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Allan Hancock College Department of Intercollegiate Athletics
STUDENT-ATHLETE HANDBOOK 2008-09
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I. GENERAL INFORMATION
MISSION OF ALLAN HANCOCK COLLEGE
Recognizing that individual, community and global needs are diverse and changing, the college seeks to meet those needs by offering a variety of programs and services in the following areas:
TRANSFER EDUCATION
Standard collegiate courses at the lower division level for those students who plan to earn an associate degree and/or transfer to four-year colleges and universities.
VOCATIONAL EDUCATION
Specialized vocational and technical education and training in selected occupational fields leading to job entry, advancement, retraining, certification and associate degrees.
GENERAL EDUCATION
Courses designed to contribute to associate degree programs; broaden knowledge and perspectives; develop critical thinking and communication skills; enhance cultural literacy; encourage a positive attitude toward learning; and equip students to participate in a complex, interdependent world.
BASIC SKILLS EDUCATION
Courses in mathematics, reading, writing and speaking for underprepared students, as well as other programs designed to enable those with special learning needs to reach their educational goals.
SUPPORT SERVICES
Comprehensive services that help students achieve their educational goals through assessment of skills and abilities, counseling and advisement, tutoring, financial aid, job placement, health services and learning resources.
COMMUNITY EDUCATION
Conveniently scheduled, state-supported noncredit classes and fee-supported educational, cultural, recreational and occupational programs that enrich the lives of area residents.
ECOMOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Comprehensive services and workforce development training programs designed, in collaboration with other regional educational and training institutions and regional economic development entities, to enhance California’s economic growth and competitiveness.
ALLAN HANCOCK COLLEGE
VISION STATEMENTStudent success is the highest priority at Allan Hancock College. Working collaboratively with students and community, Allan Hancock College will provide innovative and comprehensive programs and services to ensure student achievement and to meet community needs. PHILOSOPHY OF ALLAN HANCOCK COLLEGE
The philosophy of Allan Hancock College reflects the conviction that education is a lifelong quest. The college exists as a center of learning that guarantees access to all who can benefit. It offers each individual the opportunity to identify and realize educational objectives in pursuit of a full and productive life and to prepare for a future of changing personal, local, national and global responsibilities.
INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETICS PROGRAM
The intercollegiate athletic program at Allan Hancock College consists of a combined 16 men’s and women’s varsity sport teams including baseball, men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s cross country, football, men’s and women’s golf, men’s and women’s soccer, softball, men’s and women’s tennis, men’s and women’s track and field and women’s volleyball.
The objective of the Allan Hancock College Intercollegiate Athletics Program is to represent the educational mission of the institution, as well as the communities of greater Santa Maria and the Central Coast region, in spirited athletic competition with other community colleges. The program shall provide competitive opportunities for both men and women students in a wide variety of sporting endeavors.
THE GOAL OF THE INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETICS PROGRAM IS TO:
A. Ensure all student-athletes are provided with opportunity and support in their efforts to achieve their academic and athletic goals;
B. Provide the best possible environment to enable each student-athlete to compete to the fullest extent of his or her capabilities;
C. Establish support systems enabling student-athletes to develop into well-rounded, responsible, successful and mature individuals; and
D. Encourage student athletes to assume positive leadership roles both on campus and in the community.
GOVERNING AUTHORITIESAllan Hancock College is a member in good standing of the Community College League of California’s Commission on Athletics (COA). As authorized by the State Legislature, the Education Code provides the COA with the authority to establish the rules and regulations to administrate the intercollegiate athletic activities of the California Community Colleges.
The California Community College system, which is composed of 72 districts and 109 campus sites, annually enrolls nearly 1.5 million students and employs over 70,000 citizens of the state. Nearly 25,000 student athletes participate annually in intercollegiate athletics at California’s Community Colleges and the COA oversees nearly 100 regional and state-final events that produce champions in 20 men’s and women’s sports each year.
Allan Hancock College is also an affiliated member of the Western State Conference, which provides league competition. Along with the Bulldogs, the WSC includes Bakersfield College, College of the Canyons (Santa Clarita), Citrus College (Glendora), Cuesta College (San Luis Obispo), Glendale College, Los Angeles Pierce College (Woodland Hills), Los Angeles Mission College (Sylmar), Los Angeles Valley College (Valley Glen), Moorpark College, Oxnard College, Santa Barbara City College, Santa Monica College, Ventura College and West Los Angeles College (Culver City). The WSC Football Conference includes associate members Compton College, East Los Angeles College (Monterey Park), Los Angeles Harbor College (Wilmington) and Los Angeles Southwest College.
It should be noted that the majority of student athletes participating in California Community College programs transfer to a four-year college or university to continue their academic and athletic careers. These students are required to meet the eligibility standards of either the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) or National Association for Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA).SEASONS OF SPORT
The Allan Hancock College Intercollegiate Athletic Program recognizes two distinctive seasons of sport, which coincide with the semesters of the academic year. The fall sports include men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s cross country, football, women’s golf, men’s and women’s soccer and women’s volleyball. The spring sports include baseball, men’s golf, softball, men’s and women’s tennis and men’s and women’s track and field. Men’s and women’s basketball are recognized to span the semesters, though the season officially begins in the fall. COMPETITIVE HISTORY
Since the beginning of intercollegiate athletic competition at Allan Hancock College in the 1940s, the program has won nine state championships, including the Orange Show Bowl Football Championship in 1960, Men’s Basketball in 1957 and 1974, Baseball in 1972, Men’s Cross Country in 1978, 1983 and 1986 and Men’s Track and Field in 1966 and 1967.
At the conference level, the Allan Hancock College Intercollegiate Athletic Program is the proud owner of 75 team-sport championships. Of those, 53 belong to men’s teams and 22 to women’s teams. At the top of that list is men’s basketball with 14, followed by baseball with 12, men’s cross country with 11, men’s track and field with seven, football with six, softball with five, women’s basketball, women’s track & field and women’s tennis with four, men’s soccer, and women’s cross country with three, and women’s volleyball with two.
Over the period 1994-2001, the AHC football program played in an unprecedented eight-consecutive California Community College bowl games and finished as the state runner-up in 1999.
II. ELIGIBILITY STANDARDS
ATHLETIC PARTICIPATIONNo candidate for an Allan Hancock College intercollegiate athletic team may participate in an official practice or competition, nor be issued equipment, shoes or apparel from the office of sports equipment management without departmental verification of the following items:
1. Verification of current enrollment in good standing at Allan Hancock College.
2. Qualification of COA academic eligibility standards.
3. Physical examination by an AHC approved physician.
4. Health insurance evaluation by AHC athletic training staff.
ADMISSION PROCEDURE FOR FIRST-TIME STUDENT ATHLETES
Students who are enrolling for the first time at Allan Hancock College or returning after an absence of one semester must complete and submit an Admission Form to the Office of Admissions and Records (Building "A") on the Santa Maria Campus.
The Admission Form may be obtained by contacting the Office of Admissions and Records on the Santa Maria Campus or the AHC Lompoc Valley Center, Solvang Center or Vandenberg Air Force Base Center in person, in writing or by phone. Admission forms are also available in the Schedule of Classes and on the college’s website at www.hancockcollege.edu. Admission forms are accepted year round and may be submitted at the time of registration.
To prevent delays in registration processing, all new, continuing and returning students are encouraged to have transcripts submitted to Allan Hancock College before enrolling for their first semester. The intercollegiate athletic program requires a student to file all high school and college transcripts in order to verify eligibility.
Transcripts or grade reports are required for validation or proof that course prerequisites have been met before a student may be allowed to register for a particular course. Students should consult the college catalogue for course prerequisites. Transcripts should be directed to: Counseling Office
Allan Hancock College
800 South College Drive
Santa Maria, CA 93454-6399MATRICULATION
Matriculation is a process that brings Allan Hancock College and a student who enrolls for credit into an agreement for the purpose of realizing the student’s educational goal through the college’s established programs, policies and requirements. This agreement includes responsibilities for both the college and the individual student (see college catalogue for detail).
START TESTING
Before registration for classes, prospective student athletes will need to attend a "START" (Student Testing, Advisement, Retention and Transition) session. START sessions are composed of three parts:
1. Basic skills assessment;
2. Orientation to the college; and
3. Advising by counselors and faculty regarding course selection.
Upon completion of START testing, the prospective student athlete is required to schedule a counseling appointment with one of the following athletic counselors:
1. Rich Partida
2. Blake English or
3. Chris Zarate
To make a counseling appointment, contact the Allan Hancock College Counseling Office (Building A, Santa Maria campus) by phone at 805-922-6966 Ext. 3293.COUNSELING
Allan Hancock College is privileged to have the support of academic counselors who are well versed on the issues, rules and regulations governing intercollegiate athletics.
This expertise ranges from the California community college level through the COA, as well as transfer requirements for four-year institutions of destination adhering to the rules of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) or National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA).
ROLE OF THE ATHLETIC ACADEMIC COUNSELOR:
To assist student athletes in the accomplishment of their educational goals and to evaluate and identify characteristics that might make them prone to academic problems.
To act as an academic advocate for student athletes.
To assist student athletes develop a Student Educational Plan (SEP); an eligibility requirement.
To advise student-athletes relative to educational programs, AHC graduation requirements, eligibility rules and regulations and transferability.
To serve as a liaison between coaches, student-athletes and faculty where academic issues are concerned.
To refer student-athletes to appropriate support services when required.
To monitor the academic progress of AHC student athletes.
To identify and assist student athletes with a non-educational concern that may be hindering their academic progress.
SIMPLIFIED ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTSTo gain athletic eligibility at Allan Hancock College, a student must meet the following criteria, based upon the denoted situation:
First Time Participation
1. You are an amateur athlete in the sport in which you intend to compete.
2. You are a first-time participant in intercollegiate athletics at any post-secondary institution.
3. You are currently enrolled in a minimum of 12 semester units, nine (9) of which must be academic; a standard that must be maintained throughout the season of sport.
Second Season (Continuing) Eligibility
1. You have maintained a minimum 2.0 cumulative grade point average.
2. You have completed a minimum of 24 units from the beginning of your first season of competition and ending prior to the semester of your second season , of which 18 must be academic.
3. You must be currently enrolled in a minimum of 12 units, nine (9) of which must be academic.
Transfer from Another California Community College
1. You must honestly and accurately provide notification of previous post-secondary institution(s) attended. Failure to do so would be grounds for immediate dismissal from intercollegiate athletic participation at AHC.
2. You must be currently enrolled in a minimum of 12 units, nine (9) of which must be academic.
3. You must have completed a minimum of 12 units at Allan Hancock College prior to participation on an AHC team.
4. A tracer (written verification request) will be sent to your prior institution to determine the extent of your participation at that college.
5. A transcript from the transferring college (prior institution) will be required to determine academic eligibility requirements (grades and units passed).
6. If you have previously participated in a sport at another California community college, in addition to the minimum of 12 units you have passed at AHC, you must have passed 24 units, 18 of which must be academic, with a minimum 2.0 grade point average from first participation to be granted eligibility at Allan Hancock College.
Transfer from a Four-Year College or any Out-of-State College
1. You must honestly and accurately provide notification of previous post-secondary institution(s) attended. Failure to do so would be grounds for immediate dismissal from intercollegiate athletic participation at AHC.
2. You must be currently enrolled in a minimum of 12 units, nine (9) of which must be academic.
3. You must have completed 24 units, 18 of which must be academic, from the last season played.
4. You must have a cumulative 2.0 grade point average from first participation.
III. COA ELIGIBILITY RULES
AMATEURISMAn amateur athlete is one who engages in a particular sport for the educational, physical, mental and social benefits derived therefrom, and to whom participation in that sport is an avocation. An amateur athlete may be involved in professional sports activities under the following conditions:
A. An athlete may be a professional in one (1) sport and an amateur in all other sports, but shall be ineligible only in that sport in which the athlete has been deemed to be a professional. Professional athletes who have their amateur status restored shall still be considered professional in that sport according to the COA Constitution. Athletes shall be eligible if they have, prior to enrollment in a college institution, tried out at their own expense with a professional sports organization or received not more than one (1) expense-paid visit, provided the visit did not exceed 48 hours.
B. A student athlete shall not try out for a professional team while participating in a California Community College season of sport.
C. An athlete may participate in a contest as an individual or as member of a team against professional athletes, as long as all other sections of the COC Constitution are observed.
D. An athlete may participate in a sport competition with individuals who are competing for cash or comparable prizes, provided the athlete does not receive payment for participation.
E. Athletes who try out or compete against professional teams or individuals may receive reimbursement for their actual cost of food, lodging and transportation as verified in writing by the event sponsors.
F. Attending a school or clinic sponsored by a professional sports organization is not interpreted as "trying out" or "playing" for a team, provided no scheduled games are played.
G. Athletes may officiate and/or teach as a part of private or public instructional programs.
Students shall not represent a college in any athletic competition unless they are an amateur athlete in the sport(s) in which they compete. Students shall be deemed professional and ineligible to participate in that sport if any one (1) of the following exists—if the student:
A. Takes or has taken pay in any form for sport participation.
B. Has ever played on a professional team, unless the student meets the criteria as listed in COA Bylaw 1.1.2 (2.1.3 in this publication).
C. Has agreed to be represented by an agent of an organization in the marketing of his/her ability.
D. Subsequent to becoming an athlete at the collegiate level, has accepted any remuneration for or permitted use of his/her name or likeness to advertise or endorse a product or service of any kind.
E. Is an international student and has his/her educational costs partially or fully paid by the student’s national sports body or sport club.
Athletes cannot be paid to coach while competing in that sport during the sport season.RESIDENCE
A student who has been admitted to any California community college shall be eligible to compete in the college athletic program, provided the student athlete is eligible under all other provisions of the COA Constitution. ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY
In order to be eligible for non-conference, conference and post-season competition, a student athlete must be continuously and actively enrolled and attending class in a minimum of 12 units at his/her California community college during the season of sport. Students dropping below 12 units are not eligible for competition until they are once again actively enrolled and attending class in at least 12 units.
If the season of sport spans two (2) semesters, a student athlete who was not enrolled in 12 units at the end of the first semester cannot become eligible until the second semester has begun and the student is actively enrolled in at least 12 units. Students becoming ineligible during a season of sport which carries over two (2) terms and who do not reestablish eligibility (i.e., 12-unit requirement) during the first term may not become eligible in that sport until the first day of instruction of the second term.
Of the 12 units, at least nine (9) shall be attempted in courses counting toward the associate degree, remediation, transfer and/or certification as defined by the college catalogue and are consistent with the student athlete’s educational plan.
For eligibility purposes (with exception of the transfer rule), multi-college district students may count units from any of the colleges in that district.
Mini-course (less than semester/quarter in length) units shall be counted if the student is enrolled and attending classes or has completed the mini-course during the semester or quarter of the season of sport. Mini-course units in which the student expects to enroll and attend shall not be counted for purposes of athletic eligibility.
Units from a course repeated to raise a grade of "D" or better may be used to satisfy Bylaw 1.3.1 in the COA Constitution.
By the start of the second season of competition, the college shall certify that the student athlete has a comprehensive individual education plan on file.
A student must be registered, enrolled and attending class no later than four (4) weeks after the first day of class instruction in order to represent that California community college in athletic competition during that season. TRANSFER ELIGIBILITY
A student transferring to AHC for athletic participation purposes whose last competition in COA sanctioned intercollegiate athletics was at another California community college must complete 12 units in residence prior to the beginning of the semester of competition at Allan Hancock College. Transfer status is determined by where the athlete last competed, not necessarily where the student last attended.
In addition to meeting the residence requirement of the transfer rule, the student athlete must also satisfy applicable unit and grade point average requirements. If the student wishes to compete in a different COA-sanctioned sport for the first time, he/she must have a cumulative 2.0 grade point average in course work completed for credit at accredited postsecondary institutions. This grade point average must include all courses taken since the start of the term of the first competition in any COA-sanctioned sport. If the competition is the second in that particular sport, then in addition to the grade point average requirements stated above, the student must also have completed 24-semester units since the term of the first competition in that sport.
Student athletes who are participating in a sport shall not earn units at a second college to satisfy the transfer rule until that season of sport has ended.
A student athlete who has competed at a California community college and who wishes to compete in a sport not offered by that community college/district must meet the requirements of the transfer rule.
When satisfying the 12-unit residence transfer requirement, a maximum of eight (8) units may be from courses completed during the summer session(s) or winter intersession(s) immediately preceding the completion of the transfer.
If five (5) or more years have passed since last competing at a postsecondary institution, the 12-unit residency rule shall be waived.
A transfer student who has competed in a COA-sanctioned sport at a four-year institution or non-California community college before competing at Allan Hancock College is required to have a cumulative 2.0 grade point average as described in COA Bylaw 1.10.2. A student participating in a second season of a sport must also meet the required 24-semester unit rule. ELIGIBILITY CERTIFICATION
Conferences shall require each college to certify athletic eligibility by submitting Form 1, Student Eligibility and Form 3, Team Eligibility to the Conference Commissioner’s office postmarked prior to the first contest. Addendums to Form 3 may be submitted at a later date, but the athletes listed on addendums are not eligible until the postmarked date. Colleges are also required to verify weekly that all participating student athletes are in compliance with the 12-hour rule (Bylaw 1.3.1).
IMPORTANT NOTICE
The Director of Athletics shall work in concert with the Office of Admissions and Records to check the eligibility status of each student athlete on a weekly basis during each season of sport.
Should any student athlete be found to be ineligible at any point during the season of sport, his or her participation in all activities (including competition, practice and travel) related to the sport program shall cease immediately. The suspension from activities shall remain in force until the ineligibility issue is confirmed as resolved by official college records (note Eligibility Infraction Penalty at the end of this section).
An eligibility check for all student athletes, in regard to continuing eligibility status, shall be conducted at the close of each semester grading period. Results of this evaluation shall be made in writing to the head coach of each sport program.
Within 10 working days after the end of the competitive season, all California community colleges are required to send to the conference commissioner the final Form 3 for each sport, indicating which students competed in a game, meet or match.SEASON OF COMPETITION
Playing in a scheduled game, meet or match shall be recorded as a season of competition, even if the student competed in a non-scoring position (i.e., No. 8 golfer). For student athletes competing on behalf of the college in any game, meet or match during a season that shall be recorded as a season of competition in that sport.
When the start of a college’s semester or quarter is after the starting date for a sport, the college will certify all athletes eligible and able to compete in that sport. The athletes must be registered in 12 units, even though they cannot attend classes until the college starting date. The athletes must meet all other eligibility rules.
When a sport season spans two (2) semesters (i.e., basketball), continuing students who meet the requirement of COA Bylaw 1.3.1 (12-hour rule) may compete until the next new semester or quarter has begun.
A student athlete, regardless of whether a member of a varsity, junior varsity, reserve team or any combination thereof, may not participate in more than the number of games, meets or matches as authorized for a sport as listed in Bylaw 3 of the COA Constitution. ELIGIBILITY FOR CONTINUING COMPETITION
(This section applies to rising sophomores)Once a student athlete competes in any scheduled game, meet or match, as defined in Bylaw 1.15 of the COA Constitution, that student athlete must complete and pass 24-semester units to be eligible for a second season of competition in that sport.
Furthermore:
A. The 24-semester units must be completed at an accredited postsecondary institution(s). The 24-semester unit count begins with and includes the units taken during the first semester of competition for that sport and must be completed prior to the beginning of the semester of the second season of sport.
B. Units from a course repeated to raise a grade of "D" or better shall not be counted to satisfy the 24-semester unit requirement for second season of sport eligibility.
C. Incomplete grades are part of the academic work of that semester. The units may not be used for eligibility purposes until the course work is made up and the grade is officially changed and recorded to be above an "F".
D. Of the 24-semester units to be completed, 18 semester units shall be in course work counting toward an associate degree, remediation, transfer and/or certification as defined by the college catalogue and consistent with the student’s educational plan (SEP).
E. In addition to the 24-unit requirement, the student must also have a cumulative 2.0 grade point average in course work completed for credit at accredited postsecondary institutions. This grade point average must include all courses taken since the start of the term of the first competition in any COA-sanctioned sport.
In order to continue athletic competition in the same COA-sanctioned sport or to begin competition in a different COA-sanctioned sport after previously participating in another COA-sanctioned sport, the student athlete shall maintain a cumulative 2.0 grade point average (GPA) in course work completed for credit at accredited postsecondary institutions, computed since the start of the semester of the first competition in any COA-sanctioned sport. If participation in a different sport is the athlete’s first participation in that particular sport, there is no 24-semester unit requirement.
In sports that carry over two (2) terms (i.e., basketball), a student who is certified eligible at the beginning of the sport season maintains that eligibility for the entire sport season, so long as he or she remains enrolled in 12 or more units.
In order to use course units for eligibility purposes, the student athlete’s name shall be recorded on the official roster for that course prior to the end of that semester or summer session.
Only a student who meets the COA Constitution academic eligibility requirements at the beginning of the first semester of that sport season shall be eligible to compete during that season of sport, provided the athlete is enrolled in 12 or more units during the season of competition. Units earned in an intersession (winter or summer) offered outside of the 175-day academic calendar may be used to meet academic requirements, provided they are completed prior to the start of the semester of that sport season. NUMBER OF SEASONS OF COMPETITION
No athlete shall be allowed more than two (2) seasons of collegiate competition in any one sport at a California Community College. PERIOD OF ELIGIBILITY DEFINITIONS
NCAA "ELIGIBILITY CLOCK"
By rule, all student athletes begin their intercollegiate athletic career with an opportunity to participate in their sport of choice for four seasons over a five-year span. The NCAA's five-year "eligibility clock" officially starts when that student enrolls as a full-time student (12 or more semester units) for the first time, regardless of whether he/she participates on an athletic team.
SEASON OF COMPETITION
Should an athlete make an appearance for any length of time (i.e., an at-bat in baseball, a down in football, a serve in volleyball) in an intercollegiate competition (i.e., in a contest versus a scheduled opponent representing another institution of equal standing), he/she has participated for one season.
"GRAYSHIRT"
A rising freshman who intends to participate on an athletic team in the future and enrolls in less than 12 units upon entering a post-secondary institution. Because the student is enrolled in less than 12 units, he/she is not considered a "full-time" student and therefore is ineligible for athletic competition. This option gives the rising freshman a chance to hold off on an official beginning to his/her athletic career, in effect providing an opportunity to participate in four seasons over a six-year span. A gray- shirt may be enrolled in the intercollegiate athletic team course and participate in practices and workouts; but may not be included on the team travel roster, nor receive any benefits provided to regular participants in the program.
"REDSHIRT"
A student with any class standing (Fr., So., Jr., Sr.) who maintains status as a "full-time" student (enrolled in 12-or-more units) but takes a year off from competition for any purpose (i.e., injury, academic deficiency, competitive rank on team). In effect, the red-shirt year provides a student athlete with the opportunity to participate in four seasons over a five-year span. A redshirt may be enrolled in the intercollegiate athletic team course and participate in practices and workouts; but may not be included on the team travel roster, nor receive any benefits provided to regular participants in the program.
MEDICAL REDSHIRT
A student athlete who begins a season of sport as a participant and has not had a redshirt year may, if suffering a verifiable season-ending injury, petition for appeal to have the season considered a medical redshirt year (reinstated in his/her four-year count) provided the following provisions are met: 1) the injury occurs prior to the mid-point of the season based upon the total number of intercollegiate contests conducted; and 2) the student-athlete has participated in 20% or less than those contests. Written evidence of the injury and confirmation of participation levels must be provided as a component of the petition for appealINTERPRETATION
Should a question arise regarding academic eligibility rules or specific eligibility situations, student athletes are encouraged to seek interpretation from their coach, the director of athletics, the athletic eligibility technician (Office of Admissions and Records) and/or one of the athletic counselors.
IMPORTANT NOTICE
DO NOT ATTEMPT TO INTERPRET COA ELIGIBILITY RULES AND/OR REGULATIONS WITHOUT QUALIFIED ASSISTANCE. ELIGIBILITY INFRACTION
Should an ineligible student athlete be discovered to have competed in a regular or post-season intercollegiate athletic contest, the institution shall effect an immediate and unconditional forfeiture of all competition (team and/or individual) in which that student athlete has participated.
It should be noted, such forfeiture(s) may result in the loss of conference place standings, potential post-season qualification and/or championship opportunities for both teams and individuals. The ineligible student athlete shall be immediately suspended from all team activities.
IV. AHC STUDENT-ATHLETE ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS
ATHLETE RETENTION PROGRAM
In keeping with Allan Hancock College’s conviction that academics come first, the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics operates a Student Athlete Retention Program (SARP), designed to enhance the athlete’s success in the classroom.
All first-year students who are members of an intercollegiate athletic team are required to participate in the program, which includes enrollment in a personal development class (PD-101).
Allan Hancock College also offers tutoring services for students who request or require academic assistance. The Tutorial Center at the Santa Maria campus provides free peer tutoring for most of the academic and vocational courses offered by the college. Students may seek one-time only or on-going assistance at any time during the semester. On-line tutoring is also available. To contact the Tutorial Center, dial campus extension 3260.
Other components to the SARP are grade monitoring and regular eligibility checks. The goal of the program is to provide a healthy academic environment for student athletes, providing the best possible opportunity for academic and athletic success. Statistics have proven that student-athlete grade point averages have increased significantly since the initiation of this program. ATTENDANCE POLICY
It is the responsibility of all Allan Hancock College student-athletes to attend their academic classes. Because intercollegiate student-athletes often miss class due to team travel and competition, it is essential for student athletes to maintain superior attendance records at all other times.
If a student-athlete is suffering from an illness and is unable to attend class, they are expected to: 1) notify their instructor(s); 2) notify their coach; and 3) if deemed necessary, make an appointment at the Student Health Center for evaluation by a health care professional. DROP POLICY
During the season of sport, student athletes will not drop any course, for any reason, without first conferring with their head coach and/or one of the athletic counselors. During the off-season, notification of the head coach and a conference with the athletic counselor is highly recommended. REQUIRED ENROLLMENT IN INTERCOLLEGIATE SPORT CLASS
All student athletes must be enrolled in the units-earning physical education activity course for their intercollegiate sport during the semester that sport is in season. The course schedule designations are as follows:
Baseball (M) PE 176
Basketball (M) PE 177M
Basketball (W) PE 177W
Cross Country (M/W) PE 178M/W
Football (M) PE 180
Golf (M) PE 181M
Golf (W) PE 181W
Soccer (M) PE 187M
Soccer (W) PE 187W
Softball (W) PE 182
Tennis (M) PE 183M
Tennis (W) PE 183W
Track & Field (M/W) PE 184M/W
Volleyball (W) PE 185
Head coaches may recommend additional course attendance during the academic year. Be sure to check with your head coach for these course and ticket numbers prior to registration.PHYSICAL FITNESS LAB
The weight room at Allan Hancock College is known as the Physical Fitness Lab or PFL. The facility is open to all students who are enrolled in one of the PE-140 series courses and possess a college identification card
To gain open use of the facility, student athletes must be enrolled in one of the following one-unit physical education courses: PE 140, 141, 142, 144 or 145. During the academic year the PFL is open and supervised between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Fridays. Unsupervised use of the PFL is prohibited. WESTERN STATE CONFERENCE ACADEMIC HONORS PROGRAM
Each season of sport, the Western State Conference honors the those intercollegiate athletes who best represent the term "student athlete" by achieving excellence both in the classroom and on the field, court or track of competition. Criteria for this recognition include:
1. The student athlete must successfully complete the season of sport.
2. The student athlete must have excelled academically by completing a minimum of 12 units and achieving a minimum 3.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale during his or her season of sport.
3. The college administrative representative must complete the form in Appendix G and submit to the commissioner of athletics by February 1 for fall sports and June 15 for spring sports.
V. STUDENT-ATHLETE CONDUCT AND ETHICS
GENERAL CONDUCT
A. Understand and abide by the Allan Hancock College "Guidelines for Student Conduct," as follows in this publication.
B. Obey all federal, state and local laws.
C. Do not use tobacco products, alcohol and/or non-therapeutic drugs.
ATHLETIC PARTICIPATIONIn agreeing to join the Allan Hancock College Intercollegiate Athletics Program, student-athletes must be willing to accept personal responsibility above and beyond that of other students. Any failure to meet these responsibilities may result in a periodic suspension or total loss of intercollegiate athletic participation privileges.
Please keep in mind that participation in the intercollegiate athletics program is a privilege, not a right. These obligations include, but are not limited to, responsible conduct in the following areas:
A. Abide by all team, department, college district, Western State Conference and COA rules.
B. Personal commitment to the policies, procedures and regulations of the AHC Department of Intercollegiate Athletics as specified in this Student-Athlete Handbook.
C. Maintain qualifying academic standards, as outlined in this publication.
D. Achieve and maintain optimum physical conditioning and athletic preparedness.
E. Attend all organized meetings, practices and competitions, unless officially excused.
F. Follow through on training and rehabilitation recommendations and requirements of the athletic trainer and sports medicine practitioners.
G. Take proper care of equipment and return it in good condition; report lost or stolen items immediately.
STUDENT-ATHLETE RESPONSIBILITY
Allan Hancock College students who wish to participate on the institution’s intercollegiate athletic teams
are expected to accept, practice and project the following list of responsibilities in representation of the institution:
A. An unconditional acceptance and understanding of the concept that participation in intercollegiate athletics is a privilege that must be earned, not a guaranteed "right" of entitlement;
B. Represent the Allan Hancock College District and community with class, integrity and the highest ideals of good sportsmanship in all competition;
C. Maintain the highest standard of civility and positive image in daily functions away from athletic preparation and competition;
D. Follow to the letter all rules and regulations for competition, practice sessions, team meetings, training, travel and equipment management as set forth by the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics and/or the head coach of your specific sport program;
E. Understand and adhere to the academic eligibility requirements of the California Commission on Athletics (COA) and the Western State Conference (WSC).
F. Accept personal responsibility for adherence to eligibility standards and academic standing;
G. Respect for teammates, coaches, administrators, contest officials and athletic department personnel at all times.
DRESS CODEHead coaches may set specific dress code standards for their student-athletes when traveling as a team. Coaches may also specify what constitutes appropriate dress while representing the institution at other times.SPORTSMANSHIP
Sportsmanlike conduct means more than the absence of negative actions in public. Through discussions with their coaches, student-athletes are expected to know what constitutes inappropriate behavior and to conduct themselves in a manner that avoids such behavior.
Unacceptable behavior on the playing field, court or track includes, but is not limited to, the following:
A. Physically abusing officials, coaches, opponents, or spectators;
B. Engaging in any public criticism of game officials, conference personnel, another institution or its student-athletes or personnel;
C. Throwing objects; damaging equipment;
D. Seizing equipment of contest officials and/or the news media;
E. Inciting players or spectators to negative actions or to any behavior that insults an opponent (e.g., taunting an opponent, official or spectator).
F. Using obscene or other inappropriate language or gestures;
G. Making public statements that are derogatory, controversial or outside the college’s accepted media policy;
H. Engaging in areas that constitute harassment (verbal, physical, sexual, or any combination thereof);
I. Participating in any action that violates generally recognized ethical standards of Intercollegiate Athletics participation.
The Department of Intercollegiate Athletics maintains a right to investigate incidents of un-sportsmanlike conduct and any other misconduct involving a student-athlete and may sanction or discipline a student-athlete(s) accordingly, consistent with college, conference and/or COA rules.STATE (COA) DECORUM POLICY
Beyond the above written codes of conduct for Allan Hancock College student athletes is the COA state decorum policy, which is specific in its intent and resulting sanctions. To the letter, the policy reads as follows:
As a student athlete participating in intercollegiate athletics at a California community college I understand the following offenses will result in the stated discipline:
A. My first offense (ejection) in a contest will result in a suspension from the following game.
B. My second offense (ejection) will result in a suspension from all remaining contests including post-conference competition.
C. Striking or attempting to strike an official is an immediate ejection and disqualification from participation in California community college athletic activities for 60 months.
D. Participant(s) entering the field of play from the bench in reaction to a confrontation shall be ejected and disciplined as in points A and B above.
E. The use or possession of any form of tobacco, alcohol and/or any other controlled substance during a California community college-sponsored activity shall initiate a suspension and be disciplined as in points A and B above.
GAMBLING AND BRIBERY The NCAA has established specific guidelines concerning involvement in gambling and bribery at the collegiate level. Although the COA Constitution and Bylaws do not broach the subject, the standards also apply to student athletes at the community college level. In fact, any violation of the NCAA code in this area will affect a community college student athlete with four-year college transfer ambitions well beyond his or her community college years.
Gambling and bribery threaten the integrity of intercollegiate athletics as well as the student-athlete’s eligibility to participate. Participation in gambling or bribery activities will result in disciplinary action by the department of intercollegiate athletics and ultimately the NCAA. In addition, the likelihood exists for local, state and/or federal prosecution of the individual(s) involved.
In regard to gambling and bribery issues, student-athletes are responsible for the following:
1. Immediately reporting to the head coach any offers of gifts, money or favors in exchange for supplying team information or for attempting to alter the outcome of any contest;
2. Maintaining a clear understanding of what constitutes gambling and bribery activities and reporting any suspected infractions;
3. Contacting the head coach or director of athletics when questions occur concerning an inappropriate release of team information.
ALLAN HANCOCK COLLEGE DISTRICT
STANDARDS OF STUDENT CONDUCTThese Standards of Student Conduct for violation of rules were established by the Board of Trustees for the Allan Hancock Joint Community College District on January 16, 1979.
A student enrolling in Allan Hancock College may rightfully expect that the faculty and administrators will maintain an environment in which there is freedom to learn. Therefore, appropriate conditions and opportunities must be provided for all students to pursue their education within a safe and secure environment. As members of the college community, students should be encouraged to develop the capacity for critical judgment; to engage in sustained and independent search for truth; and to exercise their right to free inquiry and free speech in a responsible, non-violent manner.
Students shall respect and obey civil and criminal law, and shall be subject to legal penalties for violation of laws of the city, county, state, and nation in the same manner and to the same extent as any other person. Student conduct in Allan Hancock College must also conform to district and college rules and regulations. The same standards of student conduct apply whether a student is physically present in a campus facility, is engaged in a distance learning course, or is using electronic (e.g. web-based) services of the district. Any behavior that interferes with the instructional, administrative, or service functions of the district will be considered to be disruptive and will be subject to disciplinary action. Refer to the "Allan Hancock Community College District Guidelines for Student Conduct, Disciplinary Action and Procedural Fairness," located in the Office of the Vice President for Student Services, for the procedural and substantive due process utilized in the adjudication of student disciplinary cases.
Students found in violation of the Standards of Student Conduct, including but not limited to the following, will be subject to disciplinary action.
CONDUCT RELATED TO INDIVIDUALS AND COLLEGE FUNCTIONS
1. Disruptive Conduct: An individual shall not engage in disorderly, lewd, obscene, indecent, or offensive conduct or any conduct that is reasonably likely to cause a breach of peace, disrupt, or that does disrupt, any college function, process or activity including teaching, research, and administration of public service functions on campus, at college-sponsored events off campus, or through the use of college electronic resources not part of assigned college curriculum.
2. Alcohol, Drugs, and Drug Paraphernalia: An individual shall not possess, sell, offer to sell, purchase, offer to purchase, use or transfer illegal drugs, drug paraphernalia or alcohol, or be under the influence of alcohol, drugs or medication (except as prescribed by a physician and used in accordance with the prescription), or furnish alcohol to a minor. {The term "drugs" includes any narcotic, dangerous drug, steroid, vapor releasing toxic substance, marijuana, or controlled substance (imitation or otherwise) as defined by law. The term "medication" means any substance that is available legally by prescription only.}
3. Threats, Assaults, Battery, Abuse, and Fighting:
An individual shall not verbally or physically threaten bodily harm or engage in any misconduct which results in injury or death to a student or to college personnel or otherwise abuse, assault, or fight with any other person on college property or at an off-campus college-sponsored event.
4. Defamation: An individual shall not use defamatory words or phrases or distribute defamatory materials. Defamatory words or materials are those that: (1) are false and expose any person or the college to hatred, contempt, ridicule, disgust or an equivalent reaction; or (2) are false and have a tendency to impugn a person’s occupation, business, or office.
5. Obscenity and Vulgarity: An individual shall not engage in the expression of obscene, libelous, slanderous, or vulgar language or gestures, distribute or exhibit such materials by any means including digital. Obscene materials, language, or gestures are those that an average person, applying contemporary standards of the college community, would find that taken as a whole, appeal to prurient interests and lack serious literary, artistic, political or scientific value.
6. Hazing: An individual shall not engage in any activity involving hazing, intimidation, assault, or other activity related to group affiliation that is likely to cause or does cause bodily danger, physical harm, mental harm, or personal degradation or humiliation (see also Student-Athlete Initiations, p. 14).
7. Endangering the Health and Safety of Others:
An individual shall not engage in conduct that endangers or reasonably could endanger, or that reasonably appears to endanger, the health or safety of students, college employees, or other persons.
8. Obstruction: An individual shall not obstruct the authorized use or enjoyment of college facilities or activities by any other individual. Obstruction includes, but is not limited to: (1) disruption of classes, administrative functions, disciplinary procedures, or the use of electronic resources; (2) unauthorized interference with any person’s access to or from college facilities or events; (3) interference affecting the normal flow of pedestrian or other traffic; (4) use of facilities that are assigned to another individual or group; (5) use of sound amplifying equipment that unreasonably interferes with the activities of others; and (6) participation in any activity with the intent or reasonably predictable effect of disrupting or otherwise depriving a group or individual of the ability to see, hear or otherwise experience an authorized college function or activity.
9. False Imprisonment: An individual shall not imprison, detain, or exercise unlawful control over the freedom of movement of any person.
10. Harassment and Discrimination: An individual shall neither harass another person nor engage in any form of discriminatory behavior. Harassment includes written or verbal abuse of a serious nature (either as a result of the severity or repetitive nature of the conduct) that humiliates or intimidates another individual and does not otherwise advance matters of public concern. Harassment also includes stalking or any other conduct that could reasonably be expected to cause fear or apprehension on the part of another individual including persons submitting complaints, serving as witnesses, or members of adjudicating committees. An individual shall not engage in conduct that is directed toward another person if that conduct would cause a reasonable person to fear for the person’s safety or the safety of that person’s immediate family member or close acquaintance, and that person, in fact, fears for his or her safety or the safety of an immediate family member or close acquaintance. An individual shall not engage in discriminatory conduct on the basis of race, color, ancestry, religion, gender, national origin, age, physical/mental disability, medical condition, status as a Vietnam-era veteran, marital status, or sexual orientation.
11. Sexual Harassment: An individual shall not engage in sexual harassment which consists of any unwelcome sexual advance, request for sexual favors or other written, verbal, or physical conduct of a sexual nature when: (1) submission to or rejection of the conduct is made either an explicit or implicit condition for access or decisions relating to any college-related opportunities; (2) the expression or conduct substantially interferes with an individual’s work or academic performance or creates an unreasonably intimidating, hostile, or offensive work, learning or other college-related environment; or (3) the expression of sexual or social interest in an individual continues after being informed that the interest is unwelcome.
12. Sexual Misconduct: An individual shall not engage in conduct that constitutes sexual misconduct, whether forcible or non-forcible, including but not limited to rape, sexual assault, public sexual indecency, or indecent exposure.
13. Gambling: An individual shall not engage in card playing for money, betting on sporting events and/or participate in other forms of gambling of any type on campus property or by means of college electronic resources.
14. Smoking: An individual shall not engage in willful or persistent smoking in any area where smoking has been prohibited by law or by regulation of the college or the district.
CONDUCT RELATED TO PROPERTY AND RECORDS
15. Theft, Fraud, Misrepresentation, Robbery, and Extortion: An individual shall not take, use, borrow, steal, or receive any property belonging to another without that person’s permission or otherwise obtain any benefit by fraud, identity theft, extortion, robbery, misrepresentation, deception, or by expressed or implied threat. An individual shall not make any false oral or written statement to any person or entity with the intent to mislead or deceive.
16. Academic Dishonesty: An individual shall not engage in any form of academic dishonesty, including but not limited to cheating, fabrication, facilitating academic dishonesty, copyright infringement, or plagiarism. An individual shall not use or attempt to use the academic work or research of another person (or agency engaged in the selling of academic materials) and represent that it is his or her own or otherwise engage in dishonest academic work. An individual shall not share his or her knowledge or work with another student during an examination, test, quiz or other academic assignment unless specifically approved in advance by the instructor. An individual shall not bring to an examination any materials or notes not approved by the instructor; nor shall the individual receive, or attempt to receive, any test response from another student during an exam or at any time unless expressly authorized by a faculty member. (Refer to the college catalog)
17. Destruction of Property, Vandalism, and Littering: An individual shall not damage, destroy, or deface any college or district property or property belonging to any member of the college community or a campus visitor and shall not litter on college property or at a college-sponsored event.
18. Forgery: An individual shall not use or attempt to use the identity or signature of another and represent that it is his or her own to obtain any benefit by fraud, misrepresentation, or deception.
19. Emergency Alarms and Fire Control Devices:
An individual shall not knowingly activate, use, or tamper with any college fire alarm, safety device, or other device provided by the college for use in emergencies, unless the individual reasonably believes that an emergency exists justifying use of the device.
20. Arson: An individual shall not willfully or maliciously start, attempt to start, or promote the continuation of any fire or explosion.
21. Unauthorized Entry and Duplication of Keys:
An individual shall not gain, or attempt to gain forceful or unauthorized entry into, or occupation of, college facilities or grounds or designated off-limits areas. An individual shall not possess, reproduce, transfer, or sell a key to any college building or facility without receiving express permission to do so from an appropriate college administrator.22. Unauthorized Access and Tampering: An individual shall not, without proper authorization, read, remove, copy, counterfeit, misuse, photograph, forge, alter, destroy, or tamper with any college documents or records in any format including digital. An individual is not permitted unauthorized use of electronic resources such as computer equipment (i.e., computer, disk drive, server, printer, scanner, or monitor), computer software, database, data network, file, document, record, library material, telephone message, telephone record or telephone equipment, or may otherwise violate college or district policies pertaining to copyright law, computer software license, or computer use. Such prohibited activities are inclusive of, but not limited to, unauthorized entry into a computer, database, or file; transfer or copy of a file, data record, or software; use of another individual’s identification and/or password; use of computers to interfere with the work of another student, faculty member, or other college employee; sending or forwarding obscene, vulgar, threatening or abusive messages, files, website links; or otherwise interfering with the normal operation of the college’s computer systems and network.
23. Solicitation and Posting of Notices: An individual shall not solicit or post any materials, pictures, or writing on college property without first obtaining appropriate authorization.
24. Commercial Use of Academic Presentation:
An individual shall not, without proper authorization, prepare, give, sell, transfer, distribute, or publish, for any commercial purpose, any contemporaneous recording of an academic presentation in a classroom or equivalent site of instruction, including but not limited to handwritten, typewritten, or digital class notes, except as permitted by any district policy or administrative procedure.
GENERAL CONDUCT
25. Violation of College Policies, Rules, or Directives: An individual shall not violate any college or district policy, administrative procedure, rule or directive inclusive of the terms and conditions of a disciplinary sanction or stipulation, or an "order to appear" issued by an authorized college official, nor shall an individual violate regulations pertaining to student organizations, facilities usage, or the authorized time, place, and manner of public expression.
26. Defiance of Authority and Untruthfulness: An individual shall not willfully disobey the directions or reasonable orders of instructors, administrators, or other college employees and shall respond to lawful requests for information from these persons in a truthful manner. An individual shall not obstruct or resist any college official, employee, college police officer, or other law enforcement officer in the performance of his or her duty. An individual shall not furnish false information, including false identification, or fail to provide information to the college or to any college employee or agent, including campus law enforcement or security officers or other agents acting in good faith.
27. Possession of Weapons or Dangerous Items:
An individual shall not possess or use weapons inclusive of firearms, explosives, fireworks, dangerous chemicals or any other instrument capable of harming any person or property; or that reasonably would create the impression of being able to induce such harm, without express authority from the college president or his or her designated representatives or members of law enforcement agencies. {Weapons referenced in this standard are inclusive of, but not limited to: any instrument or weapon of the kind commonly known as blackjack, sling shot, fire bomb, Billy club, sandclub, sandbag, metal knuckles, any dirk, dagger, firearm (loaded or unloaded) such as a pistol, revolver, rifle, etc; any knife having a fixed blade longer than two and one-half (2 ½) inches; any folding knife or switchblade longer than two inches; any folding knife with a blade that locks into place; any razor with an unguarded blade; a taser or stun gun; any metal pipe or bar used or intended to be used as a club.}
28. Attempted Violation: An individual shall not attempt to engage in any conduct prohibited by these standards. An attempted violation of these standards is punishable in the same manner as a completed violation without regard as to whether the act was or could have been successfully completed.
29. Conspiracy and Encouragement: An individual shall not conspire, encourage, assist, or incite any other person(s) to engage in any conduct prohibited by these Standards of Student Conduct.
30. Persistent Misconduct: An individual shall not engage in persistent, serious misconduct where other means of correction, inclusive of directives issued by faculty members or other college officials, have failed to bring about appropriate conduct.
31. Violation of Federal, State, or Local Law:
An individual shall not violate any federal, state, or local law not otherwise specifically cited in these Standards of Student Conduct while on college or district property or by means of electronic resources.
INSTITUTIONAL, CONFERENCE AND COA VIOLATIONASViolations of the AHC "Guidelines for Student Conduct" are reported to the vice president of student services, who will forward information regarding the violation to the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics in accordance with institutional policy. Violations of conference and/or COA conduct are reported to the conference commissioner of athletics, the director of athletics and student-athlete’s head coach.
If a student-athlete is found to be in violation of a team, institutional, conference or COA rule or regulation, the penalty imposed is dependent upon the severity of the offense and may include one or more of the following sanctions:
Oral warning;
Written warning;
Disciplinary probation;
Suspension for the squad/team;
Dismissal from the squad/team;
Intervention and/or counseling requirement; and/or
Suspension or expulsion from the college.
STUDENT-ATHLETE INITIATIONSThe Allan Hancock College Athletic Department has in force a zero-tolerance policy for team and/or individual student-athlete initiation activities in any form.
Unsanctioned initiations of first-year team members fall under the category of "harassment" and/or "hazing" and are strictly prohibited. All student athletes, whether first year freshmen, first-year transfers or returning sophomores are to be treated with equality and unqualified respect by coaches and other team members at all times.
Any Allan Hancock College student athlete or group of student athletes engaging in any practice perceived to constitute an initiation or harassment of another student athlete or athletes risk severe sanction in regard to their intercollegiate athletic privileges. Any first-year student athlete who willfully participates in such activity is also subject to sanction.
Activities perceived to constitute a team initiation or individual harassment associated with team membership shall be reported immediately to the director of athletics.
CRIMINAL VIOLATION
When a student-athlete is charged with violating a local, state or federal law and the misconduct involves a violent action, illegal drugs, gambling, weapon(s) and/or any felony charge(s), the student-athlete may be suspended from practice and/or competition in the intercollegiate athletics program until the charges have been addressed and/or adjudicated by the legal system.
If such action is taken, the student-athlete will be provided with written notification of the decision. Reinstatement or continuing suspension will be predicated upon the actions taken by the legal system. Student-athlete support services, such as use of the physical fitness lab (PFL), athletic training room and/or academic support services for student athletes may or may not be utilized by the student-athlete, as determined by the director of athletics, based upon the severity of charges.
DISCIPLINARY APPEALS PROCESS In the interest of due process, the student-athlete may request reconsideration of a decision to impose a disciplinary sanction or suspension with the director of athletics. Such request must be in writing and submitted to the director of athletics within five (5) days after receipt of the notice of suspension. Based on information available to the director of athletics, the sanctions and/or suspension may be reversed or modified.DRUG AND ALCOHOL POLICY
It is the expectation of the Allan Hancock College Department of Intercollegiate Athletics that student-athletes perform at optimum standards, both academically and athletically. Consistent with this fundamental expectation, participating student-athletes are prohibited from abusing anabolic steroids, cocaine, amphetamines, marijuana, crack-cocaine, heroin [or any form thereof], alcoholic beverages and/or any other controlled substance as proscribed by federal or state law.
Such use by any member of an intercollegiate athletic team is expressly prohibited, whether occurring before, during or after the team’s season of sport. The only exceptions are for medication prescribed by a licensed physician for the individual student-athlete.Unauthorized use of drugs, underage consumption of alcohol and citations of drug and/or alcohol abuse, such as (but not limited to) disorderly conduct and/or DUI (driving under the influence) constitute an abuse of the privilege of practicing for and representing the institution in intercollegiate athletic events.
Coaches, trainers, athletic department personnel and student athletes are charged with the responsibility of reporting student athletes who are suspected of alcohol and/or drug abuse to the director of athletics. Cases involving known or suspected alcohol and/or drug abuse will undergo administrative fact-finding. A recommendation of disposition will be rendered to the student-athlete, the coach and any other appropriate authority of the institution.
Coaches are extended the professional prerogative of increasing sanctions and/or interventions that may be recommended for offending student-athletes. Further, individual team policies may preclude any consumption of alcohol or have certain restrictions as determined to be appropriate by the coach of that team.
Intervention may include any one or combination of the following:
A. Working in collaboration with the Student Health Services Center, the coach and student-athlete will develop a confidential action plan to address the needs of the student-athlete relative to the substance abuse, if warranted;
B. Random and routine drug testing (paid for by the offending party) prescribed to address individual circumstances;
C. Student-athletes provided the opportunity to self-report or self-disclose in a confidential manner to the head coach and/or director of athletics in order to receive evaluation and subsequent counseling and/or rehabilitative services.
Sanctions in drug and/or alcohol abuse cases may include any one or a combination of the following:
1. Suspension from all team activities, to include practice, competition and travel;
2. Permanent dismissal from the intercollegiate athletics program;
3. Referral to local authorities for prosecution.
VI. SPORTS MEDICINE AND ATHLETIC TRAINING
ROLE OF THE CERTIFIED ATHLETIC TRAINER
Athletic training at Allan Hancock College is managed in a contracted agreement between the AHC District and Sims Physical Therapy of Santa Maria.Sims Physical Therapy
2530 Professional Parway
Santa Maria, CA 93455 Phone: (805) 928-4465; FAX: 928-7935
Under the employ of Sims Physical Therapy and assigned to the AHC Athletic Department, the role of athletic trainers, certified by the National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA) is to:
1. Aid in the prevention, assessment and administration of athletic injuries;
2. Establish and maintain a professional relationship with coaches and the intercollegiate athletic administration;
3. Maintain accurate records for individual student athletes in regard to medical referrals, insurance claims and rehabilitative progress.
4. Maintain a daily commitment to both learning and instruction;
5. Develop, maintain and seek to improve communications with student-athletes, coaches and the athletic administration; and
6. Maintain a clean, hazard-free work environment conducive to the prevention, care and management of athletic injuries.
ATHLETIC TRAINING FACILITY RULES AND REGULATIONS
1. The athletic training room (ATR) is a co-educational facility. Appropriate dress is required of the student athletic trainers (SAT’s) and athletes at all times (i.e., no "halter" tops, shirts must be worn at all times, except when receiving treatment specific to an area requiring removal);
2. Male athletes shall enter the training room from the men’s locker room door only;
3. All athletic training treatments will cease 30 minutes prior to practice sessions.
4. Taping will stop 15 minutes before the start of practice.
5. No treatments, with the exception of ice, are to be self administered;
6. Student athletes are required to shower prior to all post-practice and or post-competition treatment. An athlete will not be treated without a shower. The training room is an allied health facility and should be treated as such. Ice "to go" is the only exception;
7. Smoking, eating and/or chewing tobacco is prohibited at all times in the training room;
8. Foul language (swearing), spitting, horseplay and "trash talking" is prohibited;
9. Medical supplies will not be removed from the facility at any time without consent of a certified athletic trainer;
10. Athletic training staff decisions regarding treatments, taping and administration of the facility are final;
11. No shoes are allowed on the training tables. No cleats or dirty shoes are to be worn in the athletic training room (ATR) at any time;
12. No open wounds will be allowed in the whirlpool;
13. No sleeping or lounging on training tables will be tolerated;
14. Student athletes are prohibited from the head trainer’s office unless their presence is requested;
15. Athletic equipment and/or belongings, such as shoes, sport bags, textbooks and protective gear are not allowed in the ATR and will be removed.
16. THE ATHLETIC TRAINING ROOM IS PLACE OF BUSINESS WITH A SINGLE, SPECIFIC PURPOSE. It is not a social meeting place nor "hangout." Loitering is strictly prohibited.
17. Student athletes with specific and required training needs will be admitted and served in an orderly fashion only;
18. A STUDENT ATHLETE SHALL NEVER ENTER THE TRAINING ROOM WITH A DEMANDING ATTITUDE. When the specific training need is met, student athletes shall vacate the premises IMMEDIATELY.
TRAINING ROOM POLICIES
Use of the Athletic Training Room (ATR) is for enrolled student-athletes, visiting competitors, staff and students of Allan Hancock College only. It must be clearly understood by coaches and student athletes alike that the ATR and training staff is limited. In-season student athletes have priority of treatment without exception. All student athletes will be treated based upon availability of training personnel, time and space.
The goal of the ATR is to provide student athletes with primary athletic training procedures for sport-related injury or illness. Student athletes at AHC are expected to follow the rules of the ATR TO THE LETTER and treat the training staff with respect and common decency. Those who cannot abide by these simple concepts will be banned from the ATR.
ATHLETIC TRAINING PROCESS
FOR STUDENT ATHLETES
1. Sign in if you intend to receive a treatment, including ice.
2. The head trainer, assistant trainer or student-assistant trainer must inspect and evaluate ALL new injuries within 48 hours of occurrence.
3. Injured athletes must receive treatment at least one hour prior to practice or in the morning prior to the rush before practice begins. Should a class schedule conflict with this requirement, be sure to discuss the issue with your coach and the trainer. No treatments or taping will be done 15 minutes prior to practice.
4. Student athletes are expected to clean up after themselves; among other items, please:
a. Empty ice bags and throw the bag out.
b. Discard plastic wrap in the garbage.
c. Re-rack hot pack covers to dry and put hot packs away.
CONFIDENTIALITY
All medical reports, referrals and tests are released with the student-athlete’s expressed written consent only. Coaches will be informed of conditions that preclude an athlete’s activity or an effect upon athletic participation only.
Under the federal law regarding confidentiality, the trainer, a coach and/or other athletic department personnel are forbidden to discuss a student athlete’s injury, without the written consent of the athlete, provided the athlete is 18 years of age or older.
Please refer to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) in the insurance coverage section below.
SEXUAL HARASSAMENT POLICY
The Allan Hancock College Department of Intercollegiate Athletics has a zero-tolerance policy in regard to sexual harassment. Any training room situation that creates an uncomfortable feeling should be reported to the head athletic trainer, the head coach and/or the director of athletics immediately. It must be understood by all concerned that there are numerous situations in sports medicine that make sexual harassment a particularly sensitive issue.
Athletic trainers are required to touch athletes in order to make an evaluation and determine the best remedy and/or treatment process. Professionalism and sensitivity are of the utmost importance. Athletic trainers should not lie on treatment tables, joke about sensitive issues or touch another individual inappropriately. Social interaction between student athletes and certified or student trainers is discouraged.
The Allan Hancock College Athletic Training Program observes and adheres to the sexual harassment policy of Allan Hancock College, identified as AHC District Board Policy 3020.
NON-PRESCRIPTION DRUG MEDICATIONSNon-prescription medications are kept on hand for use by student athletes and athletics staff personnel only. Medications used in the athletic training room are limited to over-the-counter prescriptions.
A certified athletic trainer will distribute all medications and all medications will be distributed from the original container only. Non-prescription medications will not be distributed to non-affiliated athletes or personnel from visiting schools. All distributed medications will be recorded for tracking purposes. PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS
Prescription anti-inflammatory medications may be distributed by the certified athletic trainer at the discretion of the team physician. PROCEDURES FOR INJURY MANAGEMENT
When an injury occurs to a student athlete during the course of an Allan Hancock College sponsored athletic activity, whether practice or competition, the following protocol will commence:
1. The head coach will both direct and confirm that the injury and/or accident is reported properly to the athletic trainer or training room staff ON THE DAY THE INJURY HAS OCCURRED. Coaches shall follow up by signing the accident /injury report form (AIR).
2. The certified trainer will conduct an appropriate evaluation. Based on the physical findings of the evaluation, the athlete will be referred to the team physician.
3. The accident injury report form (AIR) will be completed by the certified athletic trainer and forwarded to the following:
a. AHC Health Services Center
b. Associate Dean-Athletics
c. Office of the President/Superintendent
d. Office of the Vice President for Business Services (risk management)
4. A student insurance accident injury claim form will be completed and forwarded to the following:
a. Blue Cross of California
b. Student Insurance, Inc.
c. AHC Health Services Center
d. The injured student athlete
5. An appointment with the team physician will be arranged; if time and coverage opportunity permits, the AHC certified trainer may accompany the student athlete. During the evaluation with the physician, the certified athletic trainer will discuss the extent of the injury and treatment options.
6. Should surgery be required following a thorough evaluation, a pre-surgical rehabilitation protocol will be established by the orthopedist and certified athletic trainer and followed in the ATR.
7. The orthopedic surgeon shall determine post-surgical rehabilitation. The athlete will attend physical therapy at a facility of the orthopedic surgeon’s determination, either Sims Physical Therapy of Santa Maria or the AHC Training Room.
8. Throughout the rehab protocol, the attending physical therapist and the AHC certified trainer will maintain a professional working relationship to ensure athlete compliance and safe return to intercollegiate athletic activity.
9. The orthopedic surgeon will determine when the affected athlete will be able to resume physical activity protocol. It is at this point the orthopedic surgeon will transfer rehabilitation responsibilities from the attending physical therapist to the certified athletic trainer.
10. The affected athlete will follow a safe return to unrestricted activity as determined by the orthopedic surgeon and the certified athletic trainer.
VII. INSURANCE COVERAGE
PRIMARY COVERAGE
All prospective Allan Hancock College student athletes are required to provide proof of health insurance coverage at the time of their pre-participation physical exam. Proof of insurance will be accepted in the form of a health insurance card, which will be copied for filing purposes by the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics.
Personal coverage through a family or individual insurance plan shall serve as the primary coverage base for all claims with a direct relation to intercollegiate athletic activities at Allan Hancock College. SECONDARY COVERAGE
All medically qualified student athletes (i.e., those who have passed a pre-participation physical exam) are also covered by an Allan Hancock College health insurance policy, as provided by Blue Cross Life & Health Insurance Company and administered by the Student Insurance Company of Los Angeles, California.
Be advised, the AHC/Blue Cross/Student Insurance policy may only be considered as a secondary coverage provider with limited benefits. Provisions of the coverage include:
1. The injury is a direct result of an Allan Hancock College sponsored intercollegiate athletic activity (i.e., official practice or contest) that is under the supervision of a member or members of the institution’s coaching staff;
2. The injury is reported to the athletic training staff immediately;
3. The injury did not occur during a tryout or practice for an all-star team, intramural or club-sporting event that does not qualify under the term "Allan Hancock College sponsored intercollegiate athletic event."
4. There are a number of limiting provisions within the secondary insurance coverage. Specifically, no coverage will be provided for:
a. Pre-existing or recurring injuries that are not a direct result of practice or competition for an Allan Hancock College intercollegiate sponsored team or event;
b. Costs for services unapproved by the Allan Hancock College training staff; and/or
c. Injuries incurred that are not directly related to an official Allan Hancock College intercollegiate athletic practice or competition.
BLUE CROSS ATHLETIC HEALTH COVERAGE ADMINISTERED BY STUDENT INSURANCE, INC.
CLASS OF PERSONS INSURED
Enrolled and registered student athletes while participating in or attending any regularly scheduled practice or competition supervised by an authorized representative of the college; or while traveling directly to and from practice or competition with other members as a group, provided such travel is supervised by an authorized representative of the college.
BENEFITS
Deductibles
Student Activities Deductible $50
Class 1 Athletic Activities* Deductible $100
Class 2 Athletic Activities* Deductible $50
* Class 1 Activities: football and soccer;
Class 2 Activities: all other sports.
Payment Rate
After the per accident deductible has been satisfied, Blue Cross will pay the following percentages of covered expense:
Prudent Buyer Participating Providers – 100%
Non-participating providers – 50%*
(of Blue Cross Customary and Reasonable)
* This will be 100% for covered expense incurred: a) in a skilled nursing facility and b) for emergency services (for the first 48 hours only, unless the insured person cannot be moved).
MEDICAL BENEFIT MAXIMUMS
Blue Cross will pay for the following services and supplies, up to the maximum amounts or for the maximum number of days or visits shown below in connection with the treatment of a covered accidental injury.
1. Skilled nursing facility care, up to 100 days per accident.
2. Home health services, up to 100 visits per accident.
3. Prosthetic devices, up to $1,000 per accident.
4. Durable medical equipment, charges for rental or purchase, up to $2,000 per accident.
5. Physical Therapy, physical medicine and occupational therapy, for covered outpatient services, up to 24 visits per accident: and for each covered visit when provided by a non-participating provider, up to $25 per visit.
6. Dental injury, for all covered services, up to $2,000 per accident.
MAXIMUM PER ACCIDENT
The maximum per accident is determined by the nature of the insured person’s activities at the time of the accident. For athletic activities, the maximum is $25,000 per accident.
BENEFIT PERIOD
One year starting on the date of the accidental injury. First treatment must occur within 120 days of the date of the accidental injury.
Please Note: This is a brief outline of the current student athlete accident insurance program. It is presented in general terms and does not include all the exact provisions and conditions of the policies involved. The master policies are on file at the college and district office. No individual certificates will be issued. Should any statement(s) in this information bulletin and any policy differ, the standing policy provisions shall govern.
HIPAA PRIVACY RULE AND PROTECTED HEALTH INFORMATION
Student athletes, as well as coaches and administrators are advised to be aware of new federal legislation regarding the privacy of medical information, known as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, enacted on April 14, 2003.
These regulations were passed by Congress in 1996 to deal with rising health-care costs and the medical industry’s growing use of electronic commerce and the internet. Among the many objectives of the legislation is to protect privacy of medical information. HIPAA includes rules forbidding health-care providers, insurers and claims clearinghouses from selling or providing medical information to those who do legitimately need it. Clearly, under the new law, it is the right of the individual student athlete to determine who should have access to information regarding an injury or physical condition resulting from intercollegiate athletic activity.
Allan Hancock College student athletes will be requested to sign a written release of information authorization, so that the AHC training staff, Sims Physical Therapy, referred team physicians, the head coach and director of athletics may expedite the process of insurance coverage, rehabilitation and, ultimately, return to activity. However, a student athlete is not required to do so. While the signing of an information authorization will certainly create an unimpeded atmosphere for the management of insurance claims and free transfer of progress reports between trainer and coach, other considerations may exist.
Student athletes with aspirations for the next level may want the seriousness of their condition withheld. However, in many cases, openness about an injury can be in an athlete’s long-term best interest. An athlete who does not perform up to expectations due to a series of nagging injuries may be judged inconsistent or over-rated, when in reality, he or she was fighting through injury.STUDENT HEALTH CENTER
Through the AHC Student Health Center, your student health fee covers:
1. First-aid treatment
2. Vision screening
3. Illness assessment
4. Referral to low-cost clinics
5. Primary care services
6. Hearing screening
7. Self care center
8. Personal counseling
9. Blood pressure
10. Dental/vision insurance information
11. Student accident and sickness insurance
12. Over-the-counter medications
13. Tuberculosis screening
14. Health education programs
Located in Building W, Room 12 (Santa Maria campus), the Student Health Center is open Monday-Thursday 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m.; Friday 8:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m. Call campus extension 3212 for information.
VIII. DEPARTMENTAL POLICY
EQUIPMENT ISSUE
All items of athletic equipment, shoes and apparel, issued for the express purpose of intercollegiate athletic competition and preparation for intercollegiate athletic competition shall be considered property of Allan Hancock College on loan.
In this regard, such equipment shall be issued and managed solely by the men’s or women’s athletic equipment manager only after confirmation of a student’s pre-practice physical and eligibility qualifications.
The following regulations will be adhered to in regard to all institutional issued athletic equipment and apparel:
1. It shall be the sole responsibility of the student athlete to maintain, store and care for all items issued by the AHC Department of Intercollegiate Athletics.
2. At no time shall the student athlete alter an issued item of protective equipment or apparel. Should any problem exist in regard to a proper fit, safety function and/or appearance, the student athlete should immediately notify the equipment manager to effect an adjustment.
3. All athletic apparel and/or equipment issued to a student athlete must be returned to the athletic equipment manager immediately upon the completion of the season of sport.
4. Should any item(s) of equipment and/or apparel fail to be returned to the equipment manager in issue condition upon the completion of the season of sport, the student athlete will be billed for the institution’s cost amount of the item(s).
5. Failure to either return or pay in full for unreturned item(s) shall result in an institutional hold on the student athlete’s grades and ultimate academic progression, through the office of admission and records.
STUDENT-ATHLETE TRAVEL REGULATIONS
Team travel is a key component of the intercollegiate athletic experience. Whenever transportation is provided by the institution for an intercollegiate athletic competition or related activity, the following regulations shall be adhered to with no exception:
1. Student athletes must understand that AN ATHLETIC ROAD TRIP IS A BUSINESS TRIP. It is not a holiday, vacation nor an amusement. Allan Hancock College student athletes will travel with one single purpose in mind: to arrive at the site of competition prepared both physically and mentally to compete to the very best of their ability.
2. Adhere to the official travel itinerary and directions of the head coach and/or coaching staff members throughout the travel period. BE ON TIME and prepared to travel with the proper personal items, issued equipment and team apparel as required for competition.
3. At no time shall a student athlete be permitted to drive an Allan Hancock College District owned or rented vehicle to or from an intercollegiate athletic event.
4. If transportation to and from an athletic event is provided for an AHC team or individual student athlete, the student athlete is forbidden to drive his or her own vehicle to the competition site. Should a student athlete arrive at a road contest site under these conditions, he or she shall be declared ineligible for that specific competition. The Allan Hancock College District shall assume no responsibility, nor bear any costs associated with such travel by a student athlete.
5. If, under extenuating circumstances (as recognized and accepted by the head coach), a student athlete should require transportation arrangements other than those arranged for the team, alternate transportation may be provided by the student athlete’s parent, provided a travel waiver form, signed by the parent and the head coach is filed with the director of athletics prior to the established team departure time. Such arrangement must be approved by the head coach in accordance with team policy.
6. On intercollegiate athletic road trips involving overnight lodging, participating student athletes, student trainers and/or student team managers are forbidden to:
a. Engage in the use of alcoholic beverages or any illegal substance at any time during the duration of the road trip.
b. Allow entry into the student athlete’s room of lodging by any person that is not a member of the official team travel party (i.e., coaches, team members, trainers and/or team managers).
c. Incur charges for ANY incidentals at the place of lodging that are not personally paid for (i.e., phone calls, room service, in-room movies, soft drinks and/or snacks). Such charges incurred on the team’s official billing statement shall result in the immediate suspension of the student-athlete(s) traced to that room and be held until the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics is reimbursed in full.
7. Violation of any of the above travel policies may result in a participation suspension or dismissal from the intercollegiate athletic program.
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