Risk Management

There is a tendency for athletics departments to place stringent restrictions on the use of social media by student-athletes.  On one hand, social media use should not be used to violate athletics department or institutional policies on such standard subjects as sexual harassment, bullying, respectful conduct,  or conformance with NCAA or governance association rules.  On the other hand, every student-athlete and staff member has a right to free speech.  Thus, the athletics department should consider utilizing educational efforts as its primary mechanism to encourage res

STUDENT-ATHLETE NAME____________________________________SPORT______________________

I understand that a fulfilling educational sport experience requires the exercise of responsibilities on the part of both personnel associated with the athletics program and student-athletes.  As a student-athlete, I understand my responsibility to commit to the principles of self-discipline, collaborative effort and team building, and to be an ambassador for the institution.

Academic Standards

A:   Both.  Daily administrative oversight (ensuring practice and competition coverage, hiring and evaluation of training staff - usually in consultation with the team physician, maintenance of a clean and well operated facility, overseeing ordering of equipments and supplies, etc.) of athletics training operations is the responsibility of the athletics director or his/her designee.  However, medical oversight (specification of treatment, administration of prescription or OTC drugs, decisions on return to competition or competition restrictions, etc.) of the program must

A: Athletics department employees, dependent on their job responsibilities, should be required to take certification courses in emergency medical training.  The Head Athletics trainer should consult with Team Physician and the Athletics Director to annually determine which athletics department employees shall be required to undertake certification training (e.g., basic first aid, cardio-pulmonary resuscitation, etc.).  The Head Athletics Trainer should (1) arrange for such training to be provided at no cost to employees, (2) maintain certification records, and (3) advise all emplo

A:  The Head Athletics Trainer, in close communication with the Team Physician, is responsible for ensuring collaboration and coordination of student-athlete treatment with specialty physicians, rehabilitation specialists, allied health professionals and other resources and agencies to produce the highest levels of student-athlete health care.

The following articles was excerpted from:  Lopiano, D.A. and Zotos, C. (Publication 2013) The Athletics Director’s Handbook: A Comprehensive Practical Guide to the Management of Scholastic and Intercollegiate Athletics Programs. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.

The following article is excerpted from:  Lopiano, D.A. and Zotos, C. (Publication 2013) The Athletics Director’s Handbook: A Comprehensive Practical Guide to the Management of Scholastic and Intercollegiate Athletics Programs. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.

The following risk assessment article is excerpted from a prepublication manuscript:  Lopiano, D.A. and Zotos, C. (Publication 2013) The Athletics Director’s Handbook: A Comprehensive Practical Guide to the Management of Scholastic and Intercollegiate Athletics Programs. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.

Yes.  There are many Title IX assessment instruments available that are easily accessible online.  See:

A:  YES.   Such agreement simply attests to their receipt and understanding of department policy and acknowledges their understanding that violations of this policy may result in sanction or termination of employment.  Following is a sample Code of Conduct Agreement.

SAMPLE COACH CODE OF CONDUCT AGREEMENT

Coach Name:  ______________________Title/Sport: _________________Date: __________________