Southeastern Conference Code of Ethics

10.1 STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

The members of the Southeastern Conference subscribe to the principle that intercollegiate athletics is a legitimate and important part of higher education, is regarded as a significant part of the university culture, and shall be administered and conducted in a manner consistent with the institution’s educational policies. It is the function of the Conference to encourage intercollegiate athletics on an amateur basis with effective institutional control and to establish and promote the highest possible standards of personal conduct by all those who administer and participate in the events that provide the competitive experience.

Therefore, the Southeastern Conference sets forth this code to maintain intercollegiate athletics in harmony with the essential educational purposes of the institution. A spirit of mutual trust and cooperation is fundamental to the successful application of the rules of the Conference and this code of ethical behavior.

10.1.1 Each coach shall annually, prior to October 1 of each academic year, provide a written certification to the Commissioner that(a) he or she has read the Constitution, Bylaws, and the Commissioner’s Regulations governing his or her sport, as well as all provisions in the NCAA Manual applicable to his/her sport and (b) he or she is aware of no unreported violations of the Constitution, Bylaws, and other rules, regulations, and legislation of the Conference or of the NCAA. Failure to execute such a certification may subject the individual to penalties or sanctions from the Commissioner. [Revised 6/1/96 and 6/1/11]

10.2 RECRUITING

10.2.1 Coaches shall comply with and promote compliance with all rules and regulations of the Conference and the NCAA and are accountable for the highest standards of honesty and integrity in order to provide a fair and equitable opportunity for each prospective student-athlete to make an informed and properly-considered commitment to the university of his/her choice.

10.2.2 The right of a prospective student-athlete to obtain accurate information to aid in the decision process must be respected.Thus, no coach shall provide false or misleading information, or offer inducements that are violations of the rules or regulations of their member institution, the Southeastern Conference or the NCAA.

10.2.3 Coaches and other member personnel shall advocate the positive advantages and attributes of their university and its intercollegiate athletics program and shall avoid making any derogatory statements concerning another member institution’s athletics program, facilities or educational opportunities.

10.2.4 Coaches shall strictly adhere to all applicable rules related to the involvement of alumni and boosters in the recruiting of prospective student-athletes.

10.2.5 A request by a prospective student-athlete to be subjected to no further recruitment shall be respected.

10.3 ACADEMIC INTEGRITY

10.3.1 Coaches shall only recruit prospective student-athletes who have the necessary academic background to succeed as students at his/her member institution.

10.3.2 In determining a prospective student-athlete’s initial eligibility status, each member institution shall be responsible for making every effort to assure that credentials utilized to determine eligibility are accurate and authentic.

10.3.3 Each member institution shall provide student-athletes access to sufficient academic support services and counseling to meet their academic needs.

10.3.4 Each member institution shall ensure that its coaches provide student-athletes the necessary time and resources to succeed academically in a meaningful degree program.

10.3.5 Each coach, in conjunction with the appropriate academic authorities, shall monitor each student-athlete’s academic performance to ensure satisfactory progress and timely graduation with a meaningful college degree.

10.4 GAME MANAGEMENT

10.4.1 Each contest shall be played and administered according to the prescribed rules set forth by the Conference and the NCAA.

10.4.2 The host member institution shall ensure that the visiting team has an equal opportunity to compete successfully. The host member institution is solely responsible for providing adequate and appropriate crowd control, bench safety, access for press box communication and locker room security.

10.5 SPORTSMANSHIP

10.5.1 All institutional staff members and student-athletes of a member institution, shall conduct themselves with honesty and good sportsmanship. Their behavior shall at all times reflect the high standards of honor and dignity that characterize participation in the collegiate setting. For intercollegiate athletics to promote the character development of participants, to enhance the integrity of higher education and to promote civility in society, coaches, student-athletes and all others associated with these athletics programs and events should adhere to such fundamental values as respect, fairness, civility, honesty and responsibility. These values should be manifest not only in athletics participation but also in the broad spectrum of activities affecting the athletics program.It is the responsibility of each member institution to establish policies for sportsmanship and ethical conduct in intercollegiate athletics consistent with the educational mission and goals of the institution. Furthermore, member institutions are responsible for educating all constituencies about these policies on a continuing basis. [Adopted: 6/4/0; effective 8/1/04, Revised: 6/1/18]

10.5.2 Coaches and administrators shall refrain from public criticism of other member institutions, their staffs or players. Coaches and administrators shall also refrain from making public statements and accusations with regard to infractions concerning member institutions and their personnel. In response to questions by the media, it is appropriate to state that infractions are reported, investigated and addressed in accordance with established Conference and NCAA procedures.

10.5.3 Coaches, players and support personnel shall refrain from all public criticism of officials, which shall include making public any specific communications with the Conference office related to officiating. [Revised: 6/1/07]

10.5.4 Coaches and support personnel shall provide favorable examples in appearance, conduct, language and sportsmanship and shall refrain from personal conduct that may incite spectators. [Revised: 6/2/94]