Introduction
The mission of the Georgetown University (the “University”) Athletics Department is to support the comprehensive development of student potential, in the Jesuit tradition of education, by providing an opportunity for students to excel athletically and academically at the highest level, with the objective of furthering the formation of character and of fostering future leaders in society. In support of that mission, the Athletics Department recognizes the importance of providing an environment for student-athletes that is safe, supportive, and founded upon the values of integrity, respect, care, honesty and professionalism. The Athletics Department and the University take great care to provide an environment free from harassment, coercion, and intimidation for all students.
This policy describes the Athletics Department expectations regarding maintaining respectful and professional relationships with student-athletes. We all recognize that context matters and no set of guidelines can address every situation. If any member of the Athletics Department has questions about these guidelines or any behavior that may implicate these guidelines, please contact the Senior Associate AD for Internal Operations or Director of Athletics immediately.
Definitions
Athletics Department Staff Member: Any and all University employees, independent contractors, and non-undergraduate student volunteers, or interns serving in the Athletics Department by appointment. This includes, but is not limited to, coaches, management, administrative staff, and support staff who provide services to student- athletes.
Student-Athlete: Any student of the University who is a member of a varsity athletics team as defined by the university, and any student serving as an employee, volunteer, or intern in the Athletics Department, or who regularly spends time with or travels with athletic teams (such as cheerleaders and band members).
Expectations for Athletics Department Staff Members
Consistent with the mission of the Athletics Department, and recognizing the importance of establishing respectful, professional, and appropriate relationships between Athletics Department Staff Members and Student-Athletes, the Athletics Department has established the following rules and guidelines. Any questions about interpretation of this policy are to be determined by the Director of Athletics.
Athletics Department Staff Members shall:
- Observe the highest standards of ethics, integrity, and professionalism at all times.
- Foster a positive relationship between Athletics Department Staff Members and Student-Athletes.
- Treat Student-Athletes with respect, fairness, and integrity.
- Strictly comply at all times with the University’s policies regarding professional conduct, including its Policy Statement on Harassment.
Athletics Department Staff Members shall not:
- Engage in behavior that might harm any Student-Athlete or any other member of the University community.
- Use taunting or bullying language or gestures towards any Student-Athlete or any other member of the University community.
- Engage in inappropriate touching with any Student-Athlete or any other member of the University community.
- Engage in harassing or abusive behavior toward any Student-Athlete or any other member of the University community.
- Enter a Student-Athlete’s residence (on or off campus), unless investigating a suspected violation of a University, Athletics, or NCAA rule, during an emergency situation (including to determine the whereabouts of a missing Student-Athlete during official Athletics Department activities), or with the prior approval of the Director of Athletics. When necessary to enter a Student-Athlete’s residence, Athletics Department Staff Members shall minimize one-on-one time alone with a Student-Athlete.
- Provide medical assistance to any Student-Athlete, unless properly trained and doing so is an assigned responsibility of such staff member, or in the event of an emergency.
- Perform massages on Student-Athletes, unless properly trained (if training is required) and doing so is an assigned responsibility of such staff member and the massage is conducted in a location designated for such purpose.
- Shower with Student-Athletes.
- When traveling: Share a hotel or overnight room with any Student-Athlete, or enter a Student-Athlete’s hotel or overnight room, except when conducting official team business or activities such as bed checks, when investigating a suspected violation of a University, Athletics, or NCAA rule, during an emergency situation (including to determine the whereabouts of a missing Student-Athlete during official Athletics Department activities), or with the prior approval of the Director of Athletics. When necessary to enter a Student-Athlete’s hotel or overnight room, Athletics Department Staff Members shall minimize one-on-one time alone with a Student-Athlete.
