Table of Contents

Introduction

Academics

Athletics

Conduct Standards and Sanctions

Student Athlete Handbook PDF

Welcome to the University of Maine at Augusta Moose athletic family. We are thrilled that you have chosen to continue your academic and athletic careers at UMA.

As a staff, we are committed to offering you the support and encouragement necessary to find success in the classroom and on the playing field while you are here. We are dedicated to providing athletes with a quality program that emphasizes respect, integrity, and commitment on the field and in the classroom.

This handbook will provide you with important information to help ensure your success as a UMA student-athlete. Participation in UMA athletics is a privilege and with this privilege comes responsibility. Your academic performance is your first priority as a student-athlete. This handbook includes information on resources to help you be successful in your academic endeavors.

To excel, one must have the will to get it done in all areas. Everyone will face adversity. How will you handle adversity when it presents itself? The answer separates true champions from false champions.

Varsity athletics at UMA offers students the opportunity to engage in a competitive USCAA sports program for men and women.

Varsity athletics at UMA offers students the opportunity to compete at both the regional and national levels as members of the Yankee Small College Conference (YSCC), and the national governing body, the United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA).  The YSCC includes 11 schools located throughout New England and into New York. The USCAA includes 90 schools in the United States and focuses specifically on smaller institutions of higher learning; providing all athletes and programs with the same national opportunities as larger institutions. The USCAA conducts national championships, names All-Americans, recognizes scholar athletes, and promotes USCAA member schools.  For the last 7 seasons, members of the co-ed golf team have competed in the USCAA National Tournament held in State College, Pennsylvania. The women’s basketball team also traveled to Pennsylvania for their first National Tournament in 2013-2014, followed by additional trips in both 2015-16 and 2017-18.  Both men’s and women’s cross country teams traveled to Virginia Beach in the 2017 season to take part in the National Cross Country Championships.  In 2018, UMA added men's and women's track and field (outdoor).  Athletics at UMA offers students the opportunity to engage in competitive varsity athletics while traveling, meeting other student-athletes, and focusing on the academic rigors of a university setting.

To encourage individual excellence through sport.

Below is a list of desirable characteristics for the typical University of Maine at Augusta student-athlete which we feel are important:

• You are a student first, athlete second
• Show dedication to classes, team, and yourself
• Demonstrate respect for authority: faculty/staff, coaches, captains, and officials
• Show pride for our University, the team, and yourself
• Take care of yourself
• Work hard, at everything, at all times
• Exhibit fair play and class - sportsmanship
• Be unselfish - the team comes first
• Be a great teammate, reach out to others
• Know your role
• Be coachable
• Be accountable
• Show responsibility - be on time, behave, and be invested
• Maintain a positive attitude
• Remain level headed and humble
• Play to win, but have fun

The following academic standards have been adopted for student- athletes and correspond in spirit and form with the academic standards established by the University. Compliance will be evaluated each semester.

All student athletes are required to carry a minimum course load of 12 credits each semester. If at any point in the semester the credit load falls below 12, eligibility is withdrawn.

In order to remain in good academic standing, a student athlete must also meet qualitative standards listed below according to the established credit range. Grade Point Average (GPA) levels assume the successful completion of at least 12 credits each semester, 24 over the year. Summer courses must be limited to the prior spring semester.

Second semester students must have achieved a GPA of 1.6. Thereafter, all students must pass 24 credit hours the two preceding terms of attendance.

*Exception – If a freshman completes their first semester at an institution and leaves the following semester, upon the student’s return he/she may reestablish eligibility by completing the necessary credits to reach 12 during a summer or interim period only.

After accumulating 24-48 credit hours, students must have achieved a 1.75 cumulative GPA.

After accumulating more than 48 credit hours, the student must achieve a 2.0 cumulative GPA.

Summer and inter-term credit hours can be used to satisfy the 12.24 credit hour rule and GPA requirement. Summer credit hours should be attached to the preceding spring term for eligibility purposes. Winter term credits should be attached to the fall semester.

If a student-athlete receives a grade of Incomplete (I) at the end of a fall or spring semester and does not successfully complete at least 12 credit hours that semester, the student-athlete must make up the complete work by noon of the third Monday of the semester to be eligible to compete in athletics during the next semester.

At the time the student arranges for an Incomplete (I) grade, she/he must submit a plan to complete the missing work to the course instructor and submit a copy of that plan to the athletic department. Once the plan is complete and all work has been submitted by the deadline to the instructor, as well as the student life office, the athlete will be deemed eligible. If the student athlete fails to complete the missing work by the established deadline, the player will be ineligible for spring competition.

Letter Grade: “L” Policy 

L - Stopped attending; not officially withdrawn; computed into GPA

If a student-athlete receives an "L" grade (which signifies they stopped attending a course) at the end of a fall or spring semester and does not successfully complete at least 12 credit hours that semester.  Students may not use either winter or summer courses to meet the minimum 12 credit hours in the fall or spring semester.  The student-athlete will be considered ineligible for one semester of the sport(s) on record.  After that semester, eligibility may be regained by meeting the required eligibility standards set forth by the United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA) in accordance to Article 24.5-7 of the USCAA Constitution and Bylaws.

Grade Check Policy

Student-athlete grades and course progress will be checked by coaches and athletic administration on a two week schedule throughout each semester.  In the event that a student-athlete falls behind in course work by more than two weeks, the student-athlete will not be allowed to practice or compete until said coursework is properly up to date.  

Any transfer student-athlete must have been academically and athletically eligible at their previous institution of attendance in order to be eligible to participate in athletics at UMA. A verification form is sent to your previous athletic department of attendance to verify eligibility. Please immediately make your coach aware if you have transferred from another institution.

If a student-athlete anticipates missing a class for any reason including games, he/she must contact the professor to obtain an excused absence. It is recommended that ALL STUDENT- ATHLETES review their game schedules and submit a list of dates of classes that will be missed to their appropriate professors. If a student-athlete is excused from class by the professor all assigned work must be submitted in advance of the absence. Class time is not to be missed for practice.

All student athletes are required to receive a physical to participate in athletics. It is strongly recommended that you receive your physical from your personal physicians prior to preseason. You must have your physician complete and sign the clearance form found at UMAMOOSE.com under the Sports Medicine tab. Once completed, please submit to the UMA athletic department via Jennifer Laney in Athletics. Items can be emailed (jennifer.laney@maine.edu), faxed 621-3171, or dropped off in the office (room 204 RSC). Documentation of health insurance must be provided at the time of the physical.

Any student athlete who does not have the required paperwork completed will be held out of participation until it is received by the UMA athletic department.

Student-athletes are required to be covered by personal or family health and accident insurance. Student-athletes may purchase health and accident insurance through the University. Students who are not currently covered by a health insurance policy may wish to purchase a policy through the University of Maine System through Gallagher. Students with questions may contact the University of Maine at August, Student Financial Services:

Student Financial Services

Email: umafa@maine.edu

Sportsmanship and ethical conduct are of paramount importance in intercollegiate athletics. We expect all of those associated with UMA athletics (student-athletes, administrators, coaches, and fans) to set a high standard of ethical and sportsman-like behavior that serves for others to emulate. Sportsmanship is about demonstrating respect for opposing teams, coaches, fans, and officials. UMA will in no way tolerate behavior or actions that do not exemplify sportsmanship and ethical conduct, both on and off the playing site. There is no place in or around intercollegiate athletics for any unsportsmanlike acts. Thus, all participants in any UMA athletic contest should be aware that such behavior or actions will not be tolerated. These unsportsmanlike actions include taunting, profanity, fighting, cheating, vulgar gestures, and racist or sexist comments. It is understood that the Department of Athletics will issue disciplinary sanctions against anyone who is found in violation of our athletic department’s sportsmanship and ethical conduct statement.

UMA full supports the Yankee Small College Conference (YSCC) official statement on sportsmanship and ethical conduct: The YSCC promotes good sportsmanship by student-athletes, coaches and spectators. We request your cooperation by supporting the participants and officials in a positive manner. We encourage fans to enthusiastically support their team, recognize the outstanding performance of opponents, and exhibit good sportsmanship in their words and actions. Profanity, racial or sexist comments, or other intimidating actions directed at officials, student-athletes, coaches or team representatives will not be tolerated and are grounds for removal from the site of competition.

University of Maine at Augusta head coaches are authorized to set conduct standards, participation standards, and participation standards, and behavioral expectations over and above what is required by the UMA Athletic Department. These standards are meant to be consistent with the public image the department wishes to project through its athletic teams. Student-athletes must also adhere to the Student Code of Conduct and other standards outlined in the University of Maine at Augusta Student Handbook, which can be found online at http://www.uma.edu/about/offices/dean-of- students/student-handbook/

Any inappropriate behavior, in season or out of season, that misrepresents UMA is unacceptable and will be addressed based upon the circumstances surrounding the behavior.

In accordance with the policies of the State of Maine and the Board of Trustees of the University of Maine system, the injurious hazing of any student enrolled at the University of Maine at Augusta is strictly prohibited. The UMA AHNA and its members shall not create, or permit to exist, any situation that recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health or wellbeing of a student enrolled at UMA. If this organization violates these rules, it shall lose all right to conduct activities at UMA and all benefits of affiliation with UMA. Any student member, whose conduct violates these rules, shall be subject to suspension, expulsion, or other appropriate disciplinary action through the UMA Student Conduct Code.

At the beginning of each season, athletes are issued equipment and uniforms for each sport. These remain the property of the University of Maine at Augusta and the student-athlete is responsible for keeping them in good condition. At the conclusion of the season, the uniforms and equipment must be returned. Any items that are missing or show excessive wear and tear will be charged to the student-athlete’s fee bill. Head coaches will be responsible for scheduling an appointment for the issue and return of uniforms and equipment. The student- athlete is mandated to attend this meeting.

All student-athletes must travel to and from all away contests with the official travel party. Athletes may not drive themselves to any away contest. Permission to travel separately is left to the discretion of coaches and/or the Athletic Administration. Student-athletes are expected to represent UMA and the Athletic Department in a first class way in any and all situations. Student-athletes are responsible for communicating with their instructors should there be any missed class time prior to departure.

Coaches and student-athletes are to be dressed in an appropriate and professional manner at all times as representatives of UMA.

Fundraising is a great way to connect with the UMA community as well as enhance the overall student-athlete experience.  Each team must fundraise 20% of the total cost to participate in nationals to a maximum of $2,000.00 for basketball and $1,000 for golf, cross country, and track & field. The funds must be raised before the bid is accepted. The team that is awarded the bid must be the team that raised the funds. Example, if the one team raises $3,000.00 and does not receive a bid to nationals, the money raised cannot be transferred to any other sport. Anything above and beyond this $2,000 raised, may be used at the team’s discretion.

 National Tournament Bids

 UMA Qualifying Standards for USCAA Cross Country Nationals

Women’s Team  

UMA women’s cross country team can qualify for USCAA XC National Championship by meeting the following criteria:

Must have permission to participate in the National Tournament by the UMA President for travel and funding authorization.

• The team must fundraise 20% of the total cost to participate in nationals to a maximum of $1,000.00. The funds must be raised before the bid is accepted. The team that is awarded the bid must be the team that raised the funds. Example: if the one team raises $3,000.00 and does not receive a bid to nationals, the money raised cannot be transferred to any other sport. This 20%, or 1,000.00 fundraising goal is the minimum requirement.  Anything above and beyond this $1,000 raised, may be used at the team’s discretion.
• Achieve a team time average in a 6K event during the season that is equal to or faster than the time average of the previous year USCAA National Championship team that finished in the top 40%. Example: U of Dallas team average for 2017 was 28:15 (5^th out of 12 teams) where UMA 6K time average was 31:22 

In order to ensure that we are competitive at national events we will always use the previous year’s results as qualifying standards as this would provide the most recent and accurate gauge of competition within USCAA cross country.

Women’s Individual

A UMA women’s individual runner can qualify for USCAA XC National Championship by meeting the following criteria:

• Must have permission to participate in the National Tournament by the UMA President for travel and funding authorization.
• The team must fundraise 20% of the total cost to participate in nationals to a maximum of $1,000.00. The funds must be raised before the bid is accepted. The team that is awarded the bid must be the team that raised the funds. Example: if the one team raises $3,000.00 and does not receive a bid to nationals, the money raised cannot be transferred to any other sport. This 20%, or 1,000.00 fundraising goal is the minimum requirement.  Anything above and beyond this $1,000 raised, may be used at the team’s discretion.
• Achieve an individual time in a 6K event during the season that is equal to or faster than the time average of the previous year USCAA National Championship individual that finished in the top 40%. Example: In the 2017 USCAA National Championship the top 40 percentile runner finished in a time of 27:00 (30^th out of 116 total runners).

 In order to ensure that we are competitive at national events we will always use the previous year’s results as qualifying standards as this would provide the most recent and accurate gauge of competition within USCAA cross country.

 Men’s Team  

UMA men’s cross country  team can qualify for USCAA XC National Championship by meeting the following criteria:

• Must have permission to participate in the National Tournament by the UMA President for travel and funding authorization.
• The team must fundraise 20% of the total cost to participate in nationals to a maximum of $1,000.00. The funds must be raised before the bid is accepted. The team that is awarded the bid must be the team that raised the funds. Example: if the one team raises $3,000.00 and does not receive a bid to nationals, the money raised cannot be transferred to any other sport. This 20%, or 1,000.00 fundraising goal is the minimum requirement.  Anything above and beyond this $1,000 raised, may be used at the team’s discretion.
• Achieve a team time average in an 8K event during the season that is equal to or faster than the time average of the previous year USCAA National Championship team that finished in the top 40%. Example: NHTI team average for 2017 was 32:00 (9^th place out of 22 teams) where UMA 8K time average was 35:43. 

In order to ensure that we are competitive at national events we will always use the previous year’s results as qualifying standards as this would provide the most recent and accurate gauge of competition within USCAA cross country.

Men’s Individual

A UMA men’s individual runner can cross country can qualify for USCAA XC National Championship by meeting the following criteria:

• Must have permission to participate in the National Tournament by the UMA President for travel and funding authorization.
• The team must fundraise 20% of the total cost to participate in nationals to a maximum of $1,000.00. The funds must be raised before the bid is accepted. The team that is awarded the bid must be the team that raised the funds. Example: if the one team raises $3,000.00 and does not receive a bid to nationals, the money raised cannot be transferred to any other sport. This 20%, or 1,000.00 fundraising goal is the minimum requirement.  Anything above and beyond this $1,000 raised, may be used at the team’s discretion.
• Achieve an individual time in an 8K event during the season that is equal to or faster than the time average of the previous year USCAA National Championship individual that finished in the top 40%. Example: In the 2017 USCAA National Championship the top 40 percentile runner finished in a time of 29:22 (43^th out of 166 total runners).

In order to ensure that we are competitive at national events we will always use the previous year’s results as qualifying standards as this would provide the most recent and accurate gauge of competition within USCAA cross country.

UMA Qualifying Standards for USCAA Golf Nationals

Team

• Must have permission to participate in the National Tournament by the UMA President for travel and funding authorization.
• The team must fundraise 20% of the total cost to participate in nationals to a maximum of $1,000.00. The funds must be raised before the bid is accepted. The team that is awarded the bid must be the team that raised the funds. Example: if the one teamraises $3,000.00 and does not receive a bid to nationals, the money raised cannot be transferred to any other sport. This 20%, or 1,000.00 fundraising goal is the minimum requirement.  Anything above and beyond this $1,000 raised, may be used at the team’s discretion.

• Meet the USCAA requirements to participate including:

              1. The number of players permitted per team will be five, with four scoring.

              2. Golfers must average 100 or below (per 18 holes) during the season to qualify for the event.

              3. As an exception, a team may bring one player with an average score of 105 or below if needed to fill a team.

              4. No player with an average round score greater than 105 is permitted to attend.

Individual

•  Must have permission to participate in the National Tournament by the UMA President for travel and funding authorization.
• The team must fundraise 20% of the total cost to participate in nationals to a maximum of $1,000.00. The funds must be raised before the bid is accepted. The team that is awarded the bid must be the team that raised the funds. Example: if the one teamraises $3,000.00 and does not receive a bid to nationals, the money raised cannot be transferred to any other sport. This 20%, or 1,000.00 fundraising goal is the minimum requirement.  Anything above and beyond this $1,000 raised, may be used at the team’s discretion.
• Meet the USCAA requirements to participate including:
         1. Course space permitting, individuals unattached to a team are permitted with an average round score of 90 or below.

UMA Qualifying Standards for USCAA Basketball National Tournament

Criteria for University of Maine at Augusta teams to attend/participate in National Tournaments outside of New England:

Women’s Team

UMA women’s basketball can qualify for the USCAA National Basketball Tournament by meeting the following criteria:

1. Must have permission to participate in the National Tournament by the UMA President for travel and funding authorization.

2. Must have winning record vs. USCAA teams or win the conference championship and receive the conference automatic bid.

3. Must be ranked in the top 15 in the USCAA coaches’ poll.

4. The team must fundraise 20% of the total cost to participate in nationals to a maximum of $2,000.00. The funds must be raised before the bid is accepted. The team that is awarded the bid must be the team that raised the funds. Example, if the one team raises $3,000.00 and does not receive a bid to nationals, the money raised cannot be transferred to any other sport. This 20%, or 2,000.00 fundraising goal is the minimum requirement.  Anything above and beyond this $2,000 raised, may be used at the team’s discretion.

Men’s Team

UMA men’s basketball can qualify for the USCAA National Basketball Tournament by meeting the following criteria:

1. Must have permission to participate in the National Tournament by the UMA President for travel and funding authorization.

2. Must have winning record vs. USCAA teams or win the conference championship and receive the conference automatic bid.

3. Must be ranked in the top 15 in the USCAA coaches’ poll.

4. The team must fundraise 20% of the total cost to participate in nationals to a maximum of $2,000.00. The funds must be raised before the bid is accepted. The team that is awarded the bid must be the team that raised the funds. Example, if the one team raises $3,000.00 and does not receive a bid to nationals, the money raised cannot be transferred to any other sport. This 20%, or 2,000.00 fundraising goal is the minimum requirement.  Anything above and beyond this $2,000 raised, may be used at the team’s discretion.

Participation in intercollegiate athletics at the University of Maine at Augusta is a privilege, and the University's student-athletes should be aware of the responsibility that comes with representing the institution.  Student-athletes are held to a higher standard of conduct than are other students.  Additionally, student-athletes are not exempt from adhering to the student disciplinary code that applies to all students.

All student-athletes are required to comply with:

1. Civil and criminal law
2. NCAA by-laws
3. University of Maine System Student Conduct Code
4. Team rules

The violations and sanctions listed below are considered in the context of the student’s responsibility as a member of the academic and athletic community. The violations listed have been delineated in such a way to give reasonable warning to student-athletes that such conduct or attempted conduct is prohibited. These definitions of violations should not be rigidly construed.

Level One Violation:

• Unexcused absence from practice and failure to notify coach in a timely manner.
• Failure to attend class unless explicitly excused
• Non-compliance with team dress code for a game: All student-athletes are expected to be in team gear traveling to and from games.
• Second instance of tardiness to a practice or game.

Sanction: Written Warning

Level Two Violation:

• Any repeat of a Level One Violation.
• Unexcused absence from a game.
• Unsportsmanlike behavior, including fighting: The principle of a sporting attitude and fair play promotes the character development of participants and promotes personal integrity. Student athletes, coaches, and all others associated with UMA athletic programs are expected to adhere to such fundamental values as respect, civility, fairness, honesty and responsibility.
• Hazing--any action taken or situation created by a person, an organization or with the knowledge or consent of any organization, which recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health of a student. Student-athletes are strictly prohibited from engaging in any form of hazing or initiation activities, either as a direct participant or by implicit encouragement.
• Intentionally or recklessly placing a person or persons in reasonable fear of imminent physical harm.
• Any loss of self-control to coaches, teammates, officials, opponents or fans in representation of UMA.
• Profane, derogatory, or abuse language or gestures during team related activities, practices or games are prohibited. 
• Harassment or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin or citizenship status, age, disability, or veteran’s status

Sanction: May possibly result in 1-6 Game suspension; athlete must still practice and suit up for games as well as sit on the bench.  Counseling may be mandated by the Athletic Director.

1. The head coach, in cooperation with other appropriate personnel as needed (e.g., law enforcement, campus, local, or state authorities; UMA’s Conduct Officer), will investigate any circumstance that suggests a student-athlete may have violated UMA’s Athletic Conduct Standards. Coaches will update Athletic Director of all potential problems or situations.
2. If, upon evaluation, it appears that a probable violation of this code has occurred and sufficient evidence exists to warrant further action, the head coach shall:
   1. immediately notify the Director of Athletics (or a designee).
   2. provide a written statement of charges to the student-athlete, with copy to the Director of Athletics (or designee).
3. The written statement shall contain:
   1. the specific misconduct alleged to have been committed
   2. a concise summary of the facts upon which charges are based
   3. a recommendation of the disciplinary action which may be imposed
   4. the specific time and place for a conference with the Director of Athletics, coach, and the student-athlete.
4. The student-athlete, along with a representative if he or she chooses one, will meet with the Director of Athletics (or a designee) and the coach to explain the alleged violation.
5. At the appropriate time after the conference, the head coach will communicate to the student- athlete the factors that were considered to determine the decision.
6. A student-athlete may appeal sanctions or disciplinary actions imposed by the Director of Athletics to the Athletic Advisory Committee (who may assign a designee to consider the appeal).