Student Athlete Code of Ethics & Participation Agreement

Student Athlete Code of Ethics:

Paul Smith’s College is committed to providing an exceptional educational experience for students who participate in intercollegiate athletics. As visible members of the Paul Smith’s College community, our students, coaches, and staff share the responsibility of meeting a standard of behavior that supports the mission of the college. We are committed to good sportsmanship, inclusivity, academic integrity, and civility. Paul Smith’s College student-athletes have a responsibility to be students first, with the primary goal of earning a degree. Student-athletes must always be mindful that they represent Paul Smith’s College and its athletic department, as well as their individual teams. They are expected to demonstrate behavior exemplifying the highest standards of honor and dignity that characterize Paul Smith’s College Athletics.

It is a privilege to represent PSC Athletics. The Athletic Department will not tolerate the following behavior:

• Violations of the Student Code of Conduct set forth in the College Community Guide
• Academic dishonesty
• Hazing, fighting, stealing, cheating, lying, and physical or verbal abuse
• Discrimination of any kind
• Any other act punishable by law

All student athletes are expected to display the utmost respect to game officials, coaches, and their opponents. Sportsmanship is an essential ingredient to the success of Paul Smith’s College Athletics. Specifically, student athletes are expected to:

• Participate in each competition with intensity and clean competitiveness
• Be professional and courteous when addressing game officials and members of the opposing team
• Be positive towards and supportive of your fellow teammates and other PSC athletic teams

Expectations of Student-Athletes:

All students must adhere with the policies and procedures as set out in the College Community Guide, as well as federal, state, and local laws. Any student found in violation of the Student Code of Conduct will be subject to disciplinary action through the Office of Community Standards. Due to the high visibility of all athletic programs, student-athletes are expected to meet higher standards of personal conduct. Compliance with athletic department, team, and college policies are required.  Student athletes found in violation of these standards will face additional disciplinary actions related to their athletic eligibility as determined by the head coach, Athletic Director, Assistant Athletic Director, and VP of Student Affairs.

Student Athlete Eligibility guidelines:

• Maintain full-time undergraduate (12 credits) or graduate (9 credits) status every semester
• Achieve good academic standing in accordance with the academic standards set forth in the college catalog and by the USCAA.
• Meet all academic responsibilities including attending class regularly, turning in assignments, interacting appropriately with faculty, meeting with college and faculty advisors and making a commitment to academic integrity.
• Maintain a clean student conduct record, which includes timely compliance with any and all judicial sanctions applied by the Office of Community Standards.

Disciplinary Action for Student-Athletes:

A student athlete who violates the Student Code of Conduct, or any of the expectations outlined in the Student Athlete Code of Ethics may face the following disciplinary action:

• One violation = sit out for one game
• Failure to comply with judicial sanctions = suspension from practice and competition until sanctions are addressed
• Repeated violations or one or more serious violation = long-term suspension from team and required meeting with Athletic Director.