Introduction
Article Twenty-one, Standards of Conduct, Penalties,
and Disciplinary Procedures, is part of the University of Richmond
Intercollegiate Athletics Policies and Procedures Manual (hereafter
referred to as Manual). The purpose of this article is to provide
Department of Athletics personnel and student-athletes a concise
reference on standards of conduct and expected disciplinary procedures
and penalties for violation of these standards.
The materials and information presented here are a consolidation
of several policies, procedures, and references about standards
of employee conduct. Please make a note of any information in
the manual that conflicts with existing University, NCAA, or conference
policies, procedures, or legislation. Submit noted conflicts or
recommended changes and comments that may improve the manual to,
the Associate Director of Athletics for Administration, Robins
Center, University of Richmond, VA 23173. Key information submitted
to the specific page, paragraph and line of text. Provide reasons
for each comment to ensure understanding and complete evaluation.
Each page of this manual is numbered and dated to aid in revisions
and additions.
Introduction
This Article in the Manual does not replace the policies outlined
in the Guidelines for the University of Richmond Support Staff,
Practices, Procedures and Employee Benefits (hereafter referred
to as Staff Guidelines) or University of Richmond Faculty Handbook.
This Article supplements the referenced information with policies
and procedures specifically related to athletics, coaching staffs,
student-athletes, and NCAA requirements.
These references are on the World Wide Web under the University's
Homepage:
The referenced University guidelines clearly state that there
are certain standards of performance and conduct that must be
maintained. Generally, these standards are recognized and observed
by individual members of the organization without any need for
action by a supervisor. The referenced staff guide goes on to
say, "When an employee does not observe these standards,
it is hoped counseling or an oral reminder by the supervisor will
result in the employee's observing such standards in the future.
When an employee does not respond to oral reminders, more formal
discipline may be necessary, not excluding termination of employment."
The Staff Guidelines list common, but nonexclusive, reasons
that may warrant disciplinary action, including termination. There
are additional reasons that must be added to this listing for
Department of Athletics staff and student-athletes.
The University of Richmond is committed to academic integrity,
institutional control and rules compliance in all matters relating
to intercollegiate athletics. Athletic administrators and coaches
acknowledge in their employment contracts that rule compliance
is a condition of employment. Failure to comply with NCAA rules
may be cause for termination of employment.
Gambling on University property is listed in the Staff Guidelines
as a reason to warrant disciplinary action, including termination.
Athletics staff members and student-athletes, whether on or off
University property, have additional gambling restrictions under
NCAA legislation [NCAA Bylaw, Article 10.3]. This legislation
specifically states, "Staff members of the athletics
department of a member institution and student-athletes shall
not knowingly: (a) Provide information to individuals involved
in organized gambling activities concerning intercollegiate athletics
competition; (b) Solicit a bet on any intercollegiate team; (c)
Accept a bet on any team representing the institution; or (d)
Participate in any gambling activity that involves intercollegiate
athletics or professional athletics, through a bookmaker, a parlay
card or any other method employed by organized gambling."
Examples of gambling are participation in pools, betting with
coworkers, participation in rotisserie leagues, and participation
in media contests.
Despite federal laws that require tobacco products (smoking,
smokeless, and chewing) to carry warnings that their use may
cause cancer, oral cancer, gum disease, and tooth loss, some
staff members and student-athletes continue to use these products.
NCAA legislation and the Manual are very clear on the prohibition
of the use of these products by game personnel and student-athletes.
NCAA legislation [NCAA Bylaw, Article 11.1.7] states, "The
use of tobacco products is prohibited by all game personnel (e.g.,
coaches, trainers, managers and managers and game officials)
in all sports during practice and competition."
NCAA legislation [Bylaw, Article 17.1.11] states, "The
use of tobacco products by a student-athlete is prohibited during
practice and competition. A student-athlete who uses tobacco
products during a practice or competition shall be disqualified
for the remainder of that practice or competition."
The Manual [Article 9, Section 8] states, "The use
of tobacco (including cigarettes, chewing tobacco, "dips"
or "snuff") in any form is prohibited. No tobacco will
be allowed in University facilities or on University sanctioned
trips (i.e., buses, airplanes, vans, hotels, stadiums, etc.).
It is not only a health hazard, but is a poor example for student-athletes
and athletic staffs to exemplify."
In the Faculty Handbook reference is made to what happens when a faculty member enters a romantic or sexual relationship with a student or a supervisor with an employee [Other Personnel Policies, page 5.6]. The consequence listed in the handbook is that such conduct makes one vulnerable to a charge of sexual harassment. When such conduct happens between Department of Athletics staff members and student-athletes it not only leaves one vulnerable to a charge of sexual harassment, it is probably a violation of NCAA legislation concerning extra benefits [NCAA Bylaw, Article 16.01.2]. It is the University of Richmond Department of Athletics' policy that staff and student-athletes do not become involved in this type of fraternization. Failure to follow this established policy on fraternization and/or violation of the NCAA extra benefits legislation will lead to the termination of staff members' employment and student-athletes will be declared athletically ineligible for intercollegiate participation. Return to