Information For Current Student-Athletes



 
Introduction
Mission & Statement
Academic Policies
Administrative Organization
Awards & Recognitions
Business and Finance
Code of Conduct
Compliance & Eligibility
Drug & Alcohol Policy
Employment
Financial Aid
Medical Clearance/Insurance
Sports Information
Training Room
Weight Room

I. INTRODUCTION

Loyola Marymount University, located in the Del Rey Hills of Los Angeles, is a 128-acre campus occupying a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Santa Monica Mountains to the north. Founded in 1914 as an outgrowth of the earlier St. Vincent's College, Loyola University merged with Marymount College in 1973 and became Loyola Marymount University. It is the only comprehensive Catholic university in Los Angeles.

LMU is a co-educational institution with a proud heritage of excellence in teaching, scholarship and community service, enriched by the academic traditions of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) and the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary. The mission of the University is evident in and out of the classroom. Its four-point mission is defined as "the encouragement of learning, the education of the whole person, the service of faith and the promotion of justice."

LMU has an undergraduate enrollment of over 4,500 and boasts a total enrollment of 6,400 while offering courses of study in four colleges-Business Administration, Communication and Fine Arts, Liberal Arts and Science and Engineering. The University offers 19 master's degree programs, certification and credential programs, and continuing education and summer sessions. The Loyola Law School, located in downtown Los Angeles, offers the juris doctor degree.

With a student-faculty ratio of 13 to 1, LMU has the unique opportunity of maintaining close relationships with all of its students. In fulfillment of its mission, LMU provides its students with individual attention and value-oriented education in preparation for their lives as caring and contributing citizens.

The following policies contained within this LMU Athletics Department Manual are intended to reflect the missions and goals of the University and to complement policies of the University, the Division of Student Affairs and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I bylaws. This manual is intended for use by the student-athletes of the LMU Athletics Department.

II. LMU ATHLETICS DEPARTMENT MISSION & STATEMENT

The purpose of the Intercollegiate Athletics Program at LMU is to support the overall mission, goals and objectives of the University by complementing its primary academic pursuits with competitive sports programs.

The Intercollegiate Athletics Program will:

III. ACADEMIC POLICIES

A. Academic Advisors

Every LMU student is assigned an academic advisor, by their respective department/college. This advisor assists students in the preparation of class schedules, provides academic counseling during the school year, and removes the "Advisor Hold" prior to registration for classes.

An Athletics Academic Coordinator will be available to all student-athletes. This position complements the role of the academic advisors and provides special attention to academic issues in connection with participation in intercollegiate sports programs.

B. Academic Eligibility

To be eligible for competition, a student-athlete must achieve a cumulative LMU grade point average of 2.00 at the beginning of each fall semester. If a student-athlete is ineligible under this provision at the beginning of the fall semester, his/her eligibility may be reinstated when he/she achieves a cumulative LMU grade point average of 2.00

One time during a student-athlete's entire period of collegiate enrollment, this grade-point-average requirement may be waived. The waiver may be granted only when circumstances, clearly supported by appropriate documentation, establish that a student-athlete is unable to perform adequately academically (e.g. as a result of an incapacitating physical injury or an illness involving the student-athlete or a member of the student-athlete's immediate family).

A request for a waiver must be prepared by the Assistant Athletic Director of Compliance, who then submits it to an ad-hoc committee consisting of the athletic academic advisors for men's and women's sports and the Faculty Representative to the NCAA.

Academic probation can result from any of the following:
1. A student who in any term fails to earn a 2.0 average.
2. or whose cumulative GPA falls below a 2.0.
3. An upper division student who in any one term fails to earn a 2.0 average in the major requirements
4. or whose cumulative GPA in the major requirements falls below a 2.0.

Academic disqualification from the University is subjected to the following (from the University Undergraduate Bulletin):
1. A student who while on probation fails to earn a 2.0 average during the next semester, or who has not attained an accumulated GPA of 2.0 within two semesters after having been placed on probation;
2. A student who has had special academic requirements imposed by the Dean or the Committee on Academic Standing & Degrees and does not meet the requirements with the time prescribed.

C. Academic Monitoring

Academic monitoring is coordinated by the Athletics Academic Coordinator. First-year student-athletes participating on teams receiving athletic grant-in-aid who have a high school GPA of 3.00 or above, an SAT score of 1000 or above and an SAT verbal score of 500 or above do not have to be monitored in the first semester. All other first-year and transfer student-athletes participating on teams receiving athletic grant-in-aid must attend academic monitoring sessions at the Learning Resource Center and study halls assigned by the coach.

Second, third and fourth semester student-athletes, participating on teams receiving athletic grant-in-aid with a cumulative GPA below 2.50, and juniors and seniors with a cumulative GPA below 2.30, must participate in academic monitoring. The Athletics Academic Advisor may require a student to attend academic monitoring and study halls if the student appears to need the additional assistance.

The LRC contacts student-athletes to set up an appointment at the beginning of the academic year. At the first appointment, the student must bring all class syllabi and an organizer for recording class due dates and assignments.

Students who participate in academic monitoring through the LRC meet weekly with an academic specialist for a 15-minute appointment. During this appointment the student discusses his/her academic performance in all enrolled course work. The student also reports grades to the specialist, arranges study time, describes upcoming assignments, and works on developing a plan for academic success, which may include utilizing other LRC services. Each Friday, the specialist includes this information in a team report that is sent to the coach, the Vice-President for Student Affairs, the Director of Athletics, the Director of the Learning Resource Center, and the Athletics Academic Coordinator.

The student must fulfill certain requirements including punctuality and attendance at all appointments. When a special practice is called, the academic monitoring appointment takes precedence over the practice. If for any reason the student cannot attend an appointment, the student must make an alternate appointment. If the student does not make arrangements for an alternate appointment, the student will be considered a "no show." If the student accumulates three "no show" appointments, the academic monitoring of that student may be discontinued.

D. Degree Completion Program

Loyola Marymount University is committed to the academic success of its student-athletes. This degree completion program is intended to help student-athletes complete their degree requirements. The application process is designed to enhance the distribution of funds for summer school and/or 5th year needs. All decisions for institutional payment of summer school and/or 5th year are based on availability of funds and the stated criteria.

Summer School

A. Criteria

1. The student-athlete must need summer school for at least one of the following:
a) needs class/classes to obtain eligibility
b) needs class/classes for a pre-requisite class
c) needs class/classes because of a practice conflict
d) needs class/classes because of a dual major
e) needs class/classes to stay on tract to graduate in 4 years

2. According to NCAA regulations, aid can only be awarded in proportion to the amount of athletically related financial aid received by the student-athlete during the previous year. For example, if a student-athlete received athletic grant-in-aid equivalent to pay for 50% of the tuition fee, the University may grant no more than 50% of the summer school tuition fee.

3. Summer school is reserved for student-athletes who have made satisfactory progress during the year but require additional academic course work to complete a degree. It is not intended to keep student-athletes on campus during the summer.

4. The student-athlete must have the support of his/her coach with justification for the financial need of class/classes.

5. The application must be reviewed and signed by the Athletics Academic Advisor.

B. Procedure

1. The student-athlete must complete the athletic Degree Completion Program Application.

2. The application form must be complete with all required information and signatures.

3. The application form must be submitted to the Assistant Athletics Director of Business Affairs by the due date (mid-March) to be eligible for consideration of funds. Applications submitted pas the due date (mid-March) may be considered for eligibility purposes.

C. Timelines

1. The completed athletic Degree Completion Program Application must be submitted to the Assistant Athletics Director of Business Affairs by mid-March.

2. In order to secure loans and/or work-study through the Financial Aid office, the summer school financial aid application (through the Financial Aid Office) must be submitted by the TBA.

3. Summer school housing applications are due in the Housing Office by mid-April (check specific date).

5th Year

A. Criteria

1. The following criteria must be met to be considered for 5th year athletic financial assistance:
a) must be in good academic standing with the University
b) must have exhausted his/her athletic eligibility while participating in LMU intercollegiate competition
c) must be within 24 semester hours of graduation

2. The student-athlete will be expected to work on an assigned job for the athletic department under the supervision of his/her coach or the Athletic Academic Advisor in return for the funds received.

3. The student-athlete must have the support of his/her coach with justification for he financial need of class/classes.

4. The application must be reviewed and signed by the Athletic Academic Advisor.

B. Procedure

1. The student-athlete must complete the athletic Degree Completion Program Application.

2. The application form must be complete with all required information and signatures.

3. The application form must be submitted to the Assistant Athletics Director of Business and Finance by the due date (mid-March) to be eligible for consideration of funds.

C. Timelines

1. The completed athletic Degree Completion Program Application must be submitted to the Assistant Athletics Director of Business and Finance by mid-March.

2. The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) must be submitted to the Financial Aid Office by the first week of March. The submittal of this form to the Financial Aid Office is required to be eligible for any financial aid assistance (including athletic funds).

3. Complete the Federal Income Tax forms and submit to the Financial Aid Office by April 16th. The submittal of this form to the Financial Aid Office is required to be eligible for any financial aid assistance (including athletic funds).

IV. ADMINISTRATIVE ORGANIZATION

The LMU Athletics Department is part of the Division of Student Affairs under the direction of the Vice-President of Student Affairs. Other departments within the Division of Student Affairs include Career Development and Placement, Counseling Services, Health Services, Judicial Affairs, Student Media (KXLU Radio Station, The Loyolan and Tower Yearbook), Student Development Services, Student Housing and Student Life.

A. Advisory Boards/Councils

1. Athletics Advisory Board (AAB)

This board serves as an advisory board to the University President on the general policies and programs of the LMU Athletics Department. In this capacity it reports directly through its Chair to the University President. There are eleven (11) members on the AAB as follows:

2. Student Athlete Advisory Committee

The SAAC is a group of student-athletes, representing all LMU intercollegiate sports, who meet with the Director of Athletics and the Assistant Athletic Director for Compliance monthly during the academic year. The purpose of the organization is to promote communication between the Athletics Administration and the student-athletes at LMU. Membership on the SAAC is to include two student-athletes from each of the 17 intercollegiate varsity sports (16 of which are NCAA ) at LMU. The SAAC is to be representative of the diversity of the student-athlete population and the campus.

B. NCAA and Conference Affiliations

Loyola Marymount University is a Division I-AAA member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), a national governing body for intercollegiate athletics. LMU sponsors 17 intercollegiate sports, 16 of which compete at the Division I level. Such competition is commensurate with the prestige of the University, its size and compatibility with institutions in conferences, leagues and associations of which the University is a member.

LMU is also a member of the West Coast Conference. The league is located in San Bruno, CA. Other WCC members include Pepperdine University, University of San Diego, Santa Clara University, University of San Francisco, Saint Mary's College, University of Portland and Gonzaga University.

Twelve LMU athletic teams compete in the West Coast Conference: 

Men's Sports		Women's Sports
Baseball		Basketball
Basketball		Crew
Cross Country		Cross Country
Golf			Soccer
Soccer			Tennis
Tennis			Volleyball


The remaining six LMU teams compete in conferences listed below:
Women's Swimming	Pacific Collegiate Swim Conference
Men's Rowing		Western Intercollegiate Rowing Association
Women's Softball	Western Intercollegiate Softball League
Men's & Women's 	Western Water Polo Association
Water Polo

V. AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS

A. Academic/Athletic Awards

1. Male and Female Student-Athlete of the Year

These awards recognize academic and athletic achievement and community involvement. Award recipients are honored at the Student Awards Convocation held each Spring.

2. West Coast Conference Academic Awards

a) Male and Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year: Awarded to a graduating senior who has balanced academic and athletic achievement and community involvement.

b) All-Academic Team: Criteria for selection to the team includes a 3.20 grade point average and significant athletic achievement in a WCC-sponsored sport. Each team includes the typical number of athletes required to field a team in the respective sport.

c) Scholar-Athletes: Designates all student-athletes who compete in WCC-sponsored sports and achieve a grade point average of 3.00 or above as "Scholar-Athletes." There is no limit to the number of student-athletes who receive this designation.

3. Team G.P.A. Award The "Team G.P.A. Award" is presented each semester to the highest team grade point average. A traveling plaque will be given to the team receiving the highest G.P.A. for the semester. In addition, a plaque honoring the team's academic achievements will be on display in the Office of the Vice-President of Student Affairs and in the Athletics Department.

4. Additional Honors

Other academic recognitions exist including the GTE Academic District and All-America squads, the Arthur Ashe Scholar-Athletes Award, and numerous NCAA and LMU special honors categories. Coaches, in consultation with the Compliance Coordinator and Sports Information Director, are encouraged to nominate deserving student-athletes.

B. Athletic Awards

1. Athlete of the Year Nominees

These awards recognize an outstanding contributor based on athletic achievement for each sport represented in the Athletic Department. Nominees are determined by the head coach of each sport. From the pool of all the nominees, a female and male athlete of the year are selected and honored at an athletic awards ceremony in the spring.

2. Letter Jacket

Award jackets and blankets are ordered each spring by the Office Supervisor. Requirements to be awarded a jacket include completion of two years in sport and eligibility for the junior season. Transfer student-athletes must complete two years in a sport and be eligible for graduation. Blankets are awarded to graduating seniors who have completed four years in one sport at LMU.

3. NCAA Championship Awards

This policy applies to gifts and awards provided by the Athletics Department for team championships in NCAA sanctioned sports. The department adheres to NCAA rules for allowable expenditures.

a) Conference Championship: Commemorative watch for each athlete and coach.

b) NCAA Regional Championship: Ring for each athlete, coach, trainer and sports information director for that sport.

c) NCAA National Championship: Ring for each athlete, coach, trainer and Sports Information Director for that sport, and a banquet paid for by the Athletics Department.

VI. BUSINESS AND FINANCE

A. Housing

All student-athletes receiving funds in addition to tuition must reside in campus housing. All student-athletes receiving full athletic grant-in-aid entering their sophomore, junior or senior year are required to enter the apartment lottery for on-campus housing. First year student-athletes entering their sophomore year must follow housing procedures for assignment in the residence halls if they are receiving athletic grant money greater than tuition. Failure to enter this lottery will result in a $200 processing fee charged to his/her student account.

B. Uniforms

All uniforms provided to the student-athlete are the property of the Athletics Department. It is expected that these uniforms will be returned to the coach after all competition is finished. Failure to return the items as requested will result in a student account charge through the Controller's Office for the replacement of the item.

C. Team Travel

While traveling for the purpose of competition, all student-athletes are expected to follow the standards of behavior as outlined in the Student Conduct Code. Violations of these guidelines may result in University disciplinary action.

Personal hotel expenses such as telephone charges, room service, etc. will not be paid by the Athletics Department. These expenses, if so incurred, must be reimbursed to the Athletics Department through the Assistant Athletics Director of Business and Finance. Failure to do so will result in student account charges.

All student-athletes are required to travel as a team to the competition destination. Only under exceptional circumstances will a student-athlete be allowed to travel separately to a competition destination. Permission to travel separately from the team must be granted by the Coach, Sport Supervisor or Director of Athletics. An authorization from for travel release must be obtained in writing prior to any travel to an athletic competition or event.

Release of responsibility for student-athletes occurs at Loyola Marymount University upon return from team travel. Any exceptions must be documented with a signed release from the student-athlete authorizing exemption of responsibility to the Athletic Department for return travel.

D. Textbooks

All student-athletes on scholarships, which include books, must adhere to the following procedures:

E. Tickets

Student-athletes are allotted up to four complimentary admissions for each home event in their particular sport. The complimentary admissions are designated by means of a pass list and no tickets are issued. The individual whose name is placed on the pass list must be prepared to show picture identification. Complimentary admission lists must be forwarded to the ticket office two hours prior to the start of the event. Once the ticket office has received the complimentary admission list, only the coaching staff can make changes.

The Ticket Office is located in the Burns Recreation Center. The office is open weekdays from 3 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and one hour prior to the start of home games. The Ticket Office is open two hours prior to the start of baseball games.

F. NCAA Special Assistance Fund

The NCAA Assistance Fund is money set aside to meet the student-athletes needs of an emergency or essential nature for which financial assistance is not available. The following student-athletes are eligible to apply for funds:

1. Pell-eligible student-athletes (except non-qualifiers in the initial year of residence), including student-athletes who have exhausted their athletics eligibility or no longer able to participate because of medical reasons.

2. Student-athletes who are receiving countable athletically related financial aid and who have demonstrated financial need as determined by an analysis conducted by the financial aid office. This analysis must be consistent with methodologies used in determining financial need for all students at the institution.

3. For foreign student-athletes, an official foreign student-athlete advisory entity of the institution outside the athletics department must certify in writing that the student-athlete has financial need (International Student and Scholars Department). The student-athlete is required to provide documentation indicating financial need.

Procedures for Application

1. Complete a NCAA Special Assistance Fund application at the beginning of the academic year.

2. Once the application is received, it will be forwarded to Financial Aid for review.

3. All applications which are approved will be forwarded to the West Coast Conference Office for approval. Once approval is granted, a check will be forwarded back to the Assistant Athletic Director for Compliance and Eligibility. Once received, the check will be mailed or hand-delivered to the student-athlete.

Permissible Uses of the Funds

1. Cost of clothing and other essential expenses (not entertainment) up to $500 for Pell-eligible student-athletes and full and partial grant-in-aid student-athletes who demonstrate financial need. Note: Not all student-athletes who demonstrate need will receive the full $500. The amount awarded is left up to the discretion of the Assistant Athletic Director for Compliance and Eligibility based on demonstrated need.

2. Cost of expendable academic course supplies (e.g. notebooks and pens) and rental of non-expendable supplies (e.g., computer equipment and cameras) that are required for all students enrolled in the course.

3. Medical and dental costs not covered by another insurance program (e.g., premiums for option medical insurance, hearing aids, vision therapy and off-campus psychological counseling).

4. Costs associated with student-athlete or family emergencies.

Fund Restrictions

1. Financing any portion of an institutional grant-in-aid that could have been awarded to the student-athlete is prohibited.

2. Non-qualifiers may not receive special assistance funds during their first academic year in residence.

3. Entertainment expenses for student-athlete are not permissible.

4. The purchase of disability, illness or injury insurance to protect against the loss of potential future professional sports earnings is not permissible.

5. The funds may not be used for administrative purposes (conferences may not charge an administrative fee for nor may salary or staff expenses for administration of the funds be paid for these moneys).

Student-Athlete Requirement

1. All student-athletes receiving funds must keep receipts for purchases. Once the funds are exhausted, all student-athletes must return all original receipts to the Assistant Athletic Director for Compliance and Eligibility for administrative purposes (no exceptions will be made to this policy).

Note: No guarantees exist for eligibility of funds for more than one academic year. Funds are distributed on a first-come first-served basis.

VII. CODE OF CONDUCT

A. Team Rules

1. Student-athletes are expected to adhere to specific athletic program rules and policies. Each student-athlete is required to sign for and receive a copy of the LMU Student-Athlete Manual each year.

2. All student-athletes are expected to understand and abide by the Policies and Standards published annually in the Student Handbook. Copies of the Student Handbook can be obtained from the department of Student Life, Malone 101.

3. In addition to whatever sanction(s) the University may impose for violations of the Policies and Standards, the Athletics Department may impose sanctions.

4. Sanctions that the Athletics Department may impose for violations of the Policies and Standards or violation of team rules include, about are not limited to, suspension from practice(s) or events, additional workouts, community service, release from a team, and withdrawal of the student's grant-in-aid.

B. Hazing/Initiation

1. All acts of hazing by a student-athlete are prohibited. It is a violation of California state law, Board of Trustees policy and LMU policy for students to engage in any activity that may be described as hazing.

2. Hazing is a broad term encompassing any action or activity which does not contribute to the positive development of a person; or which inflicts or intends to cause mental or physical harm or anxieties; or which may demean, degrade or disgrace any person regardless of location, intent or consent of participants. In addition, hazing can be defined as any action or situation which intentionally or unintentionally endangers the physical or mental health of a student-athlete for the purpose of initiation or full admission, or affiliation with any organization operating under the sanction of LMU. The University believes that any activity which promotes a class system within organizations is inappropriate. Subservience in any form is unacceptable. Subsequently, activities, which facilitate inappropriate levels of authority over students may be deemed as hazing and will not be allowed.

VIII. COMPLIANCE & ELIGIBILITY

A. Eligibility

1. Certification Types

a) Initial Eligibility All first-year students who wish to participate in a Division I intercollegiate athletics program (to include practice, competition and/or the receipt of financial aid) must receive initial eligibility certification through the NCAA Initial Eligibility Clearinghouse prior to participation. This eligibility is monitored by the Assistant Director of Athletics for Compliance in conjunction with the Registrar's Office.

b) Continuing Eligibility All continuing students who wish to participate in a Division I intercollegiate athletics (to include practice, competition and/or the receipt of athletics grant-in-aid) program must be certified for continuing eligibility each fall prior to participation. This process takes place through the Assistant Director of Athletics for Compliance who works directly with the Registrar's Office in the preparation of eligibility rosters. The Faculty Athletics Representative "signs off" on all certifications. All student-athletes must achieve a cumulative LMU grade point average of 2.00 by the beginning of each fall semester with 24 units from the previous year. Eligibility disqualification is made by the Vice-President for Student Affairs in consultation with the Director of Athletics.

c) Transfer Eligibility All students who wish to participate in a Division I intercollegiate athletics program (to include practice, competition and/or receipt of athletic grant-in-aid) must be certified for eligibility through the Registrar's Office and/or the appropriate college by written evaluations of all transcripts and through a transfer tracer sent to all previous institutions attended for verification of eligibility status. Final rulings on eligibility are made by the NCAA Faculty Representative. Athletic eligibility certification process is a separate process from University admissions and is managed through the Assistant Director of Athletics for Compliance.

B. Exit Interviews

Following the completion of the athletic season each student-athlete who has completed his/her eligibility will be required to participate in an Exit Interview.

IX. DRUG & ALCOHOL POLICY

Loyola Marymount University expects all of its student-athletes to be medically certified and appropriately conditioned for competition.

The use of drugs and/or alcohol on or off the LMU campus is prohibited. All student-athletes are subject to NCAA regulations, which currently require that student-athletes are subject to random drug-testing during NCAA postseason play.

Although educational efforts will be made to address drug and alcohol abuse by student-athletes, random drug testing could be utilized.

The following guidelines will be considered and may be used to address any drug or alcohol abuses:

1st Offense: student-athlete is subject to counseling, random drug testing and/or suspension from games/practices depending upon nature of offense.

2nd Offense: student-athlete will immediately be suspended from the team and counseling will be made available (includes attending drug/alcohol awareness seminars or AA).

3rd Offense: student-athlete will immediately and permanently be dismissed from team - any student-athlete on athletic aid will lose their athletic aid after the academic year during which the suspension occurs.

An offense includes, but is not limited, to any of the following:

X. EMPLOYMENT

LMU must include earnings from the student-athlete's employment during semester or term time in determining whether his/her full grant-in-aid has been reached. A full grant-in-aid is financial aid that consists of tuition and fees, room and board, and required course-related books.

The Exception to Division I Employment Earnings:

a. The student-athlete has spent one academic year in residence at the certifying institution.

b. The student-athlete is eligible academically to compete for the institution.

Prior to the commencement of the employment, the student-athlete and the employer must sign a written statement to be kept on file in the Athletics Department, which specifies the following:

a. The student-athlete's compensation may not be valued higher because he or she is an athlete.

b. The student-athlete is to be compensated only for work actually performed.

c. The student-athlete is to be compensated at a rate commensurate with the going rate in that locality for similar services.

XI. FINANCIAL AID

A. Financial Aid Application

All students on financial aid at LMU, including athletic grant-in-aid, must complete financial aid applications (FAFSA) annually. The Financial Aid Office mails these applications to all student-athletes receiving athletic grant-in-aid.

B. Renewals

Notification for renewal of athletic grant-in-aid is sent to the student-athlete prior to July 1st for the following year. These grant-in-aid agreements are to be signed by the student-athlete and returned immediately. An athletic grant-in-aid award is offered for one year only and must be renewed annually per NCAA regulations. If a decision is made not to renew a student's athletic grant-in-aid, written notification from the Financial Aid Office is provided to the student-athlete concerning their right to appeal such a decision.

C. Non-Renewals

The grant-in-aid may be cancelled or graduated before or at the expiration of the term if:

XII. MEDICAL CLEARANCES & INSURANCE

A. Medical Clearances

First-year, new transfer and returning students planning to participate in intercollegiate athletics are required to submit all completed LMU Athletics Department Medical Clearance Forms. These forms are to include all required signatures and must be given to the Athletics Compliance Coordinator prior to participation in conditioning, practice or competition. This is a yearly requirement. The Student Health Service will not participate in athletic physicals.

A packet of medical insurance information is given to returning students at the year-end team meetings. This packet includes the Athletics Department Medical Clearance Form, Medical History Form and the Medical Insurance Information Sheet. This information must be completed before the start of athletic participation.

The need for an additional medical physical is determined by the trainer in consultation with a team physician based on past or present history and/or the physician evaluation. If necessary, the student-athlete will be referred to the appropriate specialist for evaluation. The student-athlete is responsible for any medical costs not covered by insurance.

B. Medical Insurance (Accident & Sickness)

In order for all student-athletes to receive full medical benefits from LMU medical personnel, the LMU training room and the LMU accident insurance policy, the following procedures must be followed:

When an athlete is injured, he/she should immediately notify the trainer of the injury regardless of the severity. If the athlete is injured and is unable to notify the trainer immediately, it is the athlete's responsibility to contact the trainer as soon as possible after receiving treatment. In the case of an emergency, the student-athlete should take the necessary action to protect his/her welfare.

The premium for the accidental medical insurance is paid by the Athletics Department for student-athletes receiving full athletic grant-in-aid. The University does not assume responsibility for any medical costs incurred by student-athletes. The LMU policy is an accident-only policy, not a sickness policy. Only accidents (bodily injuries) are covered. Expenses incurred after 52 weeks from the date of the accident are not covered. Pre-existing conditions are not covered. Overuse syndrome from repetitive motions are not "accidents" and, therefore are not covered. In order for the coverage to be accepted, the student-athlete must consult the Athletic Trainer prior to seeking medical attention, or as soon as possible after receiving treatment. There is a $50 deductible on the policy which is the responsibility of the student-athlete.

Adequate sickness insurance is required of all LMU students. Students who have personal sickness insurance comparable to LMU insurance may sign a waiver card contained within the Controller's worksheet filed in the summer. Otherwise, the student is automatically billed and enrolled in the University plan. NCAA regulations do not allow student-athletes to receive LMU funds to pay for sickness insurance.

C. Emergency Injuries

Home Games: During any athletic activity, injury may occur or an underlying health condition may affect the well being of a student-athlete. LMU has a number of professionals affiliated with its athletic program who have varying degrees of medical knowledge. These include physicians from Kerlan-Jobe Orthopedic Clinic and the athletic trainers.

If a student-athlete is injured or appears to have his/her health compromised in some way, the person with the most advanced medical training on site will assess the situation for its degree of severity.

Depending upon that person's judgement, varying courses of action are available. The student-athlete may be benched for the rest of the game or practice. If the situation appears to warrant more prompt evaluation, the student-athlete may be transported via a taxi or by a responsible party to the proper medical facility. If the student-athlete's immediate health seems in jeopardy, paramedics may need to be called. Examples of situations that may warrant notification of the paramedics include severe difficulty of breathing, altered levels of consciousness, or concern about a severe head or neck injury.

An injury or health crisis may also occur during regular office hours. In this situation, an additional option is to notify the Student Health Center. The physician can assist in an assessment of the seriousness of the situation and recommend a course of action.

Before student-athletes resume practice and/or competition, they must have a clearance to return. This can be completed by the physicians at Kerlan-Jobe Orthopedic Clinic or the designated internist for LMU Athletics.

XIII. SPORTS INFORMATION

1. Media Relations

As a student-athlete at Loyola Marymount University, you must understand that you have an obligation to the institution, yourself and the news media. Because you represent LMU as a student-athlete, the public has an interest in what you do, on and off the court. In light of these interests, you should always conduct yourself in a positive and professional manner. Some general guidelines below will help you in dealing with members of the media while you participate as an athlete at Loyola Marymount University.

A. Student-Athlete Questionnaire

As a student-athlete at Loyola Marymount University, you are required to complete a sports information questionnaire prior to competing in each academic year. Information included within those questionnaires will assist in compilation of personal information for use in official athletics department publications. It is also used for dissemination to the news media, for purposes of nominating you for honors, programs and scholarships, and general public relations purposes.

XIV. TRAINING ROOM

A full-time Head Trainer and Assistant Trainers staff the Training Room. All staff members are Certified Athletic Trainers. They are assisted by student athletic trainers. All members are certified in Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and First Aid. All student-trainers must complete an in-depth sports medicine education program to remain on staff.

The Training Room provides treatment for injuries, rehabilitation and injury-prevention strength and conditioning programs for all LMU student-athletes. Rules and regulations regarding the use of the Training Room are prominently posted within the facility.

All referrals to doctors are done by the Training Room. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 11:00am to 6:00pm; during athletic events; during in-season practices; during non-traditional (out-of-season) games & practices; and by appointment.

XV. WEIGHT ROOM

All workouts must be scheduled with the Strength and Conditioning Coach. No one is to use the weight room alone. The following weight room rules are in effect.

1. Only intercollegiate athletes and athletic department staff are permitted to use the weight room. Friends, guest, and etc. are not allowed.
2. You must train with a strength and conditioning staff-approved program.
3. If you have an existing injury, you must notify both the sports medicine staff and the strength and conditioning staff to allow us to make appropriate changes to your program.
4. A strength and conditioning staff member must approve any changes in the program.
5. If injured while lifting, notify the strength and conditioning staff and the sports medicine staff immediately.
6. Briefly check equipment before using to insure that it is safe.
7. If a piece of equipment is broken or breaks while you are using it, immediately report it to the staff.
8. Lifters are required to use spotters at all appropriate times
9. Move weights from racks to the bar only. Never set them on the floor or lean them against equipment.
10. Strip all bars immediately after use. Return dumbbells to the rack in the proper order.
11. Keep bars and weight off the vinyl at all times to prevent tearing.
12. Spitting in or defacing the room is not tolerated and will result in immediate expulsion.
13. Wear appropriate athletic shoes and athletic apparel.
14. Be on time for scheduled workouts.
15. Horseplay will not be tolerated.
16. Treat all fell student-athletes with appropriate respect due them.
17. The staff offices and telephones are off limits to athletes, unless permission to use them is given.
18. The strength staff is not responsible for holding personal items.
19. Training in the varsity weight room is a privilege not a right. Respect the facility, the strength staff, and fellow student-athletes.

Failure to follow any of the policies could result in loss of weight room privileges.