Student-Athlete Code of Conduct

Mission Statement - "The athletic program at Franklin & Marshall promotes liberal learning in the fullest sense by complementing the academic mission of the College. This objective is accomplished through a variety of programs: intercollegiate, intramural and club sport competition as well as recreation and wellness activities.

Through our participation in athletics, we grow in respect for others as we develop responsibility, integrity, perseverance, industry and the ideals of sportsmanship. These activities inspire participants to reach for standards of excellence and to develop character through both individual and collaborative action. At the same time, responsibility to the community and the academic program requires that all participants adhere to the highest standards of personal and civic behavior."

At Franklin & Marshall College, student-athletes are held in regard. With this comes high standards on campus as well as within the community. This code of conduct was created by student-athletes and coaches to emphasize the standards to which all of our student-athletes are expected to adhere. As a representative of his/her team and this College, a student-athlete agrees to act in accordance with the principals of healthful living, good citizenship, academic commitment and integrity, responsible team membership, and good sportsmanship.

Student-athletes who fail to abide by this code of conduct shall be subject to disciplinary action from the coach and/or the athletics administration possibly resulting in a termination of athletic eligibility. The College understands that the severity of misconduct may vary and thus the sanctions for these actions will also vary by the class of the offense as shown below. This system was implemented for the prevention of unsafe or harmful behavior and/or any behavior that may hinder a team from accomplishing its goals or tarnish the image of the College. The code of conduct was also created to promote consistent baseline in the sanctions and rulings for all in-season varsity athletes. It is appropriate for coaches and teams to set higher standards of conduct. This format provides a clear understanding of what is expected of student-athletes both on and off the competitive venue. The format also provides our student athletes with the proper knowledge of what is expected of them when such incidents do arise.

There are particular steps and procedures to be followed for any violation of the student-athlete code of conduct. This process is to be separate and distinct from the College's judicial process. These procedures vary somewhat between violation classes. The code of conduct divides violations into three classes. Class A violations are the most serious, followed by Class B violations. For any felony offense as defined by the Pennsylvania state code, a student-athlete may be suspended immediately from their team pending the outcome of the College's judicial process.

Class A Violations include generally, but are not limited to:

• Three or two strike violation of Franklin & Marshall Alcohol and Drug Policy
• Physical violence or threat of violence
• DWI/DUI

Class A violations will result in the following sanctions:

First Offense

• Student-athlete will meet with coach, Director of Athletics and SWA Violation will be documented and kept on file in the Department of Athletics for six years (This may be communicated to the Dean of Students at the discretion of the Director of Athletics)
• Student-athlete will miss 10 percent of the entire season's regularly-scheduled contests

Second Offense

• Student-athlete will meet with coach, Director of Athletics and SWA
• Violation will be documented and kept on file in the Department of Athletics for six years (This may be communicated to the Dean of Students at the discretion of the Director of Athletics)
• Student-athlete will miss 30 percent of the entire season's regularly-scheduled contests
• Student-athlete may be subject to assessment by the Health Center at the discretion of the athletic administration

Third Offense

• Athlete will miss one year of athletic competition beginning on the day after the violation

Fourth Offense

• Student athlete will be permanently suspended from athletic competition at Franklin & Marshall College

Class B Violations include generally, but are not limited to:

• One strike violation of Franklin & Marshall Alcohol and Drug Policy
• Violation of team alcohol policy

Class B violations will result in the following sanctions and will not carry over from academic year to academic year:

First Offense

• Student-athlete will meet with coach, Director of Athletics and SWA
• Violation will be documented and kept on file in the Department of Athletics for one year
• Student-athlete will receive a verbal warning

Second Offense

• Student-athlete will meet with coach, Director of Athletics and SWA
• Violation will be documented and kept on file in the Department of Athletics for one year
• Student-athlete will receive a written warning

Third Offense

• Student-athlete will meet with coach, Director of Athletics and SWA
• Violation will be documented and kept on file in the Department of Athletics for one year (This may be communicated to the Dean of Students at the discretion of the Director of Athletics)
• Student-athlete will miss 10 percent of the entire season's regularly-scheduled contests

Fourth Offense

• Student-athlete will meet with coach, Director of Athletics and SWA
• Violation will be documented and kept on file in the Department of Athletics for one year (This may be communicated to the Dean of Students at the discretion of the Director of Athletics)
• Student-athlete will miss 30 percent of the entire season's regularly-scheduled contests
• Student-athlete may be subject to assessment by the Health Center at the discretion of the athletic administration

Fifth Offense

• Athlete will miss one year of athletic competition beginning on the day after the violation

Sixth Offense

• Student athlete will be permanently suspended from athletic competition at Franklin & Marshall College

Note: Depending on the timing of an offense, sanctions may carry through post-season competition and/or over to the beginning of a subsequent season of competition in the event there was not enough time remaining in the season of violation to serve out the sanction.

Hearing:

Prior to any determination of sanctions, a student-athlete will have the opportunity to meet with the coach, Director of Athletics, and SWA to provide details surrounding the incident.

Integrity and Responsibility:
The department of athletics does not seek out nor police student-athletes. For this code of conduct to work in a manner that is fair for all student-athletes and teams it is essential that violations be brought to the attention of your coach, the SWA or the Athletic Director by the offender and that the offender cooperate in self-reporting and face the consequences. Offender student-athletes who do not acknowledge violations of the code of conduct will face sanctions at a level greater than the respective offense levels listed.

Hazing:
There is zero tolerance of any form of hazing. Any athlete involved in perpetrating hazing may be suspended indefinitely from participation in varsity athletics at Franklin & Marshall College.

Sportsmanship:
Good sportsmanship is expected of all Franklin & Marshall College student-athletes and failure to comply with such standards, whether participating as a player or fan, shall be subject to sanctions deemed necessary by the athletic administration. The athlete may also be subject to sanctions in accordance with the rules governed by conference, league or national governing organizations.

Alcohol:
Alcohol may not be consumed at any time by student-athletes while on a road-trip representing Franklin & Marshall College athletics.

In-Season vs Out-of-Season:
Conduct expectations of athletes in their competitive season are specifically targeted and addressed above. However, varsity athletes are highly visible and their actions reflect on the Department. Coaches and/or the administration may address out of season infractions as deemed warranted. Again, it is essential that violations be brought to our attention by the offender and that the offender cooperate in self-reporting and face the consequences.