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Current Student-Athlete

Welcome to the University of Maryland Eastern Shore Compliance web page for current student-athletes. We are glad that you have taken the time to view this information and we are proud to call you a HAWK! Please take some time to review the information listed on this page so as to help prevent you from making any errors that could possibly jeopardize your eligibility or your personal and/or team success.

As a member institution of the NCAA, The University of Maryland Eastern Shore is committed to the integrity and adherence of the guidelines that govern us as a Division I intercollegiate program.

Please keep in mind the Compliance Office Motto, "it is better to ask for permission that to ask for forgiveness" and when in doubt please do not hesitate in contacting us at (410) 651.8150

Academic Eligibility Standards - Practice and Compete

To be eligible to practice and compete, you must be enrolled in a minimum full-time program of studies leading to a baccalaureate or equivalent degree as defined by the regulations at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. The University of Maryland Eastern Shore has determined a minimum full-time program as being enrolled in 12 credits during a semester.

Academic Eligibility Standards - Progress Towards Degree Requirements

Initial Eligibility

• Beginning in 2008 all prospective student athletes must be certified under the 16 core course standard.
• Partial qualifier certification will be eliminated for a prospective student athlete who enters August 2005 and thereafter.
• A non-qualifier will continue to have the opportunity to earn a fourth season of eligibility if he or she obtains his or her degree by the beginning of his or her fifth year of collegiate enrollment.

Transfers

• A midyear transfer is subject to the above requirements and is able to use any degree credits to satisfy the requirements.
• A transfer student athlete (foreign or domestic) who initially enrolls as a full time student in any collegiate institution's regular academic term on or after August 1, 2003, will be subject to the academic year at the institution.

Part- Time Enrollment

• A student athlete is responsible to earn 18 semester /27 quarter credit hours in any academic year in which the student-athlete was full time during one or more terms.  Part time hours may be used to fulfill this requirement.
• Exception: A student athlete who enrolls in his or her first full time term of collegiate enrollment following the fall term will not be responsible for earning 18/27 credit hours until he or she has spent a full academic year at the institution.

Averaging Method

• The averaging method of determining eligibility may not be used with the new academic requirements.

Summer Credit Hours

• Summer credit hours may be used to satisfy the 24 credit hour requirement when certifying a student athlete entering his or her second year of collegiate enrollment.  Summer hours may also be used to meet the 40/60/80 percent of degree requirements.

Remedial, Tutorial or Noncredit Courses

• A student athlete may use remedial, tutorial or noncredit courses earned during his or her first year of collegiate enrollment and when certifying a student athlete entering his or her second year of collegiate enrollment.  These courses may be used to meet the 24 semester/36 quarter credit hour requirement, but may not exceed six semester/nine quarter total credit hours.

Six Credit Hours

• All student athletes, including those currently enrolled, must successfully complete at least six (6) semester or quarter hours in the previous regular academic term of full time enrollment to be eligible to participate in the next regular academic term.   

Countable Athletically Related Activities - 20/8 Hour Rule

The NCAA regulates the daily and weekly hour limitations that student-athletes are permitted to participate in required activities related to their sport. The following information pertains to the guidelines for "countable athletically related activities."

Student-athletes may not participate in required countable athletically related activities for more than:

The daily and weekly hour limitations DO NOT apply to the following time periods:
• During preseason practice prior to the first day of classes or the first scheduled contest, whichever is earlier.
• During an institution's term-time official vacation period (e.g., Thanksgiving, spring break), as listed in the institution's official calendar, and during the academic year between terms when classes are not in session.

Are student-athletes required to have a day off from countable athletically related activities?

During the academic year, student-athletes shall not engage in any countable athletically related activities on one day per week during the playing season and two days per week outside the playing season. The required day(s) off may occur on any day of the week and may change from week to week. A "week" is defined as any seven consecutive days, determined at the institution's discretion.

Below are partial lists of common activities that count and do not count against daily and weekly time limits:

*There may be additional rules applicable only to certain sports. Also, conferences and institutions may adopt more restrictive rules. Contact the compliance office for answers to questions or for additional information.

What is the difference between in-season and out-of-season?

In-season (20 Hours per week)
• Time between the team's first officially recognized practice session and the last practice session or competition, whichever occurs later.
• Sports other than football and basketball may have their seasons separated into two distinct segments: championship segment and non-championship segment.
• During the in-season period (i.e., championship and non-championship segments), a student-athlete may participate in a maximum of 20 hours per week of countable athletically related activities.

Out-of-season (Eight (8) Hours per week)
• The remaining days during the academic year not included in the in-season period.
• A student-athlete may participate in a maximum of eight (8) hours per week of countable athletically related activities and may not participate in any countable athletically related activities on two days per week during the out-of-season period.
• In sports other than football and women's basketball, participation in up to two (2) hours of required or voluntary individual skill instruction is permissible. In women's basketball not more than four (4) hours per week may be spent on individual skill workouts. In football, skill instruction activities are limited to the review of game film.

Outside the playing season (during the academic year), student-athletes are limited to not more than eight (8) hours per week of certain countable athletically related activities. Those activities are shown below:

NOTE: Student-athletes may be involved in any noncountable athletically related activity during the off-season period (e.g., workouts using the safety exception, voluntary workouts, other noncountable activities permitted during the in-season period).

VOLUNTARY ACTIVITIES AND THE SAFETY EXCEPTION

What is a "voluntary" activity?

NCAA BYLAW 17.02.13

In order for any athletically related activity to be considered "voluntary," all of the following conditions must be met:

(a) The student-athlete must not be required to report back to a coach or other athletics department staff member (e.g., strength coach, trainer, manager) any information related to the activity. In addition, no athletics department staff member who observes the activity (e.g., strength coach, trainer, manager) may report back to the student-athlete's coach any information related to the activity;

(b) The activity must be initiated and requested solely by the student-athlete. Neither the institution nor any athletics department staff member may require the student-athlete to participate in the activity at any time. However, it is permissible for an athletics department staff member to provide information to student-athletes related to available opportunities for participating in voluntary activities (e.g., times when the strength and conditioning coach will be on duty in the weight room or on the track). In addition, for students who have initiated a request to engage in voluntary activities, the institution or an athletics department staff member may assign specific times for student-athletes to use institutional facilities for such purposes and inform the student-athletes of the time in advance;

(c) The student-athlete's attendance and participation in the activity (or lack thereof) may not be recorded for the purposes of reporting such information to coaching staff members or other student-athletes; and

(d) The student-athlete may not be subjected to penalty if he or she elects not to participate in the activity. In addition, neither the institution nor any athletics department staff member may provide recognition or incentives (e.g., awards) to a student-athlete based on his or her attendance or performance in the activity.

EXCEPTIONS:

SUMMER INDIVIDUAL WORKOUT SESSIONS
A coach may participate in individual-workout sessions with student-athletes from the coach's team during the summer, provided the request for such assistance is initiated by the student-athlete. This also applies to incoming prospective student-athletes (including transfers) that have signed a NLI and/or are receiving aid for summer school.

SAFETY EXCEPTION
A coach may be present during voluntary individual workouts in the institution's regular practice facility (without the workouts being considered as countable athletically related activities) when the student-athlete is engaging in sport-related activities and/or utilizing sport-related equipment. The coach may provide safety and skill instruction, but cannot conduct the individual's workout. This also applies during the summer to incoming prospective student-athletes (including transfers) that have signed a NLI and/or are receiving aid for summer school.

Amateur Status

Only an amateur student-athlete, as defined by NCAA regulations, is eligible for intercollegiate competition in a particular sport. An individual loses amateur status and thus shall not be eligible for intercollegiate competition in a particular sport if the individual:

1. Uses his or her athletics skill (directly or indirectly) for pay in any form in that sport;
2. Accepts a promise of pay even if such pay is to be received following completion of intercollegiate athletics participation;
3. Signs a contract or verbally gives a commitment of any kind to play professional athletics, regardless of its legal enforceability of any consideration received;
4. Receives, directly or indirectly, a salary, reimbursement of expenses or any other form of financial assistance from a professional sports organization based upon athletics skill or participation, except as permitted by NCAA rules and regulations;
5. Competes on any professional athletics team and knows (or had reason to know) that the team is a professional athletics team, even if no pay or remuneration for expenses was received; or
6. Enters into a professional draft or an agreement (either written or oral) with an agent or other entity to negotiate a professional contract.

Agents

A student-athlete will be considered ineligible for participation in an intercollegiate sport if he or she has ever agreed (orally or in writing ) to be represented by an agent for the purpose of marketing his or her athletic ability or reputation in that sport. Further, an agency contract not specifically limited in writing to a sport or particular sports would be deemed applicable to all sports, and the individual would be considered ineligible to participate in any sport.

A student-athlete is not permitted to sign an agreement with an attorney or financial advisor for the purpose of representation during the screening process of inquiries and offers from agents. The student-athlete (and his or her relatives and friends) is not permitted to accept any tangible benefits (e.g., gifts, money, etc.) from an agent and/or the representative of an agent, nor are they permitted to enter into a written or verbal agreement for future representation by an agent after the student-athlete's eligibility has been expired.

In addition, student-athletes who have any questions about professional sports agents, accepting prize money for athletics contests, receiving payment of expenses or gifts of any kind, endorsing or advertising products or activities, owning their own businesses, or working as a model or performer should consult with the Office of Student Life and Compliance immediately. Violations of the amateur status regulations are possible in all of these areas. For additional information about this topic, please see the Agents and Careers in Pro Athletics web page.

Extra Benefits

An extra benefit is considered to be any special arrangement or preferential treatment given to prospective student-athletes or enrolled student-athletes, their families/relatives, and/or their friends that is not expressly authorized by NCAA regulations. Receipt by a student-athlete of an impermissible award, benefit or expense allowance can render the individual ineligible. Some examples of extra benefits that are not allowed are:

• Entertainment (such as tickets to sporting events, concerts, movies, meals at a restaurant, etc.) paid for by Hawk Club donors, alumni, fans or others not related to you
• Money, loans or transportation services not available to all other UMES students
• Discounts on tickets, services, products or rent not available to all other UMES students
• Use of an automobile (except owned by you or your family)
• Meals at a restaurant provided by athletic boosters, alumni, fans, or others not related to you
• Free or discounted typing services
• Use of telephone or telephone credit card at no charge
• Use of copy/fax machine at no charge or reduced rate
• Co-signing of loans (except by family members)

Sports Wagering Activities

In NCAA Bylaw 10.02.1, Sports Wagering is defined as placing , accepting or soliciting a wager (on a staff member's or student-athlete's own behalf or on the behalf of others) of any type with any individual or organization on any intercollegiate, amateur or professional team or contest. Examples of prohibited sports wagering activities include (but are not limited to):

1. Use of a bookmaker or parlay card;
2. Internet sports wagering;
3. Auctions in which bids are placed on teams, individuals or contests; and
4. Pools (e.g., "March Madness" bracket sheets) or fantasy leagues in which an entry fee is required and there is an opportunity to win a prize.

As per NCAA Bylaw 10.3, student-athletes should not knowingly:

1. Provide information to individuals involved in or associated with any type of sports wagering activities concerning intercollegiate, amateur or professional athletics competition;
2. Solicit a bet on any intercollegiate team;
3. Accept a bet on any team representing the institution;
4. Solicit or accept a bet on any intercollegiate competition for any item (e.g., cash, shirt, dinner); or
5. Participate in any gambling activity that involves intercollegiate athletics or professional athletics, through a bookmaker, a parlay card or any other method employed by organized gambling.

In addition, the following interpretations apply:

Soliciting or accepting a wager for a material item: The provisions of NCAA bylaw 10.3 do not permit a student-athlete from soliciting or accepting a wager for a non-monetary material item (e.g., shirt, jersey, meal) that has tangible value in exchange for the possibility of gaining another item of value. It should be noted, however, that institutions that compete against each other may agree to participate for a tangible item (e.g., governors cup), provided no student-athletes receive any tangible item.

Wagering on professional sports contests: The prohibition against student-athletes from participating in gambling activities associated with professional sports events is applicable only to those sports in which the Association conducts championship competition, bowl subdivision and emerging women's sports.

As a student-athlete, you are responsible for the following as it related to sports wagering activities:

1. Reporting any offers of gifts, money or favors in exchange for supplying team information or for attempting to alter the outcome of any contest to the appropriate staff member (i.e., Coach, Administrative Staff);
2. Maintaining a clear understanding of what constitutes sports wagering, gambling and bribery activities and reporting any suspected infractions;
3. Contacting a coach or other Departmental personnel (i.e., Media Relations Staff) when questions concerning appropriate release of team information occur; and
4. Increasing your awareness that participation in sports wagering or bribery activities can result in disciplinary actions by the university and the NCAA, as well as local, state and/or federal prosecution of the involved individuals.

NCAA DRUG TESTING PROGRAM

Each year, student-athletes will sign a consent form demonstrating their understanding and willingness to participate in the NCAA drug-testing program. The NCAA requires this consent for any student-athletes before they begin participation each year. Failure to complete and sign the statement shall result in the student-athlete being ineligible for all intercollegiate competition.

By signing the NCAA Drug Consent Form, you agree to allow the NCAA to test you in relation to any participation in an NCAA Championship or post-season competition. The NCAA tests for any banned substances listed in Bylaw 31.2.3. Your coach, Athletic Trainer or the Office of Student Life & Compliance can provide an updated list of banned drugs by the NCAA. For the current list of 2006-07 banned drug classes, please refer to the end of this section.

Additionally, all student-athletes are now subject to year round drug testing administered by the NCAA. By signing the Drug Testing Consent Form, you also agree to be tested on a year round basis (including the summer) for anabolic agents, diuretics and urine manipulators. You must keep your coaches informed any time you leave town. The NCAA generally gives only 24 hours notice for their year round drug testing. Therefore, your coaches must know how to reach you.

If the NCAA tests you for the banned drugs listed in Bylaw 31.2.3 and you test positive (consistent with NCAA drug-testing protocol), you will be ineligible to participate in regular-season and postseason competition for one calendar year (i.e., 365 days) after your positive drug test and you will be charged with the loss of a minimum of one season of competition in all sports.

If you test positive in an NCAA drug test a second time for the use of any drug, other than a "street drug" as defined in Bylaw 31.2.3, you will lose all remaining regular season and postseason eligibility in all sports. If you test positive for the use of a "street drug" after being restored to eligibility, you will be charged with the loss of one additional season of competition in all sports and also remain ineligible for regular season and postseason competition at least through the next calendar year.

Keep in mind, the penalty for missing a scheduled NCAA drug test is the same penalty for testing positive for the use of a banned drug. You will remain ineligible until you retest negative and your eligibility has been restored by the NCAA Committee on Student-Athlete Reinstatement, after loss of eligibility, as noted above.

Supplements
Many nutritional/dietary supplements contain NCAA banned substances. Some supplements may lead to a positive NCAA or UMES drug test. The use of supplements is at the student-athlete's own risk. Student-athletes should contact their trainer or head coach before taking any supplements.

Employment of Student-Athletes

Employment Approval--Fall, Spring and Summer
In order to protect your eligibility and to ensure that the University is in compliance with NCAA regulations for employment, all student-athletes must request approval before accepting a job during the fall, spring and summer terms. Failure to do so may result in the potential loss of eligibility. Student-athletes seeking approval must follow the employment approval procedure set forth by the Athletic Department.

All information regarding procedure, rationale and applicable NCAA rules will be distributed and explained during the Fall Team Compliance Meetings or at the time an individual joins a team. All student-athletes who wish to be employed during the Fall and Spring terms, and in the summer, must complete the Employment Approval Request Form prior to accepting employment. The form must be completed and the Office of Student Life and Compliance must approve it prior to beginning employment.

It is the responsibility of the student-athlete to see that each section of the Employment Approval Request Form is completed and signed by the appropriate individuals. Student-Athletes are required to obtain approval each academic year.

• To obtain a form, please stop by or call the Office of Compliance at (410- 651-8150).

Criteria Governing Compensation to Student-Athletes
All compensation received by a student-athlete must be consistent with the regulation set forth by the NCAA. Compensation may be paid to a student-athlete:

1. Only for legitimate work actually performed; and
2. At a rate commensurate with the going rate in that locality for similar services.

NCAA Special Assistance Fund (SAF)

The NCAA has made limited funding available through the conference offices for Student-Athletes. The following statments, questions and answers help provide you with basic information regarding the NCAA Special Assistance Fund (SAF):

Eligibility for the Fund - All student-athletes, including international, are eligible to receive SAF benefits, regardless of whether they are grant-in-aid recipients, have demonstrated need or have either exhausted eligibility or no longer participate due to medical reasons. Except for prospective student-athletes receiving summer financial aid prior to full-time enrollment pursuant to NCAA Bylaw 15.2.7.1.3. no prospective student-athlete shall be eligible to receive SAF funds.

Permissible Uses for the Fund - The following are permissible uses of the fund. Any use outside of those listed below will require prior approval by the conference office

Educational Expenses and Fees
• Postgraduate or Internship Fees
• Graduate School Exam Fees
• Professional Program Testing
• Expendable Supplies
• Educational Supplies
• Other Educational expenses OR Funding for Academic Curse Supplies

Health and Safety Expenses
• Medical Expenses for Student-Athletes (not covered by another insurance program
• Dental/Vision Expenses for Student-Athletes (not covered by another insurance program)

Personal or Family Expenses
• Clothing Allowance or Enhancement of Clothing Allowance - Up to $500.00; no sport specific clothing
• Additional Student-Athlete Travel Home
• Emergency Travel for Student-Athletes.
• Emergency Expenses for Student-Athletes
• Other Personal/Family Expenses or Supplement Funding for Clothing and Essential Expenses or Student-Athlete Emergency Expenditures

 Q: How do I apply?

A: Student-athletes who are eligible to apply for the Special Assistance Fund must complete an application form, which can be obtained in the Office of Compliance.

NCAA Student-Athlete Opportunity Fund (SAOF)

The NCAA Student-Athlete Opportunity Fund (SAOF) is intended to provide direct benefits to student-athletes as determined by conference offices. As a guiding principle, the fund is used to assist student-athletes in meeting financial needs that arise in conjunction with participation in intercollegiate athletics, enrollment in an academic curriculum, or that recognize academic achievement. Accordingly, receipt of Student-Athlete Opportunity Fund monies should not be included in determining the permissible amount of financial aid that a member institution may award to a student-athlete.