Algoma University

The Algoma Thunderbird Varsity Handbook 2023 2024 can be found here:

https://algomathunderbirds.ca/documents/2024/1/30/Athletics_Handbook_2023_24.pdf
 
Expectations
Student-Athletes are expected to adhere to the following leadership expectations:

• Student-Athletes are expected to act at all times with integrity when interacting with other athletes, coaches, volunteers, officials, and public in general.
• Student-Athletes must maintain the highest standards of personal conduct and support the principles of fair play.
• Student-Athletes shall be responsible to insure that they are not involved in any activities which may result in the theft or misuse of or damage to property of host institutions, hotels or public and private carriers.

Department Rules

• Student-Athletes and coaches will attend all practices and games during the season.
• All players must contact their coach personally when attendance is impossible – notes are not acceptable.
• Proper attire is required on all trips, home games, tournaments, and team functions.  Shirt and tie or Algoma University Thunderbird apparel is acceptable.
• When on road trips:

• Student-Athletes will be tabacco free (no smoking or using chewing tobacco) when taking part in any Algoma University Thunderbirds event.  This includes all games, meets, tournaments, road trips, banquets, and other venues.
• The OUA will conduct random drug testing.  Please refer to the drug permitted/prohibited list for further information (www.cces.ca).  Those athletes caught using prohibited enhancing drugs will be suspended from the team and dealt with under the Student Rights and Responsibilities.
• Student-Athletes will attend all team functions.  This includes team meetings, fundraisers, rallies, public relations opportunities, and other events.
• Student-Athletes or staff caught stealing or in illegal possession of University property will be dealt with under the Student Rights and Responsibilities and be subject to expulsion from the University.

Algoma University Code of Conduct for Varsity Athletics
The Algoma University Athletics and Recreation Department requires that all Student-Athletes conduct themselves on a manner consistent with the tradition of athletic excellence and high values expected and maintained at Algoma University. All Students are expected to understand that they are required to behave at all times in a manner consistent with the Algoma University Student Code of Conduct, and will be subject to discipline under the Code if it is violated. Generally, the Head Coach (in accordance with OUA league regulations and issues pertinent to the specific sport) is responsible for the establishment and implementation of team rules, behavioural expectations, and team philosophy.  The Algoma University Athletics and Recreation Department asks that all Algoma University teams establish team goals and expectations that meet the expectations of the Algoma University Student Code of Conduct, are consistent with our commitment to academic and athletic excellence, and enhance the University's reputation and image.

Behavioural Expectations
The Algoma University Department of Athletics and Recreation holds the following expectations for all Student-Athletes: 

• You are committed to behaviour that will enhance the image of Algoma University by treating your teammates, opponents, officials, spectators, and the public in general with respect and consideration;
• You abide by the rules and regulations of your sport as set out by the OUA, U Sports, and the sport governing body;
• You conduct yourself in the spirit of sporting behaviour in all situations;
• You do not willfully damage the property of others, which would include, but not limited to:  hotel rooms; facilities at other colleges or universities; transportation vehicles.
• You treat others and yourself with the utmost respect and dignity, which would include but is not limited to:
• Refraining from and eliminating sexist, racist or discriminatory language and/or behaviour;
• Refraining from the consumption of alcohol while at the site of athletic events/contests, competitions or practices. The consumption/or possession of alcohol on Algoma University team transport is strictly prohibited. Refraining from and eliminating hazing/initiation of any type.

Hazing and Initiation
Under no circumstances will any acts of hazing be tolerated.  Student-Athletes found to be abusing this policy will be dealt with under the Student Code of Conduct and are subject to removal from the Algoam University Thunderbirds Varsity Athletic Program.  Please refer to the Student Code of Conduct for more information, click here.

Hazing activities are defined as any action taken or situation created as part of initiation to or continued membership on a varsity team, which:

• Produces or could be expected to produce mental or physical discomfort, harm, or stress; embarrassment; harassment; or ridicule;  
• Violates University policy, the Student Code of Conduct, or law. This applies to behavior on or off University premises. (Hazing does not include actions or situations that are incidental to officially sanctioned and supervised University activities such as athletic training and events.)

Note: No policy can address, in specific fashion, all possible situations, which may take place. When this policy does not address a specific behavior, students-athletes and teams are expected to conduct themselves and their activities in a spirit of social responsibility and respect for others.

Violations
Any person may advise the Director of Student Experience or the Student-Athlete & Varsity Services Officer that they believe a violation of the Algoma University Student Code of Conduct or the Algoma University Code of Conduct for Varsity Teams has occurred. The Student-Athlete & Varsity Services Officer, Director of Student Experience, President, any Dean or Vice-President may also come to the independent belief that a violation of the Algoma University Code of Conduct or Algoma University Code of Conduct for Varsity Teams has occurred.

Alleged violations of the Algoma University Student Code of Code will be dealt with under the procedures set out in the Code.

Alleged violations of the Algoma University Code of Conduct for Varsity Teams, which do not fall under the jurisdiction of the Algoma University Student Code of Conduct, will be dealt with in the following manner:
Sanction recommendations will be based on the findings of the investigation, the number and nature of the offenses (if any), and any extenuating circumstances, which might exist.  Decisions will be based on a preponderance of evidence, meaning that the evidence shows it is more likely than not that the alleged violation has occurred.  It is suggested that the evidence should be clear and compelling.  It is not necessary that the case be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.  Decisions will be based only on the evidence of guilt: having the assistance of an advisor; conducting independent investigations; being charged in criminal court; having a past record for similar offences.

It should be noted that due to the time sensitive nature of the varsity season, every effort will be made to render a decision before the team's next competition.

Appropriate sanctions for a violation of the Code of Conduct for Varsity Teams include but are not limited to:

• Suspension of student-athlete(s) or team for one or more competitions or an entire season
• Suspension of Team Captain
• Withdrawal of team funding
• Termination of team program

Appeals
The accused student-athlete(s) or complainant(s), in writing, to the Vice-President of Finance and Administration within 10 days of the decision, may appeal the sanction. Upon receiving the appeal, the Vice-President of Finance and Administration will form an Appeals Committee consisting of: two Student-Athletes, one member of the Algoma University Students' Union, one varsity coach (one that is impartial to the circumstances), and one member of the President's Advisory Committee to Athletics.

An appeal will only be considered for the following purposes: All Student-Athletes must adhere to the following rules:

• No varsity student-athlete is allowed behind the control desk. No exceptions.  For security purposes, only George Leach Centre staff and varsity coaches are permitted in the Control Desk area. For any item in the desk area that you need (towels, band-aids, ice, etc.), ask the desk staff to retrieve it for you. On game days, uniforms will be handed to you. Some varsity student-athletes may be employed part-time to work reception or other duties, however, they are only permitted to be behind the desk while on shift.
• Always bring your student card for access to the George Leach Centre – varsity student-athletes will not be allowed in without it.  To receive "self-serve" access to the gym during operating hours, you must have your student card available to swipe in at the desk at all times. Varsity student-athletes without cards will be asked to sign in before being given access and reminded that an active student card is needed to access the George Leach Centre. Be sure to have your student card activated at the front desk in September to receive access.
• George Leach Centre staff are not permitted to give out tokens to varsity student-athletes or activate parking on your student card. Parking must be purchased at the Cashier's Desk in the Registration Office.
• No food on the court or at scorer's table. No exceptions. All food must be consumed in the lobby area. Food in the gym is prohibited.
• Any guests must be signed in at the registration desk.  If you are bringing family or friends to the gym while you practice, all guests must fill out a form. George Leach Centre staff need to be aware of who is in the building at all times.
• Absolutely no swearing or profanity. The George Leach Centre is a public facility that allows access to members young and old. Please be respectful of the students and community members around you and use proper language around the facility. Any complaints received by members or George Leach Centre staff will be forwarded to coaches.
• Varsity Student-Athletes receive towel service at no cost. You must return towels to the George Leach Centre Member Services Desk after use. Do not leave them in the varsity locker room, out on the court or anywhere in the George Leach Centre. Abuse of this privilege will result in a loss of this privilege.
• No personal laundry. George Leach Centre staff will only wash warm-ups, practice attire (ie. jersey, shorts, under garments), and game day jerseys.  Each Student-Athlete will be provided with an individual laundry bag.  All laundry must be placed in this bag or it will not be washed.
• If your team is having a late night practice, access to the weight and cardio rooms is prohibited. Late night practices are supervised by the coaches, who are authorized to lock up the facility. Other areas of the gym are off limits until regular operating hours.
• All Algoma University and George Leach Centre rules apply to all varsity student-athletes. Please remember to wipe down all equipment used, put away any weights or equipment. Shirts must be worn at all times. All personal belongings, including academic supplies, computers, cell phones, etc, must be stored properly in lockers. Algoma University and the George Leach Centre are not responsible for lost or stolen items.

Varsity Travel Procedures
The coaching staff and Athletics Department staff are responsible for the team while on a varsity road trip.  The following policies have been established to ensure the proper representation and safety of our varsity Student-Athletes:

• There will be four players to each room on every road trip.  Room assignments will be made and submitted to the Support Services Assistant for confirmation with hotel, according to contracts with individual hotels, a minimum of two weeks prior to each trip.
• The University is responsible for accommodation charges only.  Any additional charge (i.e. long distance calls, room service, and/or movie rentals) will be the responsibility of the individual and paid upon check-out.
• Student-athletes are not allowed to have any guests in their rooms after curfew.  Coaches are not allowed to have guests stay the night.
• Non-participants may travel with team if approved by the Varsity Coordinator or Student-Athlete & Varsity Officer and an appropriate waiver is completed.
• Alcohol will not be consumed or allowed in a player's or coach's room.  Coaches will confiscate any drugs or alcohol found and will indefinitely suspend the player who is suspected of alcohol or drug use, until otherwise notified.
• If traveling to an athlete's hometown, he/she may ask for permission to stay at his/her home. It is his/her responsibility to get to the competition on time if approval is given by coaching staff.
• Prior to each trip, the coach must complete a pre-departure checklist.
• The coach will be given the players' meal allowance to be distributed at his/her discretion. All student-athletes and coaches must sign a per diem listing upon receiving their meal allowance.
• All student-athletes must travel with the team, unless otherwise agreed to by the coach and the Athletic Department Staff.  If a Student-Athlete is traveling with a personal vehicle, the appropriate waiver must be completed.
• The coach will do a head count each time the vehicle is used, to ensure that no one is left behind.
• Players, when taking in sights, going out for dinner, or taking part in social activities, will depart as a group and return as a group — no one is left behind.  University vehicles will not be used unless the coach is accompanying the team.
• Gas credit cards are for purchases intended for vehicle use only (gas, necessary repairs, vehicle fluids).
• Coaches will ensure that a cell phone is available in the event of an emergency when traveling. If required, a coach will be assigned a cellular phone to be used for emergency purposes.

U Sports Student-Athlete Information Guide
For information on the U Sports Student-Athlete information guide, click here .