2.1            SPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT and DISCIPLINE

2.1.1    Read the Champions of Character pledge before every game/match/contest

2.1.2    Include the Champions of Character pledge in the game program

2.1.5    Unsportsmanlike conduct shall subject the individual to disciplinary action.  The institution with which the offending individual is associated may also be subject to disciplinary action if it is found that the institution’s policies, action, or failure to act substantially contributed to the individual’s misconduct.

2.1.6    Acts of Unsportsmanlike Conduct and Individual Penalties Acts of unsportsmanlike conduct shall include, but not be limited to:

2.1.6.1         Any player who strikes or physically abuses an official, coach, or player. This person will be ejected from the contest, and in the event of a flagrant violation, may be suspended for additional contests, as the Conference Commissioner deems appropriate.

2.1.6.2         Any person who intentionally incites participants or spectators to violent or abusive action shall be subject to a public reprimand for the first offense or a one-contest suspension in the event of a flagrant violation, and a suspension for two contests for any additional offense.

2.1.6.3         Any person, who uses obscene gestures or profane or unduly provocative language or action toward officials, opponents, or spectators, shall be subject to ejection for the first offense, and to a suspension for additional one contest for any additional offense.

2.1.6.4         Any person who publicly is critical of any game official, Conference personnel, another institution, or its personnel, shall be subject to a public reprimand for the first offense, and to a suspension for one contest for any additional offense.

2.1.6.5         Any person who engages in negative recruiting by making statements to a prospective student-athlete, his parents, high school coach, junior college coach, or other person interested in the prospective student-athlete, which are unduly derogative of another institution, its personnel, or its athletic program shall be subject to a public reprimand for the first offense, and to a suspension of one conference game for each additional offense.

2.1.6.6         Nothing herein shall prevent the Commissioner from taking appropriate interim action.

2.1.6.7         A violation by an institution, or by institution personnel who are not participants in a contest shall be subject to a public reprimand and other action as deemed appropriate by the Commissioner

2.1.7    Carrying Penalty over to the Next Season Whenever a penalty or suspension is imposed at or near to the end of a season of competition; the penalty or suspension may be carried over into the next season of competition.

2.1.8    Definition of Terms: As used in this regulation, the following terms have the designated meaning:

2.1.8.1         PLAYER suspension means that the player cannot participate in the designated number of contests, but may practice.

2.1.8.2         COACH suspension means that the coach cannot be present in the playing arena for the designated number of contests, but may conduct practice sessions.

2.1.9    Appeal Process for Unsportsmanlike Conduct Infractions

2.1.9.1         Matter may be appealed to the ADC [less the AD of the involved institution(s)]

2.1.9.2         Further appeal may be made to the COP [less the President of the involved institution(s)]

2.1.10 Inappropriate acts by Administrators, Coaches or Players that do not fall under 2.1.6, shall be handled by the Commissioner using the following guidelines, until the matter is resolved

2.1.10.1      Informal phone call from the Commissioner to the coach or administrator requesting correction or attention to the matter.

2.1.10.2      Formal letter from the Commissioner to the coach, administrator or athlete, detailing examples and requesting correction or attention to the matter.  This letter will be copied to the offending party’s supervisor and the President of the institution.

2.1.10.3      Referral, by the Commissioner, to the ADC (less the AD of the involved institution) for disciplinary action.