As an athlete of Thomas College, you are a representative of the College both on and off the field and are expected to act in a manner that will represent the Thomas College, your teammates and yourself, in a positive manner.

Competing in Thomas College athletics is both a privilege and an honor. You are expected to conduct yourself as a student-athlete. Attendance at all classes and successful completion of your academic program are to come before athletics at all times.

Academics

Student-athletes and their coaches will make every reasonable effort to provide timely notice to faculty to request permission to miss class, and to make prior arrangements for work, for any sanctioned intercollegiate event for eligible team members. In most cases, faculty should be able to expect 72 hours advance notice of any scheduled event.

Faculty are requested to make reasonable allowances for eligible student-athletes with regards to absences dictated by scheduled competitions, including tournament games. In all cases, the student is responsible to all missed work. Student anticipating the possibility of tournament play should be in contact with faculty to discuss contingency plans for missed work. "Reasonable allowances" are dictated by the specifics of course requirements, a student's overall performance and attendance record in the course, and the timeliness of the student's notification to the faculty member.

In all instances, the primary responsibility for clear communication belongs to the student athlete.

Practices or attendance at events where the student-athlete is ineligible to compete, are not considered as part of this policy

Sportsmanship

Student-athletes at Thomas College are expected to adhere to the fundamental values of sportsmanship, respect, fairness, civility, honesty and responsibility.

In addition, student-athletes are expected to follow all NCAA regulations pertaining to the athlete's sport and code of conduct. Respect the decisions of all game officials.

Student-athletes who are ejected from athletic contests for fighting are subject to both NCAA rules pertaining to ejection as well as any additional sanctions deemed necessary by the Athletic Department or SAAB.

Conduct

On a trip or team-related function, no athlete shall consume alcohol, tobacco products, or illegal substances.

All student-athletes will attend a mandatory dangerous drinking presentation put on by team captains and SAAB members.

Any criminal offense will be subject to action by the Athletic Department or SAAB at the time of the incidence depending on the severity.

Hazing of any sort will not be tolerated. Any allegations of this sort of activity will be thoroughly investigated. If found guilty of a hazing incident, those involved will be removed immediately from that intercollegiate sport and forfeit one year of athletic eligibility.

Social

Giving back to the community is an important part of being an athlete and role model. This should be looked upon as an opportunity, not a requirement.

Each team will complete a community service or fundraiser for the community of their choice before the end of the academic year.

Lifestyle

Athletes are expected to refrain from using drugs in or out of season.

Athletes should avoid the use of supplements. Many supplements are banned by the NCAA; therefore, student-athletes using illegal supplements will be suspended or dismissed from the team. (Please see the athletic trainer if you are using supplements to make sure the kind you are using is legal).

Eating healthy and following a nutritious diet is also important to sustain energy levels and achieve maximum performance.