Alcohol, Tobacco and Drug Use

The UW-W is concerned about the damaging effects of alcohol and other drugs on the physical, mental, social, emotional, and intellectual well-being of our student-athletes. The use, misuse, and abuse of alcohol and other drugs are recognized by the UW-W Athletic Department to be a major deterrent to performance, health, and wellness in general. The following policies and procedures are intended to promote responsible decision-making and general awareness within the UW-W Athletic Department including student-athletes, coaching staff, administrators, and support staff. All regulations supported by the Athletic Department are in accordance with University, local, state, and federal laws and policies.

Participation in UW-W athletics is a privilege with responsibilities. The following defines the standards and expectations for conduct, specific to the student-athlete, related to the use of alcohol and other drugs.

Alcohol Policy

The UW-W does not condone the use of alcohol and seeks to promote an environment in which choosing not to drink is preferred and socially acceptable. We firmly believe that the use of alcohol can be detrimental to the physical and mental well being of its student-athletes. The use of these substances can seriously interfere with the performance of individuals as students and as athletes and can be dangerous to the student-athlete and his/her teammates. The following rules and regulations apply:

General Local, State, and Federal Governing Alcohol Regulations:

1. It is unlawful for any person under the age of 21 to purchase, consume, possess, distribute or sell alcohol in the State of Wisconsin.

2. It is unlawful to sell alcohol without a license to do so.

3. It is unlawful to alter or possess a formed or altered identification document (including driver's license, state identification cards, and university identification cards).

4. It is illegal to give or sell alcohol to a person who is already intoxicated.

University of Wisconsin System and UW-W Regulations:

The University of Wisconsin System and UW-W prohibit unlawful possession, use, distribution, manufacture or dispensing of illicit drugs or alcohol by students and employees on university property or as part of university activities.

The use or possession of alcoholic beverages is prohibited on university premises except in faculty or staff housing and as expressly permitted by the Chancellor or under institution regulations, in accordance with UWS 18.06(13)(b), Wis. Adm. Code. Alcohol regulations in University Residence Halls by residents who are of legal drinking age and their guests who are also of legal drinking age have been developed according to state laws and UW System Board of Regents guidelines and are described in the UW-W Student Handbook which is available in the Office of Residence Life.

UW-W Athletic Department Regulations:

A Student-athlete who violates any of the general local, state, and federal laws governing alcohol regulations or the University of Wisconsin System and UW-W regulations would be subject to the penalties outlined in this policy.

No alcoholic beverages will be permitted on UW-W property or at any Athletic Department sponsored event. Exemptions are granted at the discretion of the Chancellor and in accordance with state regulations.

No student-athlete or student-manager, while actively participating in a UW-W Athletic Department sponsored activity (i.e. team meals, team practice, away trips, or hosting student recruits, etc.), will be permitted to purchase, consume, possess, distribute, sell or be under the influence of alcohol.  Road trips are defined as a period of time starting with departure from campus to time of return or as released by the head coach.

Student-athletes serving as hosts for prospective student-athletes are not to take the prospect into any environment where alcohol is distributed in an uncontrolled manner.  Consumption or possession of an alcoholic beverage in the presence of a prospective student-athlete during a campus visit is prohibited.

During any sports season in which any student-athlete is participating, the use of alcohol is not permitted within forty-eight (48) hours prior to an official contest, game or scrimmage.

It is the responsibility of the student-athlete and/or head coach to report an alcohol offense to the Athletic Director or Conduct Officer.

Penalties:

Student-athletes who violate the above rules and regulations regarding alcohol will face the sanctions prescribed below. Offenses will accumulate throughout a student-athlete's period of intercollegiate eligibility at UW-W. Failure to fulfill sanctions may result in suspension from the team’s regular season contests.

First Offense:

1. Student-athlete will have a conference with Head Coach.

2. Student-athlete will be required to attend “Party Smart”, a one-hour interactive workshop with the AODA Counselor within 30 days.

3. Student-athlete will be required to apologize to his/her team.

4. Student-athlete will perform five (5) hours of departmental service.

5. Student-athlete will be placed on probation for 90 days.  If student-athlete violates the alcohol policy during this probationary time, the punishment will be treated as a third offense, and the individual will be placed on 180 days of probation and required to fulfill ten (10) hours of departmental service.

Second Offense:

1. Student-athlete will have a conference with Head Coach and Athletic Director.

2. Student-athlete will be required to attend “Drinking Decisions” provided by the AODA Counselor within 30 days.  This is a two-hour session.

3. Student-athlete will be required to apologize to his/her team.

4. Student-athlete will perform ten (10) hours of departmental service.

5. Student-athlete will be suspended for 20% of team's regular season contests, which may include post season-contest dates, and can carry over to the next season. If the student-athlete is a multi-sport participant the suspension will continue into the next sport. A student-athlete may not sign up for a sport for which they have not previously participated in order to fulfill their suspension. Contests will be defined by the NCAA for each individual sport. Attendance and participation at practice during the suspension period will be required.

6. Student-athlete will be placed on probation for 180 days.  If student-athlete violates the alcohol policy during this probationary time, the punishment will be treated as a third offense except the individual will be suspended for 75% of the team’s regular season contests, which may include post-season contest dates, and can carry over to the next season. If the student-athlete is a multi-sport participant the suspension will continue into the next sport. A student-athlete may not sign up for a sport for which they have not previously participated in order to fulfill their suspension. Contests will be defined by the NCAA for each individual sport. Attendance and participation at practice during the suspension period will be required.

.

Third Offense:

1. Student-athlete will have a conference with Head Coach and Athletic Director.

2. Student-athlete will be required to complete an AODA assessment with the campus AODA Counselor.

3. Student-athlete will be suspended for 50% of team's regular season contests, which may include post-season contest dates, and can carry over to the next season. If the student-athlete is a multi-sport participant the suspension will continue into the next sport. A student-athlete may not sign up for a sport for which they have not previously participated in order to fulfill their suspension. Contests will be defined by the NCAA for each individual sport. Attendance and participation at practice during the suspension period will be required.

Fourth Offense:

1. Student-athlete will have a conference with Head Coach and Athletic Director.

2. Student-athlete will be required to attend an evaluation and to follow the recommendations of the certified alcohol and other drug counselor off-campus.

3. Student-athlete will be suspended from all further intercollegiate athletic participation at UW-W.

The preceding penalties present general guidelines for typical violations; however any single violation may result in more serious sanctions depending on the severity of that specific incident.  Coaches retain the ability to enforce additional penalties.

If concerns arise or symptoms indicate that a potential alcohol problem might exist, (use/abuse/dependence), the student-athlete may be referred to the campus Alcohol/Drug Counselor by the Athletic Director, staff member, or by a student-athlete self-referral without penalty if in advance of a reported offense. 

The “Fresh Start” program allows student-athletes to self report and receive treatment for alcohol and/or drug problems.  The student-athlete must comply with the treatment plan; otherwise the student-athlete will be placed in the penalty phase, based on initial screening.

The Appeal Process

UW-W student-athletes who violate the UW-W Alcohol Policy will receive a letter of notification from the university’s athletic administration. The letter of notification will include the appeal process. Student-athletes have the right to appeal the sanction if it is believed that:

1. A substantial error in due process was made and the student-athlete did not receive adequate notice of the sanction or standard procedure was not followed.
2. The sanction is not appropriate for the act.
3. There is new evidence of a substantive nature that came to light after the original sanction.
4. The Athletic Department was biased.
5. The student-athlete did not violate any rules or regulations.

The student-athlete must follow all appeal guidelines by initiating a written (letter or e-mail) appeal to the UW-W Director of Athletics. The student-athlete will need to justify the appeal based on the criteria listed above.

An appeal hearing will be determined by the Director of Athletics. The purpose of the appeal hearing is to review the student-athlete’s case and provide the student-athlete with an opportunity to present a favorable argument on their behalf. Student-athletes may choose to have a coach or parent/guardian with them to provide support; however, it is the student-athlete’s responsibility to communicate his/her concerns relative to this appeal.

Appeals of UW-W Alcohol Policy sanctions are heard by a panel of university staff members and student-athletes. Panel members may decide to uphold the original sanction, change the original decision to a less severe sanction, or overturn the original decision and not issue a sanction. Appeal panel decisions are final. The Appeal Panel chair will notify the student-athlete of the panel's decision.

Appeal Panel members include:

Director of Athletics, Senior Woman Administrator, Men’s Faculty Athletic Representative, Women’s Faculty Athletic Representative, President and Vice President of Student Athlete Advisory Committee, and Alcohol and Other Drug Coordinator.

Tobacco Policy

The use of tobacco is prohibited in connection with any intercollegiate athletic function. A function is defined as any activity that is held as a team whether it be meetings, practices, games or informal workouts on and off the grounds of UW-W (NCAA bylaws 11.1.7 and 17.1.12). This also includes related activities in the training rooms, locker rooms, and weight-training facilities.

Drug Policy

The Athletic Department strongly believes that the illicit use of drugs (excluding those drugs prescribed by a physician to treat a specific medical condition) can be detrimental to the physical and mental health well-being of its student-athletes, no matter when such use would occur during the year. In addition to being against the law, the use of drugs can seriously interfere with the performance of individuals as student-athletes and be injurious to student-athletes and their teammates, particularly when participating in athletic competition or practice.

Membership and participation on an athletic team at the UW-W is a privilege. The UW-W prohibits the use of drugs or substances listed as the NCAA's list of banned substances by any student-athlete who participates. The UW-W is committed to developing and maintaining an environment that encourages and fosters drug-free competition.

At the beginning of each athletic year, a student-athlete must sign the NCAA and UW-W drug-testing consent form. This form allows the NCAA and UW-W to test student-athletes for banned substances. The following rules and regulations apply to you:

1. Drug Screening Procedure:

   The drug screening program applies to all student-athletes, in-season and out-of-season. Participants may be screened for any and/or all of the NCAA banned substances based on reasonable suspicions obtained by a university representative(s). Reasonable suspicion is defined as suspicion based on specific, personal and/or direct observation that the university representative(s) can describe concerning any of the four areas that warrant further investigation: appearance, behavior, speech, or odor.

2. Contact Meeting:

   A student-athlete under reasonable suspicion for use of a banned substance will be notified by the Athletic Director or coach to report within 24 hours for a contact meeting. The meeting, to be conducted with the Athletic Director, Certified Athletic Trainer(s), and the Head Coach, will outline to the student-athlete the reasons he/she is considered to be under reasonable suspicion for the use of a banned substance and the penalties associated. The student-athlete will be provided with the opportunity to admit or deny the allegations. If a denial is made a student-athlete will then be informed of the screening protocol and ask to submit thereto.

3. Specimen Collection/Screening:

   Screening for banned substances will be conducted through the use of a urine specimen. There will be no intrusive testing through the use of blood samples. All tests will be evaluated at the NCAA threshold for each banned substance by Mercy Health Systems. After being shared with the student-athlete, all test results will remain confidential and secured by the Athletic Director. This information will be released only to those University staff and medical staff on a need to know basis (who include, but are not limited to, the Chancellor, Athletic Director, Team Medical Personnel, Certified Athletic Trainers, Head Coach(s), and the University Health and Counseling Center).

4. Penalties:

   If the student-athlete admits to using a banned substance during the contact meeting or initiates a self-referral:

   1. Immediate suspension for 30% of team’s regular season contests, which may include post season contest dates, and can carry over to the next season. If the student-athlete is a multi-sport participant, the suspension will continue into the next sport season. A student-athlete may not sign up for a sport for which they have not previously participated in order to fulfill their suspension. Attendance and participation at practice during the suspension period will be required and

   2. The student-athlete will be required to attend an AODA assessment by the UH&CS as a requirement to be reinstated and

   3. The student-athlete may be required to submit to future unannounced substance screenings for one (1) year from the contact meeting. If the student-athlete should test positive at anytime during that year, then immediate and permanent dismissal from any further participation in intercollegiate athletics will result.

      A self-referral is defined by a student-athlete’s action of a self-initiated referral to a Department of Intercollegiate Athletics representative (Athletic Director, Certified Athletic Trainer, or Team Physician and/or University Health and Counseling Services and/ or a private drug rehabilitation center).

   If the student-athlete denies the use of a banned substance and tests positive:

   1. The student-athlete will be suspended from all intercollegiate athletic programs for one (1) calendar year from the date of the contact meeting. Attendance and participation at practice during the suspension period will be required and

   2. The student-athlete will be required to attend an AODA assessment by the UH&CS as a requirement to be reinstated and

   3. The student-athlete must submit to a substance screening and test negative in order to be reinstated and

      The student-athlete may be required to submit to future unannounced substance screening for one (1) year from the reinstatement date. If the student-athlete should test positive at anytime during that year, then immediate and permanent dismissal from any further participation in intercollegiate athletics will result.

   If the student-athlete denies the use of a banned substance and tests negative, the allegations of reasonable suspicion will be dropped and no further action will be taken.

5. Refusal to submit to screening:

   Any student-athlete who refuses to submit to screening will be treated as having had a positive test result for the purpose of imposing disciplinary action pursuant to this policy (See penalty #2). The student-athlete’s record, however, will appropriately reflect the fact that the discipline was based on his/her refusal to submit to screening rather than as a consequence of a positive test result.

6. Multiple Infractions:

   1. Any student-athlete with two admissions to substance use/abuse will be immediately and permanently dismissed from any further participation in intercollegiate athletics at UW-W.

   2. Any student-athlete with two positive substance screenings in their career will be immediately and permanently dismissed from any further participation in intercollegiate athletics at UW-W.

   3. Any student-athlete with any combination of a positive substance screening and an admission to substance use/abuse will be immediately and permanently dismissed from any further participation in intercollegiate athletics at UW-W.

   4. Two refusals to submit in a student-athlete’s career will result in immediate and permanent dismissal from any further participation in intercollegiate athletics at UW-W.

   5. Participation within the UW-W Athletic Department is defined as duties related to that of a student-athlete, student-manager, student-coach, student athletic trainer, student strength and conditioning assistant and student administrative assistant.

7. Payment for Drug Screening:

   UW-W will fund all initial substance screenings. Following the initial test, the student-athlete is required and responsible for payment of all additional screening as required by this policy. The screening facility will charge the Athletic Department for all screenings. The Department will then place these charges on the student-athlete’s campus billing account. Failure to pay for these substance screenings may result in an academic hold being placed on a student-athlete’s records as well as the loss of athletic eligibility until said bill is paid in full.

8. Appeals Board:

   A student-athlete may submit an appeal in writing to the Athletic Director. Thereafter an Appeals Board will be assembled. The Appeals Board will consist of the following: Athletic Director, Both Head Athletic Trainers, Senior Women’s Administrator, Two Head Coaches, Two members of the SAAC, One of the Faculty Athletic Representatives and the Chair of the Intercollegiate Athletic Committee or their designated representative. The decision of the Appeals Board is final.

Away Contests

While representing UW-W at away contests, you are expected to uphold the outstanding reputation of the Athletic Department. While traveling, you are very visible and are easily identifiable as a UW-W student-athlete. Remember to represent UW-W appropriately in all situations.

You are expected to travel to and from the event in transportation provided for by the Athletic Department. Under unique circumstances, the student-athlete will be allowed to return from an away contest via other means. In this situation, permission must be obtained in advance of the departure of the team and a University of Wisconsin System Athletic Travel Release Form must be completed. The Travel Release Form is available from your coach or on the website. There are no exceptions to this policy.

Missing Classes

Coaches will attempt to schedule practices and contests so they do not conflict with your class schedules. However, in cases where this in not an option, notifying instructors and arranging for make-up work is your responsibility. At the beginning of each season, you should inform your professors of possible schedule conflicts because of athletic participation. Each student-athlete missing a class for a contest must receive a written excuse from their coach to present to their instructors. You should meet with each of your instructors beforehand so that you are clear on any assignments that might be missed, and aware of any and all deadlines for making up missed exams and/or class assignments, presentations and projects. It remains at the discretion of your instructors as to how work is to be made up. For the most part, professors are willing to be flexible if you talk to them ahead of time.

In extremely unusual circumstances (usually due to the weather) particularly in the sports of baseball, softball, tennis, and golf a contest will be rescheduled with less than a weeks notice. It is incumbent on you to inform your professors immediately and arrange for the make-up of missed work prior to the contest.

If you are unable to contact the instructor in person, you must make every attempt to notify the instructor over the phone. If contact with instructors cannot be made directly, you should see that a note is placed in each instructor’s mailbox, explaining the nature of the situation and inquiring about the effect of the absence on your course work. If that is impossible, you should contact the Dean of the academic department involved. Failure to follow these procedures could result in disciplinary action.

Eligibility

The men's and women's programs are affiliated nationally with the NCAA and locally with the WIAC. The university also holds membership in the National Collegiate Gymnastics Association (NCGA). As such, all candidates for men's and women's sports much adhere to the rules of the NCAA, NCGA and WIAC. When rules are in conflict, the most stringent guidelines must be followed.

These guidelines are intended to assist you with your athletic eligibility while at UW-W. You are ultimately responsible for your eligibility status. Any questions or concerns should be directed to either your Head Coach or the Athletic Director.

Insurance

All student-athletes participating in intercollegiate athletics at UW-W are required to carry medical accident insurance, which provided coverage for injuries incurred while participating in intercollegiate athletics. You must provide the Athletic Training staff with a completed insurance form with all necessary information. It is your responsibility to notify the athletic training staff of any changes in personal insurance plans. The UW-W and the Athletic Department are not financially responsible for any medical bills incurred as a result of your participation in intercollegiate athletics. Your health insurance information FORM must be on file with the certified athletic trainers prior to any participation.

Additional Pre-Participation Requirements

You must fill out a medical history form each year to participate.

You must have a complete physical examination form on file with the certified athletic trainers to participate. Physicals are the responsibility of the student-athlete.

You must complete a Sports Medicine Athletic Information Consent and Release form to participate.

You must read and sign all UW-W, NCAA and WIAC eligibility forms to participate: Student-Athlete Statement and WIAC Hold Harmless Agreement; UW-W Drug Screening Consent form ; and Summary of NCAA Regulations.

You must purchase a Williams Center weight room membership to participate. Absolutely no refunds will be given.

If you are a transfer student you must fill out the Transfer Player Eligibility Statement and Transfer History Record forms.

** As with all consent forms, if you are a minor (under 18 years of age) the form must be accompanied by a legal guardian’s signature.

Honors and Recognition of Student-Athletes

UW-W is proud of your accomplishments as a student-athlete. UW-W and the WIAC generally recognize the achievements of student-athletes in the following ways:

UW-W Letter Awards

It is solely the head coach’s determination as to who letters in a particular sport:

First year: Framed certificate

Second year: Picture plaque

Third year: Letter plaque

Fourth year: Accomplishment picture plaque

WIAC Max Sparger and Judy Kruckman Outstanding Scholar-Athlete Awards

Each year the WIAC awards the Max Sparger and Judy Kruckman outstanding scholar-athlete awards to one player in each male and female sport for excelling both in the classroom and in athletics. Nominations for these awards are submitted by your coach to the league office. The league office determines the award recipient.

UW-W Student-Athlete Academic Achievement Award

Each year the National “W-Club” presents the Student-Academic Achievement Award to give encouragement to and recognition of superior academic performances to varsity student-athletes engaged in intercollegiate athletics. Designation for award status is to be determined on the basis of grade point average attained during an academic year. Any varsity student-athlete who attains a grade point average of 3.25 (based on a 4.0 scale) or higher for the two semesters comprising the normal academic year shall be designated for the award, provided the student-athlete completed a minimum 24 semester hours during the year. Exception is granted for those student-athletes who will be graduating in the fall semester. A complete list of honorees will be displayed on a plaque in the Williams Center.

UW-W Chancellor Scholar-Athlete Award

The criteria for the Chancellor's Scholar-Athlete Award is as follows (each coach is responsible for nominating their athletes):

a. A athlete must have completed three years of participation in a particular sport,

b. The athlete must be a senior and in his/her last year of eligibility in a particular sport,

c. The athlete must have a 3.25 cumulative GPA after the Fall semester, and

d. The athlete must have attained senior standing according to credits, 90 plus degree credits, as determined by UW-W.

UW-W Academic/Athletic All-Americans

UW-W student-athletes named as a first or second team Academic/Athletic All-American are typically honored at half-time of a basketball game and his/her respective picture is mounted on the North Wall of the Williams Center or their venue of participation.

UW-W Athletic Hall of Fame

UW-W has a prestigious Athletic Hall of Fame which recognizes outstanding student-athletes. A student-athlete is nominated by their coach and their eligibility is reviewed by the Hall of Fame Board of Directors fifteen years after graduation.

Marty van Steenderen Sportswoman of the Year

The Marty van Steenderen Sportswoman of the Year is selected by the members of her team using the following criteria: concern for others, capability, performance, adaptability, personality and teamsmanship. The balloting will remain secret and the announcement of the winner will be made at the team’s awards dinner. The individual selected is awarded a plaque and her name is also inscribed on a plaque, which is on display in the Williams Center.

Other Awards

The WIAC recognizes, by certificate or plaque, those student-athletes who qualify as All-Conference.

A variety of individual awards are given in their respective sports at the discretion of each coach.