Approved by Board of Trustees
Effective Date:  April 6, 2021
Responsible Division: Business and Finance
Responsible Office:   Compliance and Enterprise Risk Management
Responsible Officer:  Assistant Vice President for Compliance and Enterprise Risk Management

I.  Purpose

Coaches, administrators, staff, and volunteers of the University Athletics Department (collectively “Athletics Staff”) are covered by the laws, regulations, policies, and procedures applicable to other members of the University community. In addition, Athletics Staff and the University itself are subject to a wide variety of special requirements including those of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), Conference USA (C-USA) or other applicable conferences, professional coaches' and sports' organizations, and federal and state government authorities (collectively "special requirements"). Such special requirements are designed to protect student-athletes, ensure the integrity of the University's athletic programs, and promote fair competition.

Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU or University) is committed to full compliance with all of these special requirements and engages in extensive oversight, education, and training to ensure that all Athletics Staff understand and are in compliance.

II.  Scope

This policy applies to all Athletics Staff insofar as their job responsibilities are primarily in support of student-athletes or the MTSU athletic program, regardless of whether employed full-time, part-time, or temporary. The policy applies to volunteers, student workers, interns, and graduate assistants, where appropriate.

III.  Definitions

A.  Athletics Staff. Includes all employees insofar as their job responsibilities are primarily in support of student-athletes or the MTSU athletic program, regardless of whether employed full-time, part-time, or temporary. The policy includes volunteers, interns, graduate assistants, and student workers, where appropriate.

B.  Special requirements. Those policies and other expectations of the NCAA, C-USA, or other applicable conferences, professional coaches' and sports organizations, and federal and state government authorities.

IV.  Policy

A.  General. Policy 851 Disciplinary Policy for Administrative and Classified Personnel applies to all Athletics Staff. In addition, all Athletics Staff are required to abide by the MTSU Statement on the Conduct of Athletics Staff.

B.  Statement of Athletics Values. Student athletic programs are an integral piece of MTSU’s mission and purpose. These programs strive to provide opportunities for academic success, competitive excellence, personal and physical development, and involvement in the campus community. These programs further strive to reflect a commitment to the spirit of fair, honest, skillful, and civil competition.

The University is also committed to the core values of honesty, integrity, respect for diversity, engagement in the community, and commitment to non-violence. As part of the University’