NCAA Certification
Equity and Welfare Subcommittee

January 4, 2006

Meeting Minutes

Members in Attendance: Frank Bosso, Ron Chordas, Kathylynn Feld, Phil Ginnetti, Elaine Jacobs

    The committee approved the December 15, 2005 minutes.

    The committee reviewed Operating Principle 3.3, Self Study Item  No. 8.  YSU provides educational and support programs in the area of sexual orientation, such as YSUnity and Safe Zones.  Five members of the athletics department have completed the Safe Zone training.  The committee also reviewed sections from YSU’s Student Code of Conduct that expressly prohibits harassing acts or behavior directed against a person on the basis of an individual’s sexual orientation.  It was agreed that the university provides support programs and has policies in place to ensure a safe environment for all students with a diverse sexual orientation, including student-athletes.

   The committee reviewed Operating Principle 3.3, Self Study Item  No. 9.  The committee reviewed the Travel Policy for the athletics department and noted that the university’s travel policy is followed, specifically the area related to the use of 15-passenger vans.  Written policies for the department’s Drug Education and Testing Program and the policy for Athletically-Related Injuries, Illness and Medical Care were provided and reviewed.  It was noted that YSU’s insurance premiums for student-athletes is one of the lowest for institution’s our size, with a zero dollar deductible. This is attributed to the careful medical care provided by our athletic training staff, strength program and team doctors.  All three policies can be found in the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics Operation’s Manual, which is updated and distributed to every athletic staff member annually.  In addition, the 15-passenger van policy specifically is covered with every head coach annually.  The Drug Policy and the Athletically-Related Injuries policy can also be found in the student-athlete handbook, which is reviewed annually with every student-athlete.  It was agreed that the department has established written policies in place to address the health, safety and sports medicine needs of student-athletes.

    The committee reviewed Operating Principle 3.3, Self Study Item No. 10.  A written Emergency Medical Plan for the athletics department was provided and reviewed.  A certified athletic trainer is available on-site for all in-season practices and games in the high-injury rate sports of men’s and women’s basketball, football, soccer, softball and baseball, and for all home contests for all sports.  An athletic trainer is available in the training room for all other sports practice needs.  All sports are required to have a first-aid kit and cell phone at all practices and competitions.  All coaches are certified in Adult CPR/AED, in addition to a large majority of the athletic staff.  The Plan also included directions to all practice/competition sites, as well as instructions in dealing with lightning and tornado safety.

    The committee reviewed Operating Principle 3.3, Self Study Item  No. 11.  The Emergency Medical Plan is applicable to both in-season and out-of-season workouts, strength training and skill sessions.  It was noted that the Head Strength and Conditioning Coach is also a certified athletic trainer and the Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach is certified in Adult CPR/AED.

    The committee reviewed Operating Principle 3.3, Self Study Item  No. 12.  The committee discussed the information received from the student-athlete input forms, exit interviews, SAAC, Head Coach Evaluations, Intercollegiate Athletics Council, and the Strategic Plan and felt that all were effective tools in evaluating student-athlete welfare issues.  For the Organization and Structure, the committee also discussed the Operation’s Manual, the Student-Athlete Handbook, and the written policies for health, safety, drug education/testing and medical issues and felt that all provided the organization to effectively monitor and address student-athlete welfare issues.  The committee reflected on student-athletes participation in YSU SAAC, Horizon League SAAC, the NCAA Leadership Conference, the NCAA Self Study Process, the YSU Presidential Mentors Program and felt all were great examples of student participation in the decision-making process.  Finally, the committee discussed the variety of programming provided through the CHAMPS/Life Skills program and determined all were pertinent topics to enhance student-athlete welfare. 

    The committee will review Operating Principle 3.3, Self Study Items No. 6 and  No. 7, and complete the evaluation process for OP 3.3 at the next meeting, scheduled for Wednesday, January 18, 2006 at 2:00 p.m. in the Provost’s Conference Room.