Contents
I. Introduction .......................................................................................................................................... 2
A. Mission Statement ........................................................................................................................ 2
B. Non-Discrimination Policy............................................................................................................. 2
C. Title IX Information ....................................................................................................................... 2
D. Raritan Valley County Community College Athletics Fact Sheet ............................................................... 2
E. Athletic Affiliations........................................................................................................................ 3
II. Student Code of Conduct ...................................................................................................................... 3
A. Raritan Valley CCC Student Code of Conduct ............................................................................... 3
B. Student-Athlete Code of Ethics..................................................................................................... 4
C. Civility Initiative............................................................................................................................. 6
III. Student-Athlete Policies / Responsibilities .......................................................................................... 6
A. Equipment and Uniforms ??????............................................................................................ 6
B. Practice, Tryouts and Orientations ???...................................................................................... 7
C. Field, Court and Gymnasium Usage.............................................................................................. 7
D. Weather ?????????????????????????????????????????????????. 8
E. Athletic Trainer and Injuries ??????????????????????????????????????. 8
F. Travel ??????????????????????????????????????????????????? 8
G. Game Day ????????????????????????????????????????????????. 9
H. Fundraising ???????????????????????????????????????????????. 10
I. Fitness Center ?????????????????????????????????????????????? 10
J. Community Service ??????????????????????????????????????????.. 11
K. Exit Meetings ??????????????????????????????????????????????. 11
L. Student-Athlete Advisory Council ????????.??????????????????????????. 11
M. Pictures ???????????????????.??????????????????????????????. 11
N. Alcohol, Tobacco, Illegal Substances............................................................................................ 11
O. Hazing???????????????????????????????????????????????????.11
P. Social Media ?.............................................................................................................................. 12
Q. Insurance ????????????????????????????????????????????????.. 12
R. Problems ????????????????????????????????????????????????... 12
IV. Academics / Eligibility .......................................................................................................................... 12
I. Introduction
Raritan Valley County Community College Department of Intercollegiate Athletics Student-Athlete Handbook
1. Mission Statement
RVCC Athletics will support the mission and core values of Raritan Valley Community College by providing a safe and inclusive environment which promotes and encourages the enhancement of individual lives through social, academic, emotional and physical activity in the form of intercollegiate athletics.
CORE VALUES:
? To support and reflect Raritan Valley Community College's Mission Statement
? To respect each student as an individual and ensure that their well-being is our highest priority.
? To value health and safety as paramount to a successful varsity or intramural program.
? To ensure that no goal exceeds the mandate to educate and graduate the student that participates in sports.
? To recognize that our most important resource is people and acknowledge that our students deserve the best academic mentoring, coaching, equipment, facilities and supervision that we can provide.
? To acknowledge that all staff members should have the opportunity to grow professionally and personally.
? To trust that teamwork in all interactions among students, coaches, staff, faculty, community organizations and administrators will prevail.
? To promote goodwill and sportsmanship on behalf of RVCC.
? To comply with all rules and regulations governed by RVCC, Garden State Athletic Conference (GSAC), NJCAA Region XIX and National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA).
2. Non-Discrimination Policy
Raritan Valley County Community College does not discriminate in its educational programs, activities or employment practices based on race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, religion, ancestry, veteran status, union membership, or any other legally protected category. This policy is in accordance with state law and with federal law, including Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.
All inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policy shall be directed to the Vice President of Human Resources and Administration, Cheryl Wallace, Somerset Hall S218 Hall, Raritan Valley County Community College, PO BOX 3300 R Somerville, NJ 08876, 908-526-1200 (x 8260).
3. Title IX Information
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (?Title IX?) is a federal law, and compliance with this law is required for all educational institutions (kindergarten through higher education). Title IX prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in education programs and activities. Discrimination based upon sex can include sexual harassment or sexual violence, such as sexual intercourse without consent, sexual assault, and sexual coercion. Title IX also prohibits gender-based harassment, which may include acts of verbal, nonverbal, or physical aggression, intimidation, or hostility based on sex or sex stereotyping, even if those acts do not involve conduct of a sexual nature.
The Department of Education?s Office of Civil Rights (OCR) has indicated that failure to comply with Title IX can have serious repercussions for institutions, including loss of federal funding, and has sanctioned schools nationwide for failing to meet the standards under Title IX.
4. Raritan Valley County Community College Athletics Fact Sheet
President: Michael J. McDonough
Provost: Karen Bearce
VP of Student Affairs: Jason Fredericks
Director of Athletics: Joe Pavlow
Raritan Valley Community College
118 Lamington Rd
Branchburg, NJ 08876
Phone: 908-526-1200 x8359
Nickname: Lions
Colors: Green and Black
Website: www.rvccathletics.com
5. Athletic Affiliations
National Junior Collegiate Athletic Association (NJCAA)
Raritan Valley is a member of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA), The National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA), founded in 1938, is the governing association of junior and community college athletics throughout the United States. Currently the NJCAA is divided into 24 separate regions and competition is held across three divisions.
Region XIX
Raritan Valley is a member of NJCAA Region XIX. Region XIX is comprised of 28 institutions in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. The Delaware and Pennsylvania schools make up the Eastern Pennsylvania Athletic Conference (EPAC) and the New Jersey schools (including Raritan Valley) make up the Garden State Athletic Conference (GSAC).
II. Student Code of Conduct
1. Raritan Valley Community College Classroom Code of Conduct
In order to provide the maximum opportunity for learning and to support the mutual respect necessary within the teaching/learning environment, students are expected to adhere to the following guidelines while on-campus and/or during any college-sponsored off-campus events.
Students are expected to:
1. Report to class on time and remain for the duration of the class (possible exception for an athletic contest).
2. Be responsible for all material covered and announcements made within class, even when absent from class.
3. Come to class prepared (completed homework and readings).
4. Refrain from conversations whenever the instructor or another student is speaking.
5. Maintain an atmosphere conducive to the teaching/learning process.
6. Silence all electronic devices during class.
7. Abide by the College?s Guide for Responsible Use of Electronic Communication and not abuse the privileges of access to electronic information and communication.
8. Adhere to classroom policies set by their instructors in the class format/syllabus.
9. Submit assignments on time (in the proper format), participate in class discussions, and prepare for tests.
10. Adhere to the College?s Academic Integrity Policy.
11. Abide by college policies related to children on campus.
12. Refrain from tobacco use in unauthorized areas.
13. Abide by the Student Code of Conduct (published online)
14. Abide by all college policies.
PURPOSE
2. Student-Athlete Code of Ethics
The purpose of intercollegiate athletics at Raritan Valley County Community College is to provide the opportunity for students to develop their full potential in an academic setting that values varsity sport participation and the keenest competition as part of the educational process. However, it is considered a privilege rather than a right to be a student-athlete and with that privilege comes certain responsibilities. Foremost among these responsibilities is the adherence to a Student-Athlete Code of Ethics.
Raritan Valley County Community College has a highly successful, very prominent intercollegiate athletic program. Your representation of the College, involving public exposure in the competitive arena and the media, makes you a part of a visible cohort. As an athlete, what you do and the way in which you do it are often in the spotlight. As a result, this responsibility requires exemplary conduct. Your behavior has an impact on the reputation of your particular team, the Athletic Department, and the institution.
DEFINITION
The student-athlete Code of Ethics is meant to provide general behavioral guidelines consistent with the responsibilities of participation, representation, and public exposure outlined above. The Code applies to all Raritan Valley students who are considered to be a member of an intercollegiate team, whether that sport is in season or not. Under this Code of Ethics, you are expected to obey the laws, rules, and regulations of the "communities" already cited: the College, local municipalities, Hunterdon and Somerset County, and the state of New Jersey. Furthermore, you are expected to conduct yourself at all times with integrity, sportsmanship, honesty, pride, and humility. Conduct that brings dishonor to a team, and/or the College is considered a breach of the Code. The Code of Ethics does not supersede or replace the College student conduct process. Where a case involving a student-athlete has been adjudicated by the College student conduct process, the Code of Ethics will not be used to affect any decision that has been rendered. However, the Code may still be used to examine the case in light of the expectations cited above and could be utilized for the imposition of sanctions in addition to any judgment coming from the College student conduct process.
CODE OF ETHICS PROCESS
Whether or not a particular incident constitutes a breach in the Code of Ethics, and the subsequent degree of sanction that is to be applied to a breach of the code, will be decided by the Athletic Department administration (Assistant AD and the Director of Athletics) or the Student-Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC), comprised of one representative from each intercollegiate sport sponsored by Raritan Valley. The SAAC will be convened by the Assistant Director of Athletics to hear cases of student-athlete misconduct, brought to his attention, that potentially constitute a breach in the Student-Athlete Code of Ethics and have not already been addressed by the Athletic Department. Note: the SAAC will take into account previous Code violations when considering a case and repeat-offenses may encourage a recommendation for heavier sanctions. After hearing the case, the SAAC will make its recommendation for sanction(s), if any, to the Director of Athletics. The Director will convey this decision, in writing, to the student-athlete.
SANCTIONS
Conduct or behavior that deviates from the expectations cited in the "Definition" section will be considered a breach of the Student-Athlete Code of Ethics. Response by the Athletic Department to a breach in the Code may include the following:
? Verbal Reprimand.
? Official Letter of Reprimand.
? Probation: official notice that further breach of the code of ethics will result in that individual receiving a more severe sanction such as a community service assignment, suspension, or dismissal.
? Community Service Assignment: the individual will be given a specific community service project or will be mandated to perform a prescribed number of hours of community service. ? Suspension from participation:
o Term - revocation of the privilege of participating on an intercollegiate team for a specified period of time.
o Conditional - participation on an intercollegiate team will be restored when specific mandated requirements have been fulfilled.
o Dismissal: permanent expulsion from the team.
Any and all sanctions will be kept confidential. The imposition of a sanction will be made known only to the individual and his/her head Coach.
APPEAL
Any student-athlete receiving from the Assistant Director of Athletics (or Representative), a judgment of the SAAC, may appeal such decision by notifying the Assistant Director of Athletics, in writing, within seven (7) days of receipt of the decision. If a student-athlete fails to file his/her written statement, he/she waives his/her right to appeal. Appeals will be arranged by the Assistant Director of Athletics and the student will be notified in writing of the time and place of the appeal hearing. The appeal will be heard by the College's Vice President of Student Services and an Ad Hoc committee, which may consist athletic administrators, college staff, administrators, faculty members, athletic department staff and members of the SAAC. The student-athlete may be assisted by an advisor of his/her choice during an appeal. On any appeal, the Director must first determine the validity of the grounds for appeal. If so determined, the committee may then proceed to hear the substance of the case, if deemed relevant. The committee may sustain the decision of the Athletic Department, SAAC, or conduct a new hearing. Following the hearing of an appeal, a written copy of the decision will be sent to the student-athlete from the Vice President of Student Services.
III. Student-Athlete Policies / Responsibilities
1. Equipment and Uniforms
UNIFORMS:
Head Coaches in conjunction with athletic department administrators are responsible for inspecting and distributing uniforms to the student-athletes. Uniforms WILL NOT be distributed to any athlete unless he is eligible and cleared to play. Each team will have a designed day before their first contest to receive uniforms and take individual head shots for the website. If a student-athlete is unable to attend that day, he/she must coordinate with the Assistant Athletic director to schedule an alternative day and time.
The coaching staff will maintain a uniform log detailing which uniforms are assigned to each player. All uniforms must be worn for athletic events for Raritan Valley and must not be altered (i.e. cut, torn, dyed or marked in anyway). All uniforms must be returned to the athletic department in the same condition minus normal wear and tear. A hold will be placed on all student-athlete accounts until the uniforms are returned or appropriate restitution has been made.
WARM-UP & TEAM GEAR:
May be purchased or fundraised for and must be approved by the athletic department for look such as logo, color, etc... ALL TEAM SPORTS must be uniformed in warming up for contest or have the jerseys/uniforms on. ONLY ONE LOGO MUST SHOW on the uniform and warmup apparel with the only exception being on shoes/cleats. Pre-approved apparel can be purchased from the team stores. Raritan Valley is implementing various online stores for pre-approved Lions apparel. The different teams? stores will be available shortly and sponsored through BSN Sports.
PHYSICALS
2. Practice, Tryouts and Orientations
Physicals are required before any participation in practice, tryouts, training or workouts with anyone on the coaching staff. Limited access to a team doctor for physicals will be provided by the college. The student-athlete may see their own doctor or a nurse practitioner to complete the physical form in on the athletic website.
ATHLETIC ORIENTATION:
The Athletic Orientation will be held during each teams opening week of practice. All student-athletes who plan on playing a sport during the academic year must be attendance. The orientation is used to inform all on the eligibility process, review necessary documents, and outline expectations of the athletes.
PRACTICE/TRYOUTS:
The first day any team may practice/tryout/play is determined by the NJCAA (ask the athletic department for exact dates). Contact your coach or the athletic department for exact tryout and practice dates, times and locations. All tryouts will be held before the start of the official season. Before any athlete takes the court, floor, or field, he/she must have a valid physical on file with the athletic department and be a current student at the college during the semester in which they are participating.
PRACTICE PLAYERS:
Practice players are permitted provided they have the necessary clearances and approvals from the department. Practice players have the ability to practice with the team, seek academic advising from the department, receive treatment for Raritan Valley related sports injuries and participate in all facets of the team (with the exception of game days). They must also have a valid physical, be a current student at the college during the semester in which they are participating and have copy of their health insurance card on file and be currently enrolled in classes at Raritan Valley. At any time or any reason, the practice player maybe released from this status by the coach, the athletic department or by his/herself. The practice player may not travel or receive any team benefits unless they have an assigned roll of Volunteer Manager.
SEASON (PRACTICE/GAMES) LENGTH:
Practice is anything that can improve the athlete in the sport (with a ball, video, sport specific activity, etc...) involves anyone in within the program (Coaches, volunteers, affiliates of the program, etc...) and must be held on campus (or an official training facility, designated by the athletic department). Student-athletes must have a valid physical on file and be registered/taking classes at Raritan Valley in the current term. Offseason practice (training outside the official season during the academic year) must be voluntary and free from RVCC staff involvement. An open gym organized and run by the college where anyone can participate is not considered an offseason activity or practice, coach(es) may be present but not have athletic contact with students. No official athletic activity shall take place from May 15th -August 1st.
3. Field, Court, Gymnasium Usage
The college has multiple facilities which includes a soccer field, baseball field, softball field, and one (1) gymnasium. Each team during their season has priority use of their field/court with a minor exception of classes during the day. With overlapping and multiple sports in a season, the gymnasium will be on seasonal schedule. The priority will be with in season sports, whether they play inside or outside, in case of bad weather and they need to move indoors. There will be a practice schedule posted outside the athletic training room. Times when the priority of teams begin in order are as follows:
Soccer & Volleyball: August 1st until October 15th OR last regular season game
Basketball (M/W): October 15th or end or fall sports regular season (then priority over all fall sports). Baseball, Softball: end of the basketball season
4. Weather
In case of poor weather for practices, the gymnasium maybe used for practice. The Athletic Department will do its best to reschedule at a convenient time for our coaches and players. The coaches will notify athletes of the cancelation of contests and practices.
5. Athletic Trainer and Injuries
ATHLETIC TRAINER:
An Athletic Trainer will be present at all contests 1 hour prior to the event. If a trainer is not available for practice, there are medical kits in each field/court sheds (by soccer & baseball/softball.
INJURIES:
In the event of an injury, an injury report will be filed and given to the athletic department. If there is a serious injury and no athletic trainer is available, coaches will call security (908) 231-8800 and then 9-1-1 if necessary. If a student-athlete sees the trainer or a medical doctor, he/she must be cleared before returning to participate. If a student-athlete misses rehab, this may cause the athlete not to be cleared to play.
TRAINING HOURS:
The hours of the athletic training office will be communicated to all athletes and coaches. The athletic trainer will have the authority to withhold a student-athlete from a game or practices until he/she feels that the player is able to compete. If treatment is necessary, the student-athlete must follow procedures.
HOSPITAL PRECEDURES:
If a student-athlete sees a doctor or goes to the hospital, he/she must receive a note allowing them to participate from the doctor before returning to practice or play in a game. Any medical bills not covered by your insurance company has the possibility to be recovered by filing a claim from the department.
6. Travel
TRANSPORTATION RULES:
Raritan Valley Athletics utilizes vehicles driven by coaches or a designated driver for transpiration to and from games. Only official coaches, staff/personnel (volunteer managers & a statistician), designated drivers and players on the ACTIVE ROSTER are allowed to travel with the team. It is common practice for the team to meet in the gym lobby or parking lot 7 next to the baseball field in order to be picked up by the coaches in college vehicles.
MEALS FOR TRAVEL
Student-athletes will receive either a meal or per diem for any road contest. On weekends or extended trips, the coach will distribute the ?meal money? to all team personnel. If someone does not travel with the team (both to and from the event), he/she does not receive a meal/money. For weekday contests where the cafeteria is open, the travel party will be able to eat a charge a meal to the team account in the cafeteria, located on the 2nd floor of the college center.
TRAVEL RELEASE:
All student-athletes are required to travel from Raritan Valley to the event, then return to Raritan Valley after in a school designed vehicle. If a student-athlete wishes to provide their own transportation he/she must be granted permission by the Athletic Director, at least 24 hours prior to the event. The player will need to provide a signed ?Travel Release Form? to the coach prior to departure before the contest. Whomever does not travel to the event and back with the team, WILL NOT be eligible to receive meals or meal money.
TRAVEL LIMITS:
There are restrictions on the amount of people that may travel with the team to events. If a team have more personnel and players that can be accommodated, the head coach must choose whom will travel with the team. The limit of coaches, staff/personnel and student-athletes on the active roster that may travel are as follows.
Basketball: 18 Baseball: 28 Soccer: 26
Softball: 18 Golf: 7 Volleyball: 15
All limits are subject to change
MEDICIAL KIT:
Each team/coach will be supplied a medical kit. All teams that travel must bring the medical kit with them. The medical kit is fully stocked with supplies. If supplies run low, notify the athletic trainer and it will be restocked.
7. Game Day
UNIFORMS:
All Teams must travel appropriately following the dress code. All team members must have on the official team uniform or wear approved apparel during pre-game, sidelines and travel to/from contests.
WEATHER:
Weather for games and practices will be monitored by the athletic department and the athletic training staff. A cancellation or modification of the normal schedule may be required due to playability of the field conditions or for other safety concerns. Coaches will communicate changes to student-athletes as soon as possible. All contest changes will be communicated on the RVCC athletics website and through each team?s social media channels.
BENCH PERSONNEL:
Only authorized people (by the athletic department) are allowed on the bench (area) during the events. This includes the head coach, assistant coach, official members of the staff (managers and a statistician). A college appointed athletic trainer and a department representative are also authorized to be in the area. No friends, parents, redshirts, ineligible players, etc...
8. Fundraising
The Athletic Department will take part in fundraising activities to support the operational budget of the team. Revenue from fundraising will go towards apparel, team benefits, lodging, mealas, travel, and other team activities. Fundraising DOES NOT guaranty any playing time or a roster spot.
9. Fitness Center
RARITAN VALLEY STRENGTH & CONDITIONING FOR VARSITY ATHLETES
The focus of a successful Strength & Conditioning Program lies in injury prevention and sports enhancement. RVCC Strength & Conditioning is the responsibility of the sports coaching staff. Our strength and conditioning goal is to physically develop an athlete or athletic team to their maximum potential. Our strength-training program targets all muscle groups in every direction possible. We aim to maximize the shortest time possible to elicit the greatest gains, leaving the athlete sufficient time to rest, recover and practice sports specific skills. We strive to enable athletes to perform their sports specific skills with increased capacity for power, strength, speed, endurance and most importantly, with less incidence of injury. Use of the facility is a privilege, not a right.
PROGRAMS:
IN-SEASON:
Coaches may coordinate and run training sessions.
OFFSEASON:
Must be voluntary Coaches cannot ask about status of student-athletes outside of their defined playing season.
10. Community Service
Raritan Valley Athletics encourages its teams to do at least one community service project during the season. Teams can come up with their own or ask the department for ideas.
11. Exit Meetings
The student-athletes will have the option of filling out an online survey about the season as a whole. A link will be sent after the season has ended.
12. Student-Athlete Advisory Council
Each team will select a representative to be a part of the Student-Athlete Advisory Council whose purpose is to discuss the on goings and concerns for the programs and student-athletes in general at Raritan Valley. The Council will meet at least once a month during the fall and spring semesters. Coaches will help select volunteers from their team or the captain will serve as the representative.
13. Pictures
Individual student-athlete head shots will be done on a date prior to the start of the season. In game action shots and team pictures will be taken throughout the course of the season. action shoots will be select home games and posted on the RVCC athletic website.
14. Alcohol, Tobacco, Illegal Substances
The use of alcohol, drugs, tobacco, or tobacco products is prohibited while participating for RVCC athletics. This rule is in place for the entirety of the athletic season. This prohibition includes, practices, games, away trips, and any other time an individual is representing Raritan Valley athletics.
15. Hazing
The RVCC athletic department has a zero-tolerance policy against hazing and initiations. We define hazing as:
? Any activity or action that creates a risk to the health and safety of another person.
? Any activity designed to humiliate, degrade or abuse individuals who are joining or continuing with a team. Hazing or initiations are simply not allowed (regardless of an individual?s willingness to participate).
Examples of prohibited behavior include, but are not limited to:
? Forced or pressured consumption of alcohol or drugs, ingestion of any substance (food, water, etc.), shaving, haircut, painting, piercing etc. any part of one?s body, compelled physical exercise or paddling, whipping, beating or physical abuse of any kind.
? Any type of mental, emotional or physical abuse.
? Compulsory servitude.
? Verbal or cruel harassment including yelling, screaming etc.
? Any activity that interferes with one?s ability to study or complete assignments.
? Forcing or compelling the wearing of apparel designed to embarrass those who are wearing it.
Any report of suspected hazing or initiation reported to the Athletics office will be investigated as a Code of Conduct violation. The consequence for such action will carry the strictest penalty possible, as the department and institution have zero tolerance for said behavior. It is possible that these acts may potentially be reported to law enforcement as a standard practice.
16. Social Media
You are representing Raritan Valley Community College and the Raritan Valley Athletics program. Be aware of how you represent yourself in public or online (Facebook, twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, etc...) because it is also a reflection on the college and the athletic programs. Inappropriate comments or bullying will not be tolerated.
17. Insurance
Every student-athlete is required to have health insurance before being added to the roster. On the Raritan Valley Athletics website, under athlete resources, there is information on health insurance. The Raritan Valley main site also has information.
18. Problems
Any problems, please come to the Athletics office on the second floor of the Phys Ed building for immediate assistance. You may also schedule a meeting to speak with the Director of Athletics, Joe Pavlow in private.
IV. Academics / Eligibility
There are a number of items that are required before a student-athlete is eligible to participate at RVCC. Students must maintain medically, academically and remain in good standing throughout their time at RVCC. Some often overlooked items include, a transcript with the student?s high school graduation date on it, a copy of their insurance card, compliance paperwork, and valid physical within the last twelve (12) months.
A. Academically, the student must be full-time at Raritan Valley. The eligibility chart below shows the basic eligibility requirements for maintaining eligibility. A student-athlete is only allowed two seasons of participation at the NJCAA level.
Number of Previous FT Terms Accumulated Credits Required Overall GPA Required Notes
0 0 NA Must meet all enrollment eligibility requirements
1 6 2.00
2 24 2.00
3 33 2.00
4 48 2.00
5 57 2.00
6 57 2.00 Must earn 12 credits with 2.00 GPA during previous FT Term
1. Any questions regarding eligibility should be brought to the Eligibility Coordinator in the Athletic Department
B. A student-athlete is not able to play unless he/she has signed the eligibility forms and been cleared by the athletic department staff. Additionally, the student needs to register themselves on the NJCAA website through the ?QR Code? provided by the athletic department.
C. Student?s must complete an online biographical information form before they are able to participate.
D. Impact baseline concussion screening may be required for participation.