Student-Athlete GUIDELINES FOR SUCCESS

1. Student-Athlete GUIDELINES FOR SUCCESS “Developing Leaders for Life, one play at a time!”

2. Athletics Mission Statement Intercollegiate athletics at St. Thomas University is a program built on the rich cultural and international diversity in the Catholic tradition and committed to the academic and professional success of its student athletes stressing the values of integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship, and servant leadership in building Champions of Character and global leaders for life.

3. The Sun Conference has been around for more than 20 years of competition. The institutions in the conference believe in strong educational commitment combined with balanced athletic competition. The Sun Conference is comprised of 11 different institutions. SUN CONFERENCE MEMBERS-Ave Maria University -Florida Memorial University -Johnson & Wales University -Keiser University -Thomas University -College of Coastal Georgia -Savannah College of Art & Design -Southeastern University -St. Thomas University -Univ. of South Carolina Beaufort -Warner University -Webber International University

4. Champions of Character • Five Core Values • Integrity • Positive internal traits that guide behavior • Respect • Treating others the way you want to be treated • Responsibility • The social force that binds the individual to the good of the team • Sportsmanship • Following the rules, spirit and etiquette of athletic competition • Servant Leadership • Serving the greater good

5. Student-Athlete Code of Conduct • Locker Rooms • -the locker rooms are owned by the university, and they allow us to use them • -clean up after yourselves; make it easier for the custodians or they may take away the privilege of using them • Facilities • Take ownership of your area; leave the area nicer then when you arrived • No cleats in the Fernandez Family Center • No hats on in the Dining Hall, Rathskellar or Einstein Bagels • NO PROFANITY, MUSIC WITH PROFANITY or NEGATIVE LANGUAGE! • No Tobacco or “Dipping” in any facility on campus – Smoke Free Campus! • Do not leave your ice bags and tape on the ground. USE A TRASH CAN!!!!! • Activate ID card for Fitness Center and don’t hold or prop door open for friends • Follow the Bobcat Pride motto and do the right thing!

6. Student-Athlete Code of Conduct • Student-Athlete Code & Student Code of Conduct • When traveling on road games, you are part of STU…all rules apply! • As a student-athlete you represent your sport, St. Thomas University, The Sun Conference, NAIA; and most importantly your family. Make us Proud! • If you violate the Student Code, you violate the Student-Athlete Code and vice versa…DOUBLE WHAMMY!!!! • Student Handbook (click or open hyperlink to view) • Follow the Bobcat Pride motto and do the right thing!

7. Student-Athlete Code of Conduct • ACADEMIC DISHONESTY • Academic dishonesty is considered to be the representation of another’s work as one’s own, either directly or through complicity in falsification; cheating; plagiarism; facilitating academic dishonesty; or infringing on academic right of others. • All forms of dishonesty such as cheating, plagiarism, stealing or deceiving will be referred to your Coaches and Athletic Director. If found guilty according to the Academic Conduct Code, the Dean of the School in which the violation occurred will submit a report to the Academic Provost. It is at this point that the student-athlete will be immediately removed from their sport and will no longer be eligible to compete in intercollegiate athletics. (For further information regarding the policy as it relates to the general student population, please see the St. Thomas University Student Handbook). • Follow the Bobcat Pride motto and do the right thing!

8. Student-Athlete Code of Conduct • ACADEMIC DISHONESTY • Use the following as a guideline to make sure you are practicing proper conduct. • Prepare thoroughly all assignments • Prepare thoroughly for all tests • Do not let other students copy from your work or tests • Discourage dishonesty among other students • Refuse to assist dishonest students who cheat or plagiarize or are dishonest in other ways • Know what academic dishonesty is and avoid any occurrence of it • Follow the Bobcat Pride motto and do the right thing!

9. Student-Athlete Code of Conduct MISSED CLASS POLICY Student-athletes are not permitted to miss class time for practice at any point during the academic year. Student-athletes are not permitted to miss class time for competition or practice outside of the championship segment. It is the responsibility of the student-athlete to communicate with each faculty member regarding missed class time IN ADVANCE and the assignments due are to be submitted before missing the class. You must remind your professors 10 days in advance of missing class, and again a few days prior to missing. As per the Student-Athlete Pledge, each athlete is required to supply their professors with a schedule of competitions as soon as it is available at the beginning of every semester. Also, engage in a conversation regarding anticipated missed classes and welcome their attendance at the games. During the class prior to an anticipated missed class, the student-athlete should remind the professor again and request permission to miss the class. Follow the Bobcat Pride motto and do the right thing!

10. Sportsmanship Sportsmanship is a learned behavior. It is defined as conforming to the rules, spirit and etiquette of the contest.  If poor sportsmanship is ignored then we are teaching that it is an acceptable behavior. Spectators, coaches and players each have their own areas of responsibility, but officials are the ultimate on-court / on field sportsmanship models. Officials can insure that ethics, sportsmanship and fair play remain important factors during competition. Officials have the opportunity to shape the lives of young people by taking a stand against poor sportsmanship. Please assist the NAIA in its mission to change the culture of sports and insure a better game through better sportsmanship. Please make the call for good sportsmanship. Follow the Bobcat Pride motto and do the right thing!

11. Sportsmanship • Any student-athlete ejected on one or more occasions while representing an NAIA member institution in competition shall be subject automatically to the following penalties: • Suspension for the next 2 contests after the student-athlete or coach is ejected for the first time (in one sport) in a single season. St. Thomas Athletics will add an additional 1-game suspension to the NAIA 2 contest ruling. This will result in a mandatory 3 contest suspension to the coach or student-athlete. • Suspension for the next 6 contests if a student-athlete accumulates two ejections (in one sport) in a single season – 4 contests from the NAIA, 2 contests from STU. This includes post-season play and will carry over to the following. • Ineligibility for the remainder of all regular-season and post-season participation if a student-athlete accumulates three ejections (in one sport) in a single season. Should the third ejection occur in either of the last two contests of the year, the returning student-athlete will be suspended for the first two contests of the following year.

12. Sportsmanship • NOTE: Any student-athlete ejected from a junior varsity or varsity contest shall be suspended for the next 3 contests (2 from the NAIA, 1 from STU) at the same level or higher as the contest from which the student was ejected. Contests that are defined as scrimmages and exhibitions shall not satisfy the suspension penalty. • A transfer student who was suspended or declared otherwise ineligible due to misconduct while representing an institution in competition, must serve the period of suspension at the institution to which the student transfers before intercollegiate participation shall be permitted. • Ejections are not subject to appeal. Suspensions may be appealed to the Conduct and Ethics Committee with initial notification to and recommendation from, conference/Association of Independent Institutions. • NOTE: If sport specific rules are more stringent than NAIA rules, the institution must also conform to the sport specific rules. • STU MAY MPOSE ADDITIONAL SANCTIONS • FOR UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT!

13. Student-Athlete Code of Conduct PURPOSE The Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug (ATOD) policy at STU is designed to promote healthy lifestyles. The ATOD policy is intended to protect the health and welfare of the student-athletes through education, monitoring, intervention, and when appropriate, punitive and rehabilitative measures. It is the goal of St. Thomas University’s Athletic Department to deter underage use of alcohol and discourage student-athletes from using illegal or performance enhancing drugs and/or controlled substances. Note: NO Smoking/Tobacco on STU Campus! RATIONALE STU is responsible for the protection of the health and safety of its student-athletes through prevention, intervention, and pertinent education on the abuse of substances that adversely affect their academic performance, athletic achievement, and/or well being. The use of controlled substances, tobacco and alcohol can adversely affect their skills achievement, and poses a risk of serious injury to both themselves and others in the course of practice and competition.

14. Student-Athlete Code of Conduct • TOBACCO USE • As a member of the NAIA, STU enforces the NAIA tobacco policy. The use of tobacco products is forbidden on campus. A student-athlete who violates this tobacco policy will be sanctioned as outlined by this STU Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug policy. • First Offense • 1. An official warning issued by any STU staff member and/or game personnel. • 2. The staff member who issued the warning will alert the student-athlete’s Head Coach and the Director of Athletics of the warning, and the Associate Vice President of Student Affairs will be contacted as part of STU Violation. • Second Offense • Expulsion from practice, game, tournaments and events. • Further sanctions deemed by Associate Vice President of Student Affairs.

15. Student-Athlete Code of Conduct ALCOHOL ABUSE STU recognizes that student-athletes who are cited for a Residence Hall/Campus Alcohol Violation or Driving Under the Influence (DUI) or Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) place themselves in danger and put the community at risk. STU will take a proactive approach in discipline as well as seeking the proper medical and other professional assistance for these student-athletes. First Offense 1. Student-athlete is required to call and inform parent/guardian that he/she has been charged with an alcohol violation in the presence of the STU Director of Athletics, Head Coach, and/or Athletic Trainer. 2. Student-athlete will be required to attend session(s) with the STU counselor. 3. Under the guidance of the medical director, the student-athlete may be withheld from practice or competition if medically indicated. 4. Student-athlete will participate in an appropriate community service project. Hours will be monitored by and reported by the Director of Athletics. 5. As determined by the Director of Athletics, disciplinary actions can include up to 10% of removal from competition during championship season.

16. Student-Athlete Code of Conduct ALCOHOL ABUSE con’t Second Offense * Will include all 5 penalties of a first offense but are not limited to those penalties. *The AD will consult with the head coach, the Athletic Trainer, and any other appropriate staff of the history of the student-athlete regarding academics, attitude, history of substance abuse and other factors to determine if any additional penalty is appropriate. *Additional penalties for a second offense will be determined by the senior athletic staff and may include: I. Participation in an appropriate community service project. Hours will be reported to and monitored by the Director of Athletics. II. Additional suspension from competition as determined by the Director of Athletics. III. Revocation of scholarship at the end of the current semester.

17. Student-Athlete Code of Conduct Mandatory Drug TestingWE DRUG TEST RANDOMLY AND IF WE SUSPECT USE!!!! 1st Offense…. 10% suspension of season, minimum of 4 counseling sessions and 10 hours of community service. Student-athlete also needs to retake drug test at own expense after 31 days, and will repeatedly be checked. 2nd Offense… the student-athlete is suspended for 365 days from date of positive test. During time of suspension the student-athlete will undergo counseling from an outside agency and also 20 hours of community service. Must also retake drug test at own expense, and will repeatedly be checked. 3rd Offense… Dismissal. ***In all cases, if you transfer to another university, we must report use of drugs. In all offenses, the AD will consult with the head coach, the Athletic Trainer, and any other appropriate staff of the history of the student-athlete regarding academics, attitude, history of substance abuse and other factors to determine if any additional penalty is appropriate. This may include but are not limited to: I. Additional suspension from competition. II. Revocation of scholarship effective immediately.

18. Student-Athlete Code of Conduct Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Policy In all cases of Alcohol and Other Drug violations… The student-athlete must call his/her parent or legal guardian in the presence of the Athletic Trainer, Director of Athletics and/or Head Coach to notify them of their violation and athletic suspension status. For a full description of the policy see: Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Policy

19. Student-Athlete Code of Conduct Free website to lookup dietary supplement information or find out the status of a medication in the database that is on the “Banned Substance” list. Visit: www.drugfreesport.com/rec Login Information – Organization: NAIA Password: naialive5 Or, call 24 hour hotline at: 866-635-7877

20. Hazing OR Bullying -Hazing or Bullying is not permitted ,and it means that any intentional, knowing or reckless act committed by a student, whether individually or with a group of people that violates another person or persons. Myths #1- Hazing is only a problem with fraternities and sororities #2-Hazing is no more than foolish pranks that sometimes go wrong #3- As long as there is no malicious intent then a little hazing is okay #4-Hazing is an effective way to teach respect and develop discipline #5-If someone agrees to participate in an activity it can’t be considered hazing #6-It’s difficult to determine whether or not it is hazing because there is such a gray area

21. Sexual Harassment • Both the Department of Education and the United States Supreme Court have found that sexual harassment is a form of sexual discrimination prohibited by Title IX. • Sexual harassment is defined as "unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature” that may include "unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal, nonverbal, or physical conduct of a sexual nature.” Sexual harassment also encompasses nonsexual conduct, provided the behavior is unwelcome, is based on sex or sexual stereotyping, and has the effect of interfering with a student’s ability to participate in or benefit from a school program, such as participation in athletics. • Schools have an obligation under Title IX to have a well-publicized policy against sexual discrimination, including sexual harassment, effective grievance procedures for the prompt and equitable resolution of complaints and the designation of a Title IX officer

22. To file a complaint of sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, or stalking contact the Title IX Coordinator or Deputy Title IX Coordinators. You may also contact: Human Resources (305) 628-6514 Internal Auditing Division (305) 474-6871 Controller’s Office (305) 628-6704 Provost’s Office (305) 628-6522Law School Dean (305) 623-2392 If you wish to make a report through St. Thomas University’s hotline, you can call 1-877-369-7432. The University hotline is anonymous, independently operated and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It is important for you to know that retaliation for voicing such concerns is a violation of University policy. Sexual Harassment

23. Student-Athlete Code of Conduct Sports Wagering/Gambling Policy It is hoped that student-athlete or coaches will never be approached in an attempt to be involved in a gambling or bribery situation. The result of this involvement includes suspensions mandated by the NAIA and unwanted exposure and embarrassment for the university. Violation of University Standards STU Student Handbook Any game (poker, blackjack, dominos, etc.) played for stakes or items of tangible value are considered gambling and therefore are not permitted. No student-athletes, faculty or staff shall knowingly: provide information to individuals involved in organized gambling activities; solicit a bet on any intercollegiate team; accept a bet on any team representing the institution; solicit or accept a bet on any intercollegiate competition for any item (i.e. cash, clothing, dinner, etc.) that has tangible value; participate in any gambling activity that involves intercollegiate athletics, through bookmaker, a parlay card or any other method employed by organized gambling. Residence Hall Policies, Rights Gambling is not permitted in the residence halls.

24. Student-Athlete Code of Conduct • Social Media • -Being a Student-Athlete is a Privilege, Not a Right • -Portray Yourself, Your Team and the University in a Positive Manner at all times • -Everything you post is public information; your Coaches do monitor your social media accounts. • -It’s Out of Your Control the Moment it is Placed Online • -Accessible to others even after you remove it • -Privacy Settings Not So “Private” • What you post may affect your future, i.e. Employment, Grad School Admission

25. Student-Athlete Code of Conduct • Social Media • Any comments or photos on social media that contain any of the following will not be tolerated • - Derogatory or Defamatory Language, Profanity • - Harassment • - Discrimination • - Any illegal or prohibited conduct • WHEN IN DOUBT… • DON’T POST

26. Student-Athlete Code of Conduct Follow the Bobcat Pride motto and do the right thing!

27. Eligibility • Eligibility Guidelines • As a student-athlete you should register for at least 15 credit hours a semester to be eligible. • -You must pass 24 credit hours a year and maintain a 2.0 GPA to be eligible. • ****You pass 24 credits between the Fall and Spring Semesters to receive the FRAG • -You are paying for 36 credits….take advantage of what you are paying for. • Class Registration • -You should try not to register for a class after 3 p.m. if you practice outside. • -You need to be advised, and you MUST register early. All athletes must register with their Academic Advisor. Check your AER for your advisor’s name. • Dropping Classes • -You cannot drop any class without a signature from the AD or FAR.

28. 4 Seasons of Competition A student is charged with a season P 4th season One race P 3rd season One pitch P 2nd season One play P 1st season One second For participation in at least one intercollegiate contest

29. Identification …a term counts as one of your 10 semesters If a student … PCharged with season PCharged with term • Competes in a contest • Is enrolled in 12 hours and attends one class while being enrolled in 12 hours PCharged with term Ways a student identifies with your institution. You have 10 semesters or 4 seasons to participate in your sport, or whichever comes first!!!!!!

30. Continuing Eligibility “24 credit hour rule” 4th academicyear Not Eligible! 22 hours 3rd academicyear Certify for Fall 2018 2 hours Summer 2013 Not Eligible! 12 hours earned 8 hours earned 2nd academicyear Spring 2018 Fall 2017 12 hours enrolled 12 hours earned 12 hours earned 1st academicyear Spring 2017 Fall 2016 To compete, must have 24 hours during the student’s previous two terms.

31. Continuing Eligibility To participate during 72 total hours 12 hours 12 hours 2.0 GPA 4th academicyear 2.0 GPA 12 hours 12 hours 2.0 GPA 3rd academicyear 48 total hours 2.0 GPA 2.0 GPA 12 hours 12 hours 2.0 GPA 24 total hours 2nd academicyear 2.0 GPA 2.0 GPA 12 hours 12 hours 1st academicyear Must always maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0. Must always register for 15 credits and pass 12 credits a semester.

32. Transfers Are students who identified previouslyat any other collegiate institution If came from a four-year institution If attended only two-year institutions before Never competed at the immediately previous four-year institution. If previous four-year institution provides “release” and has a 2.0 GPA If within an NAIA conference P 16-week residency required (unless a written release) P No residency period P No residency period P No residency period P Conference rules apply

33. Amateur Status • Acts that result in a loss of amateur standing: • Cash awards • Sign contract with any pro team (or semi pro, or a team with pros) • Remuneration for use of name and picture • Reimbursement more than the actual amount of expense • Participating in any athletics contest where remuneration exceeds actual expenses of travel, meals and lodging only. • Agreeing to compete in professional athletics, with either pro sports organization or with those authorized to represent the athlete

34. Hardship Waivers Seasons can be restored for 4th season • Verified by medical doctor treating the student. • Competed in no more than permissible number of contests • Injury cannot occur in last regular season contest or postseason. X 3rd season Season-ending injuries: 2nd season 1st season Restores a season of competition but does not restore any terms toward the 10 semester.

35. Medical Hardship Waivers Contest limits by sport *scrimmages not allowed BASEBALL 11 contests BASKETBALL 6 contests CROSS COUNTRY* 2 meets FOOTBALL 2 contests TENNIS* 5 dates SOCCER 4 contests SOFTBALL 6 dates SWIMMING & DIVING* 2 meets GOLF* 3 contests TRACK INDOOR* 2 meet TRACK OUTDOOR* 2 meets VOLLEYBALL 6 dates WRESTLING* 4 dates Cannot have participated in more than these limits (excluding scrimmages) during the sports season

36. Medical Hardship Waivers Coach / AD / FAR must complete • Transcript required to show proof athlete is eligible regardless of injury • Completion dates • Signatures

37. The TOTA3L Program Take Off Toward Academics and Athletics Leadership T= Take O = Off T = Toward A3 = Academics and Athletics L= Leadership

38. The TOTA3L Program Mission Statement: The TOTA3L program at St. Thomas University fosters academic and social responsibility while overseeing the progress and development of our students in an athletic context. The TOTA3L experience is rooted in Catholic tradition and responsive to civic and social obligations to achieve success outside of sport. Vision: The TOTA3L program and its Student-Athlete Development Specialists aim to provide services to student-athletes that will develop them academically while supporting their “Champions of Character” collegiate experiences and athletic tenure. The TOTA3L Program is designed to follow student-athletes toward graduation and a successful career. Values: 1. Integrity - Know and do what is right 2. Respect - Treating others the way you want to be treated 3. Responsibility - Embrace opportunities to contribute 4. Sportsmanship - Bring your best to all competition 5. Servant Leadership - Serve the common good

39. The TOTA3L Program Who: All incoming Freshmen student-athletes and those Student-Athletes who are recommended by their coach(es). Any former TOTA3L member who wants to continue but not identified by coach. What: Weekly one-on-one 10 minute meetings with your TOTA3L Advisor to discuss your academic goals, among other topics. When: Once a week (Monday-Thursday) for 10 minutes during your scheduled day and time (same day and time each week) Where: Athletics Dr. Jan Bell – Office FFC 110 front of athletics area or Athletics Cubicles (across from Laura)

40. Study Hall Freshmen -All incoming freshmen, transfers and current student-athletes with a GPA of 2.6 and below are advised to attend tutoring at least once a week in the S.O.C.R.A.T.E.S Tutoring Center. Appointments preferred but not necessary. Your Coach has additional rules for Study Hall and GPA requirements! Sign In/ Out -Make sure you sign the “sign in” sheet when you seek tutoring in the S.O.C.R.A.T.E.S Tutoring Center. Your coach AND the professor for the class in which you receive tutoring will receive notification of your tutoring session. STU ATHLETICS OVERALL GPA GOAL: 3.2

41. Financial Aid & Scholarships -Athletics scholarships are awarded by the Office of Financial Aid upon the recommendation of the Head Coach and the approval of the Director of Athletics. -Grant-in-aids are not reimbursement for services performed, but to help student-athletes with their educational expenses. -An athletic or academic grant is restricted to covering educational expenses such as tuition. -All grants cover only a portion of the current academic year and do not include summer or mini-mester term classes, unless you are approved through 36 credit rule. -Athletic teams are provided with a specific number of one-year renewable grants-in-aid (athletic scholarships) in accordance with budgetary restrictions and regulations. -You must be a full time student to receive any academic money or athletic money, unless you meet the senior exception rule in which your athletic scholarship can be pro-rated.

42. Financial Aid & Scholarships • Athletic grants-in-aid may be discontinued if you(r): • Render yourself ineligible for athletic competition; • Misrepresent information on your application or letter of participation; • Voluntarily withdraw from your sport for personal reasons; or • Engage in misconduct serious enough to warrant disciplinary action and cancellation of aid. • Cumulative grade point average is below 2.0 (or GPA indicated on grant-in-aid form)..coaches may have stronger requirements. • Fail to complete at least 12 credit hours a semester and/or 24 credit hours an academic year. • Violation of team policy • Drug/alcohol abuse • Excessive missed class time

43. Financial Aid & Scholarships • Academic grants may be discontinued if you(r): • Misrepresent information on your application or letter of participation; • Engage in misconduct serious enough to warrant disciplinary action and cancellation of aid. • Cumulative grade point average is below 2.75 for Presidential, Dean, Visions, Academy of Tourism, transfer, international, Academy of Finance and University grants, 3.25 for STEM scholarship and 3.50 for Hugh Adams scholarships (Not including summer), and 3.50 for Honor Scholarship. • Fail to complete at least 12 credit hours a semester and/or 24 credit hours an academic year. For additional scholarship requirements see your Financial Aid Counselor. **STU has the right to change requirements. Once you fall below, you never regain!

44. Financial Aid & Scholarships • Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements for undergraduate students who are receiving federal aid? • Undergraduate students MUST have a minimum 2.0 cumulative G.P.A. • Undergraduate students with a combined enrollment of 12 credits or more for the academic year (Fall/Spring) must earn 67% of all credits attempted. • Undergraduate students with a combined enrollment of less than 12 credits for the academic year (Fall/Spring) must earn ALL credits attempted. • Important Dates to Maintain Scholarships and Grants: •  Complete FAFSA on time EVERY year before March 1. • Reapply for scholarships EVERY year before March 1. • If you have Federal Work Study, apply for FAFSA before March 1 or you will not receive Federal Work Study again. • Parents need to complete taxes before March 1 to complete FAFSA. • Students can update their FAFSA via the myStudentAid App…No Excuses! MARCH 1 deadline EVERY YEAR!

45. Athletic Training • Rules of Athletic Training Room • Report all and/or potential health problems to the Athletic Staff ASAP. Any delays in care could place your health at risk and affect your athletic career. • Abusive language & behavior [horse playing] is not tolerated. The Training Room is not a HANGOUT place! Sign in for treatment on Computer! (use can use thumbprint) • Do not wear cleats or muddy soled shoes/clothing. Keep shoes off the treatment or taping tables. • Treatments are given only upon a Physician’s or ATC/L approval. The medical staff will decide upon a treatment program for your injury.DO NOT STOP RECEIVING TREATMENTS until you are advised to do so by the medical staff. • Treatment machinery is only to be operated by the ATC/L. • Remember, being detained in the Athletic Training Room is not an acceptable reason for being late to practice, or missing class. Get treatment BEFORE practice. • Coach will be notified if you fail to follow rules and treatments.

46. Athletic Training MRSA (Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus) MRSA (Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus) is a type of bacteria that can cause infections and causes concern because it is resistant to commonly used antibiotics. This makes MRSA more difficult to treat. Normally about 25-30% of people carry the staphylococcus bacteria on the skin. This becomes dangerous when the bacteria get into the body through openings, such as cuts or scrapes. • Symptoms: •  MRSA symptoms can vary depending on the location of the infection. Most commonly it appears as a skin infection. Often, physical signs of MRSA include: • Boils/Abscesses • Redness of the skin • Swelling • Open lesion • Pus filled bumps • Often times MRSA is mistaken for spider bites. • MRSA can also be accompanied by shortness of breath, fever & chills

47. Athletic Training • Treatment and Prevention of MRSA : • An athlete with a suspected MRSA condition will be referred to a doctor, who will run a culture from the infected area. MRSA can be treated with different antibiotics like Bactrim or Vancocin. • Athletes can protect themselves against infections by: • Practicing good hygiene • Washing hands often • Do not share personal items (razors, towels etc.) • Do not share cups or squirt bottles • Keeping clothing and sheets dry • Cleaning and covering any open cuts or scrapes • **Prevention is the number one way to protect yourself and your team from MRSA**

48. Athletic Training • How Zika Virus Spreads: • Mosquito bite • From a pregnant woman to her fetus • Sex • Blood Transfusion • Zika Symptoms: • Fever • Rash • Joint Pain • Conjunctivitis (red eye) • Muscle pain • Headache Use Insect Repellent Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents with one of the following active ingredients.  Athletic training room has insect spray and your Coaches will also provide it for all outdoor sports.

49. Athletic Training • Mandatory Cardiac Testing for all Student-Athletes • Prescreening competitive athletes can improve detection of cardiac abnormalities and minimize the risks associated with athletic participation • Dates TBA at a later date – this will be mandatory, so be patient with us as we are doing this to save lives! • Please see Athletic Trainers for further details/questions

50. Athletic Training Insurance St. Thomas University provides “Athletic Insurance” for student-athletes; however, this is a secondary policy only. -Any medical expenses from an athletic related injury are billed to your primary insurance first and the athletic insurance second. -All bills must be submitted to the Athletic Training room within 10 business days of receipt, after which the athlete takes full responsibility for bills. -It is recommended that International student-athletes without US medical coverage should purchase the STU Student Health Insurance as their primary insurance. -It is the responsibility of the athlete to have an understanding of his/her insurance coverage. -If you do not want to be charged the cost of STU’s primary insurance, you are responsible for opting out of the insurance online at http://aisstudentinsurance.com/stu-student-health-insurance-home/ not via the athletic trainer or Athletics Dept. The waiver deadline is 9/10/18 for Fall students and 1/25/19 for new Spring Students. In all cases, you are responsible for any medical expenses or services received that are NOT covered by insurance.