Student-Athlete Code of Conduct Policy
Participating in Madison College's long-standing, proud tradition of intercollegiate athletics is an honor. As a student-athlete, Madison College expects me to experience personal growth, academic achievement, and athletic success. I appreciate the membership and realize that participation in intercollegiate athletics at Madison College is a privilege, not a right.
We expect all Madison College student-athletes to be positive, respectful, honest, and accountable leaders and role models. Student-athlete conduct reflects on the individual and their teammates, coaches, the department, and the college. Therefore, Madison College Athletics expects student-athletes to behave as respectful members of an intercollegiate team and in a manner that is consistent with Madison College's values at all times.
I agree to conduct myself in accordance with all rules and requirements of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA), NJCAA Region 4, Madison College, and the rules of my team. I also agree as follows:
- College Community: I will be a responsible and engaged member of the college community. I will strive to represent my team in and outside the classroom and show respect for all members of the college and the broader community. I will lead by example. I will remember that my and my team’s reputations are at stake when I participate in intercollegiate competitions, attend classes, and socialize with friends and others, both on and off campus, at Madison College.
- Academic Standing: I will assume full responsibility for my academic progress and achievement and make every effort to stay in good academic standing. I will attend all my classes and seek additional academic help to improve or maintain my academic standing.
- Travel as a College Ambassador: When traveling for competitions as a representative of Madison College and my team, I will always conduct myself responsibly and maintain a positive image of Madison College.
- Online: I will not author, forward, or post vulgar or offensive notes, texts, photographs, or other content that reflect negatively on me, my team, other individuals, or the college or that conflict with the spirit or intent of this code.
- Alcohol and Drug Use: I will not consume alcoholic beverages on team trips or at athletic events. I will not use or distribute banned substances.
- Violence: I will not engage in and will not be tolerant of violent acts, including assaults on persons or property, hate crimes, hazing, stalking, sexual violence, or any other conduct prohibited by law or college policy. If I witness such acts perpetrated by others, I will report them to my coach or another college authority immediately.
- Non-consensual Sexual Contact: I will not initiate or engage in non-consensual sexual contact or sexual harassment, and I acknowledge that all forms of harassment and non-consensual sexual contact are prohibited both by law and Madison College rules.
- Hazing: Hazing in connection with membership or participation in college athletic team activities is strictly prohibited. Hazing includes but is not limited to any conduct or method of initiation, admission, or condition of continued membership in any student organization which: 1) endangers the physical or mental health or safety of any student or other person, including extending deprivation of sleep or rest; forced consumption of food, liquor, beverage, or drugs; beating or branding; involuntary confinement or imprisonment; or 2) destroys, vandalizes, or removes public or private property.
- Remaining Informed of Expectations and Policies: I am responsible for my behavior and for reading, understanding, and abiding by the policies applicable to me, including but not limited to the Code of Conduct and the Madison College Student Code of Conduct.
I fully understand that failure to conduct myself responsibly, as stated and implied by the conditions in this Madison College Student-Athlete Code of Conduct and through my coach’s team rules, may result in any of the following measures:
- Reprimand by the Athletic Department
- Imposition of reasonable terms & conditions on continued status as a team member
- Counseling and/or participation in a program of training
- Apology and/or Community service
- Continued suspension
- Dismissal from the team
- Reinstatement
- Other measures suggested by the student-athlete’s coach
The head coach of that sport will determine disciplinary action. The Director of Athletics and the Vice President of Student Affairs reserve the right to review and amend any action.
Student-Athlete Appeal Process
The student-athlete reserves the right to file a written appeal to the Director of Athletics within one week of the disciplinary action. The appeal will be reviewed by a group consisting of the Director of Athletics, an Athletics full-time staff member, a designated faculty representative, and two team captains of other sports. The appeal review and final decision will be made within fourteen days of receiving the appeal request.
Report Requirement
Student-athletes must immediately report any behavior that may violate the Student-Athlete Code of Conduct and/or any criminal charges brought against them to the head coach of their sport and/or the Director of Athletics. If a student-athlete fails to report as required and is found to have violated the Student-Athlete Code of Conduct, they may be permanently dismissed from the team.
Madison College’s Policy
Madison College has a formal Student Code of Conduct Policy in the student handbook and other publications. Violations of the Student-Athlete Code of Conduct may also result in violations of the general Student Code of Conduct Policy, which will be dealt with independently.