The University of North Florida is a member of NCAA Division I and the ASUN Conference. As such, the athletic programs are governed by all regulations of the NCAA and ASUN in addition to the policies and procedures of the University of North Florida Board of Trustees. The general policies of the NCAA, ASUN, and UNF athletic department are listed below; however individual coaches may have additional team policies.
All participating student-athletes shall act with honesty and sportsmanship at all times so that intercollegiate athletics as a whole, their institutions and they, as individuals, shall represent the honor and dignity of fair play and the generally recognized high standards associated with wholesome competitive sports.
ASUN conference coaches, administrators, staff and student-athletes should conduct themselves with the highest levels of honesty, fairness, respect and responsibility.
The University of North Florida, in conjunction with the ASUN Conference, is committed to providing a program and atmosphere for intercollegiate athletic competition that promotes good sportsmanship and a hospitable environment for visiting teams and spectators.
To accomplish this, it is expected that all representatives of the athletic program (including student-athletes) will adhere to the following general principles of good conduct:
Student-athletes must realize they are visible representatives of the University. It is extremely important that they act in a responsible, mature and respectful manner at all times. Profanity, inappropriate gestures, negative statements or actions, taunting and baiting, physical threats or fighting between or directed toward opposing players, officials or fans will not be tolerated. Per ASUN and UNF policy, any UNF student-athlete ejected from a contest for unsportsmanlike conduct will be automatically suspended from the next scheduled contest.
The NCAA stipulates that each student-athlete is responsible for their own actions and any violation of NCAA regulations which may result from their actions. In reference to potential NCAA violations, a student-athlete is responsible from the beginning of recruitment through the exhaustion of their eligibility. As such, he/she is required to disclose whatever knowledge he/she has about possible violations.
If reporting a violation, the compliance staff will ask for specific dates and times as well as any other pertinent details to assist in verifying the information.
The UNF Community is committed to fostering a learning environment that is safe and conducive to academic inquiry and productive campus life. The Student Code of Conduct is committed to an educational and developmental process that balances the interests of individual students alongside the interest of the University community. The student conduct process exists to challenge the behavior and thought processes of those whose behavior is not in accordance with University policies and regulations.
The University’s jurisdiction regarding disciplinary matters includes conduct that occurs on UNF premises or anywhere off-campus or the internet that
The UNF Athletic Department, acting in accordance with the ASUN Conference and NCAA, may enforce specialized rules, regulations, and policies with student-athletes. Additionally, coaches may enforce team-level violations directly with their athletes. However, violations of Federal regulations (i.e. alcohol, drugs, weapons, sexual misconduct, hazing, physical altercation, etc.) or violations of the UNF Student Code of Conduct are required to be reported to the Dean of Students Office.
Any student charged and/or convicted of a criminal offense, other than a misdemeanor traffic offence, has a duty to self-report the incident, in writing, to the Provost or their designee within 30 days of being charged with the crime. Failure to self-report a criminal charge of conviction constitutes grounds for immediate suspension or expulsion from the University. The form for Self-Reporting can be found on the Dean of Students website.
Hazing is defined as any action or activity of any group or individual which recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purposes including, but not limited to, initiation or admission into or affiliation with any organization whether or not the group is officially recognized by the University. Examples include but are not limited to: pressuring or coercing a student into violating state or federal law; any action that intentionally or recklessly causes physical or mental harm, such as beating, branding, forced physical activity or exposure to the elements, or forced consumption of alcohol or any other substance. The policy applies to either group or individual actions, whether they are conducted on or off campus.
Hazing is a criminal offense in Florida, and UNF shares the national concern over negative effects of hazing on the campus environment. The University will take action against any instance of hazing and will refer to local or state authorities for criminal prosecution whenever appropriate. It is not necessary to have direct proof that that person’s initiation or continued membership is contingent upon participation in the activity for it to be considered hazing. Furthermore, it is not a defense that the consent of the victim has been obtained, or that the activity leading to hazing was not an official organizational event or was not approved or sanctioned by the organization. Hazing does not include customary athletic events, other similar contests or competitions, or any activity or conduct that furthers a legal and legitimate objective.
Any person having knowledge of any activity or statement which may constitute hazing should contact the Student Conduct within the Dean of Students, the University Police Department, the Office of Fraternity & Sorority Life, athletic administration (Athletic Director, Senior Associate Athletic Director, SWA, Compliance, or SACE), the Office of the Dean of the College in which the club, course, or organization is housed, the Office of Academic & Student Affairs, or report utilizing UPD Silent Witness. Actions to enforce the University’s prohibition against hazing shall be conducted pursuant to the Student Code of Conduct. Coaches and/or student-athletes who have knowledge of such activities and fail to report them maybe considered responsible of the same.
The UNF Athletic Department, acting in accordance with the ASUN Conference and NCAA, may enforce specialized rules, regulations, and policies with student-athletes. Additionally, coaches may enforce team-level violations directly with their athletes. However, violations of Federal regulations (i.e. alcohol, drugs, weapons, sexual misconduct, hazing, etc.) or violations of the UNF Student Code of Conduct are required to be reported to the Dean of Students Office.
Any student charged and/or convicted of a criminal offense, other than a misdemeanor traffic offence, has a duty to self-report the incident, in writing, to the Provost or their designee within 30 days of being charged with the crime. Failure to self-report a criminal charge of conviction constitutes grounds for immediate suspension or expulsion from the University. The form for Self-Reporting can be found on the Dean of Students website.
Student-athletes are expected to follow coaches’ policies regarding discipline and all team matters. Student-athletes not adhering to the rules and regulations of the University (Student Conduct Code), Athletic Department, and/or the team may be subject to suspension from practice, competition, and/or reduction/cancellation of athletically related financial aid by the University. Violations of federal law, state law, or local ordinances will be administered by the appropriate legal authorities. However, as many potentially unlawful actions may bring discredit to the Athletic Department and/or the University, the Athletic Department reserves the right to impose sanctions as deemed appropriate. All student-athletes have the right to appeal any unfavorable disciplinary decision to the Athletic Director.
All tobacco and alcohol products are banned for ASUN coaches, student-athletes, and team support staff in the competition area in any contest, home and away, in which member institution teams participate. The ban applies to locker rooms, practices, playing fields and arenas. Any violation of this policy will result in automatic disqualification (ejection) from the contest and removal from the competition area.
In compliance with the University of North Florida policy on alcohol and drug abuse, the Athletic Department condemns the use of illegal drugs and the abuse of alcohol, tobacco, and legal drugs (in any form i.e. cigarettes, ecigarettes. JUUL or Vape Pens or accessories, gum). The department recognizes that as a result of the pressures of competition, class work, and high visibility, the risk for abuse of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs may increase. The use and abuse of such substances endangers health, safety, and welfare. Individuals who use or abuse alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs may suffer from a number of medical, behavioral, and social problems which may affect academic and athletic performance.
The Athletic Department will conduct annual alcohol, tobacco and other drug educational sessions for all student-athletes. The initial session will, at a minimum, contain a review of the University’s policy including resources and referral information. Additional mandatory education sessions will be scheduled on a semester basis.
The University of North Florida will not tolerate illegal or otherwise irresponsible use of alcohol. This includes drinking while underage and purchasing alcohol for use by a minor. A student-athlete who consumes alcohol will be held accountable for any alcohol related incident in which he/she is involved. In such cases, the student-athlete is subject to University, athletic department, and/or team disciplinary action whether or not there are legal implications. If a student-athlete is involved in an alcohol related incident with legal implications, he or she will have the same consequences as a first confirmed positive drug test. If a student-athlete is involved in an alcohol related incident with NO legal consequences, the incident will be referred to UNF’s OSAR, the head coach and athletic administration and the collective group will determine if the circumstances warrant counseling, intervention, and/or any additional sanctions. The head coach, athletic director, and head athletic trainer will determine if the circumstances warrant counseling, intervention, and/or any additional sanctions.
NCAA legislation prohibits the use of tobacco products by all student-athletes, coaches, athletic trainers, managers, and officials, in all sports during practice and competition. In addition, the University of North Florida strives to be a tobacco-free campus and prohibits tobacco use (in any form i.e. cigarettes, ecigarettes, JUUL or Vape pens or accessories, gum) by student-athletes, staff, and spectators at all times.
Violators of this policy are subject to disciplinary sanctions by the head coach, athletic director and head athletic trainer.
The University of North Florida (UNF) Drug Testing, Education and Counseling Policy (hereafter the “Policy”) addresses the non-medical use of prescription drugs, use of illegal drugs and the use of dietary supplements which are detrimental to the physical and mental well-being of its students. This policy is enforced by the Athletics Department, not the NCAA. UNF has implemented a mandatory program of drug testing, education, and counseling/rehabilitation to protect the student athlete health and safety. The Policy may be amended from time to time and student athletes will be given notice of any critical changes. The Policy shall not be construed to create a contract between student athletes and the University of North Florida.
The purpose of the UNF Policy is to prevent drug use and abuse in athletics and, where detected, to eliminate it through medical treatment and/or discipline. Specific goals are:
Drug abuse can remain undetected leading to personal tragedy, which may include diminished academic and athletic performance, self-injury or injury to others, drug dependence or addiction, legal problems, and disastrous financial consequences. Abuse may also cast a negative image on all student athletes due to public visibility and the reputation of an academic center of higher education. Student athletes have a responsibility to themselves and the institution to maintain high standards of conduct and a sound respect for their physical health.
The University of North Florida considers education to be an important part of the Policy. At the beginning of each academic year, each student-athlete will be required to attend an education seminar as part of the mandatory beginning of the year compliance meetings which will address the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and the University of North Florida drug policies and testing guidelines. Each student-athlete will receive written copies of the policies and testing guidelines and will sign drug testing consent forms for both organizations. A presentation on the medical/legal aspects of drug abuse will also be conducted. Educational in-services will be available by referral to student athletes and athletic staff throughout the year. These programs will address the UNF Policy and are coordinated by the sports medicine staff and athletic department personnel.
Individuals are prohibited from use or attempted use, purchase, possession, manufacture, distribution and/or sale of the following (or aiding and abetting or being an accomplice to another):
Includes but is not limited to the NCAA Banned-Drug Classes
Illegal distribution, and/or the acquisition of multiple legal prescriptions for the same injury or illness from multiple physicians, misuse of any legal prescription drug, or alteration of any drug prescription. Distribution of drugs includes sale of a drug, trading a drug for another item/drug or giving their prescription drug to another person.
While the use of alcohol containing beverages is not prohibited for persons 21 years of age or older, any misuse of alcohol, including violations of the law while intoxicated, may result in corrective actions. A student athlete that receives a violation from student-conduct or receives a legal citation from a law enforcement officer for a drug and alcohol violation, including but not limited to:
The University of North Florida’s policy on dietary supplements is one of caution. These substances are not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and although legally bound to disclose all ingredients, frequently contain substances not listed on the labels. Some of these supplements may contain NCAA banned substances that can result in a positive drug test. Ignorance is no excuse and the use of such supplements is highly discouraged.
For a complete list of NCAA banned substances please refer to www.ncaa.org/health-and-safety, or consult the list posted in the athletic training room. ALL questions may be referred to any of the UNF certified athletic trainers.
Each student athlete in every intercollegiate sport is subject to drug testing during the pre-participation physical.
Throughout the school year, random drug testing will be performed on a regular basis. The certified laboratory will use a computer program to select the number or percentage of student-athletes to be tested for each sport from a current roster. Student athletes attending summer sessions, or who are not enrolled in summer school but participate in supervised on-campus off-season conditioning programs, are also subject to random drug testing. Other methods of selection include entire teams, or teams of individuals who may be in a position to qualify for post-season conference or NCAA championship competition.
Any student participating in the intercollegiate athletic program is subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing if there is reason to believe the student may be using banned substances. Reasonable suspicion includes, but is not limited to, the following:
Any strength and conditioning coach, sport coach, athletic administrator or athletic staff member concerned with a particular student should express this information confidentially to either the Athletic Director or the Director of Sports Medicine. These individuals are available to all athletic association personnel to explain further the signs that may point to the need for reasonable suspicion testing. Athletic department personnel in a position to recognize such signs (coaches, athletic trainers, strength and conditioning specialists, academic counselors, etc.) will be required to participate in regular continuing education conducted by medical personnel to review common signs and symptoms associated with drug and alcohol abuse.
The student athlete may be notified by the athletic training staff of a scheduled random drug test. The student athlete is required to complete a drug testing notification form, acknowledging notification and verifying the date, time and location of the test. A witness may accompany the athlete to the collection station.
During the pre-participation physical, drug testing may be performed at the University Athletic Facilities in a designated locker room/restroom. With random testing or reasonable suspicion testing, the site will be a designated locker room/restroom area in one of the UNF facilities.
Any attempt to substitute, manipulate, adulterate or intentionally dilute a urine specimen will be treated as a positive drug test. Manipulation refers to the use of any product, including excessive water consumption, used for the purpose of providing a dilute urine sample or substitution of a urine sample. Adulteration refers to the use or attempted use of any chemical or product (including water) added directly to the urine sample for the purpose of interfering with the testing procedures used to identify the presence of drugs.
Specimens are analyzed by a laboratory accredited by the United States Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). If a student athlete tests positive, their medical record will be reviewed at that time to determine whether any medications (prescription and/or over the counter) or dietary supplement may have caused the positive test. In this event, the Director of Sports Medicine will consult with the appropriate personnel (prescribing physician, toxicologist) to confirm whether the use of the medication or dietary supplement was appropriate and used properly in the correct dosage. If so, this would be considered a “medical exception”. Absent a medical explanation, the test is considered positive. If possible, testing is quantified in order to ascertain the exact amount of the prohibited substance in the student’s urine. The student athlete will continue to be tested on a regular basis until testing negative for the prohibited substance on two sequential urine samples, or as often as deemed necessary. If during follow-up testing the quantitative result indicates an increased amount of prohibited substance, the student will be subjected to the remedial guidelines for the second as applicable. A forensic toxicologist may be utilized as a technical resource to clarify any questions pertinent to the follow-up positive test result.
Positive test results will be sent directly to the Drug Testing Program Director (by e-mail to a secure computer site and/or a secure fax as well as a hard copy letter marked “confidential”), and will follow the procedures detailed in “Remedial Guidelines for Drug Offenses” as appropriate.
Maintaining confidentiality is a critical factor for an effective substance abuse policy. No athletic department personnel or any individual associated with the drug testing program is permitted to disclose or allude publicly to any information acquired in their capacity, whether or not it relates to identified student athletes, individual teams, or the athletic department, unless required by court proceeding.
The Drug Testing Program Director and Director of Sports Medicine, in consultation with others who may have evaluated the student athlete, will decide whether the student athlete is unfit to participate in athletics and should be admitted for inpatient (hospitalized) or outpatient (without hospitalization) treatment. A student athlete will not miss class due to a counseling session, unless the student athlete is admitted and hospitalized for treatment. Counseling sessions are provided at the expense of the athletic department; however, any student athlete missing a scheduled counseling session is required to pay for that session at the current patient charge.
Remedial guidelines are based upon whether the positive drug test is a first or second offense. An NCAA positive drug test will count as an institutional positive test. Positive drug tests are cumulative through-out a student athletes’ period of eligibility. The following are the minimum penalties enforced by UNF’s Athletic Department. Additional penalties may be developed and imposed at the discretion of the team’s coaches and approved by the Director of Athletics. With the application of any remedial guidelines, a Drug Testing, Education, and Counseling Compliance Acknowledgement Form will be completed. A copy must be given to the student athlete and a copy sent to the parent/guardian.
NOTE: Failure to show up for a drug screen will be treated as an automatic positive drug test. If the individual student athlete does not fulfill the requisite sanctions (i.e. failure to show up for counseling, or complete the counseling program), he/she will be classified with a second positive that will result in action consistent with “Remedial Guidelines: Second Offense”.
Any student who violates the University of North Florida Drug Testing, Education and Counseling Policy is subject to the Remedial Guidelines of the policy. Any student disciplined under the drug policy has the right to appeal and a hearing before the Appeals Committee that consists of the Director of Athletics/designee, the Director of Sports Medicine/designee, and Head Sport Coach/designee. Student athletes are reminded that many of the drugs banned in the drug policy are illegal. Involvement in the criminal justice system for a drug-related offense will be taken into account in disciplinary action imposed by UNF. Such involvement may also serve as an independent basis for discipline.
Student athletes, who test positive may, within seventy-two (72) hours following receipt of notice of the positive test, contest the finding. Upon the student athlete’s written request for additional testing of the sample, the Director of Sports Medicine/designee will formally request in writing that the SAMHSA certified laboratory to re-analyze to reconfirm the original positive finding. The student athlete will be required to pay the cost of the re-test (approximately $250) prior to testing. If the re-test is negative, the student athlete will be reimbursed for the cost of the test. Confirmed re-test results will be reported directly to the Head Athletic Trainer who will then notify the Athletic Director and Head Team Physician. Re-analysis findings will be final. If the re-analysis test is negative, the first drug test will be considered negative.
Student athletes who test positive under the terms of the UNF Drug Testing, Education and Counseling Policy will be entitled to a hearing with the Appeals Committee prior to the imposition of any sanction. The Appeals Committee will be chaired by the Director of Athletics/designee and composed by the Drug Testing Program Director, Director of Sports Medicine/designee, and Head Sport Coach. A request for such a hearing must be made within seventy-two (72) hours of notification of a positive test result. If the seventy-two (72) hours would end on a weekend, the request must be made by noon on the next business day. Requests must be in writing and received by the Director of Athletics by the time deadline.
The student athlete may have an advocate or other representative present. However, the student athlete must present his or her own case. The meeting should take place no more than seventy-two (72) hours after the written request is received. Either the student athlete or the other parties involved may request an extension of time to the Director of Athletics, who will consider whether to grant the extension upon a showing of good cause. These proceedings shall include an opportunity for the student athlete to present evidence, as well as to review the results of the positive drug test. The proceedings shall be confidential. The decision by the Appeals Committee regarding the sanction to be imposed shall be final.
A student athlete may self-refer to the UNF Safe Harbor Program for voluntary evaluation and counseling. The use of the Safe Harbor Program will be allowed once during a student athlete’s tenure at the University of North Florida. A student athlete is not eligible for the Program after notification of an impending drug test or after receiving notice of a positive UNF or NCAA drug test.
The University of North Florida will work with the student athlete to prepare a Safe Harbor treatment plan, which may include confidential drug testing. If the student athlete tests positive for a banned substance upon entering the Safe Harbor Program, that positive test will not be considered a First Offense and will not result in any administrative sanction. The team physician may suspend the student athlete from play or practice if medically indicated. A student athlete will be permitted to remain in the Safe Harbor Program up to thirty (30) days, as determined by the treatment plan. A student athlete will not be permitted to enter the Safe Harbor Program thirty (30) days prior to NCAA or Conference postseason competition. Students in the Safe Harbor Program may be selected for drug testing by the NCAA.
The Director of Athletics/designee, Drug Testing Program Director, the Director of Sports Medicine/designee, the student athlete’s Head Sport Coach and the Team Physician may be informed of the student’s participation in the Safe Harbor Program. The athletic trainer assigned to that sport may also be notified, if medically appropriate. The assistant coach(es) also may be informed at the discretion of the Head Sport Coach. Other university employees may be informed only to the extent necessary for the implementation of this policy.
If a student athlete tests positive on a second test, the banned substance levels rise or stay the same, for any banned substance after entering the Safe Harbor Program or fails to comply with the treatment plan, the student athlete will be removed from the Safe Harbor Program. The initial Safe Harbor positive test will be treated as a first positive and the second positive will result in action consistent with “Remedial Guidelines: Second Offense”.
Coaches involved in recruiting prospective student athletes should ensure that student athletes are aware of the “UNF Drug Testing, Education and Counseling Policy”. Additionally, alcoholic beverages and illegal drugs are not to be used during the recruitment process of any prospective student athlete.
Gambling or wagering on any type of sporting event in which an entry fee is required and there is an opportunity to win a prize is not allowed.
NCAA rules state:
A student-athlete may not place a bet of any sort on any sport the NCAA sponsors, at any level (professional, college, high school).
A student-athlete may not provide information to anyone involved or associated with placing bets on any college or professional sporting event.
That means:
No wagers on any professional or college sporting event, even those that don’t involve UNF.
No sports “pools,” (with an entry fee and prizes) even those run by friends.
No internet gambling on sports events such as Fan Duel and Draft Kings.
No sports wagering using “800” phone numbers.
No exchange of information about the student-athlete’s team with anyone who gambles. In other words, give no information about injuries, new plays, team morale, discipline problems or anything else.
The consequences for sports wagering activities are severe. If a student-athlete is discovered to have violated NCAA gambling rules, he/she could be declared permanently ineligible.
The athletic department recognizes the importance of social networking sites as a means of communication. We do not prohibit use of such sites but ask that all student-athletes who utilize these sites do so in a positive manner. Violations of University, Athletic Department, or team policies through the use of social media are subject to disciplinary action. These can include, but are not limited to: suspension, reduction or loss of scholarship, removal from team, etc. Each team may also implement additional guidelines regarding the use of social media. The Compliance Office monitors social networking sites to ensure compliance with all NCAA and Athletic Department regulations.
Members of UNF athletics teams are representatives of UNF at all times. Student-athletes should be respectful of their teammates and other travelers.
Additional travel rules may be dictated by policies set forth by specific sports.
Appropriate dress is expected when traveling. It is the responsibility of each individual to ensure their dress is neat, clean and appropriate.
For all away contests, all team members will travel together by University-provided vehicles to and from the contest. Any request for an exception must be submitted and approved in advance by the Head Coach and Sport Administrator.
A coach may choose to pay for all meals or to distribute meal money to student-athletes. If meal money is distributed, each student- athlete will receive a meal allowance during the regular season in accordance with NCAA and UNF guidelines. This may be increased to accommodate local conditions and during postseason competition. Regulations require the student-athlete sign a meal voucher verifying
(1) the amount received; or (2) the value of the meal provided; and (3) that the money was solely for meals.
Only team members and staff are permitted to stay in hotel rooms during University sponsored trips. Any exceptions must have advance approval from the Athletic Director. The Athletic Department policy limits the number of student-athletes per room to two (2) with one (1) student-athlete per bed. Three (3) student-athletes may be assigned to one room if using a cot or rollaway bed to supplement the amount of hotel/motel rooms needed for lodging. Student-athletes and staff shall not room together.
Per NCAA rules, student-athletes are responsible for any room damage fees or extra charges (room service, in-room movies, etc.) that occur in the assigned room.
