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Student-Athlete Social Responsibility Policy

Participation in Trinity College’s athletic programs is a privilege and not a right. The Trinity College Athletic Department, comprised of coaches, athletic trainers, and administrators, expects students participating in our athletic programs to adhere to high standards of honor and good citizenship and to conduct themselves in a responsible manner that brings credit to themselves and to Trinity College. Toward that end, students participating in Trinity’s athletic programs are required to adhere to this student-athlete social responsibility policy.

The student-athlete social responsibility policy is a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the Student Integrity Contract and all policies, requirements, and directives contained in the Student Handbook. All students are required to comply with the Student Handbook, and students participating in the College’s athletic programs are additionally expected to comply with this student-athlete social responsibility policy. In the event of conflicting provisions, the Student Handbook shall prevail. In addition, all Trinity College students are required to comply with all federal, state, and local laws. Any penalties or sanctions called for or imposed under this student athletic social responsibility policy are in addition to, and not a substitute for, any penalty, sanction, or disciplinary action imposed by the Trinity College administration.

The student-athlete social responsibility policy is not written with the specificity of a criminal statute, nor is it intended to cover every instance of potentially prohibited conduct.

Statement Regarding Abuse of Drugs and Alcohol

This student-athlete social responsibility policy was created, in part, to address concerns regarding the use of alcohol and/or illegal drugs by student-athletes. The Trinity College Athletic Department recognizes that problems with alcohol and other illegal drugs are not confined to student-athletes, but they are of special concern because of the high visibility and additional social pressures that athletes often face as representatives of our institution.

We believe that the use of non-therapeutic drugs and tobacco and the abuse of alcohol are detrimental to the mental and physical well-being of student-athletes, and, in many instances, illegal. Since the use of drugs and the abuse of alcohol can impair academic and athletic performance, such use is inconsistent with our goal of maximizing the full potential of each student-athlete. Again, we expect all students participating in our athletic program to behave responsibly at all times, to pursue the mission of the College and Athletic Department, and to adhere to the rules and regulations set forth by each. One of the central purposes of the student athlete social responsibility policy is to address issues facing our student-athletes through prevention and education programs.

It is our hope that adherence to this policy and participation in this program will result in an environment in which non-therapeutic drugs are never used, where alcohol is not consumed by under-age student-athletes, and where student-athletes of legal drinking age either do not consume alcohol or do so only in moderation.

In this regard, our goals include:

  • educating our coaches and athletes about the problems and dangers associated with the use of alcohol and drugs;
  • discouraging and prohibiting illicit drug use by all students participating in our athletic programs;
  • providing access to education, counseling, and referral services to those student-athletes identified as potentially having drug or alcohol abuse problems;
  • encouraging an atmosphere of self-respect in which anti-social behavior, whether resulting from alcohol consumption/drug use or not , is unacceptable; and
  • promoting informed, intelligent decision-making on the part of our student-athletes with regard to the use of alcohol and other drugs.

Any student participating in our athletic program who believes that he or she has an alcohol or drug-related problem, or who believes that a friend or teammate may have such a problem, is encouraged to discuss the problem with any department staff member. A coach or athletic trainer who reasonably believes that a student athlete may have an alcohol- or drug-related problem is expected to address the perceived problem with the student-athlete and is also required to bring such information to the attention of the athletic director.

A student perceived as having an alcohol or drug problem may be referred for evaluation or counseling to the Office of Student and Community Life or Counseling Center. A student may independently and confidentially seek the advice of the Health Center, the Counseling Center, or the chaplain. The Trinity College Athletic Department wants student-athletes to seek help before alcohol abuse, drug use, or any health issue becomes a problem requiring disciplinary or other corrective action.

Policy

Students participating in our athletic program represent Trinity College at all times and are expected to observe the rules, spirit, and customs of their sport. Head coaches are expected to control their teams and, to the best of their ability, to ensure compliance with these rules and regulations. Head coaches are empowered to establish and enforce additional rules and sanctions that govern their particular sport, in and out of season, with regard to conduct, training, discipline, and competition, as long as such additional rules and regulations do not contradict or undermine these rules and regulations or the rules, regulations, and policies of Trinity College.

The following policies apply during the time that the athlete is a matriculated student and during the academic year, including the entire time during which a team may be practicing, competing, or traveling during a recognized College break. This includes out-of-season athletes who are listed on a sport roster, and in-season athletes who are practicing and competing in College athletics
programs, and while otherwise representing the College’s athletic program (including while at or traveling to and from off-campus contests). Nothing in this policy prohibits the Athletic Department or a head coach from imposing sanctions against a student-athlete for conduct occurring during the winter, spring, or summer break periods.

Student athletes who compete in NCAA athletic competitions are subject to the drug rules and testing of the NCAA. Student athletes detected using illegal substances by the NCAA are subject to the sanctions imposed under those rules and any regulations and sanctions imposed by Trinity College.

NESCAC Presidents’ Statement on Abusive Drinking and Hazing

In addition to being partners in athletic competition, the 11 colleges and universities comprising the New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) are united in efforts to provide safe environments in which students may mature intellectually and socially.

Recognizing that social life plays a role in the college experience, each campus has increased its efforts to encourage students to make responsible choices. Each school takes a strong stand against substance abuse, including alcohol abuse. While the vast majority of students at NESCAC institutions who choose to drink alcohol do so responsibly, each school has disciplinary and educational programs in place for students who misuse alcohol and other substances.

Additionally, all of the conference schools expressly prohibit hazing. NESCAC member institutions are Amherst College, Bates College, Bowdoin College, Colby College, Connecticut College, Hamilton College, Middlebury College, Trinity College, Tufts University, Wesleyan University, and Williams College.

Rules and Regulations

  • No alcohol or illegal drugs are allowed at any team function, including competitions and practices.
  • No alcohol or illegal drugs are allowed on any van, bus, or other means of team transportation.
  • No alcohol or illegal drugs are allowed at any team banquet or break-up party, on or off campus.
  • No alcohol or illegal drugs are allowed on team trips, whether classes are in session or out of session.
  • No team or individual hazing or initiation activities are permitted. Please see: Hazing [[LINK]]
  • No violation of NCAA regulations, including, but not limit to, regulations concerning drugs, illegal substances, gambling, and tobacco is permitted.
  • No lewd, indecent, abusive, or obscene behavior is permitted on campus or at any athletic contest or team function, including, but not limited to, practices, team meetings, and travel.

Sanctions

Sanctions for violations of this student-athlete social responsibility policy are above and beyond any penalties of sanctions imposed by the administration of Trinity College.

Notice

All student athletes are expected to familiarize themselves, on a yearly basis, with all school, conference, and departmental rules and regulations including, but not limited to, all rules and regulations regarding alcohol and drugs. Consequently, all student-athletes are expected to have read and understood this student-athlete social responsibility policy. Ignorance of the provisions of the student-athlete social responsibility policy is not a defense to any charges of violations of these rules and regulations.

At the beginning of each school year, all coaches are expected to familiarize themselves with all school, conference, and departmental policies and procedures. Any questions regarding any such policies should be directed to the Director of Athletics.