The purpose of an intercollegiate athletics program is to provide an environment for participants to develop their potential as skilled performers in an educational setting. Intercollegiate athletics present educational opportunities for students to grow emotionally, socially, physically and intellectually. In addition, athletics provide the participants opportunities to travel, represent their school, and learn the art of being a team member. All this gain is not without sacrifice. Each player loses some individual rights and privileges as she/he accepts the policies of the program and becomes a member of a team.
The opportunity to participate on an intercollegiate sports team is a privilege, not a right.
Ethical Conduct
"...All participating student-athletes shall deport themselves with honesty and sportsmanship at all times so that intercollegiate athletics as a whole, their institutions and they, as individuals, shall represent the honor and dignity or fair play and the general recognized high standards associated with wholesome competitive sports." (NCAA Bylaw 10.01.1)
You are not eligible to compete if you have shown dishonesty in evading or violating NCAA regulations. (NCAA Bylaw 14.01.3.3)
Ethical considerations for student-athletes include all of the following:
- Maintain habits which enhance personal health.
- Objectively acknowledge one's own strengths and weaknesses. Recognize that each person has his/her own strengths and weaknesses. Work to use the strengths and strengthen the weaknesses.
- Value one's own personal integrity
- Respect differing points-of-view.
- Strive for the highest degree of excellence.
- Abide by the spirit of the rules, as well as the letter of the rules, throughout all games and practices.
- Uphold all standards and regulations expected of participants.
- Treat all players, officials, and coaches with respect and courtesy.
- Accept victory or defeat with class.
- Graciously accept constructive criticism.
- Respect and accept the decisions of the coach. When ethical decisions may be questionable, the participant should direct questions to the coach in private and follow appropriate channels to voice concerns.
- Be willing to train harder in order to achieve maximum potential.
- Respect the achievements of opponents.
- Extend appreciation to those who have made the contest possible.
- Be grateful for the opportunity afforded by the intercollegiate athletics program and be willing to assist in program tasks as evidence of your appreciation of the efforts of many people.
- Assist in promoting positive relations among all participants who are striving to achieve athletic excellence.
- Exhibit dignity in manner and dress when representing the school both on and off the playing field.
- Respect all accomplishments of teammates.
- Expect fans to treat players, opponents, officials and coaches with respect..
- Recognize and value the contribution of each team member.
- Keep personal disagreements away from practices and contests.
- Keep the importance of winning in perspective with regard to other objectives.
- Contribute to the effort to make each practice a success.
- Exert maximum performance in all practices and games.
- Seek to know and understand teammates.
- Place primary responsibility to the team rather than to self.
- Refrain from taking any drugs that would enhance performance of, or modify mood or behavior at any time, unless prescribed by a physician for medical reasons.
- At no time should a student-athlete be involved with any type of gambling related to any sport sponsored by the NCAA regardless of the level of competition.
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