Student-Athlete Conduct

The National Collegiate Athletic Association
Student-athletes are subject to NCAA rules and regulations governing unsportsmanlike behavior, substance abuse, gambling, bribery and the acceptance of non-permissible awards, benefits and expenses, as well as other forms of misconduct. All such rules and regulations are found in the NCAA Manual.

The University of Massachusetts
Student-athletes are subject to the provisions of the handbook of Undergraduate Rights and Responsibilities. As University students, the policies in this book apply to student-athletes in the same manner as any student at UMass. Disciplinary action in the event of allegations of academic dishonesty, dorm infractions, illegal activity or any other form of inappropriate behavior on campus will be treated under the University guidelines for such violations of institutional policy. Athletic Department actions may be applied in addition to the University's policies if such action is warranted. Department actions may include, but are not limited to:

• Official reprimand;
• Suspension from practice and/or competition;
• Suspension for a semester;
• Forfeit of scholarship.

     Department punitive action is per the review of the head coach and the supervising Associate Athletic Director, and with the final authority of the Athletic Director.

Sportsmanlike Conduct
Sportsmanlike conduct is an essential element of the University's image during competition between intercollegiate athletic teams. As highly visible representatives of the University, student-athletes, like the coaching staffs, are expected to portray the mission and values of the institution. Unsportsmanlike conduct will never be tolerated at UMass in any form. The specific rules and regulations governing sportsmanlike conduct are documented in both the NCAA and affiliated conferences' rule books. Coaches are to provide student-athletes with the instruction on appropriate conduct and to make all the participants in the program aware of the rules regarding unsportsmanlike conduct.