Code of Conduct

As highly visible members of the campus community, SUNY New Paltz student-athletes and coaches bear exceptional responsibility for exemplary conduct because they represent themselves, their teammates, and the College in a public forum throughout the academic year. In particular, everyone associated with SUNY New Paltz Athletics is expected to demonstrate the qualities of sportsmanship, respect, fairness, civility, honesty, and responsibility toward opponents, coaches, officials, fans, and peers. Additionally, New Paltz student-athletes and coaches are expected to exhibit model behavior when traveling to and from contests to ensure their personal conduct away from the athletic arena is above reproach, and to show their tolerance for individual differences. At no time during a trip is a coach or student-athlete permitted to consume alcohol while acting in an official capacity.

Consequences

A New Paltz coach or staff member who violates the code of conduct can minimally expect to be reprimanded in writing on the first offense, formally disciplined by the College on the subsequent offenses, and may be issued a non-renewal of contract. A review by UUP, the Vice President of Student Affairs and the President will be implemented for severe violations of the code of conduct.

Conflict Resolution

A student-athlete who has concerns related to their athletic participation has several options available to resolve the issues, including:

  1. Scheduling an individual meeting with one's head coach.
  2. Seeking counsel from the team captains, SAAC, or SAM's members.
  3. Seeking counsel from the Associate Director of Athletics or the Senior Woman Administrator.
  4. Scheduling an individual meeting with the Director of Athletics.
  5. Seeking counsel from an appropriate person outside the athletic department (academic advisor, Counseling Center staff, the Health Center, or the Vice President of Student Affairs).

All SUNY New Paltz students are considered adults and under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, college personnel may not discuss issues with parents unless the student provides a waiver.

Professional Conduct

SUNY New Paltz coaches and staff members are expected to behave in ways that reflect program goals. In order to accomplish these goals, coaches must continually strive to become master teachers and experts in their field. Coaches must provide a learning environment that is nurturing, intellectual and supportive of individual differences.

In addition, New Paltz coaches are expected to:

  1. Maintain an exemplary standard of conduct, which reflects the highest level of professionalism and good judgment on and off the field.
  2. Be prepared to live up to the standards expected of student-athletes.
  3. Maintain appropriate coach-athlete relationships.
  4. Recruit student-athletes who meet the academic profile of successful students at New Paltz.
  5. Emphasize the importance of academic success as a priority for all student-athletes and monitor academic success for evaluating it as a contingency for continued participation in athletics.
  6. Clearly state in writing for student-athletes, the team rules and expectations.
  7. Know and comply with all NCAA, ECAC and SUNYAC (or NECVA) rules and regulations as department policies and procedures.
  8. Demonstrate an appreciation and respect for support staff and peer coaches.
  9. Efficiently manage a sports budget, as established by the Director.
  10. Model and identify appropriate behaviors for assistant/ intern staff.