Policy on Sportsmanship for Student-Athletes, Coaches and Administrators

Representatives of the Athletics Department must recognize the unique place they have on the college campus and in the community. By its very nature, intercollegiate athletics places those representatives in the public eye. As such, individuals are expected to always conduct themselves in a manner befitting an athletics representative on and off campus and with their digital footprint, in concert with the Penn State Principles, by demonstrating integrity, honesty, respect, responsibility, and sportsmanlike conduct.

As representative of the University, Campus, Athletics Department and their respective teams, all student-athletes and personnel are expected to demonstrate good sportsmanship during team functions, practices and sporting events whether they are participating or observing as a spectator. The following behaviors are discouraged and will not be tolerated:

• Physical or verbal abuse of teammates, opposing players, spectators, officials, coaches or administrators.
• Damaging property or throwing objects during team functions, practices or contests.
• Taunting opponents, officials, spectators, coaches or administrators or inciting others to acts of abusive or violent behavior.
• Striking or attempting to strike others, participation in fighting or other inappropriate physical acts.
• Cheating or other intentional acts of poor integrity. This includes but is not limited to the use of performance enhancing substances, misleading game officials, intentionally failing or “throwing games” for personal benefits.
• Gambling on amateur, intercollegiate or professional sporting events through internet websites, bookmakers or other persons accepting in-person or electronic wagers.
• Public defamation of the University, personnel or programs through in-person, electronic or third-party actions and behaviors.

All violations related to sportsmanship are taken very seriously and are subject to investigation which may result in sanctions from the University Office of Student Conduct and/or the following penalties from Penn State Hazleton Athletics:

• Conversation with a documented warning from Athletics personnel and/or coach
• Documented warning with a probation period
• Fines for the expense of broken or damaged property due to unsporting behavior
• Suspension from game(s)
• Suspension from game(s), team activities, practices and Athletics Department services
• Dismissal from team(s)
• Subjected to the Student Disciplinary Conduct Process which may include expulsion from the University