Dear Student-Athlete,

Welcome to Biola University! We are excited you made the choice to represent our university as a student-athlete. The Biola athletic department has a long and storied history that future teams and individuals will further enrich. It is our sincere hope that your spiritual, academic and athletic experience at Biola will have a lasting impact upon your life. While athletic participation will be very significant, it is our desire that your student experience encompass the broad range of what it means to be a well-rounded member of our community. There are many resources for spiritual and academic growth available at Biola, and it is so important that you intentionally invest in these areas on your journey to Reach New Heights academically, athletically and spiritually.

Biola University is a NCAA Division II member, competing in the PacWest Conference, Pacific Collegiate Swimming & Diving Conference and Western Water Polo Association. Biola joined the NCAA as a provisional member in 2017 and as a full member in 2019, following 60 years of membership in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics. In the first few years in Division II, we’ve been blessed to see our teams accomplish conference and regional titles, top-5 national rankings and deep postseason runs.

In addition, Biola Athletics has earned the NCAA President’s Award for Academic Excellence each year we’ve been eligible. Fewer than 10 percent of NCAA Division II member schools earn this prestigious academic honor each year and our student-athletes set the bar for academic achievement within the PacWest. And at the foundation, spiritual development and faith integration will be a cornerstone of your experience both on your team and in the classroom. You’ll also find opportunities for growth available to you throughout your journey as a Biola student through offerings such as the annual Torrey Conference and Missions Conference, the robust chapel offerings, Student Missionary Union involvement, spiritual direction and so much more.

As you read through the Student-Athlete Handbook please familiarize yourself with the different guidelines. It is our hope that the information provided serves as a helpful resource as you enjoy the adventure of being a Biola University student-athlete.

All the best,

Bethany Miller

Sr. Director of Athletics

Letter from the Faculty Athletics Representative

Dear Biola Student-Athlete,

On behalf of the Biola University faculty, I want to welcome you to Biola University Athletics! The mission of Biola University is biblically centered education, scholarship and service — equipping men and women in mind and character to impact the world for the Lord Jesus Christ.

During your time at Biola University, I want to encourage you to use the abilities and talents the Lord has given you to excel both in the classroom and in athletic competition. In fact, our goal is to help you be successful in both areas. This will not always be easy. At times, it will be hard work. It may be challenging, even frustrating, but it will be rewarding. If you take some risks and get out of your comfort zone, you will grow and reach your full potential in Christ.

You have been given the opportunity to learn from some of the best faculty in the world. You are at a university where you can rest assured that those who coach you and those who teach you are concerned about your whole being: spiritually, emotionally, physically, athletically and academically. Biola’s faculty is committed to help you thrive during your college career and flourish in whatever career you choose to pursue after graduation by developing the soft skills and character required for continued success after Biola.

All of us at Biola want you to grow in Christ more than anything else. This will require you to keep your life in perspective. Paul encouraged the church in Corinth with these words, 'For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body' (1 Corinthians 6:20).

What is a Faculty Athletics Representative/FAR? It is a designated faculty member committed to the Division II Life in the Balance positioning statement and to the six Division II attributes: Learning, sportsmanship, service, resourcefulness, passion and balance. The FAR provides oversight in both academics and athletics to ensure integrity and institutional control of the athletics program.

The FAR also serves as an advocate for the student-athletes to assist in ensuring the student-athletes' well-being, mental health, and a quality experience in an environment of tolerance, respect, and inclusion. Further, the FAR plays an active role in communicating the vision and values of Division II intercollegiate athletics at the campus, conference and national levels, and with the community at-large.

Finally, I want to encourage you to make the most of your opportunity to compete in college athletics. You are part of a select few that has this privilege beyond high school. Do not take this opportunity for granted and do not have any regrets when you are done. Be the best possible teammate from day one. Do not wish you would have worked harder in practice when the season is over. Give it everything you’ve got, play for the Audience of One and you will make some beautiful memories here.

All the best and I look forward to watching you compete. Go Eagles!

Jeff McHugh

Associate Professor, Crowell School of Business

Faculty Athletics Representative

Dear Student-Athlete,

Welcome to Biola University! I am happy you have committed to representing the Biola community through your athletic gifts. I am confident your presence will greatly enrich our campus.

Biola University’s vision is to be “a community abiding in truth, abounding with grace and compelled by Christ’s love to be a relevant and redemptive voice in a changing world.” As a student-athlete you will have an important role to play in this ambition. Not only will you be an ambassador and representative of Biola University, but you will be an ambassador for Christ both on and off the field.

Biola University is a community that cares about the holistic growth of our students, in every dimension of their development. At Biola your coaches, professors, staff members and fellow students are here to help you as you grow in all of these areas. I encourage you to take advantage of all of the resources Biola has for you on your academic and spiritual journey.

Student-athletes are regarded as leaders on our campus and with that comes the responsibility of maintaining Christ-centered conduct. As a student-athlete you have the opportunity and privilege to be a role model for your fellow students and the wider community. This handbook has been created as a resource for you as you live, study and compete with Christ-centered integrity.

May the Lord bless you as you pursue excellence in your sport and in your studies.

Barry H. Corey

President

National Affiliation

NCAA Division II

As of September 2019, Biola University is a full member of the NCAA Division II. Prior to that, Biola competed for many decades in the NAIA and also the NCCAA.

About NCAA Division II

NCAA Division II is a collection of over 300 NCAA colleges and universities that provide thousands of student-athletes with the opportunity to compete at a high level of scholarship athletics while excelling in the classroom and fully engaging in the broader campus experience. This balance, in which student-athletes are recognized for their academic success, athletics contributions and campus/community engagement, is at the heart of the Division II “Life in the Balance” philosophy.

NCAA Mission

To govern competition in a fair, safe, equitable and sportsmanlike manner, and to integrate intercollegiate athletics into higher education so that the educational experience of the student-athlete is paramount.

Division II Positioning Statement

Division II supports the educational mission of college athletics by fostering a balanced and inclusive approach in which student-athletes learn and develop through their desired academic pursuits, in civic engagement with their communities and in athletics competition. The Division II experience not only provides student-athletes the opportunity to earn scholarships based on their academic, athletic and leadership abilities, but it also offers the best championships-participant ratio among the NCAA’s three divisions, and it prioritizes preparation for life beyond graduation. Division II gives student-athletes the unique opportunity to compete in the classroom, on the field, in their career, for their causes, and on their terms.

Division II Attributes

• Learning: Multiple opportunities to broaden knowledge and skills

• Balance: Emphasis on collective knowledge; integration of skills

• Resourcefulness: Versatile skill set drawn from a broad range of experiences

• Service: Positive societal attitude through contributions to community

• Passion: Enthusiastic dedication and desire in effort

• Sportsmanship: Respect for fairness, courtesy; ethical conduct towards others

Conference Affiliation

Pacific West (PacWest) Conference

During its transition from the NAIA to the NCAA, Biola began competing in the PacWest Conference during the 2017–18 season.

PacWest members include Academy of Art University (San Francisco, Calif.), Azusa Pacific University (Azusa, Calif.), Chaminade University (Honolulu, Hawaii), Concordia University Irvine (Irvine, Calif.), Dominican University of California (San Rafael, Calif.), Fresno Pacific University (Fresno, Calif.), University of Hawaii Hilo (Hilo, Hawaii), Hawai’i Pacific University (Honolulu, Hawaii), Point Loma Nazarene University (San Diego, Calif.) and Westmont College (Santa Barbara, Calif.). Menlo College (Atherton, Calif.), Vanguard University (Costa Mesa, Calif.) and Jessup University (Rocklin, Calif.) will join the conference in 2024-25.

Pacific Collegiate Swim and Dive Conference (PCSC)

The Pacific Collegiate Swim and Dive Conference includes institutions from the NAIA and the NCAA. All three divisions of the NCAA — Division I, II and III — are represented among the 15 schools that make up the conference.

These diverse institutions gather to pursue common goals while striving to qualify for their specific national championships. It is the intention of the members to provide a conference that will pursue the goals of intercollegiate competition. This is accomplished by the use of a good facility, featuring a safe and fair environment, and fostering an atmosphere of camaraderie and good sportsmanship.

Western Water Polo Association (WWPA)

Located within the heart of the hotbed of college water polo, the Western Water Polo Association continues to grow as a men's and women's water polo conference competing at the NCAA level. The league began sending teams to the National Collegiate Water Polo Championships in 1981 on the men's side and in 2001 on the women's side when the NCAA added the sport to its long list of championships. The current structure of the WWPA includes eight teams on the women's side and seven on the men's side.

The WWPA membership includes: Concordia Irvine, Fresno Pacific, CSU East Bay (Hayward, Calif.), CSU Monterey Bay, Salem (Salem, W.V.), Mercyhurst (Erie, Penn.), McKendree (Lebanon, Ill.) and Gannon (Erie, Penn.).

Biola Athletics Staff Directory

Key Administrative Roles and Responsibilities

Senior Director of Athletics: Dr. Bethany Miller

The senior director of athletics is the chief officer for Biola University’s intercollegiate athletics program. The director is responsible for setting the vision and philosophy of the program, with great attention given to the care, support and eligibility of student-athletes, budget oversight, national association rules compliance, game management, facilities management and marketing/promotion.

Senior Associate Athletic Director for Internal Operations: Eddie Shepard

The senior associate athletic director for internal operations has significant responsibilities related to supervision of coaching staff, planning and execution of all athletics budgets, transportation, academic support for student-athletes, hiring of assistant coaches and student workers, and training new employees in departmental and institutional procedures.

Associate Athletic Director for Compliance/Communication: Neil Morgan

The associate athletic director for compliance and communication performs functions associated with directing and monitoring all NCAA and conference compliance issues associated with the administration of the university's athletic programs. He oversees the comprehensive rules education program for athletics staff and student-athletes and monitors compliance for all aspects of NCAA legislation. In addition, he provides oversight to the sports information, facilities and event management efforts while serving as staff advisor to the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.

Administrator for Facilities and Events: Nathan Cook

The administrator for facilities and events manages both the long-term planning and the daily operations of the Fitness Center. He oversees the control and care of athletic equipment and uniforms. He serves as on-site administrator at all home competitions and manages work orders across Biola’s athletic facilities. Additionally, he provides lifeguard training and cpr, first aid and AED certifications for the department.

Faculty Athletics Representative: Jeff McHugh

The FAR is Jeff McHugh from Crowell School of Business. The FAR is a member of the faculty at an NCAA member institution, appointed by the president to serve as a liaison between the institution and the athletic department, and also as a representative of the institution in conference and NCAA affairs. The FAR is responsible for ensuring the academic integrity of the athletics program as well as providing institutional oversight for the athletics program. The FAR works with Biola to ensure the wellbeing of student-athletes and the availability of academic services. The FAR reports directly to the president.

Student-Athlete Advisory Committee

The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee is made up of student-athletes who represent all varsity athletic programs. The group is assembled to provide insight into the student-athlete experience and offer input on rules, regulations and policies that affect student-athletes’ lives on campus.

Furthermore, members have the opportunity to offer input on issues that may be national in scope. SAAC can facilitate better communication among student-athletes from all of the athletic teams to address issues common to all.

SAAC may also serve as a conduit of communication between student-athletes, coaches and athletic administrators regarding ways to improve the student-athlete experience and promote growth and education through athletic participation. Concerns can be voiced and solutions offered regarding any issue that may be relevant to Biola’s student-athletes. SAAC also serves as a center for connecting with the student body and the external community through community engagement.

SAAC Constitution and Bylaws

Mission Statement

The mission of SAAC is to enhance the total student-athlete experience by promoting opportunity, protecting student-athlete welfare and fostering a positive student-athlete image while promoting the development of Christian character and supporting the pursuit of team and individual academic achievement.

Purpose

The purpose of SAAC shall be to provide administration with insight into the student-athlete experience and to offer input on rules, regulations and policies that affect student-athletes’ lives. It shall promote the opportunity for the exchange of ideas among student-athletes from different sports. The committee is also assembled to help members further develop leadership skills.

SAAC is responsible for fostering community engagement for Biola Athletics throughout the year. Student-athletes should strive to be role models for the Biola community and larger local community as a whole.

Members are responsible for assisting teammates in learning, understanding and adhering to all NCAA Division II rules.

Philosophy

SAAC places a high priority on the overall quality of the educational experience and on the successful completion of all students’ academic programs. We seek to establish and maintain an environment in which student-athletes’ athletic activities are conducted as an integral part of the student-athletes’ educational experience and journey to spiritual growth. We also seek to establish and maintain an environment that values diversity among our student-athletes and athletic staff members, while giving glory to God in all we do.

Membership

The officers and members of this organization must meet the following requirements:

• Have at least a 2.50 cumulative grade point average. This GPA must be maintained throughout the duration of their term.

• Be enrolled full-time.

• Be in good academic standing.

All members are subject to removal by the SAAC Executive Committee and/or the SAAC advisor(s) should the SAAC member fail to maintain the above requirements.

Teams on SAAC

Varsity sports teams are members of SAAC. A varsity sport is one that has been accorded that status by the university president and Board of Trustees. One vote is given to the following varsity sports teams: baseball, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, men’s cross country, women’s cross country, men’s soccer, women’s soccer, softball, men’s swimming & diving, women’s swimming & diving, men’s tennis, women’s tennis, men’s track & field, women’s track & field, men’s water polo, women’s water polo and volleyball. Any additional varsity sport that is created will be allowed voting member status once it begins its first academic year with intercollegiate competition.

Selection Process

Each athletic team is responsible to select two representatives for SAAC. These representatives shall be selected, and their names should be sent to the president of SAAC and the advisor(s) prior to the start of the academic year. If special circumstances arise, additional members from a team may be chosen. All SAAC members hold their position for a full school year and may serve multiple terms.

No first-year student (or first-year student-athlete) will be allowed to serve on SAAC Executive Committee.

Meetings and Attendance

SAAC will generally meet once a month when school is in session. Special meetings may be called when a need arises. Members are notified of the meeting schedule as well as any changes via email and Teamworks notifications.

Attendance at all meetings and organization events is required. Every program must have at minimum one representative at each meeting. Each member is allowed only one unexcused absence. SAAC members who have a schedule conflict with the meeting or event should submit a written excuse to the President of SAAC and the advisor(s) of SAAC at least 24 hours before the scheduled start time of the meeting or event. In the event of an emergency, SAAC may grant an exemption to this rule. An alternate member from the SAAC member’s team should attend the meeting in place of the member who will be absent. Unexcused absences that result in zero representation for a varsity team at a meeting/event shall result in a fine imposed on the team’s operating budget.

The Executive Committee will also meet separately in addition to the monthly SAAC meetings. Executive Committee meetings are called by the president and/or SAAC advisor(s).

SAAC Member Responsibilities

The responsibilities of SAAC Members are outlined below:

• Communicate all relevant matters discussed in SAAC committee meetings with coaches and teams, including:

  • Discuss and recommend positions on university issues that affect student-athletes.

  • Explain and discuss proposed and passed current national affiliation and NCAA Division II legislation, when applicable.

• Participate in activities with official charitable organizations (e.g., Team Impact, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Special Olympics, etc.).

• Participate in activities sponsored by SAAC.

• Assist the athletic administration, coaches and student-athletes in promoting excellence within the current conference competition and future competition in the PacWest Conference by promoting sportsmanship.

• Participate in any fundraising activities for SAAC.

Executive Committee

The SAAC Executive Committee consists of the president, vice president, secretary, director of marketing/social media, director of spiritual engagement and any at-large assignments at the discretion of the advisor(s). It is a committee made up of student-athletes assembled from the SAAC representatives. A first-year student-athlete cannot serve on the executive committee.

No single varsity team will occupy all positions of the Executive Committee.

Executive Committee Responsibilities

• Establish committees at the beginning of the year that coincide with the objectives and goals the Executive Committee deems appropriate.

• Attend all meetings unless the president is informed of a valid excuse at least one week before the scheduled meeting. An alternate from his or her team must be selected to take the Executive Committee member’s place.

• Review and discuss new and upcoming PacWest Conference and NCAA regulations, when applicable.

• Oversee SAAC community engagement efforts (internal and external).

• Provide input for topics to be included at any all student-athlete meetings.

Executive Committee Elections

Elections will be held every April for the following academic year. All SAAC Executive Committee members will hold their positions for one year.

Executive Committee Positions

President

The president is voted on by the committee. A two-thirds majority must be given to one nominee. In the event that a two-thirds majority is not reached, a new election would take place with the two nominees who received the most votes. The remaining candidate that receives at least 50 percent plus one vote will be the new president.

In the event the president cannot fulfill their obligations, he/she must submit a letter of resignation. At that time, the vice president would take over for the remainder of the year. The election of the vice president position will take place a week after the vice president has assumed the office of the president. The vice president would be able to serve an additional year as president after the interim year (if re-elected). The following are the responsibilities of the president:

• Call and preside over all SAAC meetings.

• Serve as liaison to the university athletics department.

• Support and maintain the mission and philosophies of all committees.

• Create new committees if necessary and facilitate the communication of ideas between existing committees.

• Other duties as designated by the advisor(s).

Vice-President

The vice president shall be voted into office at the first meeting in April. Each member of SAAC votes in the vice president election. A two-thirds majority must be given to one nominee. In the event that a two-thirds majority is not reached, a new election would take place with the two nominees who received the most votes. The remaining candidate that receives at least 50 percent plus one vote will be the new vice president. The following are the responsibilities of the vice president:

• In the president’s absence, assume all responsibility.

• Oversee subcommittees that may be formed in response to the needs of the student-athletes.

• Inform the President of any proposals by SAAC committees.

• Other duties as designated by the advisor(s).

Secretary

The secretary shall be voted into office at the first meeting in April. A two-thirds majority must be given to one nominee. In the event that a two-thirds majority is not reached, a new election would take place with the two nominees who received the most votes. The remaining candidate that receives at least 50 percent plus one vote will be the new secretary. The following are the responsibilities of the secretary:

• Responsible for all meeting minutes, agendas, attendance. Apprise the athletic communications staff of any community engagement activities.

• Communicate all relevant information to SAAC members.

• Send SAAC minutes to coaches, athletic staff and the faculty athletics representative.

• Other duties as designated by the advisor(s).

Director of Marketing & Social Media

The Director of Marketing & Social Media shall be voted into office at the first meeting in April. A two-thirds majority must be given to one nominee. In the event that a two-thirds majority is not reached, a new election would take place with the two nominees who received the most votes. The remaining candidate that receives at least 50 percent plus one vote will be the new marketing liaison. The following are the responsibilities of the Director of Marketing & Social Media:

• Must work with the athletic communication staff to publicize and market athletic events and activities and SAAC-sponsored activities.

• Will prepare marketing material and publicize community engagement events.

• Will help publicize, organize, and coordinate fundraising efforts within SAAC.

• Will manage ongoing social media for SAAC.

• Other duties as designated by the advisor(s).

Director of Spiritual Engagement

The director of spiritual engagement shall be voted into office at the first meeting in April. A two-thirds majority must be given to one nominee. In the event that a two-thirds majority is not reached, a new election would take place with the two nominees who received the most votes. The remaining candidate that receives at least 50 percent plus one vote will be the new director of spiritual engagement. The following are the responsibilities of the director of spiritual engagement:

• Organize and establish Biola Athletics department chapels.

• Partner with leadership of any student-athlete spiritual development group (FCA, Huddle, etc.) to support that group’s operation and impact within the department.

• Other duties as designated by the advisor(s).

Student-Athlete Advisory Committee Membership

The following are the 2026-27 student-athlete representatives listed by team.

Baseball: John Iacono, Ransom Lorenzen

M. Basketball: Gannon Dykstra, Logan Stewart

W. Basketball: Laney Grider, Jaycee Goldsmith

M. Cross Country: Aiden Burr, Grant Miller

W. Cross Country: Jaina Kang, Miranda Zakhar

M. Soccer: Ethan Caudle, Ryan Ellsworth

W. Soccer: Hailey Allen, Riley Brumfield, Isa Magee

Softball: Jackie Ibarra (president), Lily Rodriguez (spiritual engagement), Maddie Roth (executive committee), Lizzie Byer, Madison Duncan, Natalie Kim, Alexa Sheard

M. Swim & Dive: Henry Bokma

W. Swim & Dive: Allison Yancey (secretary), Kylie Montiel

M. Tennis: Thiago Canessa, Carter Magistad

W. Tennis: Dafne Andres

M. Track & Field: Malachi Christensen (spiritual engagement), Marco Smith (spiritual engagement)

W. Track & Field: Keeley Chard (executive committee), Norah DeYoung

Volleyball: Beth Bellfi (social media), Grace Rice (social media), Sophia Knevelbaard, Emily Page

Men’s Water Polo: Cole Brown, Ivan Tkach

Women’s Water Polo: Marissa Brock (vice president), Clara McKee, Savannah Rapp

The associate athletic director for compliance/communication, Neil Morgan, is currently a co-advisor to SAAC. Billi Derleth, Sports Information Director, is the other co-advisor.

As a Biola University student-athlete, the university community is here to serve you and help ensure your well-being and academic success. Each academic and staff department, office and service area aims to provide you with the resources and information necessary to support you at various stages throughout your Biola academic and athletic career.

Student Health Center

All enrolled students, regardless of insurance status, are eligible for Health Center services. Services include M.D. appointments, nurse practitioner appointments, nurse appointments, immunizations, free self-care products, health education, travel related services and health care and health education pamphlets.

Campus Safety

The Campus Safety department's main responsibility is to provide for the safety and protection of our students, staff and visitors. They are the primary law enforcement agency on campus and their officers have full police officer powers of arrest while on duty.

There are Campus Safety officers who are armed with firearms while on duty. All officers are equipped with tasers, OC spray and batons. In addition to state-mandated training courses, officers have 10 in-service trainings per year that cover emergency preparedness, physical skills and customer service. Armed officers receive firearms training no less than four times per year, as well as biannual active shooter response training.

Campus Safety is divided into three internal divisions: Field Operations, Communications and Emergency Operations, and Administrative Operations. The Field division is managed by an overseeing captain and consists of officers, corporals, sergeants, a lieutenant and an investigator. The Field division is augmented by student cadets who assist with student escorts, building unlocks, traffic direction and parking enforcement, and gate attendants who staff the gate houses to provide visitor parking permits, give visitor information and control access to campus at night.

The Communications and Emergency Operations division handles the radio dispatch center, serves as university operator, is responsible for sending emergency text and email notifications via the university's emergency notification system, and monitors a system of campus security cameras (which cover parking lots, residence hall entrances and other key areas of the university). The Communications and Emergency Operations division is directed by the university's emergency operations manager.

The Administrative Operations division handles campus parking management, parking permits for staff and students, citation appeals, bicycle permits and the coordination of access requests to campus buildings. For questions regarding parking enforcement, permits or other special needs on campus, contact the Campus Safety office at campus.safety@biola.edu. The Administrative division is managed by the Campus Safety public information officer.

Biola Counseling Center

BCC provides marital and premarital counseling as well as psychotherapy for individuals, couples and families. Psychological testing and evaluation are also provided. If the need arises, the center also provides psychotherapy and psycho-education groups that afford opportunities for interpersonal learning, acquisition of information and the normalization of emotional struggles through mutual sharing.

The majority of BCC therapists are associated with Biola’s Rosemead School of Psychology as clinical faculty, post-doctoral students, or doctoral students who are supervised by licensed clinical psychologists. Counselors seek to help clients arrive at a rich understanding of their personal life story so that, through increased self-understanding, the individual becomes better equipped to navigate and cope with the challenges of daily living. Some of the most common issues encountered by clientele include depression, anxiety, loneliness, low self-esteem and difficulties with establishing and maintaining relationships. BCC therapists are equipped to help clients address these difficulties through the enhancement of emotion management, appropriate interpersonal boundaries, self-awareness and interpersonal and situational problem solving skills.

In order to receive further information or to make an appointment, contact the La Mirada office at (562) 903-4800. Special reduced rates are available for Biola University students.

Spiritual Direction

Spiritual direction involves meeting with another Christian to give prayerful attention to the personal relationship with God. In spiritual direction, an individual will receive help discerning how God is speaking, how to respond to him, and how to live out a relationship with him. Biola undergraduate students can receive spiritual direction for free at the Institute for Spiritual Formation (ISF).

How to sign up for spiritual direction

Go to the Institute for Spiritual Formation website and follow the instructions for setting up spiritual direction: https://www.biola.edu/talbot/academics/isf/spiritual-direction

How to get credit for spiritual direction

Undergraduate students who come to spiritual direction are eligible to receive 1 chapel credit per meeting (unless they are coming for a class requirement). Chapel credit forms are available at the ISF front desk or at the Chapel Accountability office.

Office of Student Accessibility

The Office of Student Accessibility (OSA) exists to provide students with academic assistance and support through a range of services. Tutoring and academic mentors are available, as are individualized ADA care plans and guidance for those diagnosed with medical, psychological, learning or physical conditions. When entering the center, whether in person or remotely, students can expect to be met by caring, professional staff who work hard to provide safe, personalized advocacy in a confidential and welcoming environment.

Location and Contact Information

OSA is located in Rose Hall 134, facing Talbot East. Walk-in hours are available and appointments are strongly encouraged. Phone: (562) 906-4542

Writing Center

Biola's Writing Center supports students, faculty and staff in their writing. A team of peer consultants provides help with any writing assignment, research report, graduate thesis, conference presentation or conversational English. The center provides feedback for writing projects at any stage, from outlines and early drafts to revisions and final edits, in a friendly, supportive environment, both face-to-face and online. The center strives to develop strong writers, rather than just strong writing, supporting writers in their work while letting them maintain control and ownership over their writing. The center is open to all Biola students, both undergraduate and graduate. Students can create an account and make an appointment using the online scheduler.

Location and Contact Information

The Writing Center is located on the middle level of the library. Assistance is provided on a walk-in basis or by appointment. Phone: (562) 903-4826

Sexual Assault and Prevention

It is the policy of Biola University to maintain the university environment as a Christian community that provides a place for spiritual growth, work, and study free of all forms of sexual intimidation and exploitation. All students, staff, and faculty should be aware that the university is prepared to take action to prevent such intimidation and exploitation and that individuals who engage in such behavior are subject to discipline. Sexual violence is a criminal act that violates the standards of our community and is unacceptable at the university. Sexual violence can be devastating to the person who experiences it directly and can be traumatic to the person’s family, friends, and larger community as well. If you feel like you have been the victim of sexual violence or sexual assault, please visit https://www.biola.edu/campus-safety/sexual-assault for information about sexual assault and to see how you can report a sexual assault or sexual violence.

The NCAA Board of Governors Policy on Campus Sexual Violence requires all NCAA institutions to take reasonable steps to confirm whether incoming, continuing and transfer student-athletes have been disciplined through a Title IX proceeding or criminally convicted of sexual, interpersonal or other acts of violence.

Annually, Biola University will have all student-athletes submit a self-disclosure related to their conduct that resulted in discipline through a Title IX proceeding or in a criminal conviction for sexual, interpersonal or other acts of violence.

Additionally, each year the associate athletic director for compliance/communication will, in conjunction with the campus Title IX office, send out forms to gather information that reasonably yields information from the former institution(s) to put the recruiting institutional leadership on notice that the student left the institution with an incomplete Title IX proceeding, was disciplined through a Title IX proceeding or has a criminal conviction for sexual, interpersonal or other acts of violence.

As part of this process, each Biola student-athlete submits a FERPA release form granting Biola’s administration permission to receive and review any related information. This form and the self-disclosure are housed in Teamworks Compliance & Recruiting.

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act

In 1974 Congress passed the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, otherwise known as FERPA (20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99), a Federal law designed to protect the privacy of student education records. According to the Department of Education, this law applies to educational agencies and institutions that receive funding under any program administered by the U. S. Department of Education.

The American Association of College Registrars and Admissions Officers define FERPA as:

A Federal law designed to protect the privacy of educational records, to establish the right of students to inspect and review their education records, and to provide guidelines for the correction of inaccurate and misleading data through informal and formal hearings.

FERPA allows institutions to release information from a student's record without the written consent of the student to school officials who have "legitimate educational interest" and who need access to the information to fulfill their professional responsibility. A school official is a person employed by the University in an administrative, supervisory, academic, research or support staff position, including law enforcement unit personnel and health staff.

More information about FERPA can be found here: https://www.biola.edu/registrar/ferpa

Athletics Mission Statement

Biola Athletics exists to recruit and educate a diverse group of Christian student-athletes to reach their full potential athletically, relationally, emotionally, spiritually and academically — equipping them in mind and character to impact the world for Christ. Macintosh HD:Users:edmonds:Desktop:Biola Athletics.jpg

Core Values

Biola Athletics is built on three core values.

Faith. We are rooted in Christ, anchored in Scripture, and grounded in faith. We have the freedom to compete with joy and passion as an expression of our love for God and each other. Our faith isn’t performed - it’s lived. Every practice, every game, every handshake with an opponent is a chance to embody God’s love and bring Him glory.

Formation. We flourish in mind, body, and spirit, growing individually and as a community. Our coaches don’t just build athletes; they build people who will lead, serve, and shine long after the final practice. We shape a community of kindness on our teams, with our campus, in our world. Not only for today - we build bonds that outlast seasons. When you wear Biola across your chest, you have a team with you. Not only on the field of competition, but for life. We travel, play, and pray together, heart to heart - with firm convictions and as a light to the world.

Fierce. We compete and live with passion. Every rep. Every sprint. Every day. We honor our gifts by using them fully - reflecting the image of God. We play with intensity and gritty dedication. We are wholehearted, tenacious, and relentless. We rise up on wings like eagles and fly. Above and beyond. Courageous in all we do.

Faith You Can See.

Statement of Philosophy

Biola University Athletics serves to recruit and educate a diverse group of Christian student-athletes to compete in the NCAA Division II. The institution supports its student-athletes in reaching their full potential athletically, relationally, emotionally, spiritually, and academically. We believe in the holistic development of a student-athlete — living life in balance — in order to thrive at Biola and beyond. The following are areas of focus for holistic development, as well as the values shaping the department and university.

1. Biola Athletics seeks to foster a balanced and inclusive approach in which student-athletes learn and develop through their chosen academic pursuits, civic engagement with their communities, and athletic competition.

2. We are committed to the physical and educational well-being of student-athletes, including maintaining an environment that values cultural diversity and gender equity among student-athletes and intercollegiate athletics department staff.

3. We are committed to ensuring that coaches and administrators exhibit fairness, openness and honesty in their relationships with student-athletes. We seek to empower and give voice to the student-athletes via the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.

4. We believe a positive athletic environment and ethical approach to sport, scholarship and service are important to character development and the overall success of the intercollegiate athletic experience. We value respect, fairness, civility, honesty and responsibility. These values should be manifest in the full spectrum of activities affecting the athletics program.

5. In order to create an atmosphere of respect and civility, we are committed to protecting individuals from unlawful discrimination or harassment with respect to governance policies, educational programs, activities, and employment policies.

6. We recognize that our student-athletes are not simply members of their team, but also members of the student body as a whole as well as many other outside communities. We therefore strive to protect the time of the student-athlete so they may be fully immersed in outside communities and truly experience “life in the balance.”

7. With the goal of being a model NCAA Division II institution, Biola is strongly committed to the principle of rules compliance. We are fully invested in complying with all applicable Association rules. Partnerships with other PacWest Conference institutions provide an important accountability in this area.

8. Within the scope of the rules of compliance, the institution is committed to maintaining the strictest governance as it relates to recruiting, awarding financial aid, tracking student-athlete eligibility and activity, meeting all sport sponsorship requirements, and maintaining ethical accounting practices.

In addition to the above guiding principles, Biola Athletics is focused on the following fundamental philosophies that help define and distinguish who we are:

• Academics - As part of the Living Life in The Balance initiative, Biola University is committed to supporting the academic success of its student-athletes. Biola provides a top-tier education for all students and is specifically committed to providing the support necessary to ensure a path to graduation that demonstrates graduation rates for student-athletes that are at least equal to those of the general student population.

• Athletics - Biola University is committed to providing highly competitive programs that aspire to compete for NCAA Division II national championships. We believe the key to accomplishing athletic success is through the quality Christian leadership of coaches and strong administrative support, allowing student-athletes to reach their collective team potential. In addition, we offer top-level athletic facilities, equipment, strength training, and athletic training support to help our student-athletes realize their full potential. It is our goal to see all student-athletes develop in their sport, so that they are more skilled at the conclusion of their time at Biola than when they began.

• Spiritual Development - Biola University is committed to providing an educational experience that integrates Christian faith with every aspect of the university experience. We believe the intercollegiate athletics experience can play a significant role in the spiritual development of every student-athlete, and we have developed our programs with spiritual growth at the core. We believe athletics at Biola provides an opportunity to invest in the development of the entire student-athlete’s holistic development in mind, body and soul.

• Community Engagement - Biola Athletics is committed to active engagement with our communities to enhance relationships between our student-athletes and community members and develop a shared civic experience in our student-athletes. We believe this commitment goes beyond periodic service work; it should be tied to an active and continuing engagement with our surrounding communities, motivated by our Christian love for others. We seek to not only engage the community off campus, but also to provide opportunities to bring the community onto our campus and engage them in a positive, family-friendly manner.

• Post-Graduation Success - Biola Athletics is committed to developing our student-athletes’ character, rooted in their Christian faith, so that they can successfully transition to become productive members of society after they graduate. We also believe in an athletic model that allows our student-athletes to focus on academic pursuits, obtain internships for career preparedness, and develop a strong spiritual foundation to thrive holistically beyond graduation.

Student-Athlete Conduct

Biola Student-Athlete Code of Conduct

We at Biola uphold integrity as a core value of our community. Members are expected to demonstrate a commitment to the value of integrity in word and deed and to take responsibility for their own violations of behavioral guidelines.

We at Biola recognize that Scripture condemns sins of the heart, such as covetousness, selfishness, ambition, envy, greed, lust, and pride. By their very nature, these sins are more difficult to discern, but because they lie at the heart of relationships, they are of central concern to the Biola community. We confess and repent of these sins as we become aware.

Furthermore, students at Biola commit to refrain from practices that Scripture forbids, such as sexual relations outside of marriage between a husband and wife, theft, and dishonesty.

Finally, for the purpose of character development and the creation of a healthy, vibrant Christian community, students at Biola commit to abstain from the use of tobacco products, the use of alcoholic beverages, and the activity of gambling.

Biola students have chosen, freely and willingly, to abide by these standards. We regard any violation of these standards to be a breach of integrity, since each member has voluntarily chosen to associate with the Biola community and to accept, uphold, and live by these standards.

The university reserves the right to refuse or revoke admittance and/or dismiss any person who does not conform either to the stated guidelines and regulations governing student conduct, or to the expressed principles, policies and expectations of the university. The university also reserves the right to take action against an individual for violating the standards regardless of how much time has passed since the violation.

The university also reserves the right to take disciplinary actions for violations of university standards by graduates awaiting degrees and students who withdraw from school while a disciplinary matter is pending.

The university reserves the right to review actions taken by civil authorities regarding any student or student organization. University disciplinary proceedings may be instituted against a student charged with violation of a law and may, at the sole discretion of the university, be carried out prior to, concurrently, or following civil or criminal proceedings. Violations occurring during non-enrolled periods may be considered by the university in determining whether a student will be eligible to continue his/her enrollment in the university and, if so, under what conditions.

The Biola community standards apply to all students:

1. While enrolled in classes for the fall semester (including Thanksgiving), spring semester (including spring break), and summer term;

2. Who are representing the Biola community in any off-campus events, such as mission trips, internships, study abroad, and athletic or academic activities;

3. Who are not enrolled in classes but are living on campus and not checked out of their room. The fact that these standards only apply to students while they are enrolled or in residence in no way indicates that the university believes that contrary behavior is acceptable during non-enrolled periods. The university recognizes that it is inherently the responsibility of the individual to make such behavior decisions. The essential role of individual judgment, discernment, and recognition of personal accountability to God throughout the Biola community cannot be overemphasized. Behaviors while not enrolled may affect a student’s ability to re-enroll or continue at Biola University.

Team Rules

The following are the expectations and rules for every program in the Biola Athletic Department. Additionally, individual programs may have supplemental rules directly related to their sport, but every program will incorporate the following policies:

• Student-athletes will know and uphold all of the rules and regulations in Biola’s Student Handbook, as well as the Code of Conduct and the Student-Athlete Handbook.

• Student-athletes will conduct themselves, at all times, in a manner that reflects positively on Biola Athletics and our Christian witness.

• Student-athletes will attend all scheduled classes they are registered for and will not miss class to attend practice.

• Student-athletes may miss class for competition and/or travel only by completing the “Class Absence Form” with their professors at the beginning of the semester. It is the student-athlete’s responsibility to ensure this process is completed correctly.

• Student-athletes are expected to attend every scheduled practice and are to communicate immediately with their head coach should any issues such as illness or an emergency arise that would prevent them from attending countable athletically related activity.

• Student-athletes will be appreciative and respectful communicators with coaches, teammates, professors, administrators, etc.

• Student-athletes will respect game officials, game staff, and opposing fans and will not use negative language or gestures towards others.

• Student-athletes will refrain from participation in other contact sports or extreme activities that may result in injuries that would hinder them from performing at their maximal level and keep them from full participation in both training sessions and match play.

• Student-athletes will ensure that they actively monitor their Biola email and promptly reply to any Teamworks Compliance & Recruiting notifications or emails from their coaches, instructors, or athletic administration.

• Student-athletes will learn program requirements and commit to maintain their academic eligibility with strong academic performance each semester.

• Student-athletes understand their commitment to their team and commit to maintaining a high work ethic to develop the skills of their sport. They will at all times put forth effort commensurate with being a high-level collegiate athlete.

Failure to follow any team rule may result in disciplinary action up to and including removal from the team and/or reduction/nonrenewal of athletic financial aid.

Community Engagement

Biola University's mission to impact the world aligns with one of several NCAA Division II strategic priorities. Student-athletes, coaches, and the athletics department staff are involved in building relationships by bringing the community to campus to experience Division II athletic events. Biola University believes in the importance of community engagement and serving the local community. Student-athletes will participate in community engagement events each year that will build a bridge for Biola University student-athletes to engage with the local community both on and off the Biola campus.

Community engagement initiatives are integrated into gamedays, championship events, and Student-Athlete Advisory Committee meetings. This allows student-athletes to further develop skills to serve others with compassion and courage while being equipped as leaders. Through community engagement, student-athletes have the opportunity to build relationships and impact those around them for the glory of God.

NCAA Student-Athlete Statement

Each year, each student-athlete must sign the Student-Athlete Statement affirming compliance with a variety of rules and activities. For Biola student-athletes, this is in early August, prior to reporting to campus in the fall. The form is assigned to all student-athletes in Teamworks Compliance & Recruiting. The preface to the form provides information as to its meaning and possible ramifications as follows:

NCAA Division II Bylaws 7.3.1.5.8 and 7.3.1.5.8.1 provide that, before participation in intercollegiate competition each academic year, a student-athlete shall sign a statement in a form prescribed by the NCAA Division II Management Council in which the student-athlete submits information related to academic and athletics eligibility, recruitment, financial aid, previous positive drug tests administered by any other athletics organization and involvement in organized gambling activities related to intercollegiate and professional athletics competition under the Association's governing legislation. This is the annual form prescribed by the Management Council and it includes the following 10 parts:

I. General Statement Concerning Eligibility and Athletics Participation;

II. Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)/Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Consent;

III. Athletics Eligibility;

IV. Drug Tests;

V. Sports Wagering/Betting;

VI. Academic Eligibility Information (Freshman Only);

VII. Other Violations;

VIII. Information Pertaining to Future Transfer;

IX. Termination/Survivability of Student-Athlete Statement; and

X. Student-Athlete Signature.

Bylaw 7.3.1.5.8.1 provides that a failure to complete and sign the annual eligibility statement shall result in the student-athlete's ineligibility for participation in all intercollegiate competition. Accordingly, you must legibly complete the information above and sign all parts below in order to be eligible to participate in intercollegiate competition.

Before you sign this form, you should read the eligibility provisions of the NCAA Division II Manual or the Summary of NCAA Regulations, or another similar outline or summary of NCAA regulations, in each case, in the form provided to you by your director of athletics. You are responsible for knowing and understanding the application of all NCAA Division II regulations related to your eligibility. If you have any questions, you should discuss them with your director of athletics.

The conditions that you must meet to be eligible and the requirement that you sign this form are indicated in the following articles and regulations of the Division II Manual: Bylaws 10 (ethical conduct), 13 (recruiting), 14 (eligibility: academic and athletics requirements), 15 (financial aid), 16 (awards, benefits and expenses for enrolled student-athletes) and 18.2 (eligibility for championships).

If you have questions you may contact the NCAA directly at 317-917-6008.

PacWest Principle of Sportsmanship and Ethical Conduct

It shall be the responsibility of each institution to ensure that all individuals employed by or directly associated with the athletic programs of that institution conduct themselves in a sportsmanlike manner when representing their institution, especially at intercollegiate athletic contests.

Unsportsmanlike and/or unethical conduct may subject an individual to disciplinary action by the Commissioner and/or the individual member institution(s) involved. The institution that the offending individual is associated with 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.

Acts of unsportsmanlike and/or unethical conduct may be reviewed by the Commissioner and/or the individual member institution(s) involved. Individual penalties and/or discipline may be determined by the Commissioner and/or the individual member institution(s) involved.

If the Commissioner is incapacitated or unable to fulfill his/her duties, the Conference office staff member responsible for Compliance duties shall continue Conference operations by reviewing acts of unsportsmanlike and/or unethical conduct and levy appropriate penalties in such cases until the Executive Board has the opportunity to vote on an interim Commissioner.(Revised 5/25/23)

Acts of unsportsmanlike and/or unethical conduct may include, but are not limited to, a student-- athlete, coach or other institutional representative who:

• Strikes or physically abuses an official, opposing coach or player;

• Intentionally incites participants or spectators to violent or abusive action;

• Uses obscene gestures or profane or unduly provocative language or action toward officials, opponents, or spectators;

• Publicly criticizes any game official, Conference personnel, another institution or its personnel;

• Engages in negative recruiting by making statements to a prospective student-athlete, his/her parents, high school coach, or other persons interested in the prospective athlete which are unduly derogatory of another member institution, its personnel, or its athletic program or;

• Any other acts or conduct not specifically described herein that bring disrepute on the Conference or one of its member institutions.

Hazing Policy

The law of California makes it a criminal offense for anyone to participate in hazing. Biola policy is based upon the proposition that students are entitled to be treated with consideration and respect. Biola regulations on hazing are synonymous with state law as stated below (Calif. Penal Code §245.6):

• It shall be unlawful to engage in hazing, as defined in this section.

• “Hazing” means any method of initiation or preinitiation into a student organization or student body, whether or not the organization or body is officially recognized by an educational institution, which is likely to cause serious bodily injury to any former, current, or prospective student of any school, community college, college, university, or other educational institution in this state. The term “hazing” does not include customary athletic events or school-sanctioned events.

For further information on penalties for hazing, please refer to the Biola Student Handbook.

The NCAA defines hazing as “any act committed against someone joining or becoming a member or maintaining membership in any organization that is humiliating, intimidating or demeaning, or endangers the health and safety of the person. Hazing includes active or passive participation in such acts and occurs regardless of the willingness to participate in the activities. Hazing creates an environment/climate in which dignity and respect are absent”.

The NCAA provides this comparison of “Hazing vs. Team Building” to help student-athletes better understand the differences:

Any student-athlete who has been subject to or witnesses any activity that could be hazing should report it immediately to a university official (e.g., the faculty athletics representative or Vice President of Student Development).

Biola Fitness Center and Sport Performance Center Policies

The Biola Fitness Center is available for use by Biola faculty, staff, alumni and current students.

Athletic teams have reserved use to the Sport Performance Center, as selected by their head coach and the director of sport performance for team strength sessions. Student-athletes must abide by all Fitness Center and Sport Performance Center policies when using these facilities.

The Biola Sport Performance Center is supervised by the director of sport performance. Policies include:

1. You must lift with at least ONE partner during unsupervised times.

2. You must complete and sign a waiver acknowledging the risks associated with the Biola Sport Performance Center. Waivers are to be signed at the front desk of the Fitness Center annually prior to the fall semester.

3. Student ID cards are scanned for entrance into the Fitness Center.

4. Proper dress is required.

• Shirts are required to be worn at all times.

• No volleyball-type spandex allowed.

• Closed toed shoes must be worn (no taking shoes off during workout).

• Sweat towel recommended.

5. All music played must be approved under the athletic facility music policy.

6. Be sensitive to others waiting to use the same equipment.

7. Absolutely NO dropping or slamming weights together or on the ground. The ONLY exception is when using bumper plates on the designated platform.

8. All weights and accessory attachments must be returned to dumbbell racks, weight trees or accessory racks after use.

9. Fold and stack workout mats against the wall as directed by signs.

10. No food or beverages allowed other than water.

Equipment and Apparel Policy

Apparel or Equipment that Includes Institutional Identification

A student-athlete may use institutional equipment during outside competition only when representing the institution.

A student-athlete may purchase institutional apparel (or uniform) for use during outside competition at the going rate for such apparel, provided the apparel (or uniform) is no longer used by the institution.

A student-athlete may not purchase equipment at a discounted price from an institutional vendor or outside vendor provided such discount to student-athlete is based on his or her affiliation with the institution or his or her status as an athlete.

Exception - A student-athlete may purchase equipment necessary for practice and competition from a manufacturer at the institution's discounted or reduced rate and retain the equipment, provided: (Adopted: 8/26/15)

(a) Such equipment is not otherwise provided to student-athletes by the institution;

(b) The institution certifies the equipment is necessary for practice and competition and not for personal use; and

(c) The institution approves the transaction.

Equipment and apparel are the property of the Biola University Athletics Department. Equipment and apparel must be returned at the conclusion of the playing season or academic year.

The procedures for equipment and apparel are as follows:

1. Student-athletes must be on the NCAA Squad List in order to be issued equipment and/or apparel.

2. Athletic apparel is defined as (but not limited to) practice, contest and travel apparel.

3. Equipment is defined as (but not limited to) team supplies, practice and game/event equipment.

4. Game uniforms must be returned at the end of the season.

5. The laundry attendant or administrator for facilities and events is responsible for completing an Inventory Card, which each student-athlete must sign. This Inventory Card must be accurate and current at all times and is subject to an audit.

6. All practice gear and uniforms are laundered and delivered to each student-athlete. On the initial issuance the student-athlete signs an Inventory Card indicating receipt of the equipment and apparel and is then dated.

7. Completed Inventory Cards will be filed in the equipment/laundry room with the laundry attendant or the administrator for facilities and events.

8. Each student-athlete receives any equipment and apparel as necessary for that particular sport.

9. If a student-athlete wishes to receive new equipment/apparel, it will be done on an exchange basis. All transactions are recorded on the student-athlete’s Inventory Card and are signed by the student-athlete, head coach and laundry attendant.

10. If equipment and/or apparel are lost, stolen, damaged or not returned at the end of the playing season or academic year, the student-athlete shall be held financially responsible and will be charged for the equipment and/or apparel.

11. A student-athlete may retain athletics apparel, but not equipment, at the conclusion of the playing season or academic year, at the discretion of the head coach and the approval of the senior director of athletics. (NCAA Bylaw 16)

12. A student-athlete may not accept free of charge, or purchase at a discounted or reduced price, athletics equipment, supplies or clothing (e.g., tennis racquets, golf clubs, balls, shirts, etc.) from a manufacturer or commercial enterprise that is not offered to the general student body. Such items may be provided to the student-athlete’s institution to be used by the institution’s team in accordance with accepted practices for issuance and retrieval of athletic equipment/apparel. (NCAA Bylaw 16). See Bylaw 16.11.2.5.1 for an exception.

13. The associate athletic director for compliance/communication must approve all equipment and apparel donations (e.g., youth organizations, mission trips, charities, etc.).

Laundry Policy

The laundry attendant will meet with each team prior to/within the first week of official practice to review laundry policies and procedures with student-athletes and the coaching staff. Student-athletes must abide by the rules set forth to properly submit their practice gear and uniforms for laundering.

Laundry services are provided during the championship and non-championship segments, but they will not be provided during out-of-season strength and conditioning. Only team gear worn during practice/competition may be submitted for laundering.

Coaches are responsible to collect the laundry loops, team uniforms, and team equipment at the end of the season and may store these in the laundry area for the summer break. Student-athletes are financially responsible for all lost or damaged equipment.

Recruiting is any solicitation of a prospective student-athlete or his or her relatives or legal guardian(s) by a Biola University staff member or by a representative of Biola University’s athletics interests for the purpose of securing the prospect’s enrollment and ultimate participation in Biola University’s intercollegiate athletics program. Monitoring the recruitment of prospective student-athletes (PSAs) is the responsibility of each head coach and the associate athletic director for compliance/communication. The associate athletic director for compliance/communication will conduct checks of recruiting activity on prospective student-athlete profiles in Teamworks Compliance & Recruiting.

A member of the Biola athletics staff (non-coach) or a booster shall not recruit a prospective student-athlete. They are prohibited from:

• Making in person, off-campus recruiting contacts

  • Observing a prospective student-athlete’s contest, not on his or her own initiative

  • Contacting a prospective-student athlete while observing prospective student-athletes’ contest

  • Visiting the prospective student-athlete's educational institution to pick up film/videotape or transcripts pertaining to the evaluation of the prospective student-athlete

• Making telephone calls with a prospective student-athlete

• Making contact with the prospective student-athlete’s relatives or legal guardians

• Contacting a prospective student-athlete's coach, principal or counselor in an attempt to evaluate the prospective student-athlete

• Directing enrolled student-athletes to make off-campus, in-person contact or written/electronically transmitted correspondence with the prospective student-athlete

• Making arrangements for or giving or offering to give any financial aid or other benefits to a prospective student-athlete or their relatives or friends.

The recruitment of a prospective student-athlete by a member of the Biola athletics staff (non-coach) or a booster is in violation of NCAA legislation and may result in the student-athlete becoming ineligible to represent Biola in intercollegiate athletics.

Please refer to Bylaw 13 in the NCAA Division II Manual for further definition and application of recruiting rules and boosters.

Recruiting Involvement for Prospective Student-Athletes

It is permissible for an enrolled student-athlete to engage in recruiting correspondence (written or electronically transmitted correspondence, telephone calls, videoconferences) with a prospective student-athlete, provided it is not done at the direction and/or expense of a representative of the institution's athletics interests, and provided the activity is voluntary. Recruiting correspondence may include multiple enrolled student-athletes and/or prospective student-athletes [or their relatives or legal guardian(s)] at a time.

Student-athletes are prohibited from making any statements to media members about recruits, the recruits’ athletic ability, or the likelihood that the recruit will attend the university.

A student-athlete may be asked by a coach to host a recruit who is on an official visit to campus. While serving as a host, a student-athlete may be given host money for the purpose of entertaining the recruit. This money may be used for food or entertainment activities, but may not be used to purchase souvenirs (e.g., hats, t-shirts, etc.) for the recruit. Per institutional policy, a student-athlete may not transport the recruit to activities off-campus and must not allow the recruit the use of a car. The University cannot provide the use of a car to the student-athlete for the purpose of hosting a recruit. A student-host will receive a list of host instructions via the Student-Host Instruction Form in Teamworks Compliance & Recruiting.

Student-athlete hosts are required to submit all receipts pertaining to the entertainment of prospective student-athletes per Biola University policy.

An institution may not provide an enrolled student-athlete with transportation or expenses to recruit a prospective student-athlete, except those expenses related to recruiting correspondence (written or electronically transmitted correspondence, telephone calls, videoconferences) or specified in Bylaw 13.6.6.5 when the student-athlete serves as a student host.

It is permissible for an enrolled student-athlete to engage or interact (e.g., contact, telephone calls) with a prospective student-athlete at the direction of a coaching staff member, provided the engagement or interaction is a part of a community engagement activity and the student-athlete does not miss class, except for class time missed in conjunction with away-from-home competition.

Academic Eligibility

A Biola University student-athlete must meet academic eligibility standards set by both Biola University and the NCAA Division II in order to practice, compete, and receive athletically related financial aid. The standards below are NCAA requirements; Biola may impose additional academic expectations.

Full-time Enrollment

To be eligible for practice or competition, a student-athlete shall be enrolled in a minimum full-time program of studies leading to a baccalaureate or equivalent degree as defined by the institution. Undergraduate programs shall not be less than 12 semester hours, regardless of the institution’s definition of a minimum full-time program of studies.

The only exception is for student-athletes who are going to graduate at the end of the semester and require fewer than 12 credits to graduate that semester. In that case, the student-athlete only needs to take the number of credits required to graduate that semester.

Nine-Hour Rule

All undergraduate student-athletes, including transfers, are required to earn a minimum of nine hours applicable to their degree in the previous full-time term of attendance to be eligible for competition in the next semester.

This rule does not apply to graduate students or to a student seeking a second bachelor’s degree. If a student is in the final year of their degree program, the nine hours may be acceptable toward any of the institution’s degree programs as long as the student is carrying the necessary credit hours to complete the degree at the end of the next two semesters.

24-Hour Rule

Once a year, student-athletes are certified as having passed 24 credit hours in the previous two semesters of attendance. This rule applies every year of a student-athlete’s enrollment.

Beginning with the third year of enrollment (fifth semester), once a student-athlete has designated a specific degree program, only credit hours that count toward the requirements of that designated degree program may be applied toward the student-athlete’s progress-toward-degree credit count.

A student-athlete not meeting the 24-hour requirement may be able to restore eligibility by attending summer school.

10-Semester Rule

Student-athletes must complete their four seasons of college competition within 10 full-time semesters at any collegiate institution in which the student-athlete was enrolled in a minimum full-time program of study as determined by the collegiate institution. The Biola University academic year is based on semesters.

Good Academic Standing and GPA Requirements

“Good academic standing” is defined differently by each institution. Biola University defines good academic standing as any student not on Academic Probation (for the purposes of tracking program GPA requirements).

During the first semester of academic study, first-time freshmen must earn at least a 2.00 GPA, regardless of the number of credits taken, to remain in good academic standing. The minimum GPA as required by the NCAA is 2.00 to remain in good academic standing.

Any undergraduate student failing to maintain the minimum grade-point average required by their academic program after the completion of 6 or more credits in a term will be placed on Academic Probation. Post-baccalaureate or graduate students failing to maintain the minimum cumulative GPA required by their program after 4 or more credits will be placed on Academic Probation. Doctoral students failing to maintain the minimum cumulative GPA after 3 or more credits will be placed on Academic Probation.

Students on Academic Probation must adhere to the stipulations of their probation as outlined in their notice of Academic Standing. These limitations can include restrictions on the number of credits they may take per term (generally a limit of 13 credits for undergraduate students and 9 credits for graduate students). Undergraduate students on Academic Probation must register for and successfully complete GNST 001. Undergraduate students on first-term probation are required to meet with the Office of Academic Advising.

Students on Academic Probation who do not successfully remove themselves at the end of two consecutive terms will be academically disqualified. Any undergraduate student taking 6 or more credits in a term who receives less than a 1.0 term GPA will be academically disqualified. The same threshold applies to graduate (4+ credits) and doctoral (3+ credits) students.

Academic requirements vary by academic program at the graduate level. To maintain academic eligibility and access to intercollegiate athletic competition, Biola graduate student-athletes must meet all of their degree program’s academic requirements. Graduate students on academic probation are not eligible for intercollegiate athletic competition. Academic standing is assessed by the Office of the Registrar prior to the start of each regular academic term.

Designation of Degree Program

A student-athlete shall designate a program of studies leading toward a specific baccalaureate degree at the certifying institution by the beginning of the third year of enrollment (fifth semester) and thereafter shall make progress toward that specific degree.

The designation of degree is documented on the Undergraduate Major/Concentration Change Form via the Office of the Registrar.

Progress Towards Degree

The Office of the Registrar reviews degree audits and university transcripts for all student-athletes after each semester to ensure satisfactory progress toward a degree.

Each semester, all students are required to schedule an appointment to meet with their academic advisor to discuss courses for the following semester. All students must submit a Graduation Petition to the Office of the Registrar during their junior year and meet with their Graduation Counselor to ensure they are taking the proper courses for completion of their degree.

Your Academic Responsibilities

As a Biola University student-athlete, you are expected to uphold the highest academic standards. The university’s goal is for every student-athlete to pursue and obtain an academic degree. You have the responsibility of attending class on a regular basis, completing all classroom assignments, and conducting yourself in all academic matters in ways that are consistent with optimal classroom performance.

You must meet all university academic requirements as well as all university, conference, and NCAA eligibility requirements. It is your responsibility to ensure that eligibility requirements are being met. The eligibility thresholds above are the ones you must meet; the sections below describe how Biola’s processes affect you and what you need to do.

Where to get help

In addition to your faculty advisor, Biola Athletics has a designated staff member in the academic advising office who partners with subject-area advisors to assist all undergraduate student-athletes with class schedules each semester. This helps you optimize your schedule to lessen missed class time and meet progress-towards-degree requirements.

If you would like to change your assigned faculty advisor, contact your academic department and submit an Advisor Change Form to the Advising Center. For more information, visit https://www.biola.edu/academic-advising.

How registration works for you

A credit minimum and maximum is placed on your account preventing you from dropping below 12 credits or exceeding 18 credits for each semester. Students may add or drop classes via https://myaccount.biola.edu.

After registration is closed, you must contact the Office of the Registrar if the add/drop periods have concluded. If you are considering a schedule change after the add/drop periods have concluded, you should meet with the Associate Director of Academic Advising in the office of academic advising.

The deadlines for adding and dropping courses can be found on the academic calendar, which is updated annually.

If you fall below the thresholds

If at any point you drop below full-time status (12 credits), the Office of the Registrar will immediately notify the athletics compliance office, who will notify your head coach. You will be declared ineligible and must cease participating in practice and competition until your enrollment is restored. You also cannot receive benefits incidental to participation (for example, travel with the team) during this period.

If you fail to meet the nine-hour rule, the 24-hour rule, or the GPA threshold, the same applies: compliance notifies you and your coach, and you cannot compete until eligibility is restored. A student-athlete who falls short of the 24-hour rule may be able to restore eligibility by attending summer school.

Intercollegiate Athletics Class Attendance Policy

Regular class attendance is expected of all students. The final authority for attendance and any effect that it might have upon grades rests with the individual faculty member. Students who fail to meet the minimum attendance requirement of a course will be assigned a grade of “UW” (Unofficial Withdrawal), which influences the GPA the same as an “F.”

When you may be excused from class

You will be excused to miss class only under the following circumstances per NCAA Division II rules and regulations.

Championship segment is the NCAA term for a sport’s traditional regular season and postseason. Non-championship segment is the NCAA term for a sport’s offseason scrimmage time (for example, the fall season for baseball or the spring season for volleyball).

You are permitted to miss class for:

• Competition during the championship segment of competition (both home and away). No class time may be missed for competition, including activities associated with competition, during the non-championship segment (Bylaw 17.1).
• Practice in conjunction with an away contest, when a team is traveling to an away-from-home contest and the practice is part of that trip (Bylaw 17.1).
• Championship practice: practice activities in conjunction with a conference or NCAA championship event (Bylaw 17.1).

You are not permitted to miss class for home practice activities, including practice, weights or conditioning, film study, promotional events, or community engagement events. You are also not excused from classes that end prior to departure time on the day of travel.

How to report a planned absence

You are responsible for notifying faculty within seven business days after the first day of class about any future missed class time due to athletics contests. Use the Class Absence Reporting Form (see the appendices). This ensures the individual faculty member has been notified of sport-related absences prior to missing class.

The form includes a section requesting accommodations for completion of any missed work. All missed class work and assignments must be completed according to the schedule established by the faculty member teaching the course.

In the case of last-minute travel itinerary changes due to unforeseen circumstances, you must promptly notify faculty (within 24 hours of the change).

Any student-athlete who does not complete the form correctly or on time is not protected from missed-class penalties under this policy.

What faculty may require

Individual faculty members will judge the validity of student-athlete absences from class and may require documentation for excused absences. In such cases you will submit a written request to the assistant athletic director for compliance to request that documentation be sent to the faculty member. For classes requiring mandatory attendance incompatible with the number of planned absences, you will be advised to register, if possible, during a semester in which you will not be participating in the university-sanctioned activity.

If a faculty member already has a policy in place that allows for a minimum number of absences, missed in-class assignments, or late assignments, then absences due to athletics contests apply toward that policy.

Appealing a decision

As with any academic issue, you may exercise your right to appeal adverse attendance decisions. Should you and the faculty member be unable to agree on appropriate accommodation under this policy, either party may request mediation. The person seeking mediation pursues resolution by meeting with the following individuals (in order) until the issue is resolved: the department chair, the academic dean, the Faculty Athletics Representative, the Senior Director of Athletics, and the vice-provost.

Substance Abuse Program

As an NCAA Division II member and a member of the PacWest Conference, you, as a student-athlete at Biola, are expected to conduct yourself in a manner that is congruent with the NCAA Drug Testing Policy as well as with the mission of the institution. This chapter explains the substance abuse program as it applies to you.

This program implements specific measures to ensure student-athletes the highest level of accountability in upholding the mission of Biola University and the NCAA. This policy is not to be construed as a contract between the institution and the student-athletes at Biola University. However, signed consent and notification forms shall be considered affirmation of the student-athlete’s agreement to the terms and conditions in this policy.

Program Purpose and Philosophy

The purpose of this program is to create an environment that affords student-athletes the optimal opportunity to grow spiritually, emotionally, athletically and academically during their career at Biola. The athletics department and the institution as a whole believe that the use of alcohol and banned substances does not give student-athletes the best chance to succeed in the three areas of growth stated above. Therefore, this policy is designed to educate student-athletes about the adverse effects of substance abuse, detect the use of banned substances by Biola student-athletes, graciously discipline those who choose to partake in the use of banned substances, and assist them to the best of our ability in their recovery and rehabilitation.

A Biola student-athlete may be tested at any time, including when academically ineligible or red-shirting. Biola University may amend the policy at any time. This program is separate and distinct from the NCAA Drug Testing program.

Prohibited Substances

Student-athletes participating in intercollegiate athletics are prohibited from the use, purchase, possession, manufacture, and/or distribution of any substances on the current NCAA banned drug list, with the addition of alcohol and tobacco. Student-athletes may not use the drugs specified by the NCAA regardless of whether such use occurs before, during, or after the student-athlete’s competitive season. In addition, pursuant to the Biola University standards of conduct, the university requires that student-athletes abstain from the use and possession of alcoholic beverages and smoking/tobacco products. For procedures used by Biola University to receive consent from student-athletes for substance abuse screening, see the Biola Athletics Substance Screening Program section.

It is the responsibility of the student-athlete to know what he or she is putting into their body and seek answers through the appropriate resources if they have questions.

The NCAA Banned Substance List is maintained at https://www.ncaa.org/what-we-do/health-safety-and-performance/anti-doping-and-substance-misuse-prevention/banned-substances/.

NCAA Tobacco Policy

The use of tobacco products by a student-athlete is prohibited during practice and competition. A student-athlete who uses tobacco products during a practice or competition shall be disqualified for the remainder of that practice or competition (Bylaw 17).

The use of tobacco products is also prohibited by all game personnel (e.g., coaches, trainers, managers, and game officials) in all sports during practice and competition. Uniform penalties, as determined by the applicable rules-making committees and sports committees with rules-making responsibilities, shall be established for such use (Bylaw 11.1).

NCAA Banned Drugs List (revised July 2026)

It is the responsibility of the student-athlete to check with the appropriate or designated athletics staff before using any substance. The NCAA bans the following classes of drugs:

• Stimulants
• Anabolic agents
• Beta blockers (banned for golf and rifle)
• Diuretics and masking agents
• Narcotics
• Peptide hormones, growth factors, related substances, and mimetics
• Hormone and metabolic modulators
• Beta-2 agonists

This is not a complete or exhaustive list. Any substance chemically or pharmacologically related to these classes is also banned. The institution and the student-athlete shall be held accountable for all drugs within the banned drug class regardless of whether they have been specifically identified. Examples of substances under each class can be found at https://www.ncaa.org/what-we-do/health-safety-and-performance/anti-doping-and-substance-misuse-prevention/drug-testing-program/. There is no complete list of banned substances.

Drugs and procedures subject to restrictions:

• Blood and gene doping
• Local anesthetics (permitted under some conditions)
• Manipulation of urine samples
• Tampering of urine samples
• Beta-2 agonists (permitted only by inhalation with prescription)

NCAA Nutritional / Dietary Supplements Warning

Before consuming any nutritional or dietary supplement product, review the product with the appropriate or designated athletics department staff. There are no NCAA-approved supplement products.

• There are no NCAA-approved nutritional or dietary supplements.
• Nutritional and dietary supplements, including vitamins and minerals, are not well regulated and may cause a positive drug test.
• Student-athletes have tested positive and lost their eligibility using nutritional and dietary supplements.
• Many nutritional and dietary supplements are contaminated with banned drugs not listed on the label.
• While third-party tested and low-level risk products may be options, complete elimination of risk is impossible.
• All nutritional and dietary supplements are taken at the student-athlete’s own risk.

Student-athletes should have any product checked by appropriate athletics department staff before consuming. The NCAA subscribes only to Drug Free Sport AXIS™ for authoritative review of label ingredients in medications and nutritional or dietary supplements. Contact AXIS at 816-474-7321 or https://axis.drugfreesport.com (access code: ncaa2).

Examples of NCAA Banned Substances in Each Drug Class

Note: there is NO complete list of banned substances. Do not rely on this list to rule out any label ingredient.

Anabolic agents are sometimes listed as a chemical formula (such as 3,6,17-androstenetrione).

Information about ingredients in medications and nutritional or dietary supplements can be obtained by contacting Drug Free Sport AXIS at 816-474-7321 or https://axis.drugfreesport.com (access code: ncaa2). The linked NCAA online list of banned substances will always be up to date and is the list for which each student-athlete will be held responsible. Student-athletes are also responsible for reporting any prescription or over-the-counter medications they are taking to an athletic trainer.

Biola Athletics Substance Screening Program

This program has three major components: education, substance screening, and discipline.

Education

The senior director of athletics and/or the director of sports medicine (athletics health care administrator) will explain the Biola Athletics Substance Screening Program to each student-athlete at the annual fall all-sports meeting.

Each student-athlete is required to sign and return the NCAA Drug-Testing Consent Form and the Student-Athlete Consent and Authorization Agreement Form prior to participation in practice or competition. If the student-athlete is under the age of 18, the parent or legal guardian must also sign the forms. Failure to return these forms results in the student-athlete being ineligible to practice or compete.

Procedure

Biola University conducts substance screening throughout the academic year. The basis for the screening process is informed consent (based on the forms submitted to Biola) and third-party testing. On-campus screenings may occur throughout the year. Subsequent tests may be conducted at the discretion of the senior director of athletics. A student-athlete will be notified of required screening at least 24 hours prior to the test by the Biola site coordinator, director of sports medicine, associate athletic director for compliance and communication, or senior director of athletics, via Teamworks Hub.

Selection of participants is determined by random sampling and individualized reasonable suspicion.

Random sampling. A random sample of student-athletes from current team rosters will be selected for up to a total of 5 percent of the entire student-athlete population. Student-athletes may be tested multiple times due to the random nature of the selection process.

Individualized reasonable suspicion. The Reasonable Suspicion reporting form is included in the appendices for reference. Circumstances for selection upon reasonable suspicion may include (but are not limited to):

• Observed changes in performance or behavior (physical or emotional), for example, missing class. Observations may come from the senior director of athletics, athletic trainers, head coaches, assistant coaches, Student Development staff, resident director, and/or faculty.
• Arrest on charges related to use and/or possession of banned substances.
• Suspected manipulation of specimens (for example, dilution of sample).
• Proven history of positive results.
• Presence or possession by a student-athlete of illegal or controlled drugs or drug-related paraphernalia.
• Observation by a designated administrator, coach, or support staff through the sense of smell, sight, or sound.

If a student-athlete fails to report to the testing site within 60 minutes of the designated report time, fails to produce a specimen at the time of testing, or manipulates the integrity of the specimen or collection process, it will be considered a positive test. The student-athlete will be subject to the appropriate sanctions.

Student-athletes may also be selected for testing under any of the following circumstances:

• Post-season / championship screening. Any participant or team likely to advance to post-season championship competition may be subject to additional testing. Testing may be required of all team members or individual student-athletes at any time within thirty (30) days prior to the post-season competition. If a student-athlete tests positive, they will not be allowed to compete at the post-season event and will be subject to the sanctions herein.
• Re-entry testing. A student-athlete whose eligibility has been suspended as a result of a drug and alcohol violation may be required to undergo re-entry drug and/or alcohol testing prior to regaining eligibility. The senior director of athletics or designee arranges re-entry testing after the counselor or specialist involved indicates that re-entry is appropriate.
• Follow-up testing. A student-athlete who has returned to participation following a positive drug test may be subject to follow-up testing. Testing will be unannounced and required at a frequency determined by the senior director of athletics or designee in consultation with the counselor or specialist involved.
• Pre-season screening. Student-athletes are subject to pre-season drug testing and may be notified by the senior director of athletics or designee at any time prior to their first competition.

Specimen collection. Details regarding specimen collection are provided for reference in the appendix on Drug Free Sport’s Collection Guidelines.

Medical exception process. Biola University recognizes that some banned substances are used for legitimate medical purposes. Accordingly, the Department of Athletics allows exceptions for student-athletes with a documented medical history demonstrating a need for regular use of such a substance. Exceptions may be granted for substances in the following classes: stimulants, beta-blockers, diuretics, and peptide hormones.

Student-athletes are required to inform their athletic trainer of all medications (prescribed and over-the-counter) they are taking, via the Medical History Form submitted for Medical Clearance.

In the event a student-athlete tests positive, the assistant athletic director of sports medicine, in consultation, will review the student-athlete’s medical record to determine whether a medical exception should be granted.

Discipline

First Violation

In the case of a first positive test, the following sanctions occur:

1. The student-athlete is referred to Student Development to discuss the violation and next steps. There will be a minimum two-week suspension from participation in practice, competition, and travel.
2. The student-athlete may begin participation again at the conclusion of seven days (since notification of the positive test) depending on the recommendation of the assessment team and written evidence received by the senior director of athletics. In some cases, the team physician must also clear the student-athlete for participation.
3. The student-athlete is automatically enrolled in the substance screening program.
4. Any offense may be grounds for revoking of athletic scholarship. The senior director of athletics and head coach may make decisions on scholarship removal.
5. Depending on the seriousness of the offense, the student-athlete may also face further consequences, including but not limited to expulsion from the university. See the Biola Student Handbook section titled Alcohol, Tobacco & Drugs for more information on university sanctions.

Second Violation

In the case of a second positive test, the following sanctions occur:

1. The student-athlete is referred to Student Development to discuss the violation and next steps. The student-athlete will, at minimum, be suspended from participation in practice, competition, and travel for the rest of the current season.
2. The student-athlete may be terminated from any future participation in Biola Athletics.
3. The student-athlete may also face further consequences, including but not limited to expulsion from the university. See the Biola Student Handbook section titled Alcohol, Tobacco & Drugs for more information on university sanctions.

Decisions for both first and second violations are made by the Dean of Community Life & Title IX Coordinator or designee, who consults with athletics department administration as necessary. Biola will not cover any costs in addition to the initial substance screening incurred during this disciplinary process. The same punishment and actions apply for a student-athlete who is caught outside of the Biola Athletics Substance Screening Program in conjunction with Student Development.

Appeal Process

When a sanctioned student-athlete disputes the outcome of a disciplinary procedure, that student (the “Appellant”) may request, through the Dean of Community Life & Title IX Coordinator, that an Appeal Hearing Committee review the decision. Sanctions may or may not be postponed or suspended pending the outcome of this appeal, at the discretion of the dean.

The Appellant may appeal on the basis of:

1. Inaccurate findings — the available facts used in determining sanctions were inaccurate or incomplete.
2. New evidence has become available.
3. An unfair or inequitable process.

The following are not within the scope of the appeal process:

• The interpretation or judgment of university administrators regarding the meaning or implementation of the written regulations, standards, or policies of the university.
• The written regulations, standards, or policies of the university themselves.
• The determined sanctions from the disciplinary procedure.

To initiate an appeal hearing, the Appellant submits the following, in writing, to the dean:

1. A request for a hearing, submitted within five working days from the time the Appellant was informed of the disciplinary decisions.
2. A statement including all relevant issues and evidence to be considered. Issues or evidence not included will not be considered in the appeal hearing.
3. A list of material witnesses, if any, and the essence of their proposed contribution. These are not character witnesses but individuals with first-hand knowledge of the situation in appeal. Their testimony is limited to the specified matters.

The dean then forms an Appeal Hearing Committee made up of one member of the Student Care Team (serving as non-voting facilitator) along with three faculty or staff members selected by the dean. If no members of the Student Care Team are available, the dean may select a replacement from Biola faculty or staff.

The Appeal Hearing Committee will, within 15 working days of receipt of the appeal request, review and evaluate the original adjudication and the information the Appellant has presented. Based on the nature of the appeal, the committee has discretion whether to call the Appellant and/or witnesses to appear. If called, they will be notified at least two days in advance. The committee may record the appeal hearing.

The committee will issue its decision in writing to the parties involved within a reasonable time (usually within 10 working days) of the conclusion of the appeal process. The decision is final and no further appeal is possible.

Formal rules of evidence are not followed in appeal proceedings, and past conduct may be considered. No particular procedural model is required; however, the committee will attempt to structure the procedure to facilitate a reliable determination of the truth and to be fair and reasonable.

During periods other than regular semesters (summer, Christmas, interterm), the dean reserves the right to alter the timing of the appeals process as necessary due to faculty, staff, or appellant availability.

Assistance in Overcoming Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse

If a student-athlete needs help or knows someone with an alcohol, drug, or substance-related problem, the Biola Counseling Center, the Student Health Center, resident directors, deans, faculty, and other university personnel will provide assistance to those who come forward seeking help. The Counseling Center provides confidential consultations with trained psychologists and marriage-and-family therapists at extremely low cost, and makes referrals to outside counseling and treatment services.

Confidentiality

Any information concerning a student-athlete’s alleged or confirmed improper use of banned substances is restricted to institutional personnel identified within this document and to parents or legal guardians. Biola Athletics follows HIPAA guidelines to ensure the utmost confidentiality.

Counseling

See the section on the Biola Counseling Center.

NCAA Drug Testing Program

Biola student-athletes are subject to drug testing at any time. In addition to the Biola University Athletics Substance Screening Program, the NCAA has its own drug testing program that Biola is required to follow. The NCAA sets and updates the testing frequency, notification timelines, and sanctions for this program independent of Biola; refer to the NCAA drug testing program page for the current, authoritative rules.

If Biola is selected for testing, the senior director of athletics, site coordinator, and one additional athletic administrator will receive advance notification from Drug Free Sport. After Drug Free Sport has randomly selected student-athletes for drug testing, the site coordinator will receive the roster of selected student-athletes and is responsible for notifying student-athletes of their selection. Student-athletes must be notified in person or via direct communication.

Any student-athlete who refuses to sign the Roster Sign-in Form or the Custody and Control Form, fails to arrive at the collection station at the designated time without justification, fails to provide a urine sample according to protocol, leaves the collection station before providing a specimen according to protocol, or attempts to alter the integrity or validity of the urine specimen or collection process, will be treated as if there was a positive test for a banned substance other than a street drug.

A positive NCAA drug test carries mandatory NCAA sanctions — a period of ineligibility and loss of a season of competition, with more severe sanctions for a second violation — along with an appeal path through the NCAA’s Committee on Competitive Safeguards and Medical Aspects of Sports and the Committee on Student-Athlete Reinstatement. See the NCAA drug testing program link above for the current sanction structure, since the NCAA sets and revises these thresholds directly.

The list of NCAA banned drugs is subject to change, and the student-athlete shall be held accountable for all banned drug classes on the current list. The list is located on the NCAA website (see the link above), and a copy is provided in this manual and posted in the Athletic Training Clinic.

For authoritative information on NCAA banned substances, medications, and nutritional supplements, contact Drug Free Sport AXIS at 816-474-7321 or https://axis.drugfreesport.com (access code: ncaa2).

Before consuming any nutritional or dietary supplement product, review the product and its label with athletics department staff. Dietary supplements are not well regulated and may cause a positive drug test result. Any product containing a dietary supplement ingredient is taken at the student-athlete’s own risk.

Financial Aid Policy

Biola Athletics does award merit-based financial aid for student-athletes. These grants are given in accordance with all NCAA guidelines and are awarded on a year-by-year basis. Awards are at the sole discretion of the coaching and administrative staff. A student-athlete may be awarded athletics aid during any term in which a student-athlete is in good academic standing and in regular, full-time attendance, for a maximum of 10 semesters. Institutional discretion and/or extension of eligibility allows for an athletic award past 10 semesters.

The majority of scholarships awarded do not cover the full cost of tuition, room and board. However, when they do, the maximum amount of institutional athletic aid that a student-athlete can receive cannot exceed the total cost of the following:

1. Tuition;

2. Mandatory fees; and

3. Board and room for the student-athlete only, based on the official board and room allowance listed in the official institutional publication.

If an athletic scholarship exceeds the actual cost of tuition and the student-athlete wishes it to cover the cost of room and/or board using the athletic scholarship, it is institutional policy that those funds can only be used for Biola housing and meals. Student-athletes cannot withdraw funds from their account to pay for non-Biola meals or housing.

In the case where a scholarship exceeds the actual cost of tuition, class fees, room and board, the coach can exchange the excess regular athletic aid dollars with a book scholarship, up to the actual cost of required books and supplies for the term.

If an athlete has demonstrated “extreme need” (a student who has exhausted all resources available to them, including family support, assets, loans, institutional scholarships, and savings from working), the coach may award a restricted athletic scholarship that can pay for health insurance. Otherwise, restricted athletic scholarships may only pay for actual costs of tuition, class fees, room and board.

The total aid based on athletic ability awarded by the Department of Athletics must not exceed a full grant-in-aid and the total aid in a student’s package must not exceed the estimated or actual Cost of Attendance for their program and/or undergraduate/graduate status.

Internal procedures and system processes for tracking and awarding athletics grants-in-aid are documented in the Financial Aid and Department of Athletics policy and procedure manuals.

Athletic Scholarship Renewal, Non-Renewal, Reduction and Removal of Aid

Reduction or Removal During the Period of the Award

It is NCAA policy that institutional aid, based in any degree on athletic ability, may only be reduced or removed during the period of the award if the recipient:

• Renders him or herself ineligible for intercollegiate competition; or

• Fraudulently misrepresented any information on an application, letter of intent or financial agreement; or

• Engages in serious misconduct warranting substantial disciplinary penalty; or

• Voluntarily withdraws from a sport at any time for personal reasons; or

• Nonathletic reasons (i.e. over-award).

Any such reduction or removal of aid during the period of the award will be approved only if such action is taken for proper cause and written documentation is submitted to the senior director of athletics and the associate athletic director for compliance/communication.

Anytime athletic aid is reduced, removed, or non-renewed, regardless of reason with the exception of the student-athlete withdrawing from Biola, the athlete must be given the option to appeal.

Renewal, Non-Renewal, Reduction and Removal Process

1. The head coach determines which student-athletes’ athletic financial aid will be renewed, non-renewed, reduced, or removed for the next academic year.

2. The head coach recommends in writing the decision to not renew, reduce, or remove to the senior director of athletics according to the deadline:

   • Fall Sports – March 15

   • Winter Sports – April 1

   • Spring Sports – April 15

3. The senior director of athletics and the associate athletic director for compliance/communication will review and approve/deny the recommendation to not renew, reduce, or remove athletic financial aid based on the specific facts and rationale and based upon whether the request complies with NCAA regulations. If the recommendation is denied, the student-athlete’s athletic financial aid will not be removed, or reduced. If a non-renewal request is denied, the aid will be renewed at the discretion of the senior director of athletics.

4. The senior director of athletics will inform the Financial Aid Office and head coach of the decision to not renew, reduce, or remove athletic financial aid.

5. The head coach will verbally inform the student-athlete of the decision to not renew, reduce, or remove athletic financial aid as well as communicate the option to appeal.

6. The Financial Aid Office will send written notice to the student-athlete of the decision to not renew, reduce, or remove athletic financial aid as well as detail the option to appeal. The student-athlete shall have 14-consecutive calendar days upon the date of issuance of this letter to respond in writing to the Financial Aid Office to formally request a hearing. Failure by the student-athlete to submit a written request for a hearing within 14-consecutive calendar days shall be interpreted as a refusal of the opportunity for a hearing. As a result, the initial determination for non-renewal, removal or reduction of athletics grant-in-aid shall be made final and binding.

7. For athletic financial aid that will be renewed, the head coach will draft and sign the Athletic Scholarship Agreement Renewal (ASAR) according to the deadline:

   • Fall Sports – April 1

   • Winter Sports – April 15

   • Spring Sports – May 1

8. For athletic financial aid that will be renewed or reduced, the Financial Aid Office and the associate athletic director for compliance/communication will verify/sign the ASAR.

9. For athletic financial aid that will be renewed or reduced, the Financial Aid Office will distribute the ASAR to the student-athlete by July 1, at which point the student-athlete has two weeks to sign. The award is subject to cancellation if not returned within two weeks of being issued.

10. For athletic financial aid that will be renewed or reduced, the associate athletic director for compliance/communication will verify/sign the completed ASAR that has been returned by the student-athlete and will inform coaches of incomplete ASARs. It will be the responsibility of the student-athlete to complete all required paperwork for approval prior to practice or participation.

11. For athletic financial aid that will be renewed or reduced, the associate athletic director for compliance/communication will submit the completed ASARs to the Financial Aid Office.

12. For athletic financial aid that will be renewed or reduced, the Financial Aid Office will update athletic financial aid data in Teamworks Compliance & Recruiting/Banner per the ASAR with a contingent status that will keep the aid from paying to the student account. The Financial Aid disbursement process will not disburse aid for students who have not been verified as eligible for athletic financial aid by the Office of the Registrar.

13. Eligibility for state, federal and institutional aid will be determined when the FAFSA process is completed and a signed ASAR is received. Once a student’s eligibility is calculated, an award notice will be sent to the student. If the student submits the ASAR after May 31, they will have to appeal with the Athletics Department in order to be awarded the athletic aid.

14. Athletic aid will disburse on the same disbursement timeline as other financial aid, which is usually within the first month of the semester.

Applying for Financial Aid

For the most up to date information on applying for financial aid please visit our financial aid page.

Steps to Apply for Financial Aid

1. Apply to Biola University.

   1. Start applying for scholarships right away. Visit our scholarship page and find out which scholarships fit you.

   2. Continue looking for outside scholarships.

2. File the Free Application for Federal Student Aid soon after October 1 of the year prior to you planning to attend. This form determines your eligibility for federal and state aid, including loans and need-based institutional aid. Be sure to list Biola University (code 001122) on the FAFSA when prompted.

Note: If you are a California resident, file your Cal Grant GPA Verification Form by March 2 in order to be considered for the Cal Grant.

3. Review your award letter. You will receive this letter in the mail and/or via email soon after the Financial Aid Office processes your application.

   1. The Financial Aid Office determines this package by reviewing your FAFSA or California Dream Act application.

   2. The financial aid awards listed in your award letter may be adjusted as new information is received.

   3. You may be selected for the aid confirmation process. The Department of Education requires a percentage of financial aid files be selected for this process.

4. Submit any and all items requested in your award letter to the Financial Aid Office. This is also a good time to determine if you want to apply for loans.

5. Review your revised award letter (if applicable).

   1. You will receive a revised award after submitting new information and/or all items requested by the Financial Aid Office.

   2. Once you have submitted your enrollment deposit you will have access to the student portal, myaccount.biola.edu, where you can select the Student Financials tab and review your financial aid status.

6. Continue your enrollment process at Biola by following the What's Next section of the website and reviewing your payment plan options.

Types of Financial Aid

Scholarships

A scholarship is a financial aid award that does not need to be repaid. Scholarships are a form of merit-based aid, meaning they are offered based on merit or achievement in a specific area.

Grants

A grant is a financial aid award that does not need to be repaid. Grants are a form of need-based aid, meaning they are distributed based on financial need as determined by the FAFSA.

Loans

A loan is a financial aid award that must be repaid with interest. Loans are a form of need-based aid, meaning they are offered based on financial need as determined by the FAFSA.

Scholarships for International Students

Financing your education can be a large part of planning to enroll at Biola University. International students are responsible to submit an affidavit of support and bank statement to show how they plan to pay for their education. Biola offers select scholarship opportunities for those who qualify, although this cannot be guaranteed for every applicant. Materials must be received by the appropriate deadline date to qualify for any available scholarships or grants.

Athletic Aid Renewal Notification

For student-athletes receiving athletic scholarships, the award amount is valid for one academic year only. At the conclusion of the year, the head coach will notify the senior director of athletics, the director of financial aid and the associate athletic director for compliance/communication of the desire to maintain the scholarship for the next academic year or if there is sufficient reason to reduce or not renew the scholarship for the following year.

All student-athletes will be notified of this decision. Those renewing their scholarship will receive an Athletic Scholarship Agreement Renewal Form, via Teamworks Compliance & Recruiting, that will need to be approved by the student-athlete prior to May 31. Renewal/Non-Renewals will be sent to student-athletes prior to July 1 each year.

Game Environment

Biola University Fan Code of Conduct

       

Biola Athletics and our conference and national governing body are committed to creating a safe, comfortable and enjoyable game day experience. It is important that Biola student-athletes and a student-athlete’s family and friends are leaders in the way they represent Biola University. When a student-athlete attends a competition to support another Biola Athletics team, he or she is a representative of Biola Athletics and must demonstrate the highest level of respect and sportsmanship for a positive game environment.

           

We pledge to protect a fan’s right to:

• Watch the game in a safe, clean and healthy environment

• Be treated in a courteous, consistent and professional manner

• Be treated with dignity and respect by other spectators attending the game and those organizing the event

• Support his or her team, provided the support is in good taste and does not adversely impact the event experience of fellow spectators or negatively impact the game

• Expect displays of good sportsmanship

 

We expect fans to:

• Cheer, sing and otherwise support their team while remaining respectful and courteous to their fellow patrons, officials and opposing team fans and players

• Enjoy the game experience free from fighting, thrown objects, attempts to enter the playing surface and any other disorderly behavior

• Comply with requests from athletics administration regarding policies and emergency procedures

• Conduct themselves in a lawful manner to avoid incidents in the athletic facilities and in the parking lot

 

Actions that will result in sanctions include:

• Behavior that is reckless, dangerous, disruptive or illegal in nature

• Demonstrating signs of impairment from alcohol or other substances

• Foul or abusive language or obscene gestures

• Interference with the progress of the game

• Failing to follow the instructions of game management personnel, university officials or Campus Safety

• Verbal or physical harassment of the opposing team’s players or fans, field officials or game management personnel

Sanctions include ejection, loss of season admission, expulsion (Biola University student) and arrest.

Sports Information

Social Media Policy

There is a balancing act involved when it comes to social media, especially for student-athletes. While we encourage and fully support freedom of speech, expression and association, we also ask that you be cognizant of the fact that you are representing yourself, Biola University, the athletics department and your team every time you use social media. The athletics department advises student-athletes to exercise extreme caution in their use of social media applications (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, etc.). Always remember that inappropriate postings can follow you for life. Keep the following in mind before participating on social networking websites:

• Nothing is ever fully private. Even if your accounts are private, your followers can make your postings public.

• Once a post or photo is placed online, it is completely out of your control, regardless of whether you limit access to your page. Even if you delete it, someone could have saved it or screen-captured it.

• Do not post inappropriate information or photos that could damage or embarrass individuals, teams, the athletics department, Biola University or you. This includes retweeting or reposting other user’s content.

• Do not allow yourself to be photographed in a compromising situation. Remember that anyone can post a cell phone photo of you and tag or identify you, leaving you with little control over the content or usage of the photograph. Always keep Biola University’s community standards in mind and be sure to follow them at all times.

• Do not post disrespectful comments or engage in inappropriate behavior such as:

1. Derogatory or defamatory language about anyone, including coaches, officials, opponents, Biola Athletics, Biola University, the applicable conference or national governing body

2. Comments that constitute a credible threat of physical or emotional injury to another person

3. Comments or photos that describe or support behavior contrary to Biola University’s community standards (e.g., sexual relations outside of marriage between a husband and wife, theft and dishonesty). Also, the use of tobacco products, the use of alcoholic beverages and the activity of gambling.

4. Comments that disclose confidential, sensitive or private information such as student-athlete injuries, rosters, playbooks, game plans, officiating, etc.

• For safety reasons, do not post your personal information (address, phone number, email address, date of birth, class schedule, your whereabouts or daily activities). You could be opening yourself up to online predators/stalkers/identity theft.

• Coaches, athletics department administrators, conference and national affiliation administrators, athletic training staff, faculty, staff, Residence Life, employers, alumni, the media and Campus Safety can and do review these websites.

• Many potential employers, internship supervisors, graduate programs and scholarship committees search these sites to screen applicants. If you do not think you will be able to explain something in a future job interview, then do not post it.

• Refrain from affiliating yourself with topics that are potentially offensive and/or degrading. Reposting or retweeting someone else’s offensive statement or joke will be attributed to you.

• Any team wishing to have its own social media account is responsible for the day-to-day management of said account. However, the assistant athletic director for communications and game management must be given administrator access and the username and password for all official team accounts.

Interview Policies

When you arrive at Biola University, you will be asked by the Sports Information Office to fill out an online questionnaire so that we have all of your vital information on file. The Sports Information Office will not give out your personal contact information without prior consent.

During your time as a Biola University student-athlete, you will be asked by the Sports Information Office or your coaches for interviews, comments, photo sessions or other forms of contact with the media. These sessions are set up primarily through the Sports Information Office, and you will be contacted to schedule a convenient time for you.

Coaches, staff and student-athletes have a responsibility to Biola University to be cooperative with the media. The public’s perception of Biola University, its athletics program and individual teams is shaped by media coverage, and you should make every effort to make a positive impression that reflects the mission, vision and values of the university.

All of our sports receive various shares of attention from the media, although some sports receive more coverage than others. If you have questions about how to conduct interviews or experience problems in handling media requests, please contact a member of the Sports Information Office so that any problems can be solved.

The key to a successful Sports Information Office and athletics brand is open communication and access to the student-athletes. We need your help in fostering that environment. If you ever have any questions, concerns or suggestions, please forward them to the Sports Information Office.

Team Travel

Team Travel Planning Policies

Team trips should be a good experience for student-athletes. They are planned by coaches with the well-being of student-athletes in mind.

Meals Policies

Biola University sets limits on the daily dollar amount to be spent on meals at a maximum of $40/day. Coaches are expected to provide an acceptable meal while keeping budget considerations in mind when purchasing food for student-athletes. For student-athletes, only meals missed for required competition are to be reimbursed or provided.

In most cases, coaches will pay for meals on their institutional credit card. However, there are times where paying with a card is not possible. In this case student-athletes may be issued per diem to pay for their meals.

It is up to the head coach to follow all additional institutional and national association policies and stay within budget constraints.

Per Diem Policy

Per Diem is intended to provide meal money to student-athletes when the use of a corporate credit card to purchase meals is not feasible (i.e. airport travel, etc.). Daily allowable limits are: $8 for breakfast, $12 for lunch and $15 for dinner with the exception of Hawaii which is $12 for breakfast, $15 for lunch and $18 for dinner. When possible, coaches will still pay for team meals on their corporate credit cards. Per diem is only offered when athletes are traveling for competition or during an institutional break where meal service on campus is not available. Any team meals during home games will need to be submitted via corporate credit card or reimbursement.

Lodging Policies

Following are the policies of Biola Athletics regarding lodging.

• Coaches must book hotels that will be safe and best for the well-being of their student-athletes and travel party.

• Coaches can use their discretion when booking the number of rooms to stay within their operational budget constraints.

• Each student-athlete will have the option of his or her own bed to be in keeping with best practice per the Office of Civil Rights. It is appropriate to take advantage of rollaway beds and air mattresses to limit costs.

• Coaches/staff and student-athletes must not share the same room.

Transportation

Ground Travel

• A student-athlete is responsible to provide his or her own transportation to and from practice. The athlete Self-Transport (Non-Competition) Waiver is included in the required paperwork for all student-athletes at the beginning of each academic year.

• The size of the travel party and location of competition are the main factors to consider when coordinating transportation. For teams traveling 150 miles or more with 15 or more in the travel party, it is required to travel by bus for the safety and well-being of staff and student-athletes.

• Biola University does not currently allow for the use of 12- or 15-passenger vans to transport student-athletes.

• Departure times for Southern California travel is based on missing a minimal amount of class time and will be scheduled for arrival 90 minutes prior to the start of competition (for softball and baseball this may be up to two hours).

Air Travel

• The senior director of athletics or senior associate athletic director must approve all away contests requiring air travel before contracts are signed. Air travel is required when traveling distances greater than 500 miles. Air travel is allowed when traveling distances greater than 350 miles. The decision on mode of transportation is up to the discretion of the head coach who must stay within his or her operational budget, and is subject to the approval of the senior director of athletics.

Additional Policies

• Any sightseeing expenses must come out of the fundraising account and be pre-approved (refer to the section on fundraising accounts). A student-athlete can pay for sightseeing expenses on his/her own without any need for prior approval.

Student-Athlete Conduct for Travel

All athletic teams must travel to other sites and institutions to compete in regular season and tournament competition. Student-athletes must always remember that they are representing Biola University as well as themselves on these trips. The conduct and actions of each student-athlete individually and each team should reflect the mission of the university and its athletics program.

Student-athletes should also understand that the university, the athletics department and each team’s coach are responsible for their well-being, safety and conduct during official travel. To successfully do this, each coach must follow institutional guidelines, and applicable conference national affiliation policies and procedures that pertain to official travel. Student-athletes are responsible for helping in this process by observing the following travel policies:

1. Student-athletes must travel both to and from the site of competition with the official team traveling party. Separate travel arrangements require advance approval (regardless of the age of the student-athlete). To request separate travel arrangements a student-athlete must:

1. Submit a completed Competition Travel Release Form through Teamworks 24 hours prior to the beginning of competition.

2. The head coach and the associate athletic director for compliance/communication must approve this form. The head coach has the right to reject the request if he/she desires the team travel together.

3. If approved, the student-athlete will be responsible for their own transportation and is not considered part of the official travel party during transit.

2. Only eligible student-athletes on the official squad list and formal team travel party may accompany a team for an off-campus event, unless they are able to attend without missing any class time and the cost for their attendance is minimal (meal). Ineligible athletes may not receive travel benefits.

3. Student-athletes should be appropriately dressed and groomed at all times, conforming to individual team standards.

4. University and department substance abuse programs remain in effect while representing Biola University.

5. Long distance telephone calls or movies cannot be charged to rooms and paid for by the university.

6. Student-athletes’ friends or relatives may not accompany a team at the university’s expense.

7. Always leave hotel rooms and visiting dressing rooms and team areas in good condition.

8. Always be courteous to those around you.

Exam Proctoring Policy During Athletics Travel

A professor may coordinate that an exam be taken while a student-athlete is traveling away from campus for an official competition. It is the student-athlete’s responsibility to make such arrangements via the Class Attendance Form with the professor during the first seven days of the semester. Either the head coach or an athletic administrator (if present) will proctor the exam. The professor will need to give the exam, along with detailed instructions, to the head coach/administrator prior to the team’s departure from Biola. An electronic copy of the exam can be emailed to the head coach, or the exam can be delivered to the coach in a sealed envelope via the student-athlete. If a sealed envelope is used, the head coach’s signature will also be required on the exam verifying the exam was received in a sealed envelope.

Exam instructions should include the amount of time allowed, items the student-athlete is allowed access to during the exam (calculator, scantron, notes, scratch paper, etc.), the date the exam should be proctored, and return instructions (email or hard copy upon return). The proctor will remain with the student-athlete during the entire time of the exam to ensure that the professor’s instructions are followed completely, and that the exam is taken with integrity. The head coach/administrator will then collect the exam and return it to the professor via the manner requested in the instructions.

Athletic Training at Biola University

The Biola University Athletic Training Department is committed to providing comprehensive, high-quality medical services to every student-athlete. The staff includes six full-time certified athletic trainers who coordinate all aspects of the student-athletes’ healthcare. This includes physician referrals, determining participation status, as well as counseling and education of student-athletes. On-site medical services provided include, but are not limited to, prevention, evaluation, and treatment of athletically related injuries and injury rehabilitation services. The AT staff responsibilities also include determination of athletic medical clearance, development and implementation of emergency action plans, medical record maintenance, establishing medical coverage and staffing policy as it relates to practices and events, and budget management.

The Athletic Training Clinic includes specific areas dedicated to injury evaluation and rehabilitation, including various therapeutic modalities, rehabilitation and recovery equipment, and space and apparatus to perform prescribed exercises. Additional areas include areas for wound care management, taping and bandaging, a hydrotherapy room with full-body whirlpools, cardio equipment, and additional floor space for performing rehabilitative exercises. The ATC also houses the offices for the AT staff and a private exam room.

Athletic Training Clinic — Location and Hours

The ATC is located on the northeast corner of the gym.

Injury rehabilitation and evaluation times are available through PickTime, an App for appointment scheduling. Typically, times immediately before team practice start times are blacked out due to the AT staff performing pre-practice tasks. All general care is provided by appointment only; emergency care is provided on an as-needed basis. This appointment scheduling policy allows the staff to give student-athletes their full attention during assessment and administration of rehabilitation. Information regarding the process of scheduling appointments is provided directly to student-athletes at the beginning of the year.

Athletic Training — Rules and Policies

All student-athletes are expected to read and understand the rules and policies for the ATC. The following rules are in place to ensure the AT staff provides a healthy environment to all student-athletes.

General Policies:

• All student-athletes must be fully cleared by the Athletic Training staff prior to participating in any athletic-related activity.

• Clearance to participate in athletically related activity can be revoked at any time at the discretion of the Director of Sports Medicine.

• If a student-athlete is injured at an athletically related event, the AT staff must be informed immediately.

Athletic Training Clinic Policies

• A shower is required before all treatments/evaluations. NOTE: Towels are not provided by the ATC.

• Begin all visits by signing in. The sign-in sheet is accessed via a form in Teamworks AMS.

• No food is allowed in the ATC or the areas just outside the ATC. Please do not dispose of food-related trash in the ATC.

• No shoes on tables. There are cubbies provided for their storage along with other small personal items.

• Remove cleats before entering the ATC.

• No cell phone use in the ATC.

• Backpacks, athletic gear or belongings of any kind should be secured in a locker.

• Dress modestly at all times in the ATC.

• Posts on social media sites are not permitted from (or about) the ATC due to possible FERPA and/or HIPAA violations.

Whirlpool Rules:

• Student-athletes must shower with soap and water prior to using the whirlpool.

• Student-athletes must wear clean clothes.

• No open wounds — blisters, cuts, scrapes are not allowed.

• Keep track of the time. A student-athlete should be spending 10–12 minutes maximum in the whirlpool.

• No loitering. If a student-athlete is waiting for his or her turn, they should do so outside.

• Keep the noise level down while in the whirlpool.

• There is a maximum of two student-athletes allowed in the whirlpool at a time.

• The whirlpool closes one half hour before the ATC closes.

Treatment Guidelines:

• For the highest chance of a successful outcome, student-athletes need to fully commit to the rehabilitation program established for them.

• Student-athletes are expected to keep all appointments with AT staff and doctors. It is very important that student-athletes are on time for all appointments.

• Treatment can frequently take time, and the student-athlete is responsible for his or her own time, so please plan ahead. Do not anticipate rushing through treatment.

Special Medical Conditions: Asthma, Allergies, Diabetes, etc.

It is imperative that student-athletes carry any emergency medications with them to all practices and games and while traveling with their team. It is highly recommended that they also provide the ATC with any emergency medications as a backup to medications personally carried (EpiPen, inhaler, specific snack, etc.). Federal law restricts who may carry certain medications for a student-athlete across state lines.

Pre-existing Medical Conditions:

Individuals with a pre-existing medical condition that may worsen due to physical activity, or with a significant prior athletic-related injury, will be required to sign a Pre-Existing Injury Waiver at Biola’s annual Medical Clearance event. Biola’s secondary athletic insurance will not be used to cover a pre-existing injury that reoccurs. The student-athlete’s primary insurance will be solely responsible in these cases.

Hydration:

Proper hydration is a valuable component to all successful athletic performance as well as a healthy body. Observe urine color charts (posted in the ATC and locker rooms) for hydration levels.

Water will be provided for games and most practices (depending on the sport and time of practice). For teams that practice in the gym or on the turf field, a team member should pick up water from the ATC prior to practice. After practice, a team member should return the water container to the ATC.

Preventative Ankle Taping:

Preventative taping is only provided in association with a prescribed ankle-strengthening program. Strengthening exercises must be performed daily at the ATC. Non-compliance will result in loss of taping privileges. Compliance issues will be reported to the coaching staff.

Athletic Training Clinic – Frequently Asked Questions

What happens when a student-athlete is injured?
Unfortunately, from time to time, student-athletes get injured. The AT staff is present at home games and practices and provides emergency medical care as needed. Most injuries do not require visiting a doctor. Our athletic trainers are skilled in evaluating injuries and establishing treatment protocols and rehabilitation programs to return student-athletes to full health. Injuries require time to heal, and overuse-type injuries often require more time than acute injuries such as contusions and sprains. If no improvement occurs, an athletic trainer will refer a student-athlete for a doctor’s visit (utilizing their primary insurance), at which point we are able to provide the doctor with key insights as to what specifically alleviates or irritates the condition. This information is critical and helpful to the doctor making his or her diagnosis.
 
What certifications does the athletic training staff have? 
Certified athletic trainers (ATCs) are healthcare professionals who specialize in the prevention, recognition, evaluation, assessment, immediate care, treatment, rehabilitation, and reconditioning of injuries to student-athletes and those engaged in physical activity. The National Athletic Trainers’ Association is the largest organization representing athletic trainers. NATA Board of Certification certified athletic trainers have met educational and experiential requirements and have passed a national competency examination. ATCs also maintain certification through the American Red Cross in CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer. ATs may also have certifications in specific treatment techniques or specialty areas such as nutrition or strength training.
 
Which doctors do you refer students to when needed?
The physicians the Biola athletic training staff have working relationships with are some of the best orthopedic doctors in the Southern California area. A student-athlete’s primary insurance dictates which health care provider he or she is referred to for further consultation. In addition to orthopedics, referrals may be made to neurologists, dentists, etc. 
 
How are the students cared for during away games/meets?
ATCs travel with high-risk sports to conference matches. In the absence of an ATC traveling, the host school provides athletic training coverage. If there are any special needs a student-athlete may have, notification is sent prior to the event to the host ATC so the needs may be met appropriately.
 
How will an injury affect a student-athlete’s financial aid award? 
Since the terms and conditions of athletically related aid may vary, a student-athlete should be in direct contact with his or her head coach. The AT staff has no input on the awarding of athletic aid.
 
[Who should parents contact if they are concerned about their injured student-athlete?]{.underline} Since most student-athletes are considered adults, the AT staff may be limited in what is discussed with parents/legal guardians. If a problem should arise, student-athletes should be encouraged to contact the head athletic trainer.

Varsity Sports Pre-Participation Requirements

The Biola University athletic training staff is constantly striving to render our student-athletes the best possible medical care available with a minimal amount of confusion. To accomplish this, we require certain information from each student-athlete and his or her family physician to assist the staff in the event that a student-athlete becomes ill or injured while participating in an organized practice or an intercollegiate athletic contest.

1. Prior to participation in Biola University athletic activity, each new student-athlete is required to provide a completed physical examination (using only the Biola University pre-participation exam form) from a personal physician. A licensed M.D., D.O., or PA/NP must perform the exam. In order to be valid, the physical exam must be completed in June or July immediately preceding arrival to campus. Mid-year transfers must have the exam after June 1 of the current academic year. Returning student-athletes do not need to obtain a yearly physical unless otherwise specified by Biola’s Athletic Training staff or Team Physician.

2. Each student-athlete must complete all forms assigned to them for medical clearance in Teamworks AMS by July 31.

3. Every student-athlete must maintain a profile in Teamworks AMS. This profile must be updated with all required information (demographics, emergency contact information, address, medical information [i.e., allergies/medications/etc.]) prior to being approved for athletic activity.

4. Every incoming student-athlete must provide sickle cell testing results. There is no longer the option to attain a waiver for this, per 17.1.5.1. Please note, Biola University’s Athletic Training Staff and/or Team Physician has the right to request that any student-athlete be tested for the sickle cell trait based on family history and/or the student-athlete’s previous medical history.

Student-athletes may not participate/practice in athletics until these documents have been completed, processed, and accepted. All forms must be submitted by July 31.

Medical clearance forms are assigned directly to each student-athlete in Teamworks AMS. A student-athlete should log in there to complete their paperwork.

If a student-athlete has any questions or concerns, he or she should contact either the Medical Clearance Coordinator or the Director of Sports Medicine.

Annual Medical Clearance Event

Each year, Biola University holds two medical clearance events (one for Fall sports, one for Winter/Spring sports). This event is used to determine final medical clearance as deemed by our Team Physician. This event does not substitute for the independent physical that new student-athletes must obtain as outlined above. All new student-athletes must still obtain a physical from their primary physician in the June or July preceding the upcoming academic year.

Information regarding the date and time of the annual medical clearance events is sent directly to all student-athletes each year no later than July 31.

Insurance Policy

The following information is to inform student-athletes regarding Biola University’s athletic insurance and medical care policies. It is important that each student-athlete understand the medical care system at Biola University.

Primary Insurance Information

All students at Biola University (including student-athletes) must have health insurance as explained in the Biola University Student Handbook. A student-athlete’s injury and related medical expenses are covered by primary insurance and are on record at the medical provider’s office. The primary financial responsibility is held by the student-athlete. The athletic insurance representative (a member of the AT staff) will process a claim with the secondary insurance policy. The athletic insurance representative does not communicate with a student-athlete’s primary insurance. Before a student-athlete goes to the doctor for an appointment for an injury evaluation, the AT staff will give the student-athlete a secondary insurance card to take with him or her. It is the responsibility of the student-athlete to give the medical provider his or her primary and secondary insurance information. Biola University athletic insurance is not a student-athlete’s primary insurance. (See Secondary Insurance section for more information.) If a student-athlete has any questions regarding insurance or is encountering insurance problems, please talk to the athletic insurance representative.

Secondary Insurance

The university maintains athletic injury insurance, which pays benefits for injuries received while participating in official practice sessions or in actual intercollegiate competition. This insurance is a secondary policy requiring that the primary (student-athlete’s) policy must first be applied to any medical costs. All claims must be filed first against the student-athlete’s insurance policy by the student-athlete.

The secondary policy pays on the amount not covered by the student-athlete’s primary insurance.

There are guidelines that must be followed for the secondary insurance to pay for expenses incurred by a student-athlete due to injury. It is the student-athlete’s responsibility to read, understand, and follow this policy. The AT staff or athletic insurance representative will answer all questions about the secondary insurance policy.

Guidelines for Secondary Insurance

• The AT staff must medically clear the student-athlete.

• The student-athlete must be on the official roster.

• The student-athlete must have sustained the injury while participating in organized and official competition, practices, conditioning sessions or travel to and from events.

• The student-athlete must complete a claim form.

• Medical attention should not be obtained until after notifying the AT staff (unless in an emergency).

• Medical attention must be sought within 120 days of the injury.

• Secondary insurance benefits are 104 weeks (two years) from the date of injury.

Injury Policy

Injury During an Athletic Sponsored Practice or Event

It is the student-athlete’s responsibility to immediately inform the AT staff if an injury is sustained during an athletics-sponsored practice or event. This injury must be documented and an exact date of injury recorded. The AT staff must be kept up-to-date on each student-athlete’s primary insurance at all times. At the beginning of the year, student-athletes are required to fill out an Insurance Form and provide a copy of their primary insurance card to the AT staff. If insurance information changes, it is the responsibility of the student-athlete to provide the AT staff with the new information. Not providing this information slows down the payment process, creates more work for the student-athlete, and can result in a student-athlete being sent to collections, which affects credit scores. If a student-athlete were ever seriously hurt and unable to provide this information on his or her own, Biola University would rely on the information in the student-athlete’s personal file.

A student-athlete should always carry identification and an insurance card with them. It is recommended for all student-athletes to keep their identification and insurance card close to them while at practice or competition. (In a car or dorm room does not constitute as close).

Seeing a Doctor for a Sports-Related Injury

The AT staff at Biola University has preferred medical providers. A student-athlete should communicate with the AT staff before seeing a preferred medical provider if there is a certain doctor or type of doctor the student-athlete desires to see. A student-athlete should not seek medical attention for an athletically related injury (unless it is an emergency) without first notifying the AT staff. Doing so can slow down the payment or even void the secondary insurance policy.

HMO Plans

Student-athletes covered under an HMO will be required to see their primary physician first. The AT staff will not send a student-athlete to the current preferred providers if you have an HMO. If a student-athlete has an out-of-area HMO, it is recommended he or she change his or her primary care physician to a local physician.

Kaiser

Kaiser is considered an HMO. Any student-athlete with Kaiser will be referred to the local Kaiser facility. If a student-athlete is from outside the “Southern California Kaiser” network, they should contact Kaiser and request a SoCal member number.

Medical Sharing Societies

A student-athlete will be required to follow his or her program’s process of submitting bills.

Seeing a Doctor

When a student-athlete has his or her first appointment with the doctor, it is the responsibility of the student-athlete to see that they have all primary insurance information, Biola University’s secondary insurance card, local phone numbers, and permanent phone numbers.

After Seeing the Doctor

The AT staff communicates with the student-athlete’s medical providers to the extent that privacy laws permit. The staff will be in touch with the student-athlete’s doctor and will, if possible, attend the doctor’s visit with the student-athlete. Information on the injury is not released to the coach of a student-athlete unless the student-athlete, in writing, agrees to the release of information and to what extent information is to be released.

Second Opinions

If a student-athlete would like a second opinion on his or her medical condition, please contact the AT staff and efforts will be made for the student-athlete to see another doctor. Please understand that if a student-athlete seeks a second opinion on his or her own or seeks continued care from an unauthorized medical provider, the secondary insurance policy will become void.

Rarely, an injury will have long-term physical effects on the student-athlete, primary insurance will be maximized, and the secondary insurance will reach its benefit amount or time. This situation should be foreseeable and should not come as a surprise. With proper medical care, these situations can be recognized early on. It is the responsibility of the student-athlete to discuss these situations with the head athletic trainer before benefits lapse. The university will make efforts to assist the student-athlete with future medical care if at all possible and only in a situation where all procedures have been properly followed. Any lapse in procedure by the student-athlete will absolve Biola University of financial involvement in future care.

It is a common mistake for a student-athlete to put off medical care for an injury until after the competitive season, after his or her eligibility has lapsed, or after he or she graduates. Making these decisions will severely limit a student-athlete’s secondary insurance’s financial benefits and time limits and may extend them beyond their limits. At that point, the student-athlete will be solely responsible for his or her own medical care. Medical care should be sought immediately when it is deemed to be necessary by the AT staff.

Patient Responsibilities

• Health is a shared responsibility.

• A student-athlete must understand his or her health situation.

• A student-athlete must be honest and direct in a courteous fashion about everything that relates to his or her need for health services.

• A student-athlete must follow the prescribed treatment plan.

• A student-athlete must ask the athletic trainer if he or she has any questions.

Biola University Athletics Concussion Policy

Definition of Concussion

The Biola University Athletic Training Staff recognizes the consensus definition from the 6th International Conference on Concussion in Sport Amsterdam (2022): a Sport-related concussion is a traumatic brain injury caused by a direct blow to the head, neck or body resulting in an impulsive force being transmitted to the brain that occurs in sports and exercise-related activities. This initiates a neurotransmitter and metabolic cascade, with possible axonal injury, blood flow change, and inflammation affecting the brain. Symptoms and signs may present immediately, or evolve over minutes or hours, and commonly resolve within days, but may be prolonged....It is also noteworthy that concussion is sometimes used interchangeably with mild traumatic brain injury and at other times is considered one of several possible manifestations of traumatic brain injury. (2013-14 NCAA Sports Medicine Handbook p.56) The Biola University Athletics Staff acknowledges that mTBIs pose a significant risk to all student-athletes, and these injuries must be taken seriously by all parties involved including the student-athlete, the student-athlete’s parent(s)/guardian(s), medical staff, coaches, and academic faculty/staff.

Concussion Education

The Biola University Athletic Training staff educates all student-athletes annually on: 1. The basics of concussion occurrence, 2. Signs and symptoms; 3. The risks involved, 4. The importance of reporting, etc., during the Fall semester Policy and Procedures Meeting, which is mandatory for all student-athletes. During this meeting, it is emphasized that maximum performance on the baseline tests will produce the most accurate results. The importance of reporting a concussion and basic return-to-play guidelines are discussed with the coaching staff at the initial athletics department meeting each academic year. Athletes and coaches are allowed an opportunity to discuss concussion education material (e.g., the NCAA Concussion Education Fact Sheet) and are required to sign an acknowledgment, on an annual basis, that they have been provided, reviewed, and understand the concussion education material.

The Biola AT staff (Certified Athletic Trainers) treat any traumatic brain injury (TBI/concussion) very seriously. Every concussion should be assessed and treated using the same criteria. Furthermore, the decision to return a student-athlete to competition after receiving a concussion should be made using the same criteria for every student-athlete. The guidelines and criteria for this policy are split up into five different sections: 1. Baseline Testing 2. Medical Coverage 3. Assessment 4. Treatment (including referral) 5. and Return to Sport (RTS)/Return to Learn(RTL).

Baseline Testing

All NCAA student-athletes will undergo a pre-participation baseline concussion assessment. Baseline testing for concussion will be conducted each year that a student-athlete meets one (1) of the following criteria: 1. It is the student-athlete’s initial season of competition at Biola University. 2. The student-athlete sustained a concussion in the previous academic year. Additionally, a balance assessment (mBESS/BESS specifically) will be required if the student-athlete sustained a significant lower leg injury in the last academic year or meets the above criteria. A significant lower leg injury is specified as either requiring surgery, rest for more than one month, or rehabilitation efforts for the majority of a semester.

For the purpose of concussion management at Biola University, the baseline evaluation of a student-athlete consists of a variety of tests including a documented neurologic history with symptoms and a physical examination. Baseline testing for concussion at Biola University also involves the student-athlete’s history of concussion or brain injury, neurologic disorder, and mental health symptoms and disorders, as well as an objective evaluation of multiple spheres of brain function and, at minimum, assessing neurocognitive performance and motor control-specific tests used at Biola are the SCAT-6, SCOAT-6, BESS, and ImPACT.

The team physician will determine pre-participation clearance and any need for additional consultation or testing.

a) If an athlete has a disability or injury that does not allow for him/her to take an online computer assessment, ImPACT will not be required. That athlete will only be assessed via the SCAT-6

b) If an athlete has a disability or injury that does not allow for him/her to stand on one foot for 20 seconds, then the Balance Error Scoring System (BESS) portion of the SCAT-6 will not be required. That athlete will be assessed by the rest of the SCAT-6 as well as the ImPACT test.

Medical Coverage of A Concussion

As required by the NCAA Independent Medical Care legislation, team physicians and athletic trainers shall have unchallengeable autonomous authority to determine medical management and return-to-activity decisions, including those pertaining to concussion and head trauma injuries, for all student-athletes.

According to NCAA policy, medical personnel with training in the diagnosis, treatment, and initial management of acute concussion must be “present” at all NCAA competitions of contact/collision sports, which, specific to Biola Athletics, includes: baseball, basketball, diving, pole vault, soccer, softball, volleyball, and water polo. To be “present” means to be on site at the campus or arena of the competition. Medical personnel may be from either team or may be independently contracted for the event. In addition to NCAA-mandated sports coverage, medical personnel are present at all Biola Athletics-hosted events.

Medical personnel with training in the diagnosis, treatment, and initial management of acute concussion must be “available” at all NCAA practices of contact/collision sports, which, specific to Biola Athletics, includes: baseball, basketball, diving, pole vault, soccer, softball, volleyball, and water polo. To be “available” means that, at a minimum, medical personnel can be contacted at any time during the practice via telephone, messaging, email, beeper, or other immediate communication means. Further, the case can be discussed through such communication, and immediate arrangements can be made for the athlete to be evaluated. In addition to NCAA mandated practice coverage, medical personnel are available for all on-campus CARA logged practices.

Assessment

Any student-athlete with signs/symptoms/behaviors consistent with concussion:

1. Must be removed from practice or competition for evaluation.

2. Assessment must be by an athletic trainer or team physician (or physician designee) with concussion experience.

3. Must be removed from practice/play for that calendar day if concussion is confirmed or suspected.

4. May only return to play the same day if concussion is no longer suspected.

Players exhibiting these signs should not return to a match or training that day, unless evaluated acutely by an experienced Health Care Professional with a multimodal assessment (as noted below) who determines that the sign was not related to a concussion (eg, the player has sustained a musculoskeletal injury and thus is unable to balance). (Amsterdam, 2022)

The assessment tools used by Biola University’s AT staff are:

1. Sport Concussion Assessment Tool 6 (SCAT-6)

2. Sport Concussion Office Assessment Tool 6 (SCOAT-6)

3. Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT) when deemed necessary.

The SCAT-6 is an internationally and nationally recognized concussion field assessment tool. The SCAT-6 includes the following:

1. Glasgow Coma Scale

2. The Maddocks Score

3. a symptom evaluation

4. a cognitive assessment (Sideline Assessment of Concussion aka SAC)

which includes: general mental/spatial orientation, immediate memory,

concentration, and delayed recall

5. a neck assessment

6. a balance examination (Balance Error Scoring System aka BESS)

7. a coordination exam

The SCOAT6/Child SCOAT6 is designed to assist clinicians in assessing important clinical manifestations influencing the presentation of concussion, identifying areas for potential individualized therapeutic interventions, directing the need for specialist referral(s) and monitoring recovery. (Amsterdam, 2022) The SCOAT-6 includes the following:

1. Complete SCAT-6 as listed above

2. Blood Pressure in supine and standing positions

3. Timed Tandem Gait (single and dual task)

4. The modified Vestibular-Ocular Motor Screen (mVOMS)

5. Sleep/Anxiety/Depression Screen

ImPACT is a well-rounded testing platform which allows uniform testing and eliminates the factor of malingering (during baseline to skew likelihood of testing positive for concussion later or during the assessment/RTP process). ImPACT produces objective scores through a series of game-like activities that measure reaction time, memory, and processing speed.

Note: If an athlete is unable to perform either the balance aspect of the SCAT-5 or the ImPACT test due to disability or injury, that portion of the testing will not be required, and post-injury results will be compared to the baseline results of the gathered categories.

Treatment and Referral

The treatment of any life-threatening injuries is always the number one concern immediately following injury. On-field treatment of concussions will include assessment using the guidelines located in the SCAT5 as well as common medical treatment practices utilized by ATCs. When possible, the student-athlete will be administered the SCAT5 test away from the noise of the practice or competitive environment.

Day of Injury Referral Criteria

If any of the following criteria are met on the day of the injury, the student-athlete will be referred to a physician for further evaluation:

1. Loss of consciousness (LOC) on the field *

2. Glasgow Coma Scale <13 on initial assessment, or GCS <15 at 2+ hours post-initial assessment.*

3. Amnesia that lasts longer than 15 minutes

4. Deterioration of neurologic function*

5. Decreasing level of consciousness*

6. Decrease or irregularity in respiration*

7. Decrease or irregularity in pulse*

8. Unequal, dilated, or unreactive pupils*

9. Any signs or symptoms associated with spine injury or skull fracture*

10. Mental status changes including lethargy, difficulty maintaining arousal, confusion or agitation

11. Seizure activity*

12. Concussion symptoms that worsen after the initial assessment

13. Additional concussion symptoms not present during the initial assessment

*Requires that the student-athlete be transported immediately to the nearest emergency department.

Return to Sport (RTS) and Return to Learn (RTL) Criteria

Return to Sport Criteria

After utilizing the assessment procedures listed above, any student-athlete determined to have suffered a concussion will not be allowed to return to play on the same day.

The rate at which athletes recover from concussion varies significantly from individual to individual. The concussed athlete will check in with their assigned AT on a daily basis to complete the symptoms Checklist component of the SCAT-6 form. When there is a significant reduction of symptoms, the student-athlete is re-administered the complete SCAT-6 for comparison to baseline testing scores. A return to early light aerobic activity (Stage 2 of “Graduated Return to Play Protocol”) that does not exacerbate symptoms has been shown to improve outcomes and will be integrated under the direction of the AT when appropriate. When SCAT-6 scores return to clinically equal baseline scores, the student-athlete may then progress beyond Stage 2.

The best available evidence shows that recommending strict rest until the complete resolution of concussion-related symptoms is not beneficial following SRC. Relative (not strict) rest, which includes activities of daily living and reduced screen time, is indicated immediately and for up to the first 2 days after injury. Individuals can return to light-intensity physical activity (PA), such as walking that does not more than mildly exacerbate symptoms, during the initial 24–48 hours following a concussion. (Amsterdam, 2022)

• Clinicians are encouraged to recommend early (after 24–48 hours) return to PA as tolerated (eg, walking or stationary cycling while avoiding the risk of contact, collision or fall).

• The best data on cognitive exertion show that reduced screen use in the first 48 hours after injury is warranted but may not be effective beyond that.

• Individuals can systematically advance their exercise intensity based on the degree of symptom exacerbation experienced during the prior bout of aerobic exercise.

• HCPs with access to exercise testing can safely prescribe subsymptom threshold aerobic exercise treatment within 2–10 days after SRC, based on the individual’s heart rate threshold (HRt) that does not elicit more than mild symptom exacerbation during the exercise test (eg, ‘mild’=testing stops with an increase of more than two points on a 0–10 point scale when compared with the pre-exercise resting value). Subsymptom threshold aerobic exercise treatment can be progressed systematically based on the determination of the new HRt on repeat exercise testing (every few days to every week (Amsterdam, 2022)

Athletes may continue/advance the duration and intensity of PA or prescribed aerobic exercise provided there is no more than mild (increase of no more than 2 points vs the pre-exercise value) and brief (<1 hour) exacerbation of their concussion-related symptoms. (Amsterdam, 2022)

Physical Activity (PA)/exercise and cognitive exertion should be stopped if concussion symptom exacerbation is more than mild and brief and may be resumed once symptoms have returned to the prior level. Clinicians should inform their patients that mild symptom exacerbation during PA, prescribed aerobic exercise treatment or during cognitive activity is typically brief (under an hour) and does not delay recovery. Prescribed subsymptom threshold aerobic exercise within 2–10 days of SRC is effective for reducing the incidence of persisting symptoms after concussion (symptoms >1 month) and is also effective for facilitating recovery in athletes suffering from symptoms lasting longer than 1 month. Importantly, individuals should be advised to avoid the risk of reinjury (ie, contact, collision, or fall) until determined by a qualified HCP to be safe for higher-risk activities.

Sleep disturbance in the 10 days after SRC is associated with an increased risk of persisting symptoms and may warrant evaluation and treatment. (Amsterdam, 2022)

A supervised program of progression will be performed, following these steps/guidelines. It will be typical for each step in the progression to last at least 24 hours depending on symptoms:

1. Symptom Limited Activity (daily activities that do not provoke symptoms)

2. Light aerobic activity (15-20’ stationary cycling @ 50-70% max heart rate)

3. Individual sport-specific exercise (dribbling, shooting, running, cutting, non-contact solo work 20-30 ’)

4. Non-contact training drills (running set plays, non-live scrimmage ~45’)

5. Full contact Practice (full practice 60-90’)

6. Return to sport

Return to Sport Stages, Functional Activities, and Goals listed in “Table 2” of the Amsterdam 2022 Consensus Statement on Concussion in Sport: the 6th International Conference on Concussion in Sport:

NOTE: If at any point the student-athlete becomes symptomatic (more symptomatic than baseline), the team physician or designated physician will be notified, and adjustments will be made to the return-to-sport progression.

Prior to returning to full contact drills and competition, the following steps must take place:

1. The student-athlete must retake the concussion testing that was performed at the time of injury (SCAT6 or SCOAT6 and ImPACT).

2. Based upon all test results and findings, the team physician or the Health Center physician will declare the student-athlete able to fully return to their sport.

Information may be transmitted to these health care professionals electronically. Unrestricted return-to-sport should not occur prior to unrestricted return-to-learn for concussions diagnosed while the student-athlete is enrolled in classes. Prior to receiving clearance to fully return to sport, the student-athlete must sign an attestation form acknowledging that they are attending class full-time and that they are not receiving any further academic accommodations as a result of the concussion.

Return to Learn Criteria

A student-athlete who has suffered a concussion will return to the classroom/studying only as tolerated with modification of schedule/academic accommodations, as indicated, with help from the identified point-person in Athletics - typically either the Director of Sports Medicine, or the Biola Athletics Concussion Care Coordinator (ACCC), and the Health Center or Team Physician. Campus resources and accommodations will be consistent with the ADAAA and are administered through The Learning Center.

The student-athlete who has sustained a concussion will require modified mental activity as they recover to a healthy state. It is important to understand that return to Play and Return to Learn do not always correlate in terms of time frames, although they often parallel each other. There are no standardized guidelines for returning the athlete to school, except that a student-athlete may not resume full participation in sport prior to a full return to the classroom. If the athlete develops increased symptoms with cognitive stress, student-athletes may require academic accommodations such as a reduced workload, extended test-taking time, days off, or a shortened school day. These accommodations will be determined by the Learning Center based upon documentation provided by the Health Center.

The table below is pulled from the Amsterdam Consensus Statement on Sport Concussion regarding Return-to-Learn Strategies.

Returning the student to school, even if the day is shortened, can be considered when the student can tolerate cognitive activity or stimulation for approximately 30 to 45 minutes. This arbitrary cutoff is based on the observation that a good amount of learning takes place in 30-45 minute increments. Given that most concussions resolve within three weeks of the injury, adjustments may often be made in the individual classroom setting without formal written plans such as a 504 plan or individualized educational program (IEP). (2013-14 NCAA Sports Medicine Handbook, p. 62) It is believed that light aerobic activity may actually be stimulating to the mental recovery process. This protocol allows a gradual increase in volume and intensity of classroom activity during the Return to Learn process.

The student-athlete should not participate in classroom activity on the same day as sustaining the concussion. Following the day of sustaining the concussion, the student-athlete is then allowed to return to school and academics in an individualized manner following the guidance of their physician and the Health Center. The student-athlete will be monitored for symptoms throughout the recovery process.

Any student-athlete who has received a concussion will receive the following support steps:

1. The student-athlete will then be instructed to schedule a follow-up appointment with the Health Center. Additionally, the student-athlete will receive a follow-up email from the ACCC with general instructions and care recommendations.

2. The ACCC will also email the injured student-athlete’s instructors to notify them that the student-athlete has received a head injury and is in the process of working with the Health Center and the Learning Center.

3. The Health Center will coordinate with the Learning Center to determine any academic accommodations.

4. The Health Center will coordinate with the Athletic Training staff to determine clearance for return to sport and return to learn.

The student-athlete can progress to the graduated academic return once symptoms improve while monitoring for symptoms exacerbated by academic activities. If the student-athlete completes all stages in the graduated protocol, then the team ATC and team physician/Biola Health Center physician can allow the student-athlete to return to school full-time.

When the student-athlete has reached the point where they are attending class full-time and are no longer receiving academic accommodations (Stage 5 in the above progression), the student-athlete will sign the Biola Athletics Completion of Return to Learn Progression Attestation Form.

Overlap of RTS and RTL

The following chart is intended to clarify the parallel yet distinct progression through RTS and RTL.

• Following an initial period of relative rest (24–48 hours following an injury at Step 1), athletes can begin a gradual and incremental increase in their cognitive load. Progression through the strategy for students should be slowed when there is more than a mild and brief symptom exacerbation.

• *Mild and brief exacerbation of symptoms is defined as an increase of no more than 2 points on a 0–10 point scale (with 0 representing no symptoms and 10 the worst symptoms imaginable) for less than an hour when compared with the baseline value reported prior to cognitive activity.

Prolonged Symptoms of Concussion

A student-athlete with atypical presentation or persistent symptoms will be re-evaluated by a physician in order to consider additional diagnoses, best management options, and consideration of a referral. Additional diagnoses may include, among others: fatigue and/or sleep disorder, migraine or other headache disorders; mental health symptoms and disorders; ocular dysfunction; vestibular dysfunction; cognitive impairment; and autonomic dysfunction.

Specific recommendations include:

• The term ‘persisting symptoms’ is used for symptoms that persist >4 weeks across children, adolescents and adults.

• Persisting symptoms can be assessed using standardized and validated symptom rating scales. However, evidence-based recommendations regarding the use of other specific tests or measures in the clinical diagnosis of persisting symptoms in any age group are not possible based on existing research.

A multimodal clinical assessment, ideally by a multidisciplinary team, is indicated to characterize individuals with persisting symptoms, including the types, pattern, and severity of symptoms, and any associated conditions or other factors that may be causing or contributing to the symptoms. (Amsterdam, 2022)

If any student-athlete is having a prolonged inability to return to normal academic classroom activity, they will be referred to the team physician for further evaluation or referral. In the absence of the team physician, the university's Health Center physician will be consulted for further recommendations. Any additional necessary academic accommodations will be determined by the Biola Office of Student Accessibility.

Prolonged symptoms may include emotional and spiritual complications. The Biola Student Care Team (https://www.biola.edu/student-care) is best equipped to assist in these areas. The Student Care Team collaborates on care between the Health Center, the Biola Counseling Center, and Pastoral Care. Pastoral Care is a unique resource available to student-athletes who would like to confidentially talk through struggles they may be facing. Another resource for the student-athlete is the Faculty Athletic Representative (FAR), who can be called upon to mediate any issues that arise between academic faculty and the concussed student-athlete.

Limiting Exposure to Head Trauma

Biola is committed to protecting the health of and providing a safe environment for each of its participating NCAA student-athletes. To this end, and in accordance with NCAA association-wide policy, Biola will limit student-athlete head trauma exposure in a manner consistent with Interassociation Recommendations: Preventing Catastrophic Injury and Death in Collegiate Athletes. For example:

• Biola athletic teams will adhere to existing ethical standards in all practices and competitions.

• Using playing or protective equipment (including the helmet) as a weapon will be prohibited during all practices and competitions.

• Deliberately inflicting injury on another player will be prohibited in all practices and competitions.

• All playing and protective equipment (including helmets), as applicable, will meet relevant equipment safety standards and related certification requirements.

Domestic or International Crisis - Communication/Emergency Contact

Should there be a crisis during travel, the university staff will implement Biola’s Domestic and International Crisis Procedures outlined in the Operations and Compliance Manual. The University Communications and Marketing Department is responsible for responding to any crisis publicly, crafting the university’s messaging and posting information on social media concerning crisis situations that may impact the university locally, domestically, and internationally. Travel team members should refrain from posting information regarding any crisis situation on their personal social media until the university has released information to the public, as this may put travel team members at further risk and may complicate the university’s efforts to effectively manage the situation. Further, staff and student-athletes are not allowed to have any interaction or communication with the press without approval from the senior director of athletics or a representative of the University Communications and Marketing staff.

Student-athletes and athletics department staff annually submit emergency contact information via the Emergency Contact Form in Teamworks (staff) or medical clearance paperwork (student-athletes), which will be used during an emergency.

Coach Evaluation and Exit Interviews/Surveys

At the close of the academic year, athletics administration gathers both quantitative and qualitative feedback. Every student-athlete will receive a Student-Athlete Well-Being Survey to share their experience in the areas of equity and inclusion, compliance, academics, sports medicine, coaching, and overall Biola experience. There are also random sampling qualitative interviews within each sports program with a member of the administrative team and exit surveys sent through the Office for Student Success. Annually, all feedback is reviewed by the senior director of athletics, Faculty Athletics Representative, and the senior associate athletic director. In addition, the data is evaluated by staff in the University Analytics Office and presented to the Athletics Advisory Council. Biola Athletics is committed to the vision for student-athlete transformation by executing the highest-quality intercollegiate program. These surveys and interviews assist in highlighting areas of strength and areas for improvement.

Biola Athletics encourages all student-athlete/coach conflicts to be settled between the parties involved. If a student-athlete has a strong reaction to things occurring in his or her training and competition — either positive or critical — he or she is advised to connect directly with a member of his or her coaching staff. If the experience is significant, student-athletes should share it directly with the senior director of athletics, associate athletic directors, or faculty athletics representative for evaluation of any incident or concerns and consideration of appropriate responses.

While not all of the items on the evaluation relate to the coaches’ interaction with the team, it may be helpful to understand the types of standards that are applied to the overall evaluation of the coaching staff. These standards include:

• Develops the team to reflect Biola’s mission and readily demonstrates student development goals, athletics department objectives, and team success.

• Develops a spiritual focus consistent with university goals that promote individual student-athletes' spiritual growth, team involvement in service and character development, and involvement in athletics department activities that support the spiritual growth of all student-athletes.

• Informs all team members of specific eligibility regulations and counsels team members regarding their responsibility to maintain eligibility. The coach should be alert to potential problems and may request information from faculty members.

• Coordinates hiring of support personnel (assistant coaches, managers, etc.) with the senior associate athletic director as approved in the current budget. The head coach is responsible for recommending hiring of individuals that fit well with the mission of the university.

• Accepts full responsibility for student-athletes' conduct and appearance during home or away events and while on trips.

• Actively works toward influencing the student-athletes’ conduct, public image and spirit of cooperativeness in accord with the university objectives. If university regulations have been violated, the coach must inform the director of athletics and disciplinary measures will be taken in consultation with the dean of students.

• Reviews NCAA rules with student-athletes when necessary and reinforces the importance of compliance.

• Ensures team's compliance with NCAA rules related to playing and practice seasons, including weekly countable athletically related activity logs.

• Educates student-athletes regarding NCAA regulations governing employment.

• All full-time and head coaches must be CPR, AED, and first aid certified.

• Advisor Change Form

• Athletic Scholarship Agreement Renewal Form (ASAR)

• Class Absence Reporting Form

• Credit for Spiritual Direction Form

• Drug Free Sport Collection Guidelines

• Financial Aid Clarification Form

• Game Travel Release Form

• Historical Questionnaire

• Insurance Card Form

• Jewelry Form

• Medical Care and Insurance Policies

• NCAA Drug-Testing Consent Form

• NCAA Student-Athlete Summer Contact Form

• Non-Renewal, Removal or Reduction of Athletic Aid Form

• Pre-Participation Exam Form

• Promotional Activity Form

• Reasonable Suspicion Form

• Student-Athlete Employment/Internship Form

• Student-Athlete Statement

• Summer School Pre-Approval Form

• Unattached or Outside Competition and NCAA Rules Form

• Undergraduate Major/Concentration Change Form

Appendix: Forms and Visual References

This appendix collects the standard forms you (the student-athlete) must complete each academic year, along with visual references for procedures that include diagrams. The same appendix appears in the Operations and Compliance Manual.

Forms you must submit

The following forms are required of every student-athlete each academic year. Your athletic trainer and the compliance office will tell you when each is due and how to submit it.

If you are under 18, your parent or legal guardian must also sign the forms that require it. Failure to return a required form on time will make you ineligible to practice or compete.

Visual references

Reference A: Wide-format chart

Reference B: Narrow landscape image

Reference C: Portrait orientation

Reference D: Wide-format chart, page-break candidate

Where to get current forms

Your head coach, athletic trainer, or sport administrator will give you the current version of any form you need. If you can’t find a form, contact the compliance office.