CLEMSON ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT
SANCTIONS FOR INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR

The head coach of each sport has his/her own set of team rules, and is responsible for enforcing these rules. The Clemson Athletic Department Administration will fully support appropriate disciplinary action taken by a coach in concurrence with the Athletic Director. 

In the case of behavioral problems that result in a felony or misdemeanor charge (other than minor traffic violations), or a charge involving gambling in any degree, the Athletic Department may choose to place the student-athlete on suspension from athletic participation, and use of athletic facilities until the facts of the incident are reviewed, and the charges are dropped, dismissed or otherwise resolved.

Felony Charge
Any student-athlete arrested and charged with a felony, or a crime involving gambling under South Carolina or federal law or any other jurisdiction, absent extraordinary circumstances as determined by the administration, shall be automatically suspended from practice and playing until the charges are dropped, dismissed or otherwise resolved.

Felony Conviction
A student-athlete convicted of, or pleading guilty or no contest to any felony charge or a charge involving gambling under the South Carolina law, Federal statute, or any other jurisdiction, absent extraordinary circumstances as determined by the administration, shall be permanently dismissed from the team.  The student-athlete may retain his/her grant-in-aid for the duration of the academic year.  The Athletic Department will recommend that the student-athlete not have their grant-in-aid renewed for any succeeding academic year(s). 

Misdemeanor Charge / Conviction
A student-athlete who is charged / convicted of a misdemeanor charge (other than gambling / game fixing which are addressed above; or minor traffic violations) will be subject to an Athletic Department review process. Absent extraordinary circumstances as determined by the administration, the head coach will administer misdemeanor charges and subsequent discipline, after review by the Athletic Director. The Athletic Director will consider factors such as:

• Nature of offense
• Involvement of drugs / alcohol
• Past behaviors
• Student-athlete demeanor (to include self-disclosure of offense)
• Student-athlete cooperation during investigation

Sanctions will subsequently be imposed, and may include, but not be limited to:

• Suspension from practice and/or athletic activity for a pre-determined period of time
• Restriction upon the use of athletic facilities and services
• Dismissal from the team if the student-athlete is found guilty or pleads guilty or no-contest to a misdemeanor
• Appropriate restitution.

If a student-athlete is dismissed from the program, he/she may retain their grant-in-aid for the duration of the academic year.  The Athletic Department may recommend that the student-athlete not have their grant-in-aid renewed for any succeeding academic year(s). 

Indefinite suspensions may be instituted in any case where an individual’s actions represent Clemson University and its Athletics program in a manner inconsistent with this standard of conduct. The Athletic Director and head coach will review each case, independent from any other, taking into account that no two cases are identical in nature and that each must be assessed based upon the facts presented. 

Additionally, behaviors judged to represent a violation of the Clemson University Student Code of Conduct could result in sanctions from the University.  Depending upon the circumstance, there is the potential for a student-athlete to be dismissed from the University.