NCAA A.P.P.L.E. Conference

• CREATING & IMPLEMENTING EFFECTIVE POLICIES

Craig LittlepageDirector of AthleticsUniversity of Virginia

January 2012

DEVELOPING POLICIES

Become The Expert On:Campus EnvironmentStudent-Athlete PopulationStudent PopulationCurrent Policies & Legal Resources        Local & University    Resources

WHO KNOWS THE CAMPUS?

• Student-Athletes• Student Personnel• Staff---Trainers/Nutritionist/Sports

Psych• Assistant and GA Coaches• Academic Coordinators• Former Student-Athletes• Access Of Info on Social Media

DEVELOPING POLICIES

• What Are Your Current Policies?

• Where Are Your Policies Located?

• Who Developed Your Policies?

• Are Your Policies Relevant/Current?

GETTING STARTED

• Be Proactive & Avoid Reacting• Prioritize Student Safety• Respect Your Institution’s Brand• Student-Athlete & Coach Input• Administrative Input & Support• Determine What is Important

T-E-A-M WORK

Together Everyone Achieves More

*Student-Athletes +

• Coaches & Administrators +

•University & Local Resources/Partners ________________________________

Understanding/Knowledge/Trust

Student-AthleteMentors

• Service/Peers Helping Peers

• Leadership Development

• Collaboration/Partnerships

DEVELOPING POLICIES

• Where Does Your Information Originate?

• Who Are Your Leaders & Your Partners?

• What Are Your Resources?

DEVELOPING POLICIES

• Are Polices Clearly Written & Easily Understood?

• Are Policies Current & Accurate?

• Understand Your Short-Term and Long-Term Goals

DEVELOPING POLICIES

• Will Your Decisions & Policies Be Supported?

• Who Has Been Involved In Developing Policies?

• How Will Policies Be Disseminated?

• Who Will Implement The Policies?

DEVELOPING POLICIES

• How Will You Evaluate Policies &       Who Will Test Them?

• How Frequently Will You Evaluate       Policies?

• How Will You Process Changes to       Policies?

• How Will You Test Policies & Their Effectiveness?

DEVELOPING POLICIES

• Can Your Policies Be Strengthened?

• Will Policies Be Respected By All Relevant Constituent Groups?

BENEFITS OF POLICIES• Broad-Based Participation/Buy-In

• Consistency Throughout Your      Program

• Establishes Expectations, Values &      Promotes Healthy Options

• Maximizes Academic, Athletic      Potential, & Student Safety

CONCLUSIONS• Ensure Administrative Support

• Identify Your Leaders & Sell Your S/A’s & Coaches

• Encourage & Respect Dialogue

• Collaborate & Involve Other Areas

• Evaluate & Monitor--Adapt

• Integrity of Policies A “Must”

CONCLUSIONS

• GUARD AGAINST COMPLACENCY

• DO A GUT CHECK!!