Student-Athlete Handbook
Dear Student-Athlete,
Welcome to Howard College and to our Intercollegiate Athle c Program. The athle c tradi on at Howard College is well known throughout the collegiate sports world, with a history of excellence. It is our desire that your college experience at Howard College is an exci ng and rewarding one. Through your par cipa on in prac ce, training, compe on, your me in the classroom, and campus life, it is the desire of the college that you will benefit from the hard work, learn perseverance, and enjoy the pride of accomplishment. At Howard College we are proud of the personal integrity and the good sportsmanship displayed by our Student-Athletes and supporters. In fulfilling your dual role as a Student-Athlete, this handbook will serve as an important reference. The en re athle c department, administra on, faculty, and staff at Howard College are interested in your welfare and are here to assist you in achieving success as a student within the community and the fulfillment of your athle c aspira ons.
If we may be of assistance throughout this journey, please contact us.
Kyle Cooper Athle c Director
Modified June 2025
Table of Contents
I.
Purpose and Philosophy
II.
Hawk Athle c Goals
III.
Student-Athlete Handbook Introduc on
IV.
Student-Athlete Substance Abuse Policy
V.
Student-Athlete Insurance Policy
VI.
Student-Athlete Rules, Team Rules, & College Rules
VII.
Student-Athlete Academic Guidelines
Modified June 2025
PURPOSE AND PHILOSOPHY
Howard College operates a strongly competitive intercollegiate athletics program consisting of men's and women's basketball, men's and women's rodeo, baseball, softball, cheerleading, student athletic managers and student athletic trainers. Each is conducted with a multipurpose philosophy.
The term “ ATHLETE” men oned throughout this handbook shall mean and include all the Athletes, Cheerleaders, Student-Athle c Trainers, and Student-Athle c Managers.
The program serves as a unifying source that provides a sense of pride and loyalty with the community. Student-athletes provide entertainment and a positive way to allow the citizens of Howard County to show support to the College. They also give the College a common bond with the community and provide local, state, and national exposure. All students are given a rallying point and a sense of pride and identity in their school. Athletic events are a gathering and mixing place for the student body and allow for opportunities of fellowship and camaraderie.
The purpose of the program is as follows:
1. To provide student-athletes with high quality academic programs that will lead to a degree or certificate and prepare them for further study or occupational careers while instilling life skills that include academic, social and work competencies. 2. To allow students-athletes at Howard College to experience top-flight competition where they can learn and develop sport appropriate skills and a create a foundation for further athletic participation.
3. To provide a program that prepares students for citizenship in society.
Modified June 2025
HAWK ATHLETIC GOALS
The primary goal of the Howard College Hawk Athletics Program is to be successful in each sport. Measurement of this success can be performed in a variety of ways, with a meaningful balance between the following categories: ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT Most important to the future of a student-athlete is success in the classroom. To claim success on the athletic field, the athlete must also advance in the academic arena. Howard College strives to graduate athletes with an associate degree and/or certificate. This not only furthers their athletic career, but more importantly, draws them closer to an academic degree past the associate level. ATHLETIC ACHIEVEMENT Team success is the most important goal. However, successful teams are composed of successful individuals. Because of our high level of competition, Howard College has produced many professional, All-American, All-Region, and All-Conference selections. COMPETITIVE ACHIEVEMENT Howard College has full scholarship, NJCAA Division I programs that are fully financed and supported by the College and the community. Facilities are second to none, and community support is tremendous. Therefore, the College would not expect to recruit and finance athletes that are not truly winners in every sense of the word. PERSONAL ACHIEVEMENT Away from the athletic arena, individual growth and development of the student-athlete must be an area of focus and, in the case of Howard College, pride. Teamwork, communication skills, a sense of personal satisfaction, reinforcement of positive attitudes, and self-discipline are traits that will benefit the athlete personally and socially in the years after organized athletic participation at the community college level. Howard College can deliver more than praise on the court, as these young people are exposed to a wealth of positive values and skills that will form the basis of their future. PROMOTION OF COMPETITIVENESS All of the above goals are included in this phase. Expecting the student-athletes to be as "good as they can be" and fostering a competitive environment in the classroom as well as the athletic arena, promotes skills needed to survive in the "real world" after athletics and academics have ended. The future of our communities depends on the ability of individuals to become productive citizens. The competition and knowledge experienced at Howard College can translate into success after graduation. The College demands that the student-athletes play and act like winners, on and off the court. This is the ultimate goal of any athletic program.
Modified June 2025
STUDENT-ATHLETE HANDBOOK INTRODUCTION
As a representa ve of the athle c program and Howard College, you will o en be in the spotlight. With this recogni on comes addi onal responsibili es and obliga ons that the ordinary student does not have. O en the ac ons and conduct of one student-athlete influences the a tude and thoughts of the general public about all of the athletes within the athle c program(s). The general impression you as an individual create on and off the court, field, or arena is important. It can be good or bad and can greatly affect your fellow student-athletes and the en re Athle c Department. Remember, at all mes, you are represen ng more than just yourself. You are also represen ng Howard College, your teammates, coaches, and your family. This handbook has been prepared so that Howard College student-athletes and their parents can become acquainted with the procedures and general regula ons which have been established by Howard College, the WJCAC, and the NJCAA. The members of the Athle c Department promote the educa on and development of student- athletes through intercollegiate compe on. The department is commi ed to high standards and the principle that compe ve ac vi es serve as an integral part of educa on.
STUDENT-ATHLETE SUBSTANCE ABUSE POLICY
PURPOSE: The purpose of the college’s student-athlete substance abuse policy is not to interfere unduly with the private lives of student-athletes. Its primary purpose is to reinforce positive student- athlete physical condition, uphold local and national guidelines regarding substance use, and most importantly, aid the student-athletes directly in maintaining compliance with substance abuse policies. Such assistance is consistent with the specific goals of the program which are to: 1. Provide educational counseling concerning the effect of substance abuse on athletic activities and physical health; 2. Deter substance abuse by student-athletes; 3. Identify, in a confidential way, any student-athlete who may be abusing a specific drug; 4. Counsel any student-athlete found to be using banned substances regarding their use and the affect it will have on their team/teammates 5. Encourage the proper treatment of any chronic chemical dependency; 6. Provide reasonable safeguards that every student-athlete is medically fit to engage in intercollegiate athletic competition; and 7. Encourage discussion at all appropriate levels about usage of controlled substances.
ATHLETES ARE FREE TO REFUSE TO CONSENT TO DRUG TESTING UNDER THIS POLICY. HOWEVER, ATHLETES WHO DECLINE PARTICIPATION IN THE DRUG TESTING PROCESS, WHICH IS DESIGNED
Modified June 2025
TO PROTECT THE HEALTH AND REPUTATION OF THE STUDENT-ATHLETE, WILL NOT BE ELIGIBLE FOR, NOR SHALL BE PERMITTED TO RECEIVE FURTHER SCHOLARSHIPS OR TO PARTICIPATE IN, INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETICS FOR THE HCJCD. AN ATHLETE WHO REFUSES TO TEST FOR DRUGS AS PROVIDED IN THIS POLICY, AFTER INITIALLY CONSENTING TO DRUG TESTING, SHALL BE CONSIDERED TO HAVE MADE A DECISION NOT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE HOWARD COLLEGE ATHLETIC PROGRAM AND AGREE TO FORFEIT HIS/HER SCHOLARSHIP IMMEDIATELY. An athlete who is already in Howard College’s intercollegiate athletics program and who refuses to participate in this drug testing process will be notified of his/her impending probation from the college’s intercollegiate athletic program before such prohibition takes effect. The student-athlete will be given the opportunity to meet with the Athletic Director, the student- athlete’s Head Coach, assistant coach so designated by the Head Coach, and any other college official as appointed by the Athletic Director, to be heard on the matter of the impending prohibition from participation in the intercollegiate athletics program.
TYPE OF DRUG TESTING PERFORMED: Howard College may drug test by the following methods: Entire athletic team Random Reasonable cause Post accident Return to participation
Drug test(s) may be conducted for the substances listed below: Cocaine Benzodiazepines
Marijuana
Methadone
Amphetamines Methaqualone
Propoxyphene
Opiates Alcohol
Phencyclidine (PCP)
Barbiturates Steroids Any other illegal substance as defined by Federal, State or local laws.
Howard College reserves the right to test for any illegal substance, including, but not limited to the above list including any other illegal substance, chemical or synthetic drug. Drug tests will only be scheduled by the Associate Athletic Director in conjunction with the Athletic Director. Drug tests may be scheduled in the early morning hours or at any other time of the day as necessary or appropriate. POSITIVE TEST RESULTS: If the results of a drug test show a positive use of illegal drugs, steroids, or alcohol, a meeting will be scheduled to take place within a reasonably prompt period of time, when reasonably possible not to exceed 48 hours, so that the student-athlete will have an opportunity to discuss the matter. The Athletic Director or Associate Athletic Director shall notify the student-athlete’s coach to schedule the meeting with the student-athlete to review drug test results and
Modified June 2025
impending consequences. If other Howard College administrators or staff/faculty need to be included in the meeting, the Athletic Director or Associate Athletic Director will make appropriate arrangements for their attendance at the meeting. If the Athletic Director is also the coach of the sport in which the athlete participates, then the Associate Athletic Director will fill the role of the Athletic Director in the above procedures. At the meeting, the student-athlete will be given an opportunity to present any rebuttal evidence or mitigating circumstances he/she feels important. No decision regarding failed drug test consequences will be made prior to this meeting. During the meeting, the student-athlete will be required to acknowledge an understanding of the minimum automatic penalty process and the necessary steps to return to competition.
CONSEQUENCES FOR A FAILED DRUG TEST:
First Offense • Wri en Warning • Curfew un l next test is taken and is clear • Drug and Alcohol Online Training (Alcohol and Other Drugs Sanc on) • Automa cally included on next random drug test sequence • Parents no fied Second Offense • Wri en documenta on of offense/consequences • Remain on curfew • Suspended for 10% of total number of games • Substance abuse counseling • Automa cally included on next random drug test sequence • Parents no fied
Third Offense • Dismissal from team • Forfeiture of scholarship
RE-TESTING PROCEDURES:
1. Re-tests will be scheduled by, and under the supervision of, the Associate Athletic Director. 2. During the competitive suspension the student-athlete will be allowed to practice with their respective team with the approval of the Head Coach of that program. 3. A student-athlete may still show a negative result on a re-test. Should this happen, the results will be compared to the prior test and a meeting will take place between the Athletic Director, the Associate Athletic Director, the student-athlete, and the student- athlete’s head coach. Following this meeting, the student-athlete may be allowed to
Modified June 2025
return to competition and avoid further advancement of consequences with the approval of the head coach and the Athletic Director. 4. The Dean of Student Services will be informed of positive test results and may use this knowledge in conjunction to aid in maintaining safety and order in dormitories and to aid in enforcing the Code of Student Conduct. 5. Should a returning student-athlete have an additional negative result in a subsequent academic year, the student-athlete will be subject to all of the penalties listed in the consequences for failed drug tests and may be subject to a mandatory 10:00 pm curfew for the remainder of the semester and/or academic year. In addition to the minimum automatic penalties imposed above, other penalties may be imposed by the College as outlined in the Student Code of Conduct. In all situations where a scholarship is removed, student-athletes will be informed of their right to a hearing. If the student-athlete refuses the hearing, the student-athlete must sign a form stating their acknowledgment and understanding of their right to a hearing and their waiver of the hearing. STUDENT-ATHLETE INSURANCE POLICY ALL STUDENT-ATHLETES MUST HAVE A PRIMARY HEALTH INSURANCE POLICY THAT WORKS IN THE STATE OF TEXAS. If the student-athlete/family does not have a primary insurance policy, Howard College will work with the student-athlete and family to provide an avenue for appropriate coverage. • Howard College Athletic Health Insurance will be a secondary policy if needed. • All interna onal student-athletes are required to have a personal health care plan to cover athle c injuries in the United States and more specifically the State of Texas. • Howard College Athletics will not cover non-athletic injuries or pre-existing injuries. • All medical appointments needed as a result of an athle c injury while compe ng at Howard College are to be made by the Howard College athle c training staff or designee. If this procedure is not followed, the student-athlete/parent may be held responsible for the medical costs incurred. Any treatments performed by a personal or family physician should be coordinated through the Howard College athle c training staff or designee. • Every student-athlete must have a physical on file with the Head Athletic Trainer prior to participating in any practice, work-out, or contest. The pre-par cipa on physical evalua on (PPE) should be completed by a physician prior to arriving at Howard College. The Howard College athle c program is not financially responsible for the pre- par cipa on physical evalua on. • All out of state insurance policies must cover athle c injuries in the State of Texas. In the event a student-athlete does not have proper insurance, Howard College will work with the student-athlete and family to provide an avenue for appropriate coverage.
Modified June 2025
STUDENT-ATHLETE RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Student-athletes are expected to avoid all situa ons that will embarrass themselves, their families, their team, or Howard College. This includes informa on shared in all social media outlets, behavior in the community, behavior on campus and at college sponsored events. 2. Student-athletes represent Howard College wherever they go. They are expected to dress neatly and use good personal hygiene, looking sharp, clean, and neat at all mes. 3. Being successful students is a priority. Student-athletes are expected to be on me and in a endance for all classes. If there are unusual circumstances and the student-athletes cannot a end class, they must no fy their Head Coach and Instructor before missing class. Class a endance is a cri cal factor in academic success and will be taken seriously. 4. All student-athletes must no fy their head coach or assistant coach prior to leaving campus to travel outside of the Big Spring area for personal reasons. This does not include team travel. 5. Student-athletes are expected to take extreme care of all equipment and property that belongs to Howard College. This includes proper care and cleanliness of respec ve sport equipment as well as campus housing. 6. Being on me to school and team func ons is important. For team func ons, student- athletes should arrive 15 minutes prior to the scheduled me. If any curfew mes are implemented, all student-athletes are required to comply. 7. Be respec ul. Student-athletes will show respect for coaches, faculty and staff members, community members, opposing teams, game officials, and fellow athletes. 8. Should campus housing or other fines be assessed, student-athletes are expected to pay them promptly. Failure to pay fines rela ng to campus housing can result in evic on from Turner Residence Hall and Partee Residen al Complex. 9. Howard College has a Student Code of Conduct in place for all students. Student-athletes are required to follow the rules established and complete all required student training. Incidents in viola on of college policy/Student Code of Conduct may result in disciplinary ac on and possible suspension from the athle c program. 10. Absolutely no images of alcohol, illegal drugs, illegal ac vity, tobacco or provoca ve images will be tolerated on a student-athlete’s personal social media accounts. Student- athletes will not post/share informa on in online and social media pla orms (including but not limited to Facebook, Twi er (X), Instagram, Threads, and Snapchat) that contains sexual content, foul language, inappropriate behavior (ex: endorsing drug or alcohol use) or any content that will embarrass the student-athlete, their family, their team, or Howard College. Informa on includes but is not limited to word posts, photos, videos, statements or other items shared on their personal account. If a student-athlete has informa on in a social media or online account that their head coach or the Athle c Director deems to be inappropriate, a mee ng will be scheduled with the student-athlete to discuss the content, the plan for its removal, and any associated disciplinary ac on needed. 11. Student-athletes are discouraged from sharing personal informa on such as e-mail addresses, home or local address, phone number(s), birthdate or other personal
Modified June 2025
informa on in their online/social media accounts. Sharing this informa on can poten ally leave the student-athlete at risk for unwanted a en on, stalking, iden ty the , etc.
TEAM RULES Each head coach implements their own team rules to help discipline the team that he/she coaches. These rules will be given to the athletes during the first team mee ng. Student-athletes will be held accountable for viola on of these rules as determined by the head coach. COLLEGE RULES Housing/Cafeteria and disciplinary issues will be explained and handled by the Dean of Students/Title IX Coordinator and the Howard College Student Handbook. All student-athletes are expected to comply with the rules and discipline set forth in the Howard College Student Handbook.
ALL HOWARD COLLEGE POLICIES AND RULES TAKE PRECEDENCE OVER WJCAC AND NJCAA RULES.
STUDENT-ATHLETE ACADEMIC GUIDELINES
CLASS ATTENDANCE: All student-athletes are required to attend class on a regular basis. If a student-athlete is ill or needs to miss class for a personal reason, they must notify their coach and instructor prior to the class start time. Student-athletes are responsible for making up work missed when absent from class and following the course syllabus. Individual team rules will regulate the consequences for unexcused absences. GRADES: Should a student-athlete have a grade of D or F during progress report check, the student-athlete will be required to perform 2 hours of additional tutoring/study hall per grade of D/F, per week, until the following progress report is completed. If the student-athlete does not complete the additional study hall hours, then the following consequences will apply. • Student-athlete will go on curfew Monday – Thursday (Morning). They will need to be in their rooms by 10pm. (No Visitors) o If the student-athlete breaks curfew, then they will have an additional 2 hours of study hall per D or F for that week plus remain on curfew.
Modified June 2025
SEMESTER COMPLETION: Howard College runs on an 8-week term course schedule. All student-athletes who receive a scholarship of any kind through Howard College are required to complete the FULL semester and/or academic year in which their scholarship is provided. Any and all excep ons to this requirement must be reviewed individually by the head coach, Athle c Director, Associate Athle c Director, Chief Student Success Officer and poten ally the College President. Waivers will not be given lightly and are not guaranteed at any me. ACADEMIC ADVISING: Howard College provides a student-athlete academic advisor to ensure that student-athletes meet current eligibility guidelines, progress towards gradua on, and stay on educa onal pathways. Student-athletes should not develop schedules outside of the guidance from the athle c academic advisor. Should a student-athlete have ques ons about their course schedules or desire to request a change to their course schedule, they must go through the athle c academic advisor to obtain resolu on. COMPLIANCE Should a Student-Athlete not follow the policies and procedures as stated in this handbook, they could be subject to the penal es as stated in each sec on or the following penal es may apply: 1. Community Service 2. Possible loss of Athle c Aid 3. Dismissal from the Athle cs Program Other sanc ons as determined by the Coaching Staff ALL APPLICABLE CONSENTS CAN BE FOUND IN HOWARD COLLEGE RANKONE ONLINE PAPERWORK AND MUST BE SIGNED/ACKNOWLEDGED BY THE STUDENT-ATHLETE PRIOR TO PARTICIPATING IN ANY HOWARD COLLEGE HAWK ATHLETIC PROGRAMS.
Modified June 2025
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