Code of Conduct
UWF Student Athlete Handbook code of conduct information.
Table of Contents
NCAA Ethical Conduct
All participating student-athletes shall act with honesty and sportsmanship at all times so that intercollegiate athletics as a whole, their institutions and they, as individuals, shall represent the honor and dignity of fair play and the generally recognized high standards associated with wholesome competitive sports.
ASUN Conduct Policy
ASUN conference coaches, administrators, staff and student-athletes should conduct themselves with the highest levels of honesty, fairness, respect and responsibility.
Sportsmanship Policy
University of West Florida Athletics Sportsmanship Statement
The University of West Florida is committed to fostering an environment of integrity, respect, and good sportsmanship in all intercollegiate athletic competitions. Consistent with NCAA principles of sportsmanship and ethical conduct, UWF Athletics strives to provide a safe, respectful, and welcoming atmosphere for student-athletes, coaches, officials, spectators, and visitors.
To support these values, all representatives of the University of West Florida Athletics program—including student-athletes, coaches, administrators, staff, and support personnel—are expected to uphold the following standards of conduct:
- Respect the rights and dignity of all individuals. Treat opponents, teammates, coaches, game officials, event staff, media, and spectators with courtesy, fairness, and respect.
- Prioritize health, safety, and well-being. Make thoughtful decisions that protect the safety of all participants. The well-being of individuals always takes precedence over the outcome of any contest.
- Demonstrate integrity and sportsmanship. Compete with honesty, self-control, and respect for the rules of the game. Conduct that demeans, intimidates, or shows disrespect toward others is inconsistent with the values of UWF Athletics and the NCAA.
- Act responsibly and represent the University with pride. Student-athletes are ambassadors of the University of West Florida and are expected to exhibit mature, respectful, and professional behavior at all times, both in competition and outside of athletics.
Profanity directed at others, inappropriate gestures, taunting, baiting, harassment, discriminatory language or behavior, physical intimidation, fighting, or any other form of unsportsmanlike conduct toward opponents, officials, teammates, coaches, or spectators will not be tolerated.
Student-athletes are expected to comply with all applicable NCAA, conference, and University of West Florida rules regarding sportsmanship and conduct. Any student-athlete who is ejected from a contest or found responsible for unsportsmanlike conduct will be subject to the penalties prescribed by NCAA playing rules, applicable conference regulations, and University disciplinary policies.
The Argonaut Code of Conduct Personal Pledge
As Argonaut student-athletes, we pledge to:
- Pursue excellence in the classroom and in competition;
- Hold ourselves to the highest standards of sportsmanship;
- Demonstrate strong character and accountability of our conduct;
- Take pride in our University;
- Honor and uphold the traditions of what it means to be an Argonaut;
- Appreciate the privilege of wearing Blue and Green;
- Embrace the unique perspectives we each bring to the University;
- Support our fellow student-athletes in their pursuit of excellence;
- Represent the University with character and pride in the community and to our faculty, staff, fellow students, alumni, boosters, and fans;
- Lead with integrity in all of our actions.
We are West Florida and I am proud to be an Argonaut!
Sports Wagering/Gambling
The NCAA is committed to protecting the integrity of intercollegiate athletics. Student-athletes are expected to comply with all NCAA sports wagering legislation and institutional policies. Student-athletes shall not knowingly participate in sports wagering activities involving any sport in which the NCAA conducts championship competition.
Sports wagering includes placing, accepting, or soliciting a wager of any type with any individual or organization on the outcome of a sporting event or on any aspect of a sporting event. Examples include, but are not limited to:
- Sports betting through a sportsbook, casino, mobile application, website, or other wagering platform.
- Internet sports wagering.
- Pools, pick'em contests, squares, or fantasy leagues in which an entry fee is required and there is an opportunity to win a prize based on athletic competition.
- Placing a wager personally or through another individual.
In addition, student-athletes shall not:
- Provide information to any individual or entity for sports wagering purposes.
- Share nonpublic information regarding their team or any other team, including injuries, availability, strategy, discipline matters, lineup changes, or any other information that could influence sports wagering activity.
- Ask or permit another person to place a wager on their behalf.
Consequences of Violations
Violations of NCAA sports wagering legislation are considered serious breaches of NCAA ethical conduct standards. Student-athletes who violate these rules may be subject to NCAA reinstatement conditions, suspension from competition, loss of eligibility, or permanent loss of NCAA eligibility, depending on the nature and severity of the violation.
Student-athletes who have questions regarding whether an activity constitutes sports wagering should contact the Athletics Compliance Office before participating in that activity.
University Grievance Policy
The Student Grievance process at the University of West Florida (“University”) allows Students to bring Grievances, as defined below, to the University’s attention. This process can only be used when there is no existing appeal process for the specific University action or decision in question. It is intended for Student concerns that cannot be addressed through any other means.
Other appeal processes, including those listed below, are available on the Student Complaint Processes webpage on the Dean of Students website.
- Academic misconduct code appeals
- Academic probation or suspension appeals
- Admission or re-admission denial appeals
- Discrimination complaints
- Financial aid appeals (athletic scholarships, other scholarships)
- Grade appeals
- Housing appeals (standards of community living violation appeals, fine appeals, etc.)
- Immunization exception appeals
- Library fine appeals
- Parking fine appeals
- Registration appeals (late class withdrawal, etc.)
- Residency for in-state tuition appeals
- Tuition and/or fee appeals
References
University Hazing Policy
Hazing activities are illegal in the state of Florida, prohibited by University policies and regulations, and a contradiction to our institutional values and character. UWF seeks to prevent students from experiencing hazing by educating the campus community, promptly addressing alleged hazing activities and fostering a culture of mutual responsibility.
References
Athletic Department Procedures for Processing Criminal Violations
Student-athletes are required to report all violations of law to the Athletics Director and their Head Coach at the earliest opportunity. Any student-athlete who is charged and/or convicted with a criminal offense, other than a minor traffic offense, may be subject to disciplinary action under the University Student Code of Conduct separately from any legally imposed fine, penalty or prison sentence. Additionally, the Athletic Department will review all misconduct and determine the appropriate disciplinary measures.
All sanctions will be commensurate with the severity of the violation as determined by the Athletics Director, Athletic Administration and Head Coach. In all cases of arrest or conviction the Athletics Director reserves the right to mandate or enforce the following consequences (including but not limited to):
- Suspension from practice and competition
- Dismissal from team
- Reduction or elimination of athletic aid
- Community Service
- Counseling
Title IX
Title IX Programs serves the University through managing complaints of sexual misconduct, sexual violence, and sex-based discrimination. The Title IX Programs Office provides support resources, equitable resolution processes, training to the campus community and communicates available resources to students, faculty, and staff.
Care of Athletics Property
Once a student-athlete has been placed on a roster and declared eligible to practice and compete, the student-athlete will be issued equipment and/or gear appropriate to that sport. It is the responsibility of the student-athlete to care for those articles as though it were their own property. You may be asked to sign for those items and be responsible for returning them in good order. Failure to do so will result in a hold being placed on your records and you will be financially liable for the equipment. This may affect your eligibility for registration and/or graduation. It is recommended you save any issued receipt after returning articles.
Travel
Members of UWF athletics teams are representatives of the university at all times. Student-athletes should be respectful of their teammates and other travelers. Additional travel rules may be dictated by policies set forth by specific sports.