Coaches,
Its that time of year again. Everyone is powering up for another season and we are all optimistic about results that we can achieve. Its also time for me to send to you my precautionary message about things that can negatively affect your program. Please ensure that you address the following issues with your staff and teams.
Health Forms
We have instituted on-line forms this year and i understand that this process is going well. Please ensure that all of your athletes are cleared to participate before they begin training camp. If your athletes have been flagged or if you are not sure of their status you should consult with Gunner before the athletes participates with your team.
Eligibility
Your athletes must be registered for school before they can compete and they must be registered in a minimum of 9 credit hours in the semester in which they will compete. ...
Hazing
Gryphon Aathletics has a zero tolerance policy on hazing. This means that initiation parties are not allowed. Any activity that requires individuals to do things against their will or has the potential to cause embarrassment is not acceptable. Drinking alcohol, keg parties, dressing up, public exhibitions etc are not acceptable (you get the idea). Remember that in the age of face-book and You Tube nothing is private and the most innocent parties will end up causing a problem for all of us. I hate to sound harsh BUT ignorance on your part is no defense. You are responsible for the behavior of your athletes and you will be held accountable. It is mandatory that you discuss these issues with your team and you must agree to any orientation activities that your team wishes to conduct.
Doping
The on-line and in-person drug education will be valuable to your athletes and to your coaches. After the debacle at Waterloo, the CIS will be ramping up the random tests over the next year. The department will also be implementing its own random testing as required. Please make your athletes aware of the consequences of performance enhancing drugs from an individual and team perspective. I am also concerned that athletes understand that social drugs are also banned and can be tested during competition. These drugs can stay in the system a long time. Your athletes should be aware of the issues around social drugs. Please make doping discussions a regular part of your meetings with athletes. Let us maintain the positive brand image of Gryphon Athletics.
Conduct
You and your athletes are representing the image and reputation of Gryphon athletics and the University of Guelph. Athletes public behavior must conform to the Code of Conduct that every athlete will receive. More is expected of our athletes than would be expected from the normal student body. Any negative behavior will quickly become a public issue for the media. Mentor your athletes to be ideal citizens. Do not wait until they get into trouble before you make them aware of their responsibilities.
I am optimistic that we are going to have our best year yet. We have great staff and excellent athletes, but the athletes are young and they need guidance.
I wish you all much success and remember that my door is always open and my job is to help you in any way that i can.
Tom Kendall
