You will be completing the following 2 forms:

●  Student-Athlete Code of Conduct and Expectations
●  Assumption of Risk Waiver

Hartwick College
Department of Intercollegiate Athletics

Student-Athlete Code of Conduct and Expectations

As a representative of Hartwick College, it is a privilege, not a right, to participate in athletics at Hartwick. As such, each student-athlete is seen as a role model on campus and within the greater Hartwick community. The actions of student-athletes may directly influence how people perceive the athlete, his/her team, the athletic department, and the College. This is true whether representing Hartwick at a competition or involving an activity that has no relation to athletics. Hartwick student-athletes are expected to lead by example and encourage others to set high ethical standards. Any action that may bring negative attention to a team, the athletic department, or Hartwick College must be avoided and will be addressed appropriately if it occurs.

A student-athlete is subject to College regulations, athletic department sanctions, team sanctions, as well as NCAA, conference, state and/or federal laws for violation of rules.

Department Violations
The following department violations will not be tolerated:
• Violations of deliberate unsportsmanlike behavior, hazing, misconduct, or harassment policies outlined by the athletic department, conference, NCAA, or Hartwick College.
• Alcohol, tobacco, and other drug violations as outlined by the athletic department, conference, NCAA, or Hartwick College.
• Property damage, fighting, stealing, dishonesty, and/or physical, emotional, and/or psychological abuse that could cause harm to yourself and/or others.
• Acts punishable by law.

These acts are considered unacceptable and are subject to disciplinary action. If a violation leads to a suspension from all team activities, the student-athlete will not be allowed to attend practice or compete until they have been reinstated at the discretion of the Director of Athletics.

Team Violations
In addition to department policies, coaches may establish their own team policies and appropriate disciplinary procedures as long as they fall within the guidelines of athletic department objectives and student welfare. Coaches have the support of the department to administer team discipline with the understanding that this may differ from team to team.

Campus Violations
All student-athletes are required to abide by the Hartwick College Student Handbook. If a campus violation involves a student-athlete, the Head Coach and/or the Athletic Department reserves the right to take disciplinary action above and beyond the campus judicial system.

Violation of Law
If a student-athlete is arrested for an incident that took place on or off campus, the Director of Athletics and Head Coach will address the situation. Violations of Law range from minor misdemeanors to serious felonies. If a violation of law leads to a suspension from team activities the student-athlete will not be allowed to attend practice or compete, and this suspension will remain in place until cleared to return by the Director of Athletics.

Hazing
In addition to the College policy on hazing, the Athletic Department also maintains a prohibition on hazing and dangerous initiation activities. Hazing is illegal in the state of New York.

These acts are defined as any behavior that is physically, emotionally or psychologically abusive to an individual or selected group of individuals for the purpose of gaining entrance or acceptance into an established group. An individual’s consent to hazing or initiation is not a defense for the behavior. Any team, group, or individual that engages in this behavior will be subject to serious sanctions by the College, Athletic Department and law enforcement.

Any alleged hazing incidents involving student-athletes will be turned over to Campus Safety and local law enforcement. If the athletic department determines the claim to be reasonably legitimate, any and all student-athletes will face sanctions.

Department Policies

Alcohol Policy
It is the student-athlete’s responsibility to know the personal and legal risks associated with alcohol use and abuse. In addition to athletic department policy, the College policies, state, and federal laws are also enforced.

The Athletic Department policy is as follows:
• Student-athletes that are not of legal age to drink alcohol (under 21 years of age) are prohibited from consuming alcohol.
• Student-athletes of legal drinking age are prohibited from consuming alcohol 48 hours prior to a competition. The Athletic Department strongly recommends that student-athletes abstain completely from consuming alcohol during the competitive season.
• A student-athlete of any age who consumes alcohol at any time will be accountable for any alcohol related incident in which he/she may be involved.
• A student-athlete of any age may not have in possession or consume alcohol when engaged in activities relating to practices, contests, team trips, team meetings, etc. This includes any time in which the team is formally gathered and/or representing Hartwick College.
• For his/her safety and image, a student-athlete should not wear clothing that identifies the student as a Hartwick athlete if appearing in a place where alcohol may be an issue.
• During campus recruiting visits, a student-athlete may not persuade or encourage a prospective student-athlete to consume alcohol or provide a prospective student-athlete with alcohol or otherwise make alcohol available.
• Individual teams reserve the right to enforce additional policies above and beyond those of the department.

Tobacco Policy
The use of tobacco products by a student-athlete is prohibited during practice and competition. A student-athlete who uses tobacco products during a practice or competition shall be disqualified for the remainder of that practice or competition. (NCAA Bylaw 17.1.6.3 – Division III)

Other Drug Policy
Illegal and banned drugs are prohibited. Student-athletes are subject to disciplinary action and legal prosecution under federal, state, Athletic Department, and College policies. 

• All student-athletes are prohibited from illegal drug activity.
• A student-athlete who is involved with a drug violation will be held accountable, up to and including suspension from the team. Drug offenses will be turned over to Campus Safety and/or local law enforcement.

Gambling Policy
Student-athletes shall not:
1. Provide information to individuals involved in organized gambling activities concerning intercollegiate athletics competition.
2. Solicit a bet on any intercollegiate team.
3. Accept a bet on any team representing the institution.
4. Solicit or accept a bet on any intercollegiate competition for any item (e.g. cash, shirt, dinner) that has tangible value.
5. Participate in any gambling activity that involves intercollegiate athletics or professional athletics through a bookmaker, parlay card, or any other method employed by organized gambling. This includes “March Madness” pools, fantasy leagues, etc. (NCAA Bylaw 10.3 - Division III)

Social Media Policy
As a representative of the Athletic Department, remember that once something is posted online it is available to anyone in the world. Any text or photo posted becomes the property of the site (regardless of access limitations). Information should not be posted that could be an embarrassment to the student-athlete, the team, the Athletic Department, or the College. Social networking pages are subject to review by coaches and athletic department staff. It is not acceptable to post negative or disparaging comments about opposing teams, athletes, Hartwick College, other colleges, conferences, etc. Violations are subject to disciplinary actions.

Issued Equipment
Equipment and apparel (uniforms, helmets, travel suits, warm ups, etc.) issued to student-athletes are the property of Hartwick College. Student-athletes will be required to sign a form that includes the replacement cost for all issued items, and are expected to return all issued items at the end of the season unless pre-authorized by the Director of Athletics. Student-athletes will be billed the retail price of the item by the department for each unreturned, altered, or damaged item.

Photos
Team photos, head shots, and action shots will be taken of each student-athlete. They are used for the promotion of the athletic department. Student-athletes will not receive payment for the photographs.

I will abide by the expectations, and I accept responsibility for any action that may bring negative attention to our team, the athletic department, and Hartwick College. I also acknowledge the complete Hartwick College Student-Athlete Handbook is available on the web, and I am responsible to know the content and abide by policies and procedures as outlined in the Handbook as well as other team rules the coach may enforce.

 

Hartwick College
Department of Intercollegiate Athletics

Assumption of Risk Waiver

The student-athlete and a parent or guardian, if the student is a minor, must read carefully and sign.

Assumption of Risk
I understand that participation in intercollegiate athletics at Hartwick College involves inherent risks. These may include, but are not limited to: sprains, strains, fractures, dislocations, concussions or other traumatic brain injuries (TBI), loss of limb or paired organ, sensory loss (e.g., vision, hearing), permanent physical impairment (e.g., paralysis), or death.

Despite the use of protective equipment, rule enforcement, and proper coaching, injuries may still occur. I voluntarily assume all risks associated with participation in the sport(s) indicated.

I understand that my personal medical information may be shared, when necessary, with Hartwick College Health Services staff, team physicians, certified athletic trainers, occupational therapists, coaches, and appropriate College and athletic administrators.

Compliance with Medical and Coaching Staff
I agree to follow the guidance of Hartwick’s medical and coaching personnel, including team physicians, certified athletic trainers, occupational therapists, and coaches. This includes instruction on technique, physical training, conditioning, and adherence to team rules and medical advice. I will refrain from participation if advised to do so by medical staff.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) / Concussion Acknowledgment
I understand that participation may result in a concussion, a type of TBI caused by a blow to the head or body that disrupts brain function.

Concussion symptoms may include: headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, memory issues, mood changes, sensitivity to light/noise, sleep disturbances, and impaired balance or reaction time. Symptoms may appear immediately or be delayed.

I acknowledge the following responsibilities:

• I will immediately report any concussion symptoms to a certified athletic trainer, physician, or coach.
• I understand that symptoms may be delayed and can appear hours or days after an incident.
• I will not return to play or practice on the same day as a suspected concussion.
• I will follow the return-to-learn and return-to-play protocol and only resume activity after being medically cleared by the appropriate medical staff.
• I will follow all medical instructions and treatment plans if I am diagnosed with a concussion or TBI.
• I understand that I am also responsible for reporting suspected concussions in teammates.

I understand that repeated concussions can lead to serious long-term health issues, including cognitive impairment, emotional disturbances, chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), permanent brain damage, or even death.

I understand that all injuries are first covered by my primary insurance which I am expected to have at all times. I understand that to be treated by Sports Medicine or covered by the Hartwick College secondary athletic injury insurance, injuries must occur under NCAA sanctioned team activities, such as coach attended practices and contests during the NCAA defined playing season. “Captains” practices or voluntary strength and conditioning or other activities outside the defined NCAA playing season are not covered by the department's secondary insurance.

I understand that my personal medical information may be shared, when necessary, with Hartwick College Health Services staff, team physicians, certified athletic trainers, occupational therapists, coaches, and appropriate College and athletic administrators.