Alcohol Violations
The Goshen College Athletic Departments expectations regarding alcohol are the same as the colleges, although individual teams may develop expectations and standards that are more stringent. The nature of the violation: possession, consumption, or civil authority offense will be considered in determining consequences but all will result in being documented as an “offense.” The Goshen College Athletic Department will enforce the following minimum consequences in addition to the Student Life Standards Response process.
Consumption vs. “Accessory”
The “I wasn’t drinking” line is common and difficult to provide any type of burden of proof. If there is not clear proof (as determined by athletic administration) of consumption, the Athletic Department can choose to consider the incident as a non-offense. These cases may result in no official punishment, but the student-athlete is not able to participate in any team event until a meeting with the Athletic Director. Student Life may still proceed with their own disciplinary procedures. Student-athletes will also be clearly communicated to that the next incident (of any kind) will result in suspension as a second offense.
First Alcohol Related Offense
a. The student athlete will be suspended from competition beginning immediately, until they have met the Athletic Director. The Athletic Director, in consultation with the student athlete’s Coach, shall determine the consequences. Consequences may include; suspensions for contests and/or community service. Suspensions that cannot be satisfied in the current season shall carry over to the start of the next season. If a violation occurs in the off season, the suspension may take place at the start of the next season.
Second Alcohol Related Offense
b. The student athlete will be suspended from team activities beginning immediately, for no less time than listed below. Suspensions that cannot be satisfied in the current season shall carry over to the start of the next season. If a violation occurs in the off season, the suspension shall take place at the start of the next season.
c. The student athlete will go through the Student Life Standards Response process.
d. The student athlete shall meet with the Athletic Director.
Minimum Duration of Suspensions
Baseball - 4 games Softball - 4 games
Basketball - 2 games Tennis - 2 matches
Cross Country - 2 meets Track & Field - 2 meets
Volleyball - 2 matches Soccer - 2 games
Third Alcohol Related Offense
a. The student athlete will be dismissed from the team immediately, and all athletics participation privileges will cease for a minimum of one calendar year. Any athletic scholarship money will be revoked starting with the next semester.
b. Upon readmission to the College, the student may reapply to the Athletic Director for consideration for team membership. Reinstatement to participate is contingent upon the approval of the Athletic Director.
Offenses Involving Civil Authorities
Goshen College Athletics is part of the public face of Goshen College, and as such, student athletes represent more than just themselves or their team. They represent the Athletic Department and Goshen College as a whole. As representatives of Goshen College, Goshen College Athletics and their team, student athletes receive many privileges, but also carry many responsibilities, including representing all parties in a positive manner. As a result of this, violations involving Civil Authorities (ex. arrests for under aged drinking, DUI, public intoxication etc.) shall be dealt with more stringently than “in house” offenses.
Offenses Involving Civil Authorities
a. Student athletes shall be suspended indefinitely pending a meeting with the Athletic Director. The Athletic Director in consultation with the student athlete’s Coach, shall determine the appropriate consequences. Consequences can include, but are not limited to, contest suspensions/team dismissal, community service, forfeiture of Athletics Scholarships.
b. The student athlete will go through the Student Life Standards Response process.
Appeal Process
Student athletes who want to appeal the testing results and/or procedure, or consequences from other violations, must do in writing to the Dean of Students within 48 hours of being notified of their confirmed non-negative test result or consequences. Appeals must identify the grounds of the appeal, with appeals limited to new evidence or concerns regarding due process. Appellants may be represented by an advocate. All appeals will be heard and dealt with by the Provost/ Executive Vice President. The appeal ruling is final.
