Relationship to the University

Coaches/Instructors are invited guests to the UT campus (and any sponsored activities off-campus) by Recreational Sports as either Independent Contractors (IC) or Volunteers (VOL). Their only business on campus, unless otherwise instructed by the University, is to work with UT Sport Clubs. Any campus violations that occur involving a Sport Club Coach/Instructor may result in loss of RecSports membership and thus removal. No Sport Club Coaches/Instructors are considered employees of The University of Texas at Austin. Current UT System employees may volunteer as a Sport Club Coach. The individual must be aware of and follow ALL University and departmental procedures relative to the Sport Club program and their role with Recreational Sports and UT Austin. Recreational Sports reserves the right and obligation to protect the club and if, in the staff's opinion, the coach/instructor is not providing services that are in the best interest of the club or fails to meet University expectations, the relationship may be ended at any time.

Coaches should refrain from making appointments with the Director of Recreational Sports, Intercollegiate Athletic Directors, or any other person to discuss club business without first informing the Sport Club Staff. Participation in the Sport Club Program is completely voluntary, therefore monetary rewards or scholarships shall not be promised or given to any member or prospective member by the coach. Coaches must help ensure good sportsmanship at all times. Individuals must always conduct themselves in a manner that does not detract from the reputation of The University. This includes behavior in game situations, contact with other teams and interaction with event staff. When involved in off-campus events or when traveling, they are representing the University and are accountable for their actions.

It is recommended that all coaches/instructors purchase their own personal medical and liability insurance.

Coach and Instruct - Not Administer

The coach should restrict his/her contributions to providing coaching services and should refrain from activities involved in the club’s management. A Sport Club is first and foremost a student organization and, as such, the student representative must serve as the liaison between the club and Senior/Assistant Directors. The philosophy and key to the success of the Sport Club program has been the continued emphasis placed on student leadership and participation. Club business matters (hosting tournaments, submitting forms, equipment requests, etc.) must be handled by the student members with the coach serving in a consulting capacity. Club activities and events should be a team effort and not left solely to the coach or student representatives.

Working with UT Students

Title IX: Mandatory Reporters

IC’s and VOL’s are considered “mandatory reporters” for the Sport Club Program and are therefore required to promptly report allegations of discrimination, harassment, sexual assault, and misconduct to the University Title IX or Deputy Title IX coordinators. If a report is filed, please contact Sport Club Staff immediately. Although the coach/instructor is not considered an employee, please refer to the UT Austin Responsible Employee Resource Guide for information on the reporting process.

Clery Act: Campus Safety Authorities (CSA)

IC’s and VOL’s are considered a CSA with regard to the Clery Act. The “Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act” (20 USC §1092(f)) is a federal law originally known as the Campus Security Act. It requires colleges and universities that participate in federal financial aid programs to disclose information about crime on/around their campuses.

Campus Security Authorities (CSA’s) are people who are responsible for:

• Accurately reporting crime information to the correct people in a timely manner

• Supporting the individual sharing their experiences with you and providing them with options and resources

• CSA’s are not responsible for determining if a crime took place, finding and/or apprehending the alleged perpetrator, or convincing the victim to contact law enforcement.

• CSA’s are a critical first step in a process that was designed to support victims and protect the larger campus community.

More information can be found at the UT Austin Clery Act website.

Institutional Equity: Consensual Relationships

IC's and VOL's are subject to the University's Handbook of Operating Procedures on Institutional Equity, with an emphasis on 3-3031: Prohibition of Sexual Assault, Interpersonal Violence, Stalking, Sexual Harassment, and Sex Discrimination and 3-3050: Consensual Relationship policy. Recreational Sports should be made aware if/when any situation falls within these areas.