons involved in an attempt to facilitate an informal resolution.

3. The Director of Athletics may schedule a meeting with the grievant in a final attempt to resolve the problem informally. The Director of Athletics may also contact the person(s) about whom the complaint is being lodged.

4. If a meeting among those involved is not feasible or if the parties are unable to resolve the complaint or grievance, the grievant may use the formal grievance procedure.

Formal Procedure Should a grievant wish to employee formal means to resolve a complaint or grievance, the following actions should be taken:

1. The grievant should notify the Director of Athletics of his/her grievance in writing,

outlining the complaint(s), the persons involved and all pertinent information. 2. The Director of Athletics should conduct a preliminary interview with the grievant

and the person(s) whom the complaint is being lodged. 3. The Director shall conduct a formal meeting involving the grievant, the person(s)

about whom the complaint is made and any other relevant parties. Each party may be accompanied by an advisor.

4. Within ten business days, the Director of Athletics shall notify the grievant, in writing, of the decision.

Formal Appeal Should the grievant be unsatisfied with the decision of the Director of Athletics and only if substantial new information has been discovered that were unavailable at the formal meeting, the grievant may take the following steps: 1. Within 5 days of receipt of the written decision, the grievant should notify the Vice

President for Student Services, in writing that he/she wishes to appeal the decision and notify the Vice President for Student Services of the substantial new facts which were previously unavailable.

2. After receiving the appeal, the Vice President for Student Services will be come well versed with the situation, conduct additional interviews as needed and conduct a formal meeting to hear the appeal.

3. Within 5 days after the meeting, the Vice President of Student Affairs will review the appeal with the Director of Athletics at which time a final decision will be made and the grievant will be notified.

Academic Grievance Procedures

To provide for the resolution of alleged grievances in a prompt and equitable process throughout the college system and in compliance with the Title IX programs and regulations, appropriate departments and divisions of the college are to follow the provisions of grievance and appeals procedures as published in the current college catalog.

There shall be in each division a student-faculty relations committee. It shall be comprised of four faculty members and three students. The department head may not serve as a member of this committee.

The members of the committee shall be chosen by procedures established by the division.

The chairman of the committee shall be selected from one of the faculty members.

The student-faculty relations committee should be involved in an alleged grievance only after normal procedures for resolving issues have been exhausted. The initial step in the normal procedure is for the aggrieved party to discuss the issue with the offending party. If the issue is not resolved, the aggrieved party's second step should be to consult with his/her department head. If the department head cannot resolve the issue, the matter should be referred to the Student-Faculty Relations Committee.

Upon appointment of the committee, the Deans and Vice President for Academic Affairs shall provide a listing of the student-faculty relations committees in the division to the President and be posted on campus for a one-week period.

To the department head, a student may address a written statement of alleged grievance within one week of the date of the alleged grievance with the understanding that the committee will fully investigate the alleged grievance and present such findings and recommendations as the committee by majority vote finds appropriate to the Dean of the Division. In the event that any member of the committee is a party to the alleged grievance, the dean shall appoint a substitute member. The Dean shall notify all involved persons and the VPAA by separate communication of the committee's findings and recommendations.

To assure prompt resolution of alleged grievances, the Student-Faculty Relations Committee shall make every reasonable effort to complete the committee report within two weeks from the date of receipt of the statement of grievance.

In the event that any party involved in the alleged grievance should seek to appeal the decision and/or recommendation of the Student-Faculty Relations Committee, the written appeal shall be addressed to the VPAA and shall be received within one week following receipt of the written appeal, the VPAA shall appoint a review committee from the several division committees to hear and review the alleged grievance.

A review committee shall be appointed for each appeal requested. Each review committee shall be composed of four members of the faculty selected from the Student-Faculty Relations Committees in colleges other than the college from which the appeal originated, and three student members all of whom shall be majors in departments other than the department from which the appeal originated. The composition of the review committee shall include both men and women. One student and one faculty alternate shall be designated in the event that the party initiating the appeal, upon notice of the committee composition, wishes to challenge for cause one member shall be replaced by the appropriate alternate.

Each review committee shall select one member to chair the committee and shall assign such other responsibilities and adopt such rules of procedures as shall be appropriate prior to the initial presentation of the alleged grievance by the party presenting the appeal.

Each review committee shall at the conclusion of its considerations report to the Vice President of Academic Affairs one of the following:

a. In the considered opinion of the review committee, the alleged grievance is in fact a grievance resulting from an institutional policy, procedure, or combination of factors, and the specific redress recommended by the committee is or,

b. In the considered opinion of the review committee, the alleged grievance is not in fact a grievance resulting from institutional policy or procedures, and the appeal is rejected.

The report of the review committee shall be completed unless an extension is requested and granted by the Vice President for Academic Affairs within two weeks following the appointment of the review committee.

In presentation of recommendations, by the review committee, reference to instructional personnel must comply with the established policies and procedures regulating tenure and the academic administrative procedures as published in the Faculty Handbook.

In the event that a review committee shall recommend a redress which involves a sanction adverse to a student or non-faculty employee of the college system of a severe degree (e.g. dismissal or suspension), the recommendation shall be reviewed by a panel composed of the vice chairman of the Faculty Senate, vice president of the Student Government Association, and the Vice President for Student Services prior to the implementation and may upon the decision of the panel be suspended.

In matters of appeal the VPAA shall notify within three working days the Vice President for Student Services regarding an alleged grievance based on action which would be prohibited by Title IX Regulations Implementing Educational Amendments of 1972. The Vice President for Student Services shall inform the person presented the alleged grievance, the major department head, the dean, VPAA, and the President of the college of the final decision and disposition of the appeal.

2.3 Arrest Policy

Each year, the possibility of a Lamar State College – Port Arthur student-athlete interacting with law enforcement agencies such as the Port Arthur Police Department, Jefferson County Sherriff department or other local, state or federal authorities. Some of these interactions result in an arrest or citation of a student-athlete. In order to make objective decisions, the following policy has been developed but not limited to deal with arrests and convictions of felonies and misdemeanors. In general, misdemeanors are for such offenses as: DWI, possession of marijuana, driving with a suspended license, theft by check, assault, criminal trespass or fleeing from or interfering with a police officer. Felonies are crimes that: involve theft of over $1500, assault with a deadly weapon, third DWI, possession of drugs, intent to sell drugs. This policy is not limited to Texas Laws and LSCPA Policies as it may apply.

Policy Statement on Arrest or Conviction of a Felony or Misdemeanor

I. Arrests Felony Charge A student-athlete who is (1) charged with a felony under but not limited to Texas law or (2) arrested and charged with a crime under the laws of another jurisdiction, which, if committed in Texas, would be a felony under Texas law, will be suspended from competition until the charges are dropped, dismissed or otherwise resolved. At the Director of Athletics discretion, under the guidelines for Lamar State College-Port Arthur, the student-athlete may be permitted to continue practicing with the team and may retain his or her grant-in-aid, if any, for the remainder of the academic year in which the charges are resolved. It is the student-athlete’s responsibility to notify his or her head coach that he or she has been arrested, the offense and the charges that have been filed. The head coach will then notify the Director of Athletics of the charge(s).

Misdemeanor Charge

A student-athlete who is arrested and charged with a misdemeanor will be immediately suspended for 2 games in the sport of basketball or 3 in the sport of softball. The determination of return to practice and competition will be made by the Director of Athletics based on a review of all known facts and circumstances and the needs of Lamar State College - Port Arthur. The Director of Athletics has the discretion to further suspend the student-athlete from practice and/or competition and to recommend the elimination of the student-athletes grant-in-aid.

It is the student-athlete’s responsibility to notify his or her head coach that he or she has been arrested, the offense and the charges that have been filed. The head coach will then notify the Director of Athletics of the charge(s).

II. Convictions Felony Conviction A student-athlete who is (1) convicted or pleads guilty or nolo contendere to any felony or (2) convicted or pleads guilty or nolo contendere to any misdemeanor in Texas or (3) convicted or pleads guilty or nolo contendere to a crime under the laws of another jurisdiction, which, if committed under the jurisdiction of the State of Texas as a felony or misdemeanor, shall be permanently dismissed from the team. Misdemeanor Conviction Any student-athlete convicted, pleads guilty or nolo contendere for a misdemeanor (other than a minor traffic violation) will be subject to a review process. The Director of Athletics will review the charges and all surrounding circumstances. It will be the discretion of the Director of Athletics to impose sanctions, including dismissal. The factors which the Director of Athletics will consider, but not limited to: A) Nature of charge (violent or non-violent B) Prior behavior C) Self-disclosure of violation D) Cooperation during the review E) Alcohol and drug use F) Consistency with regards to other cases

Sanctions

Sanctions imposed by the Director of athletics may include, but shall not be limited to:

A) Dismissal from team B) Suspension from competition and practice C) Restricted use of athletic services and facilities D) Counseling at student-athletes expense E) Community service

III. Appeal Process

A student-athlete sanctioned under this policy may appeal the sanctions within 72 hours, in writing, to the Director of Athletics. In the event of an appeal, a Review Committee shall consider all factors, including extenuating circumstances. The student-athlete may appear in-person before the committee, with or without representative of his/her choosing from the members of the college community. The Review Committee shall be composed of:

A) The President or designee B) The Vice President of Student Services C) The Director of Athletics

Within five (5) working days after the hearing, the committee shall issue its decision, which will be final with no further right of review.

2.4 Background Check

All student-athletes are held to a specific standard not only in the class room and on the playing field but also in the community. For that reason, Lamar State College-Port Arthur reserves the right to process criminal background checks of all student-athletes. Actions found to be not in accordance with department policies will result in disciplinary action as deemed appropriate by the Director of Athletics.

The Carl Parker Multipurpose Center, home of the Lamar State College-Port Arthur Seahawks.

Section 3.0 Academic Resources 3.1 Academic Integrity Principle

Any instance of academic dishonesty may subject the student-athlete to disciplinary action, up to and including, separation from athletics and the university. Fundamental to the principle of independent learning is the requirement of honesty and integrity in the performance of academic assignments, both in the classroom and outside, including on-line classes. Students who submit work that is not their own or who commit other acts of academic dishonesty may forfeit the opportunity to continue at Lamar State College-Port Arthur as a student t-athlete or student. The Department of Athletics depends on the willingness of students, individually and collectively, to maintain and perpetuate standards of academic honesty. Each Seahawk student accepts responsibility to be honorable in the student’s own academic affairs, as well as to support the principle as it applies to others.

3.1.1 Academic Dishonesty Disciplinary Policy

General Statements: Academic dishonesty is primarily an instructor-student problem, and the individual instructor has the primary responsibility for the initial determination of scholastic dishonesty. All students and faculty are encouraged to share in the responsibility for ethical conduct by reporting any untoward incidents in or out of the classroom.

Heavy incidence of cheating may be eliminated by taking the necessary precaution of proctoring quizzes and examinations.

Academic dishonesty is considered to include, among others, cheating and violation of procedures or regulations pertaining to academic assignments, examinations, and classroom conduct as established, announced, or otherwise promulgated by faculty, academic departments and/or colleges, or by the college. Possession of prohibitive material during an examination and communication during periods when communication is prohibited are among the infractions which are considered to be cases of academic dishonesty.

Plagiarism is recognized as a form of cheating. Copying from books or magazines without documentation or copying another student's term paper or theme should bring the maximum penalty from the professor.

Stealing, aiding another student to steal, and/or otherwise obtaining tests and/or test answers through illicit means are major disciplinary offenses. The sale or attempted sale of tests and/or test answers that have been illicitly obtained is considered academic dishonesty. One student taking a test for another is also a major disciplinary offense.

Cheating is considered to also include the misrepresentation or presentation of the work of another person as one's own work and the act of aiding and abetting another in such a misrepresentation.

While academic dishonesty is basically a matter between student and instructor, second or repeated offenses by the same student become a matter for consideration by the Vice President for Student Services who is responsible for administering disciplinary action according to established college procedure.

A student may appeal decisions of the professor to the Campus Discipline Committee. Procedures for hearings shall be the same as those used by the committee for other disciplinary hearings. When hearing a student's appeal, the committee may

a. affirm the action, b. reduce or modify penalties assessed (except as they affect grades), c. dismiss the charge, if it is determined that action was taken on grounds not supported

by substantial evidence, and/or d. return the case to the instructor or the Vice President for Student Services for further

consideration.

Graduate students involved in academic dishonesty should follow the same procedure as those for undergraduate students as outlined in the Student Handbook.

Academic departments with the approval of the dean of their division, the Vice President of Academic Affairs, and the Vice President for Student Services may adopt alternate policies relative to cheating. All such alternate policies must include assurances for due process and be filed with the Vice President for Student Services.

3.2 Registration

3.2.1 Office of Advising

All student-athletes are eligible for priority registration and may register on the first day of registration for each term if they have completed the required academic advising and have no other holds placed on their records.

Student-athletes register for classes through the normal process. Student-athletes will have a hold placed on his/her records which will not permit them to register for classes without the required academic advising and will not permit them to drop or add courses after initial registration without signature of the Director of Athletics. Once registered, student-athletes may not add or drop classes.

3.2.2 Withdrawing from Class

No student-athlete should have his/her academic future by having to remain in a potential high-risk academic situation. Therefore, a student-athlete may drop classes during the College’s approved drop period, even if such action jeopardizes his/her immediate or future athletic eligibility to compete/and /or receive financial aid. This only applies if the student is abiding by all academic policies. No student-athlete should take such action without being fully aware of the consequences. Therefore, student-athletes wanting to drop must class must follow the following procedures:

• A hold is placed on all student-athletes registration so that they may not drop courses without written permission from the Director of Athletics and the Advising Center.

• The student-athlete who wishes to drop a course must first meet with their

instructor

• The student-athlete must then meet with the Director of Athletics who will explain the consequences of dropping the class. If dropping the class will affect the student-athletes eligibility, the Director of Athletics will meet with the Head Coach.

• If the student-athlete still wishes to drop the course, he/she must complete the

drop form which must be signed by the Director of Athletics.

• The student-athlete will then meet with the Advising Center to complete the drop and maintain all applicable forms in the student’s file.

• If the student-athlete falls below full-time status, (12 units) all applicable NJCAA

rules will be enforced, and the student-athlete will be withheld from practice and competition. Cancellation of financial aid is permitted at this time.

3.3 Academic Support 3.3.1 Academic Advising

Student-athletes receive advising from the Advising Center. The assigned academic Advisor will advise students regarding degree plan and graduation requirements. The Athletic Department may also supplement this advising, but will not supplant it. Each head coach ultimately has the responsibility of academic progress for each student-athlete involved in their program. Semester grades indicate academic progress and are available through the Director of Athletics.

3.3.2 Progress Report

The Athletic Department requests progress reports twice per semester on all student-athletes. This information is shared with head coaches and the student-athlete. Student-athletes are encouraged to take advantage of academic resources early in the semester so that little problems do not become a big problem.

3.3.3 Tutoring

Tutoring services are available at the Student Success Center. If a tutor is not available for a subject, Athletics may be able to provide a limited number of tutors. If a student-athlete is struggling with a course, and would like to receive additional tutoring support, he/she should meet with the Director of Athletics.

3.3.4 Study Hall Seahawk Athletics

Supervised study hall is provided at the Student Success Center as an academic resource to all students. It is designed to assist with time management and provide assistance when necessary. All students new to Lamar State College-Port Arthur whether they are first time freshman or transfer students are required to attend study hall for 8 hours per week. In addition returning student-athletes will be required to attend the study hall based on their GPA:

2.5 or below 8 Hours 2.51-2.99 5 Hours 3.0 or above No Study Hall required Study hall hours are determined by the cumulative GPA. Please note your sport coach may assign you additional study hall hours. Student-athletes are required to complete their study hall hours even if they drop below 12 hours and/or are not eligible to compete.

3.3.5 Study Hall Hours Study hall is available from Monday through Friday 8-5 in the Student Success Center.

Study Hall will be available the first day of class each semester and monitoring will begin. A study hall week is Monday through Sunday. During a student-athletes competition season, a maximum of 25% of their required study hall hours may be obtained while they are traveling. The other 75% must be obtained during on campus study hall hours. Student-Athletes must be in study hall a minimum of 30 minutes to receive any credit toward study hall hours.

If a student violates any of the study hall guidelines as established by the Student Success Center, he/she may be subject to removal from study hall. If a student is enrolled in summer school, the same criteria apply.

3.4 Academic Advising

All student-athletes are required to meet with the Advising Center prior to registration each semester. Student-athletes who fail to meet this requirement forfeit their opportunity to register (priority registration) will be unable to register for classes until they have done so. Student-athletes should be aware that scheduling meetings with the Advising Center may often times require advance notice.

3.5 Scholastic Probation and Suspension

Students are expected to make acceptable scholastic progress toward their degree objectives. A "C" is the minimum satisfactory grade and a "C" average, or 2.0 grade-point average (GPA), constitutes satisfactory performance. Since two grade points are awarded each semester hour of "C," students are in good standing if they have earned at least twice as many grade points as semester hours attempted. Students with a grade point deficiency shall be placed on scholastic probation and continued on probation as long as a deficiency exists.

All students with a grade point deficiency of 25 or more grade points at the end of the fall or spring semester shall be suspended provided that no first-time college students shall be suspended at the end of their first semester.

3.6 Computer Lab

If a student needs a place to write his or her paper the student should visit the Student Success Center. They will help students gain access to the computer system. The College provides e-mail accounts for all students and an account is mandatory for communication between all students, staff, instructors and departments.

3.7 Seahawk Athletics Missed Class Policy 3.7.1 Class Attendance

Class attendance is paramount for academic success. Therefore, class attendance is mandatory for all student-athletes. Student-athletes are expected to attend all classes and lab meetings. Absences are only excuse for official athletic competition. Student-athletes may not be excused from class regularly scheduled classes for practices (except while on trips), media interviews, medical treatment, or film review. Exceptions may only be made by the Director of Athletics in unusual circumstances (attendance at a national awards ceremony, medical emergency).

Student-athletes will receive a travel excuse letter from the Director of Athletics prior to their first competition. Students will be required to give one copy to each professor/lab instructors and return a signed copy to the Director of Athletics. Any student-athletes not returning a signed letter will not be allowed to travel with the team until the form is returned.

3.8 Sports Scheduling

Head Coaches are responsible for scheduling contests in their respective sports. Schedules are to be submitted to the Director of Athletics by July 15.Proposed schedules will be reviewed for NJCAA requirements, missed class time, budget and mode of transportation. All competition schedules are subject to the approval of the Director of Athletics. Coaches shall schedule in such a way that the impact on student-athletes coursework is kept to a minimum. Non-conference or non-championship contests that require travel during the first or last week of classes or during final exams may only be schedule with the approval of the Director of Athletics. Head coaches must monitor that student-athletes keep their instructors informed of their competition and travel schedule as well as any arrangements required for additional tutoring, proctoring of exams or alternate testing. Twice per semester, the Director of Athletics requests that instructors report academic progress of the student-athletes and their attendance in regularly schedule classes. Information regarding athletics related absences as well as non-excused absences are used by the coaches and Director of Athletics.

3.9 Textbook Loan Program

Student-athletes on a book scholarship will be allowed to receive required books from the Lamar State College Bookstore, paid by Seahawk Athletics. Student-athletes will only be provided required books by the professor of record. All other materials including recommended books or other course materials are the responsibility of the student-athlete. These books are provided on a semester basis and are NOT the property of the student-athlete.

3.9.1 Pick-up Procedures

All student-athletes are required to pick-up there books prior to the first day of class. Student-Athletes will be given a designated time and location to pick up their books. If your books are not picked-up within the first week of school, you will be responsible for the cost of the books, unless there is an extenuating circumstance approved by the Director of Athletics.

3.9.2 Change of Schedule or Dropped Class Procedure

If a student-athlete changes their schedule after they have already received their books, they will need to report to the Athletic Office to make necessary adjustments for their books. If a student-athlete drops a class in the middle of a semester, they must immediately return all books associated with the class to the athletic secretary.

3.9.3 Book Return Policy

Student-athletes will be required to return ALL their books at the end of each semester. Student-athletes will be given a specific time/location when book returns take place. If a student-athlete does not return a book or materials that were leant to them before the last day of Final Exams, they will be charged the full amount of the book/materials.

4.0 Student-Athlete Academic Accountability Policy

The Lamar State College-Port Arthur Athletic Department is committed to the academic success of student athletes. Because student athletes must miss class due to athletic obligations, it is imperative that they take full advantage of the resources provided by Lamar State College-Port Arthur and are held accountable for their academic performance. Each head coach plays a crucial role in ensuring that their student athletes are performing academically. The accountability policy ensures that student athletes know their academic responsibilities and are meeting their obligations

4.1 Point Procedure

The Accountability policy is based on a point system. Each student athlete begins the semester at one hundred (100) and will receive one deduction for each missed academic obligation throughout the semester. Missed obligations include (but are not limited to): *each missed class (being tardy constitutes a missed class), *tutorial session, *session with a learning assistant, *meeting with faculty member, professor, academic advisor, or other University personal

Being tardy to class or more than 10 minutes late to a meeting constitutes an absence and will result in a deduction (even if the student athlete arrives after that). Absences due to approved athletic travel will not result in deductions. If a student athlete has been wrongly marked as absent from a class, the student-athlete may appeal by having the faculty member communicate directly with the Director of Athletics. If the student athlete is absent from class due to illness he or she must show a doctors/athletic trainers note excusing you them from class.

Student athletes may also receive positive points, which will off-set deductions; however, the positive points cannot bring the point total to above one hundred (100). Student athletes may receive positive points for the following: * Additional study hall hours, (2 additional hours of study hall = one positive point) * Meeting with professors and/or faculty advisors, and * Attending LSCPA approved seminars/programs. * Additional points may also be awarded at the discretion of the Director of Athletics.

4.2 Sanction Procedures

The Director of Athletics will provide point updates to the coaching staff on a regular basis. Disciplinary action taken against student-athletes with a point total 91 to 99 will be left to the discretion of each head coach based on the levels below. When a student-athlete accumulates 9 or more deducted points, the Director of Athletics will call a meeting with the head coach and the student-athlete to implement an academic improvement plan for behavior modification and a clear response plan should additional negative points be accumulated. A copy of this plan will be signed by all parties and kept

in the student-athlete’s file. At ten (10) points deducted, the Director of Athletics will meet with the Head Coach and student-athlete to notify them that the student-athlete is suspended from athletic competition.

4.3 Study Hall Point Accumulations

Student Athletes are assigned study hall guidelines according to specific policies. If a student fails to meet the required study hall hours in a given week the following sanctions will apply: 1st week of missed study hall – report sent to head coach 2nd week of missed study hall – report sent to head coach & Athletic Director 3rd week of missed study hall – report sent to head coach & Athletic Director 4th week of missed study hall – report sent to head coach and Athletic Director - Student will be suspended from next scheduled competition Each additional week of missed study hall - report will be sent to coach and Athletic

Director - Student will be suspended from next scheduled competition If the student is in a non-competition semester, suspensions may be enforced during their next competition semester. Any student athlete that has not completed study hall hours by 3:00 pm on Friday afternoons will have the opportunity to have a study hall on Saturday afternoon, monitored by a member of the coaching staff. Saturday study hall times will be available at a coaching staff’s discretion

4.4 Disciplinary Actions

Level 1 (99-97 points) – any or all of the following may be selected:

Additional study hall hours Coach’s Choice (must be documented and reported to the Director) Letter to parents Practice limitations

Level 2 (96-94 points) – any or all of the following may be selected:

Coach’s Choice (must be documented and reported to the Director) Suspension from one practice Partial suspension from athletic contest or contests

Level 3 (93-91 points) – any or all of the following may be selected:

Reduction or revocation of summer aid – if applicable Suspension from one week of athletic practice Suspension from one athletic competition

Level 4 (90 points or less)

Suspension from the next scheduled competition for each point Letter to parents ** If the deductions occur in a student’s non-competition semester, any game suspensions or partial suspensions may be administered in the following semester.

** Once a student receives a point total of 90 they will be required to sit out one athletic competition. If a student receives a point total less than 90, they will be required to sit out one athletic competition for each deduction below 90. For example, if a student athlete has a point total of 86 they will be required to sit out four athletic competitions. In addition, a point total of less than 90 may result in the loss of the student’s athletic scholarship.

Community service projects are a big part of the Seahawks experience at Lamar State-Port Arthur. Here, the Seahawks softball team boxes canned goods during a recent Thanksgiving holiday.

5.0 Athletic Awards

5.1 Athletic Awards Policy

Seahawk Athletics and the College endorse an athletic awards system to recognize the achievements earned by varsity student-athletes.

5.1.2 Letter Award System and Criteria

Lettering in a sport is an honor and a reflection of the student-athlete’s commitment to their sport, team and Lamar State College-Port Arthur. In order to letter, a student-athlete must be a member of the team upon the completion of the season, in good academic standing at the end of the season, and meet the teams individual requirements listed below. In consideration for outstanding contributions to the team, the coach may choose to recommend a letter, subject to the Director of Athletics approval, even though the student-athlete does not miss meet the sports listed requirements. Basketball

• Play in 30% of the conference games listed on the team’s schedule Softball

• Play in 30% of the conference games listed on the team’s schedule Dance Line

• Perform in 90% of scheduled appearances/games 5.2 All Sports Banquet

In the Spring of each academic year an annual All Sports Banquet is held. Letter winners, team specific awards and all special recognition awards will be present at the semi-formal banquet.

5.3 Championship Awards

In recognition of winning a conference championship or participation in the NJCAA National Tournament, Seahawk Athletics may provide the student-athletes a commemorative ring or other designated award in recognition of their achievements. Coaches and student-athletes will be afforded the opportunity to participate in the design of their award.

5.4.1 Recipients

Ring recipients will include squad members, coaches and appropriate staff members associated with the team. The Head Coach is responsible to prepare a proposed list for the Director of Athletics.

5.4.2 Distribution

When possible the awards will be presented in public forums such as banquets, basketball half-times, etc.

5.5 Individual Sports Award Ceremonies

Teams are allowed to conduct a team-only award ceremony with the approval from the Director of Athletics. All expenses must be paid by the individual sport’s budget and the meal may not be excessive in nature. All team awards must be approved by the Director of Athletics prior to purchase and distribution and must adhere to NJCAA bylaws.

5.6 Athletic Director Honor Roll

Student-athletes that earn a semester GPA of 3.0 or higher will be named to the Athletic Director’s Honor Roll.

Requirements:

• No students that have exhausted their eligibility • No students that left the team mid-semester • Red-shirt student-athletes will be recognized • Student-athletes must be in good standing and on the team roster

With 29 wins to its credit, the 2011-2012 Seahawks softball team is the winningest in the school’s history.

6.0 Seahawk Athletics Resources

6.1 Sports Equipment and Apparel 6.1.1 Issuing Athletic Equipment

Personal Athletic Equipment and Apparel is issues for the season. There are two major prerequisites for issuing equipment and apparel to student-athletes:

• Being on an official team roster. • Certified by the Team Physician through the athletic trainer that a student-athlete

is in satisfactory physical condition. 6.1.2 Responsibility for Equipment and Apparel

It is the individual’s responsibility to protect the equipment and apparel that is issued to the student-athlete. Student-athletes will be charged with the replacement cost for any item which they lose or damage through neglect.

6.1.3 Returning Equipment and Apparel

Student-Athletes have three working days at the end of their season to return their equipment and apparel and clear their accounts. If, during the season, a student-athlete decides not to (or cannot) participate or is removed from the team, he/she must return all equipment and apparel immediately or a hold will be placed on the student’s account.

6.1.4 Off-Season Typically, equipment and apparel is readied and stored for the next season. On occasion,

certain items can be checked out in the off-season. This is done by a written request from the coach to the Director of Athletics. The student-athlete is responsible for the equipment or apparel.

6.2 Varsity Strength and Conditioning 6.2.1 Fitness Center The Fitness Center is available for your use in normal business hours. Your coaches may

elect to train as a team at hours not used for classes or recreation.

Please follow the following guidelines any time you are in the Fitness Center:

• Must always have a shirt on

• No blue jeans, blue jean shorts, or denim of any kind

• Tennis/Workout shoes only

• No Horseplay

• TV’s changed only by the Fitness Attendant or your Coach

• No dropping of weights or equipment

• Please put dumbbells/plates/weights or anything else you may have moved, back

where it belongs before you leave

• Please have respect for the equipment and the general cleanliness of the Facility.

6.3 Athletic Training Services 6.3.1 Athletic Training Staff The Athletic Training Staff at Lamar State College-Port Arthur provides athletic health

care for all student-athletes. The athletic training room is located in the Carl Parker Center. The athletic training staff is certified nationally and licensed by the State of Texas.

6.3.2 Athletic Trainer Cheryl Guidorzi, MS, ATC, LAT 984-6298 6.3.3 Injuries and Illness All injuries, illnesses or other medical problems which may affect a student-athlete’s

participation in intercollegiate athletics, should report immediately to the athletic trainer. Injured student-athletes will be evaluated by the athletic trainer, and referred, as needed, to the appropriate medical care.

Student-athletes should follow-up with the athletic trainer after any unaccompanied

physician visitor or consultation to ensure proper treatment or rehabilitation is carried out. For those student-athletes that have suffered significant injuries that have limited their athletic participation, approval from the team physician and the athletic trainer is required to return to their sport.

6.3.4 Athletic Training Room Rules and regulations

• Report all injuries immediately • All treatment must be administered by the athletic trainer. Student-athletes or

coaches may not treat athletic injuries. • The athletic training room is a coed facility. Proper dress is required at all times. • All belonging (coats, shoes, backpacks, etc.) should be left in the locker room. • NO food, drink or tobacco products are allowed in the training room at any time.

• Student-athletes may not use any equipment in the athletic training room without the supervision of the athletic trainer.

• Excessive noise or inappropriate language will not be tolerated. • All student-athletes are required to shower before entering the athletic training

room following competition or practice. Exceptions to this rule are for acute or emergency care.

6.3.5 Insurance Coverage of Scholarship Student-Athletes

Lamar State College-Port Arthur provides a medical and catastrophic insurance program for its student-athletes. THIS POLICY IS SECONDARY TO, OR IN EXCESS OF, PERSONAL FAMILY MEDICAL INSURANCE COVERAGE AND ONLY COVER INJURIES RESULTING FROM THE DIRECT PARTICIPATION IN INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETICS DURING THE COMPETITIVE SEASON OR SACTIONED PRACTICE. Lamer State College Port Arthur’s medical and catastrophic insurance will pay for the excess of the “necessary” medical treatment up to the “usual and customary” charges for such expenses incurred within 104 weeks from the date of injury. Failure to immediately report the injury to the athletic trainer may result in medical bills associated with the injury to become the sole responsibility of the student-athlete, dance team, and his/her parents or guardians due to the athletic trainer’s inability to verify the injury occurred during sports participation. The student-athlete must complete a health insurance information/ authorization form and supply a photocopy (front and back) of the insurance card on a yearly basis. The form must be signed by the student-athlete and the parent/guardian.

6.3.6 Insurance Coverage Requirements for Non-Scholarship Student-Athletes (walk-on)

All Non-Scholarship (walk-on) student -athletes must be covered by some type of individual health insurance before participating in any practice, game or competition. The insurance must cover athletic related injuries and/or illnesses and shall be considered the PRIMARY insurance coverage for all athletic related injuries. Lamar State College-Port Arthur will not assume financial responsibility for injuries and illness to non-scholarship student-athletes. Medical bills associated with such injuries are the sole responsibility of his/her parent(s)/ guardian(s).

Non-Scholarship student-athletes MUST complete a health Insurance Information/ Authorization form and supply a photocopy (front/back) of the health insurance card on a yearly basis. The Health Insurance Information/ Authorization Form MUST be signed by the student-athlete and one of the student-athlete’s parent(s)/ guardian(s). The Lamar State College-Port Arthur’s Athletic Trainer will verify the insurance coverage before allowing the participation in any practice, game or competition.

6.3.7 Insurance Coverage Requirements for Dance Team Members

All dance team members must be covered by some type of individual health insurance before participating in any practice, game or competition. The insurance must cover

athletic related injuries and/or illnesses and shall be considered the PRIMARY insurance coverage for all athletic related injuries. Lamar State College-Port Arthur provides a medical and catastrophic insurance program for the dance team members. This policy is SECONDARY to, or in excess of personal family medical insurance coverage and covers only injuries from the direct participation in on the dance team. . Lamer State College Port Arthur’s medical and catastrophic insurance will pay for the excess of the “necessary” medical treatment up to the “usual and customary” charges for such expenses incurred within 104 weeks from the date of injury. Failure to immediately report the injury to the athletic trainer may result in medical bills associated with the injury to become the sole responsibility of the student-athlete, dance team, and his/her parents or guardians due to the athletic trainer’s inability to verify the injury occurred during sports participation. The student-athlete must complete a health insurance information/ authorization form and supply a photocopy (front and back) of the insurance card on a yearly basis. The form must be signed by the student-athlete and the parent/guardian.

6.3.8 International Student-Athletes

All international students must show proof of health insurance before registering for classes. Student health insurance plans are available through the Admissions Office and meets the minimum requirements. If a student has a personal health insurance plan, an explanation of benefits must be submitted to ensure it complies with minimum coverage. The international student health insurance plan available at the Admissions Office meets the criteria for admission to the College, it DOES NOT meet the health insurance requirement for walk-on student-athletes as the plan does not cover athletic-related injuries. Lamar State College-Port Arthur WILL NOT assume financial responsibility for any medical claims due to the student failing to maintain current health insurance coverage. The college offers a health insurance policy to students if they need or are required to have coverage. The expense is born by the student and information can be obtained through the Director of Student Activities.

6.3.9 HMO’s

If a student-athlete’s primary insurance is a HMO, Lamar State College-Port Arthur medical staff strongly encourages the student-athlete and his/her parent(s) / guardian(s) to change the primary care physician (PCP) to a Lamar State College Team Physician or local physician. This will allow the student-athlete to have a network of physicians in the Port Arthur area, as well as better access to health care. The Athletic Trainer can assist in this process. All non-scholarship athletes must change the PCP to a Lamar State College-Port Arthur Team Physician to meet the primary insurance requirement for walk-on student-athletes.

6.3.10 Insurance Policy Changes

Lamar State College-Port Arthur Athletic Training Staff must receive any changes to a health insurance policy as soon as they occur. If proper notification is not received, Lamar State College-Port Arthur Athletics will not be responsible for any delays in payment, collection notices, credit report, etc. that occur. If a cancellation of a policy occurs without proper notification, all bills incurred during this time will be the responsibility of the student-athlete and/or his/her parent(s) / guardian(s).

6.3.11 Compliance with Insurance Company Requests

Due to the Health Insurance Portability and Accounting Act (HIPAA), insurance companies will not give any insurance information to Lamar State College-Port Arthur Athletic Training staff. It is the student-athlete and/or his/her parent(s) / guardian(s) responsibility to understand the conditions that apply to their policy and comply with any requests for information, proof of full-time student status, etc. from the primary insurance company. Any delinquent bills resulting in bad credit due to non-compliance with insurance company requests will be the responsibility of student-athlete and/or his/her parent(s) / guardian(s).

6.3.12 Exclusions and Limitations of Lamar State College-Port Arthur Secondary medical

Insurance Policy

1. Injuries and illnesses that are not directly related to participation in intercollegiate athletics during the dates of the primary competition season and designated off seasons as approved by the Director of Athletics according to NJCAA regulations.

2. Experimental procedures. 3. Cosmetic surgery or procedures unless directly related to athletic related injury. 4. Hospital room and board charges in excess of a semi-private room rate unless

hospitalized in an intensive care unit. 5. Injuries/illnesses that are a result of intramural, club sports and recreational activities

(non-intercollegiate activities), as well as training/ conditioning activities that occur outside of the competitive season or designated off-season periods.

6. Injuries/illnesses that are recurrences of old injuries/illnesses which were sustained before participation in the intercollegiate sports program.

7. Any tests and/or consultations needed to gain approval for participation in the intercollegiate athletic program.

8. Expenses for athletic injuries incurred after the completion of the student-athletes intercollegiate athletic eligibility.

9. Medical expenses beyond the limitations and exclusions of, or not covered by Lamar State College-Port Arthur Athletic insurance policy.

The importance of having some form of personal health insurance cannot be overemphasized. Medical bills resulting from the fore mentioned activities will be submitted to the student-athlete’s primary insurance. Any unpaid balances are the responsibility of the student-athlete and/or the student-athlete’s parent(s) guardian(s).

6.3.13 Non-Sports Related Injury/Illness Procedures

Lamar State College-Port Arthur may not assume financial responsibility for injury and illness not directly related to participation in the intercollegiate athletics program (e.g. colds, coughs, flu, etc.).

Lamar State College-Port Arthur will not assume financial responsibility for injuries and illness that do not take place during the student-athletes primary competitive season. Medical bills associated with such injuries and illnesses will be the sole responsibility of the student-athlete and/or the student-athlete’s parent(s) guardian(s).

6.3.14 Dental Care

Molded will be fitted for student-athletes I basketball and softball. Lamar State College-Port Arthur will assume financial responsibility for dental care resulting in direct participation in intercollegiate athletics as approved by the Director of Athletics and according to NJCAA regulations. As with other injuries, this insurance is SECONDARY to, or in excess of, personal family medical insurance coverage. Lamar State College-Port Arthur will not pay for general dental treatment (e.g. cleaning of teeth, treatment of cavities, etc.)

6.3.15 Contact Lens/Glasses Policy

Lamar State College-Port Arthur does not assume financial responsibility for eye exams, contact lens or glasses. Medical bills associated with eye exams, contact lens or glasses will be the sole responsibility of the student-athlete and/or the student athlete’s parent(s) or guardian(s).

If a student-athlete wears contact lenses, the student-athlete must provide one (1) pair of contacts to the Head Athletic Trainer to be kept in case of emergency.

6.3.16 Medical Bills

In the event that a student-athlete should receive a bill/statement for an injury that occurred as a direct result in participation in intercollegiate athletics at Lamar State College-Port Arthur, the student-athlete must submit the bill to the Head Athletic Trainer within 20 business days of receipt. Bills received after 20 business days will be the responsibility of the student-athlete and/or the student athlete’s parent(s) or guardian(s). All correspondence should be submitted to:

Lamar State College-Port Arthur Attn: Head Athletic Trainer PO Box 310 Port Arthur, TX 77641-0310

6.3.17 Insurance Claim Procedures

An insurance claim form must be completed when any student-athlete suffers a “sports related injury that:

• Is seen by a physician • Requires any type of diagnostic testing • Necessitates the consignment of a brace, splint, etc. • Is a mild traumatic brain injury (concussion), regardless of whether or nit the

student-athlete is seen by a physician or undergoes diagnostic tests • Requires the student-athlete to miss one game or three consecutive practices Lamar State College-Port Arthur Athletic Training Staff will provide the necessary form to the student-athlete and will assist the student-athlete in completing the form with the required information. Insurance claim forms must be signed by the student-athlete before the claim can be submitted to the Lamar State College-Port Arthur’s insurance company.

6.3.18 Physician Referrals/ Consultations

Lamar State College-Port Arthur has fostered a positive relationship with many medical providers in the Port Arthur area who have consistently provided high quality of care to Lamar State College-Port Arthur student-athletes. Members of the Lamar State College-Port Arthur Athletic Training medical Staff will refer student-athletes to these providers, unless extenuating circumstances necessitate a different provider. All student-athletes must be seen and evaluated by a licensed/certified athletic trainer on the Lamar State College-Port Arthur Staff before a referral can be made. A member of the athletic training medical staff must authorize and properly refer all student-athletes to see a physician or medical consultant and or diagnostic tests. If a student-athlete decides to see a physician/medical consultant and/or undergo a diagnostic test without prior authorization from a member of the athletic training medical staff, the student-athlete and/or the student-athletes parent(s)/guardian(s) will be financially responsible for any and all medical bills incurred.

6.3.19 Missed Doctor Appointment Policy

Student-athletes who are late and/or fail to show-up for scheduled appointments with the team physician, medical consultants, and/or/diagnostic tests/procedures will be financially responsible for rescheduling the appointment and providing his/her own transportation.

6.3.20 Medical Second Opinions

If a student-athlete and/or his/her parent(s)/guardian(s) desire a second physician’s opinion on a medical injury, the athletic training medical staff will assist in scheduling a

second physician’s opinion in the Port Arthur area. The student-athlete or the student-athletes parent(s)/guardian(s) will be financially responsible for all second physician opinions.

6.3.21 Confidential Health Information

The Lamar State College-Port Arthur Athletic Training Staff provides health care to its student-athletes in partnership with the team physicians and other health care professionals. This “team” of health care professionals will share the student-athletes protected health information with each other, as required, to carry out the student-athlete’s treatment, payment for treatment and other necessary health care operations related to management of the “team”. The student-athlete’s health information is protected by federal regulations under either the Health Information Portability Act (HIPPA) or the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (the Buckley Amendment) and may not be disclosed without the authorization of the student-athlete. The student-athlete will be required to complete an Authorization to Share Protected Health Information Form. The student-athlete may choose who he/she wishes to receive protected health information (outside of our health care team). Without authorization, the health care team cannot release information to parents, coaches, media, etc., regarding an injury except for the student-athletes play/no play status. Once the information is disclosed per the student-athlete’s authorization, the information is subject to re-disclosure and may no longer be protected by HIPPA and/or the Buckley Amendment. The student-athlete may revoke his/her authorization to share protected health information at any time by notifying the Head Athletic Trainer and completing the revocation of Authorization Form. Lamar State College-Port Arthur Athletic Training Staff may use athletic training students (ATS) to help with the daily operation of the Athletic Training Room. The ATS must show proficiency in required skills before they are allowed to perform those skills on student-athletes. The ATS is directly supervised by a licensed/certified athletic trainer. The ATS is considered part of the health care team and therefore, has access to the student-athlete’s protected health care information. The ATS has been instructed in the appropriate use of this information and signs a Statement of Confidentiality.

6.4 Drug and Alcohol Education and Testing Program

The administrative, professional, and coaching personnel of the Department of Health, Fitness and Sport through their professional experience, education and training believe and concur in the following propositions and conclusions concerning alcohol and drug use and abuse by any student-athlete participating in the College’s athletic program. A. Student-athletes need full knowledge of the harm that alcohol and drugs may cause and an awareness of the benefits of avoidance and the nature of rehabilitation. The extraordinary public scrutiny and performance pressures to which they are subjected present unusual temptations and possibilities for

exploitation and exposure to alcohol and drugs with which even the more sophisticated may find difficulties in coping. B. Those attempting to combine athletic activities with alcohol and drug abuse may create additional risks both to themselves and to teammates. The reduction in mental alertness, the behavior modifications – whether as excessive aggression or increased indifference – expose athletes to physical injury and team dissension. These risks are both immediate (e.g. practice injuries) and long-term (physiological degradation). C. Given the substantial time and energy required for participation in sports, a student-athlete who permits alcohol or drug use to affect and alter his athletic performance is likely to see corresponding declines in his ability and motivation to honor his primary obligations in the classroom, library and laboratory. D. Lamar State College-Port Arthur has a substantial investment in athletics not only financially, but also the potential harm to the reputation of the College, negative publicity and impact on the on the College in the community. In the face of these conclusions, the Lamar State College - Port Arthur Department of Health, Fitness and Sport, through their collective professional judgment, believe it is in the best interest of the College and the student-athlete to have a Drug and Alcohol Education and Testing Program. Lamar State College-Port Arthur will promote an enhanced educational program for all their student-athletes, and will undertake a testing program designed to deter drug and alcohol abuse and to identify and treat those athletes who need and can benefit from assistance in dealing with this problem.

INSTITUTIONAL DRUG AND ALCOHOL TESTING Scope: The scope of the Drug and Alcohol program will be Lamar State College-Port Arthur student-athletes including student-athletes who have exhausted their athletic eligibility and are receiving athletic related aid, has not been medically cleared for athletic competition or remain on the team but are ineligible for competition; additional, student-athlete redshirts, student managers and student athletic trainers are also subject to drug and alcohol testing. Drug and alcohol testing will be conducted in the least intrusive way possible and will be limited to the purpose described in this policy. Notification: Before the start of the fall term each year thereafter, each student-athlete and his/her parents(s) or legal guardian(s) will receive a written copy of the College’s “Drug and Alcohol Student Education and Testing Program” and a form on which the student-athlete, through his/her signature, acknowledges receipt and indicates understanding of the Program, and provides voluntary consent to drug and alcohol testing and to the release of the testing results to a limited and predefined number of individuals or if the student-athlete is a minor through the signature of his or her parent or legal guardian. Signing of the consent form is a condition for participation in athletics. Testing can take place at any time during the calendar year. Drug and alcohol testing may consist of urinalysis, blood, hair, and or saliva testing or any acceptable method that indicates the presence of a drug, drugs or alcohol in the system.

Method of Testing: All student-athletes will participate in a periodic random testing program to permit testing for alcohol and for any or all of the substances that appear on the NCAA’s list of banned drugs. Also, student-athletes who have exhausted their athletic eligibility and are receiving athletic related aid or has not been medically cleared for athletic competition are subject to testing. Additionally, student-athlete redshirts, student managers and student athletic trainers can be subject to drug and alcohol testing. The collection of urine samples from the student-athletes shall be monitored by a member of the athletic training staff and/or independent collection service. After collection has occurred, the specimens will be individually numbered. By signing a master list of numbered names, the student-athlete will certify that his/her numerical designation corresponds to that on the specimen bottle he/she has submitted. The numbered samples (no names on the sample) will then be immediately sent to an independent laboratory commissioned to perform the tests. Once the results are returned from the independent laboratory a designated lead physician consultant or their designated Lamar State College - Port Arthur representative will be the only person capable of matching the test results to see if any are positive (i.e. a positive test result indicating the presence of alcohol or one or more banned substances). Any unexcused absences from the testing procedure will be treated as the equivalent of a positive test. In the event that a student-athlete refuses to submit to a drug or alcohol test, this will be considered a positive result with appropriate sanctions applied. SANCTIONS TO POSITVE TESTS:

Following confirmation of a first positive test for alcohol and/or any of the substances listed in NCAA Bylaw 31.2.3.4, the lead consulting physician or Lamar State College - Port Arthur representative will inform the student-athlete of the test results, and discuss the medical implications with him/her. In addition the physician or a university representative will also inform the athletic director, the head coach of that particular sport, and the parents/guardian of a minor student-athlete. If the student-athlete is not a minor and has signed an authorization, the information will be released to his or her spouse and/or parent/guardian. The student-athlete will be required to undergo drug and/or alcohol education and/or counseling; additionally if the positive institutional test occurred during the student-athletes in-season that student-athlete shall be suspended a total 5% of the scheduled contests for that year, if the positive result occurred during the student-athlete’s pre-season or off-season then that student-athlete will be suspended from all athletic related activities (with the exception of academic and medical services) for a period of 2 weeks. A student-athlete who tests positive for a drug, drugs or alcohol may be subject to subsequent and regular follow-up testing up to a maximum of 1 time per week. All positive results are cumulative (example: if a student-athlete tests positive their freshmen year then has a negative follow-up test, but has a positive test at any time during their tenure at Lamar State College-Port Arthur, this will be considered the second positive result). Additionally, 40 hours of community service will be required.

After a second positive test for alcohol and/or any of the substances listed in NCAA Bylaw 31.2.3.4, the physician or a university representative will inform the student-athlete, the athletic director, the head coach of that particular sport, and the parents/guardian of a minor student-athlete. If the student-athlete is not a minor and has signed an authorization, the information will be released to his or her spouse and/or parent/guardian. The student-athlete will be required to undergo further drug and alcohol education and/or counseling and will be suspended for 10% of

the scheduled contests if the positive occurred during in-season. If the positive occurs during the pre-season or off-season, then that student-athlete will be suspended from all athletic activities for a period of 2 weeks. The student-athlete will be required to undergo subsequent regular testing. Additionally, 80 hours of community service will be required. After a third positive test for alcohol and/or any of the substances listed in NCAA Bylaw 31.2.3.4, the student-athlete will immediately be removed from his/her team and will have a non-renewal of athletic scholarship. The physician or a university representative will inform the student-athlete, the athletic director, the head coach of that particular sport, and the parent/guardian of a minor student-athlete. If the student-athlete is not a minor and has signed an authorization, the information will be released to his or her spouse and/or parent/guardian. In addition to the random tests provided for above, at the discretion of the head coach of the student-athletes sport, or a lead consulting physician, a random sample may be requested at any time the coach and/or physician finds a need to do so based on reasonable suspicion for the use of drugs. Any unexcused absences from this testing procedure will be treated as the equivalent of a positive test. If a student-athlete is convicted of an alcohol or drug related offense or is convicted of a drug or alcohol related offense while operating a motor vehicle, this will be considered a positive offense. In addition to the above penalties and sanctions for first and second positive tests the athletic Director of Athletics, the administrator for that sport and or the head for that sport may impose additional penalties and or sanctions up to permanent removal from the team in which case the head coach must first consult with their sport administrator and must have the approval of the athletic Director of Athletics. Additional Alcohol Guidelines The consumption or possession of an alcoholic beverage, in violation of applicable law, on College property or in the course of a College or student organization activity is prohibited. Consumption of an alcoholic beverage by the student-athlete within 48 hours of any athletic event is prohibited. Consumption or possession of an alcoholic beverage during an athletic road trip is prohibited. Consumption of an alcoholic beverage in the presence of a prospective student-athlete is prohibited. Consumption of an alcoholic beverage by a student-athlete is prohibited where the student-athlete serves as a representative of the College at an official function. Penalty for violating the Department of Health, Fitness and Sport will be at the discretion of the Head Coach and/or Director of Athletics.

FAILURE TO ADHERE TO OUTLINED EDUCATION OR COUNSELING PROGRAM If a student-athlete who tests positive for alcohol and/or any of the substances listed in NCAA Bylaw 31.2.3.4 fails to adhere to sanctions, penalties, drug/alcohol education and or drug/alcohol counseling program as set forth by a alcohol/drug abuse counselor or does not attend required meetings or fails to show up for scheduled meeting/meetings with either athletics department personnel, lead consulting physicians or alcohol/drug abuse counselors, this will be considered a positive result with appropriate sanctions applied including but not limited violations covered in the disciplinary code of the college. Additionally the student-athletes academic record may be placed on hold until all requirements are met.

APPEALS PROCESS

If a student-athlete chooses to challenge the findings of an institutional alcohol and/or drug test, that student-athlete has a right of appeal. The student must submit the appeal to the athletic Director of Athletics within 5 days of notification of a positive alcohol and/or drug test. The director may appoint a committee to review the appeal and provide the director with a recommendation on whether to grant or deny the appeal. The appeal must be in writing and state the basis for the appeal and may include any additional documentation necessary for the committee and the director to review. At this time, the student-athlete may request a copy of the test results or other relevant information on which the decision will be based. Once the committee makes a recommendation on whether to grant or deny the appeal, the committee will forward that recommendation to the athletic Director of Athletics who will make a final decision. The director will send the student-athlete a written decision as soon as practicable after receiving the committee’s recommendation.

SAFE HARBOR PROGRAM

If a student-athlete feels that they have an alcohol and/or drug abuse problem and notifies either a consulting physician or one of the staff athletic trainers prior to institutional drug testing and seeks treatment for this problem, any positive test results during the treatment period will not count against the student-athlete nor will institutional sanctions be applied provided they adhere to the education and/or counseling program set forth by a drug/alcohol abuse counselor or team physician. Failure to adhere to an education and/or counseling program will be considered a positive result.

6.4.1 Tobacco Policy Lamar State College-Port Arthur Athletics prohibits the use of all forms of tobacco products. Use of tobacco products on campus, campus related activities or while representing Lamar State College-Port Arthur in any capacity is prohibited.

6.4.2 NCAA Banned Drugs6

6 The NCAA bans the following classes of drugs:

a. Stimulants b. Anabolic Agents c. Alcohol and Beta Blockers (banned for rifle only) d. Diuretics and Other Masking Agents e. Street Drugs f. Peptide Hormones and Analogues g. Anti-estrogens h. Beta-2 Agonists

Note: Any substance chemically related to these classes is also banned.

The institution and the student-athlete shall be held accountable for all drugs within the banned drug class regardless of whether they have been specifically identified.

Drugs and Procedures Subject to Restrictions:

a. Blood Doping. b. Local Anesthetics (under some conditions). c. Manipulation of Urine Samples. d. Beta-2 Agonists permitted only by prescription and inhalation. e. Caffeine if concentrations in urine exceed 15 micrograms/ml.

Some Examples of NCAA Banned Substances in Each Drug Class

NOTE: There is no complete list of banned drug examples!!

Check with your athletics department staff before you consume any medication or supplement.

Stimulants:

amphetamine (Adderall); caffeine (guarana); cocaine; ephedrine; fenfluramine (Fen); methamphetamine; methylphenidate (Ritalin); phentermine (Phen); synephrine (bitter orange); etc.

exceptions: phenylephrine and pseudoephedrine are not banned.

Anabolic Agents – (sometimes listed as a chemical formula, such as 3,6,17-androstenetrione)

boldenone; clenbuterol; DHEA; nandrolone; stanozolol; testosterone; methasterone; androstenedione; norandrostenedione; methandienone; etiocholanolone; trenbolone; etc.

Alcohol and Beta Blockers (banned for rifle only):

alcohol; atenolol; metoprolol; nadolol; pindolol; propranolol; timolol; etc.

Diuretics (water pills) and Other Masking Agents:

bumetanide; chlorothiazide; furosemide; hydrochlorothiazide; probenecid; spironolactone (canrenone); triameterene; trichlormethiazide; etc.

Street Drugs:

heroin; marijuana; tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) – no other substances are classified as NCAA street drugs.

Peptide Hormones and Analogues:

growth hormone(hGH); human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG); erythropoietin (EPO); etc.

Anti-Estrogens :

anastrozole; tamoxifen; formestane; 3,17-dioxo-etiochol-1,4,6-triene(ATD), etc.

Beta-2 Agonists:

bambuterol; formoterol; salbutamol; salmeterol; etc.

Any substance that is chemically related to the class of banned drugs is also banned! (unless otherwise noted)

Reference: http://ncaa.org/wps/wcm/connect/public/ncaa/student-athlete+experience/ncaa+banned+drugs+list 6.5 Event Ticket Policy Regular Contests

1. Complimentary Admissions: Lamar State College-Port Arthur may provide four (4) complimentary admissions per home game to a student-athlete in the sport in which the student-athlete participates regardless of whether the student-athlete competes in the contest.

2. Pass List Only: Student-athletes will not receive complimentary hard tickets to an event. They must put the individual on a pass list to me turned in to the athletic office one (1) hour before the scheduled starting time of the event. There are no additions to the pass list after that time.

Distribution policy:

1. Complimentary tickets shall be distributed only to persons designated by the student-athlete, who have identified themselves with a picture-identification and signed a receipt for the tickets

Managers, Interns, Volunteer Coaches, Dance Line and Mascot

1. They may receive a maximum of four (4) complimentary admissions on the pass list to any home event.

In her brief time at LSC-PA during the 2011-2012 season, sophomore transfer Mallory Koschany set a new single-season school record for stolen bases with 68 out of 72 attempts. That broke the mark of 31 set in 2008. Koschany also holds the school records for conference stolen bases in a season with 26 out of 27 attempts.

7.0 NJCAA Eligibility Rules

7.1 REQUIREMENTS FOR ENTERING & CONTINUING STUDENT-ATHLETES

A. A student must be a graduate of a high school with an academic diploma or a General Education diploma. The high school must not be a high school affected by the NCAA Initial Eligibility process at the time of the student-athlete’s enrollment. See the list on the NCAA website of high schools affected by the Initial Eligibility process.

B. Student-athletes who are completing high school and are simultaneously enrolled in 12 or more credits at a college are eligible for athletic participation with the completion of the NJCAA High School Waiver Form (Form 3.E). This form must be signed by the student-athlete’s high school Principal and the College President. This provision is applicable to only those student-athletes whose high school class has not graduated at the time of college enrollment.

7.2 REQUIREMENTS FOR ATHLETIC ELIGIBLTY

The following rules shall be used to determine a student-athlete’s eligibility for athletic competition in any one of the certified sports of the NJCAA. THIS ENTIRE SECTION MUST BE READ BEFORE A STUDENT-ATHLETE’S ELIGIBILITY STATUS CAN BE DETERMINED.

A. Student-athletes must be making satisfactory progress within an approved college program or course as listed in the college catalog.

B. Student-athletes must be enrolled in full-time status using any combination of sessions within a term, and in classes that begin before the end of the regular sport season in which the student-athletes choose to participate, within15 calendar days from the beginning of the term. 1. Student-athletes that do not conform to this rule will be ineligible for the

remainder of the term.

C. Student-athletes must maintain enrollment in 12 or more credit hours of college work as listed in the college catalog during each term of athletic participation. Student-athletes that drop below 12 hours are ineligible until full-time status is regained within that term.

SEMESTER ELIGIBILITY D. Prior to the 15th calendar day from the beginning date of the term for the

second full-time semester, as published in the college catalog, a student-athletic must have passed 12 semester hours with a 1.75 GPA or higher.

E. Prior to the 15th calendar day from the beginning date of the term for the third full-time semester, and all subsequent semesters thereafter, as published in the college catalog, a student-athletic must satisfy one of the following four requirements to be eligible for the upcoming term:

1. Pass a minimum of 12 semester hours with a 2.00 GPA or higher during

the previous semester of full-time enrollment, OR

2. Pass an accumulation of semester hours equal to 12 multiplied by the number of semesters in which the student-athlete was previously enrolled full-time with a GPA of 2.00 or higher.

OR 3. A first season participant must have passed a minimum accumulation of

24 credit hours with a 2.00 GPA or higher for the initial term of participation, regardless of previous term or other accumulation requirements (NOTE: This only establishes eligibility for the initial term, not subsequent terms),

OR 4. A first or second season participant must have passed a minimum

accumulation of 36 credit hours for a fall sport, 48 credit hours for a spring sport, with a 2.00 GPA or higher, regardless of previous term or other accumulation requirement.

F. Prior to a second season of participation in an NJCAA certified sport, student-athletes must pass a minimum accumulation of 24 semester hours with a 2.00 GPA or higher. (This is in addition to satisfying 4.D or 4.E.)

G. Student-athletes must be enrolled full-time (12 or more credits) at the college where they have chosen to participate when the regular season schedule of a sport begins. Student-athletes not enrolled during the term when the season begins remain ineligible throughout the season schedule unless they enroll on the first possible enrollment date following: 1. Their release from Active Armed Services of the United States with a

discharge other than dishonorable.

2. Their return from a religious mission. 3. Their graduation from a high school or receipt of an equivalency diploma. 4. Their transfer from an NJCAA member college which has dropped a sport

after the school year begins. Student-athletes that satisfy one of the four exceptions become eligible after the previous term has ended upon registration as a full-time student-athlete for the new term. (Student-athletes must be added to the eligibility form before participating.)

5. A student-athlete attending a multi-campus college may, if at the campus of his/her enrollment a sport is not offered, participate in that sport at any campus within the system that offers said sport. Requirements for Multi-Campus designation: a. The various campuses involved have a common title. b. The various campuses involved have a common CEO. c. The various campuses involved are not individually accredited. d. The various campuses do not duplicate any sports. e. The various campuses involved must designate one individual per

system as the contact. f. Multi-campus designation must be approved by the NJCAA.

H. In the following sports, student-athletes are not required to be enrolled during

the fall term to be eligible to participate in the sport during the spring season unless the records are carried over in the spring season: Baseball, Bowling, Golf, Lacrosse, Softball, and Tennis. If the fall records are carried over in the spring season, all student-athletes must be enrolled full-time (12 or more credits hours) during the fall term when the schedule begins.

7.3 HARDSHIPS

The hardship provision of the NJCAA is available to student-athletes, who are unable to complete a season of competition or did not satisfy one of the other eligibility rules as a result of an injury, illness or some type of an emergency beyond their control.

A. Hardship #1 involves an injury or illness which results in the student-athlete’s inability to complete a season. Prior to the injury or illness, a student-athlete must have not:

1. Participated in more than 20 percent of the college’s regular season schedule OR Have participated in no more than two of the institution’s completed events in that sport, whichever number is greater.

2. The injury or illness must also have occurred in the first half of the schedule resulting in the student-athlete being incapacitated for the remainder of the season. (A student-athlete cannot participate in the second half of the regular season schedule)

3. The injury or illness must be season ending in nature.

USE HARDSHIP FORM #1.

NOTE: In applying the 20 percent limitation, any competition which results in a fractional portion of an event shall be rounded to the next highest whole number, e.g., 20 percent of a 27-game basketball schedule (5.4 games) shall be considered six games.

B. Hardship #2 involves cases other than those affecting a student-athlete’s season of competition as specified in Section 8.A. These cases must show that there are circumstances beyond the student-athlete’s control which directly result in their inability to satisfy the Rules of Eligibility. The 20 percent limitation still applies to participation. All requests must receive approval from the NHCAA Office of Eligibility. USE HARDSHIP FORM #2

NOTE: The NJCAA cannot rule on those situations that did not occur at an NJCAA member college.

7.4 PHYSICAL EXAMINATION

All student-athletes participating in any one of the NHCAA certified sports must have passed a physical examination administered by a qualified health care professional licensed to administer physical examinations, prior to the first practice for each calendar year in which they compete.

7.5 TRANSFER RULE

A. General Provisions Which Apply to Any Transfer Student-Athlete. 1. Transfer students/student-athletes are those who have attended any

college beyond the first 15 calendar days of a term or have participated in an athletic contest and at a later date enroll and attend classes at another college.

2. Student-athletes may not participate in the same sport during the same academic year at two different colleges. Fall participation in the sports of Baseball, Bowling, Golf, Lacrosse, Softball, and Tennis shall not prevent student-athletes from competing in the same sports during the spring season of the same academic year after having transferred from

another college and satisfied all the transfer provisions of the eligibility rules. An exception to this rule is: Student-athletes who transfer from a college which has dropped a sport. (Documentation of the program being dropped must be provided when submitting the eligibility.)

3. Student-athletes who have participated in a sport before a term begins, between terms, or within the first 15 calendar days of a term and subsequently transfer before or within the first 15 calendar days of the term, must serve probation before they are eligible to participate in athletics.

4. Student-athletes serving probation shall not be allowed to dress for any athletic contests.

5. Whenever student-athletes are required to serve probation due to academic ineligibility, they must be enrolled full-time (12 or more credits) at the institution where they will be participating.

6. To be eligible in a sport that spans over two terms, transfer student-athletes must be enrolled in 12 or more credit hours (full-time) during the term when the season of the sport begins. The student-athlete must also be enrolled at the college where they have chosen to participate. There are five exceptions to this rule as found in Section 4.G.

7.

B. Transfers from an NJCAA Member College. Students/student-athletes transferring from an NJCAA member college are either immediately eligible upon transfer or must serve a probationary period. The following rules determine the student-athlete’s eligibility status. 1. Immediate Eligibility – To be immediately eligible upon transfer, a

student-athlete must comply with both of the following two requirements: a. Satisfy the provisions of Section 4.D. or 4.E. (Use the rule

which is applicable to the transfer student-athlete.) And

b. Satisfy one of the following provisions numbered 1 through 5. i. The college from which the student-athletes are

transferring does not have a particular sport(s). (The

student-athletes are immediately eligible only in the sport which is not offered.)

ii. An NJCAA Transfer Waiver Form is signed by the Athletic Director and Chief Executive Administrator of the community college from which the student-athletes are transferring.

iii. Student-athletes who have not participated in any sport, transfer from their first community college to any community college within their home district, county, or service area.

iv. Student-athletes enroll at the first possible opportunity in a newly established college or a college that initiates an intercollegiate athletic program within the student-athlete’s home district, county, or service area.

v. The college from which the student-athlete is transferring has been placed on probation in the sport in which the student-athlete is participating. This provision does not apply to any student-athlete that is causatively involved in the problem resulting in the penalty.

vi. 2. Probation Period. A student- athlete who has attended an NJCAA

member college as a full-time student and/or participated who transfers from that college to another NJCAA member college may not participate for one season. The probation season is interpreted as the season immediately following his/her last term of full-time enrollment. NOTE: The season of probation must be served during the official sport season.

1. The student-athlete may be immediately eligible upon transfer if he/she has a NJCAA Transfer Waiver from the last college(s) of full-time enrollment that offers the sport.

2. All academic provision listed in Article V, Section 10.B.1. (a) must still be met.

NOTE: A 16-week probationary period applies to all academically ineligible transfers from NJCAA member colleges. (The probationary period is defined as the completion of one academic term of 16 calendar weeks and satisfying either Article V Section 4.D, Article V Section 4.E.1 or Article V Section 4.E.2, whichever is appropriate). Following the

successful completion of the probationary period, a Transfer Waiver is still required if the Student-Athlete was enrolled full time at a member college within the previous academic year and does not meet any of the requirements of Article V Section 10.B.1.b.

NOTE: Rule does not affect transfer students from four year college or from non-NJCAA member colleges and that 16 calendar weeks probationary period would still apply.

NOTE: Before a student-athlete can participate in a second season of an NJCAA certified sport, the provisions of Section 4.F must be satisfied.

7.6 RULES GOVERNING THE AMATEUR STATUS OF STUDENT-ATHLETES

Amateur athletes are those who engage in sports for the physical mental or social benefits they derive in participation and to whom athletics is an avocation and not a source for personal financial remuneration. Whenever the amateur status of a student-athlete is questionable and before competition begins in an activity sponsored by the NJCAA, it is the responsibility of an administrative officer of the college where the student-athlete is enrolled to clear the status of the student-athlete in question. In determining amateur status of student-athletes, the following guidelines have been established.

A. Student-Athletes are Permitted To: 1. Accept scholarships and educational grants-in-aid from their

institution in accordance with the provisions of Article VIII of the bylaws of NJCAA.

2. Officiate sport contests, providing the compensation received does not exceed the going rate for such employment.

3. Serve as coaches or instructors for compensation in a physical

education class outside of their institution provided the employment is not arranged by the student-athlete’s institution or a representative of its athletics interests.

4. Serve as paid supervisors of children’s sports programs, such as

counselors in a summer camp, or in a recreation department program. Their duties may include teaching techniques or skills in their sport, provided that any instruction is a part of the overall terms of

employment (teaching and coaching shall not exceed more than half of their employed time) and not on a fee-for-lesson basis.

5. Participate in professional baseball for no more than ninety (90) days

at a level no higher than Class A. If this can be confirmed by the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues, the student-athlete shall be eligible to compete in baseball at an NJCAA member college. Any participation beyond the first ninety (90) days shall cause a student-athlete to be ineligible in the sport of baseball.

6. Participate in women’s softball if the women were involved in the

Professional Softball Association and have been reinstated by the appropriate amateur governing body.

7. Have their names or pictures appear in books, other publications, or

films without jeopardizing their amateur status, but only under the following conditions:

a. Appearance in such publications or films is for the purpose of demonstrating athletic skill, analysis of a sports event, or instruction in sports.

b. There is no indication that the student-athlete expressly or implicitly endorses a commercial product or services.

c. The student-athlete is not paid. d. The student-athlete has signed a release statement detailing the

conditions under which his or her name or image may be used and has filed a copy of that statement with the institution he/she attends.

8. Amateur a. Only an individual who is an amateur is eligible for

intercollegiate athletics participation in a NJCAA certified sport.

b. An individual, for the purposes of this bylaw, is any person of any age without reference to enrollment in an educational institution or status as a student-athlete.

c. An individual loses amateur status and thus shall not be eligible

for intercollegiate competition in a NJCAA certified sport if any of the following criteria applies:

i. Uses his or her athletics skill (directly or indirectly) for pay in any form in that sport.

ii. Accepts a promise of pay even if such pay is to be received following completion of intercollegiate athletics participation;

iii. Signs a contract or commitment of any kind to play professional athletics, regardless of its legal enforceability or any consideration received;

iv. Receives, directly or indirectly, a salary, reimbursement of expenses or any other form of financial assistance from a professional sports organization based on athletics skill or participation

v. Competes on any professional athletics team, or on a team where any member of the team is considered professional, even if no pay or remuneration for expenses was received;

vi. Enters into a professional draft;

B. Student-Athletes Shall Not: 1. Receive money or other forms of remuneration beyond actual expenses for

participating in any athletic contest or programs with the exception of bowling and gold. (Refer to the bowling and gold sports rulebook.)

2. Give lessons on a fee-for-lesson basis.

3. Be employed to teach any class or in any coaching capacity for their college during the academic year in which he/she is a participant.

4. Be employed or receive compensation for teaching or coaching sports skills or techniques, if the employment is arranged by the student-athlete’s institution or a representative of its athletics interests.

5. Take any financial assistance, or enter an agreement of any kind, to

compete in professional athletics, with the exception of the student-athlete who participates in professional baseball for not more than ninety (90) days a provided in Section 11.A.5. Student-athletes who violate this

provision shall be ineligible for participation in the sport. This includes declaring for professional draft.

6. Try out with a professional sports organization while enrolled full-time

during any part of the academic year unless they have exhausted their eligibility in that sport. (This includes any time form the beginning of the fall term through the completion of the spring term, including any intervening period.) Part-time student-athletes who are not participating under the provisions of Section 4.I. may try out provided they do not receive any form of compensation other than actual expenses from the professional organization.

7. Contract in writing to be represented by an agent in the marketing of

athletic ability or reputation in a sport.

8. Participate in the Major Junior A Hockey League sponsored by the Canadian Amateur Hockey Association (CAHA).

9. Participate in the A League of Professional Soccer.

10. Participate in the Superliga of the Brazilian Confederation of Volleyball

(CBV).

11. Student-athletes shall not compete professionally or contract to compete professionally in a sport regardless of its format.

12. Student-athletes shall not have competed on the men’s ATP Professional

Tennis Tour or the women’s WTA Professional Tennis Tour or with any other professional tour, circuit or league that provides prize money or salary or any other form of remuneration beyond actual expenses. The ITA expense form is to be used for those amateur student-athletes that have competed in professional tour events or on circuits/tours that provide expense money, not prize money based upon winning, however,

a. Any student-athlete having played in 10 or more professional events after his/her high school class has graduated, shall have one year of eligibility remaining if the ITA expense form is properly executed and approved.

b. Any student-athlete having played in 10 or more professional events two year after his/her high school class has graduated shall have no eligibility remaining.

c. Any student-athlete having received compensation in excess of $2,500 total will have no eligibility remaining in the sport of tennis, regardless of number of events or expenses.

NOTE 1: “Professional events” are those main draw events that provide prize money or other forms of remuneration based on wining, whether or not they are sponsored by the ATP/WTA or any other professional tour or circuit.

NOTE 2: An “event” is a main draw singles or a doubles entry in a professional tournament. Entry in a singles and doubles draw in a single professional tournament would count as two (2) events.

13. A professional team is any organized team that: a. Provides any of its player’s more than actual and necessary

expenses for participation on the team. Actual and necessary expenses are limited to the following, provided the value of these items is commensurate with the fair market value in the locality of the player(s) and is not excessive in nature:

i. Meals directly tied to competition and practice held in preparation for such competition;

ii. Lodging directly tied to competition and practice held in preparation for such competition;

iii. Playing and practice apparel, equipment and supplies; iv. Coaching and instruction; v. Transportation (expenses to and from practice competition,

cost of transportation from home to training/practice site at the beginning of the season and from the training/practice site to home at the end of the season);

vi. Facility usage; vii. Entry fees;

viii. Other reasonable expense, OR b. Declares itself to be professional.

8.0 Financial Aid 8.1 Financial Aid Guidelines 8.1.1 Financial Aid is any funding provided to a student-athlete to pay, or help pay, the cost of

his/her education at Lamar State College-Port Arthur. A summary of NJCAA rules regarding Financial Aid may be found by contacting the Director of Athletics. Lamar State College-Port Arthur Head Coaches make recommendations to the Director of Athletics regarding the granting of athletic aid to a prospect or student-athlete. The Director of Athletics works closely with the Office of Financial Aid to assure compliance withal applicable NJCAA, state and federal regulations.

8.1.2 Lamar State College-Port Arthur Financial Aid Policy

It is the policy of Lamar State College-Port Arthur Athletics to make athletic financial aid available in all sports governed by the department. The determination as to which student-athletes will receive recommendations for financial aid will be the responsibility of the head coach. In addition to student financial aid, a limited number of undergraduate and/or graduate student coaching assistantships also may be available. Financial aid for student managers and athletic trainers should be considered at the time of setting athletic budgets and may be awarded within approved budget limits.

All athletic financial aid will be awarded in accordance with NJCAA and Lamar State College-Port Arthur rules and regulations. Athletic financial aid can only be awarded, graded or cancelled by the Office of Financial Aid upon the recommendation of the Department of Athletics. Any merit, private or federal scholarships received by a student-athlete must confirm to NJCAA restrictions. All student-athletes are encouraged to apply for need based assistance (e.g. Pell Grants)

A full grant-in-aid for a student-athlete shall consist of room and board, tuition, fees, books and the cost of one round-trip to the student-athletes home. Grant-in-aid may be requested to cover all, any one of the above or a combination of the above. This may be done each semester or for the entire academic year. The actual dollar amount for the above will be established by the university administration annually. The amounts will be the same for all Lamar State College-Port Arthur students.

8.1.3. NJCAA Limits on Student-Athlete Financial Aid

The maximum amount of institutional financial aid that a student-athlete can receive includes tuition and fees, room and board, required books and transportation one time per year to and from campus by direct route. Supplies such as calculators, notebooks and art supplies are not considered required books, and therefore may not be paid for or reimbursed. Article VII, NJCAA Handbook

8.1.3.1 Course-Related Books Included in Grant-in-Aid

Books are included in the cost of a full-athletic grant and are only awarded on a loan basis. The athletic department in coordination with Barnes and Noble bookstore will handle book transactions. The Department of Athletics determines which books are required for each student-athlete’s class. The Department of Athletics communicates directly with the bookstore to coordinate pick-up and return.

The Department of Athletics will only pay for books obtained in the first 30 days of classes.

At the conclusion of the semester, all books must be returned to the athletic department by the last day of finals or a financial hold for the full value of the books will be placed on the student-athlete’s account. Books will not be accepted after the last day of finals and the student-athlete will be charged.

8.2 Non-Renewal of Athletics Aid

At the end of each season, the head coach will provide a written recommendation to the Director of Athletics why any student-athlete’s scholarship should be reduced or should not be renewed if the student-athlete has eligibility remaining. The deadline for the submission of non-renewal/reduction is two weeks after the last scheduled game or no later than May1.

• The Director of Athletics will review the recommendation and approve or deny

the request. • If the coach’s recommendation for non-renewal or reduction is denied, the coach

will be notified and allowed to provide additional information. If the administration decision is upheld, the renewal procedure will commence.

• If non-renewal or reduction has been approved, notification will be prepared and forwarded to the office of Financial Aid and preparation of correspondence to the student-athlete.

• The non-renewal/reduction letter will then be mailed or delivered to the student-athlete. The letter will include contact information, directions and deadlines for submission of request for hearing before the Financial Aid Appeals Committee if such a hearing is desired. The financial aid hearing will take into account information presented by the athletic department and information provided by the student-athlete who’s aid is being reduced.

• In the case an appeal decided in favor of the student-athlete and the student-athlete is eligible, the Office of Financial Aid will inform the student-athlete in writing and will electronically send a decision notification. The Department of Athletics will honor the decision of the Financial Aid Appeals Committee and award the grant-in-aid for the upcoming period.

• Coaches will not be required to reinstate the student-athlete to the team if they have been previously dismissed; however individuals receiving athletic aid may

be required to perform other tasks within the department or on campus in exchange for such aid.

8.3 Reduction/Cancellation during the Period of Award

Reductions or cancellations of an athletics scholarship during a period of award (once a student had signed a LOI or accepted the financial aid agreement through the end of the term or terms in which the award was granted (may only occur if the student-athlete: Article VIII, NJCAA

• Becomes ineligible for participation in athletics because of academic or disciplinary reasons.

• For misconduct (unrelated to athletic ability) found by the person or body in charge of general discipline at the institution after following the same procedures as in other disciplinary matters, to be serious enough to warrant permanent suspension or dismissal from the athletic program.

• If the student-athlete voluntarily withdraws from the sport prior to the institutions first competition in that sport.

• Graduation 8.4 Summer School Financial Aid

Lamar State College-Port Arthur is committed to the academic success of our student-athletes. However, due to limited funding, summer school scholarships will be limited. The student-athlete must apply for summer scholarships and have the endorsement of their head coach. Not all who apply will receive a grant-in-aid. The priority will be:

1) Eligibility for the next academic year 2) Student-athletes who will graduate in August 3) Student-Athletes that are being actively recruited but require 48 transferable hours

Factors in the decision making process for awarding summer scholarships include, but not limited to:

1) Class attendance 2) Utilizing campus resources such as the Student Success Center throughout the year 3) Any discipline issues throughout the academic year 4) Academic achievements

Student-Athletes that cannot graduate or achieve 48 transferable hours by August will be denied summer scholarships.

Any summer school courses the student-athlete enrolls in without the Director of Athletics permission will be billed to the student-athlete, not the department of athletics.

8.5 Course Repeat Policy

The first time a course is repeated, the initial grade received for the course will remain on the transcript, but only the better of the two grades will be used to calculate the LSCPA GPA. For student-athletes on scholarship, the Department of Athletics will pay for one repeat, failed or dropped course, but funds will not be spent on those repeating a third time. If a student-athlete must take a course for the third time, it will be at the student-athlete’s own expense.

The 2010-2011 Men’s Basketball Team won the Region XIV Tournament and advanced to the NJCAA National Tournament in Kansas for the first time in school history.

Article 9

Other College Resources 9.1 Housing of Student-Athletes

Student-athletes may receive housing as part of their grant-in-aid. The student-athlete is responsible for the upkeep of the apartment, keeping the apartment clean, reporting any repairs to the apartment office and following the rules set by the housing complex.

The student-athlete will be responsible for the cost of damaged property, repairs, excessive cleaning, or other expenses charged by the housing complex.

Student-Athlete Acknowledgement I acknowledge that I have received and reviewed the 2012-2013 Lamar State College Student-Athlete Handbook. Print Name:____________________________________________________________________ Signature:____________________________________ Date:_________________________