Policies & Procedures

INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETICS: ALCOHOL POLICY

I. PURPOSE

The Athletic Department expects student-athletes to conform to the policy on alcohol use and to abide by expectations of them as representatives of Longwood University. Student-athletes who use alcohol to the contrary of this policy risk suspension from the team by the Athletic Department.

II. POLICY

1. An alcohol violation is defined as the consumption of alcohol in violation of a team rule, athletic department policy, university policy, and/or state and federal alcohol law. Accordingly, possession and consumption of alcohol by minors in the State of Virginia is illegal and all student-athletes are expected to abide by state law. The student-athlete may receive sanctions for any violation of the alcohol policy during the student-athlete's matriculation at Longwood University.
2. Student-athletes may not consume alcohol 48 hours prior to competition. Consumption or possession of an alcoholic beverage during an athletic trip and/or in the presence of a prospective student-athlete is prohibited. Each head coach has team rules regarding the consumption and possession of alcohol which may affect the eligibility for practice and competition of the student-athlete (s) on their team. Such rules may provide for sanctions that are more stringent than those required by this policy.
3. After a review of the evidence, student-athletes found in violation may be subjected to penalties imposed by the coach, athletics department, university and the state.

III. SELF DISCLOSURE

The Athletics Department encourages its student-athletes to voluntarily seek help if they feel that they have a problem with substance abuse. Self-Disclosure is defined as the act of the student-athlete informing the head or assistant coach of a possible violation. Admitting to a violation after being confronted with or investigated by school or law enforcement officials is not seen as self disclosure. Self-disclosure will be seen as a request for help. The Student-Athlete will be referred to the Longwood University Counseling And Psychological Services and attend Longwood's Alcohol and Drug Education Program "Last Call". Self-disclosure is only applicable for a student-athlete's first offense.

IV. PENALTIES

An official report of all recorded student-athlete alcohol violations and resulting consequences will be provided to the Director of Athletics and will be maintained in that office. Penalties imposed by the athletics department will follow the following procedure:

1. A first offense will be handled as follows:
   1. Self-Disclosure Violation
      1. It is the coach's obligation to impose a penalty on the offending student-athlete and the Director of Athletics will be notified that an offense has occurred.
      2. The coach may enforce a team penalty, making it clear to the offending student-athlete that such inappropriate action negatively affects the entire team and therefore, that action will cause the entire team to suffer the consequences.
   2. Non-Self-Disclosure Violation
      1. If the offending student-athlete does not self-report before the Director of Athletics is notified that an offense has occurred, the Director of Athletics will impose a mandatory minimum of one (1), and up to three (3), contest suspension on the offending student-athlete.
      2. The coach may enforce a team penalty, making it clear to the offending student-athlete that such inappropriate action negatively affects the entire team and therefore, that action will cause the entire team to suffer the consequences.
2. A second offense will be handled as follows:
   1. The student-athlete will be required to meet with the Director of Athletics and will be subject to an increase in consequences that will include, but is not limited to:
      1. A community service assignment for the offending student-athlete.
      2. Student-athlete complete the "Alcohol 101" computer learning program and to seek additional alcohol counseling.
      3. A one to three contest suspension as determined by the Director of Athletics.
3. A third offense will be handled as follows:
   1. A third offense will result in permanent suspension from Longwood Intercollegiate Athletics and loss of any athletics financial aid.
   2. Additional penalties/requirements may be assessed at the discretion of the Director of Athletics based on the nature and totality of the circumstances involved for any offense.

V. APPEALS

At any point in this process, and no later than 24 hours after a penalty has been imposed, the student-athlete may request that a committee be formed to hear evidence that may have an impact on the disciplinary decision.

1. The committee will be comprised of the Faculty Athletics Representative, and two members of the SAAC Executive Committee, and an at-large member of the Intercollegiate Athletics Council.
2. The committee will hear all evidence and make a recommendation to the Director of Athletics.
3. The decision of the Director of Athletics is deemed final.

Revised and approved by the Board of Visitors, March 30, 2012.
Revised and approved by the Board of Visitors, September 7, 2002.