Reviewed July 2026 Student – Athlete Handbook

Table of Contents

Reviewed July 2026

Welcome Prospective/current Student-Athlete, Welcome to Dakota College at Bottineau (DCB) Athletics. This handbook has been created for you, the student-athlete, as a way to provide important information regarding our respective athletic programs and the expectation of being a DCB student-athlete. The information contained in this handbook will serve as a guide to your success both in the classroom and within your sport. Abiding by these guidelines and policies you will play an important role on our campus as a student-athlete, an ambassador for the school, and a role model within the community. I trust you will represent DCB, our athletic department and yourself with the utmost courtesy and respect.

Respectfully, Casey Pierson Athletic Director

Dakota College at Bottineau Mission:

Dakota College at Bottineau provides a quality education in a caring environment.

Dakota College at Bottineau Vision:

Dakota College at Bottineau adapts to the changing educational landscape to empower students and impact communities.

Dakota College at Bottineau Core Values:

Dakota College at Bottineau is student-focused and community-centered. We value: Integrity, Engagement, Inclusion, and Passion.

Athletic Department Mission The Dakota College at Bottineau Athletic Department provides an opportunity for student-athletes to continue their athletic careers while working on their higher learning. The athletic department values each student-athlete’s future while upholding the campus mission, vision, and core values.

National Junior College Athletic Association Mission It is the mission of the NJCAA to foster a national program of athletic participation in an environment that supports equitable opportunities consistent with the educational objectives of member colleges.

The NJCAA's mission is to promote and foster two-year college athletics. Unlawful discrimination is incompatible with this mission and detracts from the organization's goal of promoting healthy and fair competition. The NJCAA prohibits unlawful discrimination based on sex, race, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, religion, creed, sexual orientation, age or any other characteristic protected by applicable law in the NJCAA's governance, programs, regulations and employment practices.

Mon-Dak Athletic Conference Mission The Mon-Dak Athletic Conference is an alliance of eight state, community, and technical colleges located in North Dakota and Montana. The mission is to provide an intercollegiate athletic experience for student-athletes that is consistent with the purpose of higher education.

American Collegiate Hockey Association Mission The American Collegiate Hockey Association’s (ACHA) primary mission is to support the growth of collegiate hockey programs nationwide. The ACHA identifies standards, which serve to unite and regulate teams at the collegiate level.

The ACHA shall emphasize academic performance, institutional sanction, eligibility criteria, standards of play, and opportunities for national competition.

The ACHA promotes all aspects of collegiate hockey stressing the personal development of individual athletes as well as national recognition for member organizations.

Philosophy Statement of Dakota College at Bottineau Athletic Department Intercollegiate athletics provides an important element to the educational process for many students at Dakota College at Bottineau. As a department, we adhere to and support the mission of the college. It is the mission of the Athletic Department to provide student-athletes with an opportunity to compete successfully in an intercollegiate athletic program that is an integral part of their educational experience.

Dakota College at Bottineau is committed to providing our student-athletes with the opportunity for the best possible athletic and educational experience we can offer. We have an obligation to provide essential leadership by employing coaches who believe in the benefit of the game for the participants and whose interest is for their development as people as well as athletes. This includes a concern for the academic progress of student athletes, providing the opportunity to reveal their potential contribution for the team, and nurturing their values. Win or lose, student-athletes are encouraged to provide a winning effort, display sportsmanship, and demonstrate respect for all.

The student-athlete has the responsibilities to the athletic program and the college. The athletes must participate according to NJCAA as well as ACHA rules, regulations, policies, and also display loyalty and respect to their teammates, coaches, college, and community. They must comply with college and departmental policies, meet academic requirements, compete with honesty and good sportsmanship, and contribute to the best of their ability to the success of the team. It is the responsibility of all parties involved, including the student- athletes, coaches, and other administrators to ensure the continued quality of athletic programs at Dakota College at Bottineau.

Definitions Student-Athlete will be defined as any current member of any intercollegiate program. Members of a program include but are not limited to varsity, red shirt, academically ineligible, injured, students receiving athletic related aid and/or using athletic-related services, and transfer student-athletes. A list of all team members of programs will be kept on file with the Athletic Director and varsity coach of their respective program.

Non-Discrimination Statement Dakota College at Bottineau (DCB) does not engage in discrimination or harassment against any person because of race, color, religion or creed, sex, gender, gender identity, pregnancy, national or ethnic origin, disability, age, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status, political beliefs or affiliations, or information protected by the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA); and complies with all federal and state non-discrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action laws, orders and regulations, including remaining compliant and consistent with the Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. This policy on non- discrimination applies to admissions, enrollment, scholarships, loan programs, participation in college activities, employment, and access to participation in, and treatment in all college programs and activities.

DCB prohibits retaliation against any individual or group who exercises its rights or responsibilities protected under the provisions of state law, federal law and/or DCB policy. Employees or students who violate this policy may face disciplinary action up to and including separation from DCB. Third parties who commit discrimination or harassment may have their relationships with DCB terminated and/or their privileges of being on college premises withdrawn.

Questions, comments, or complaints regarding sexual discrimination or sexual harassment may be directed to the Title IX Office. All other forms of discrimination or harassment may be directed to the appropriate associate dean or director of human resources. Complaints may also be filed with the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights.

Laura Halvorson Title IX Coordinator Thatcher Hall 1124 105 Simrall BLVD Bottineau, ND 58318 701-228-5680 laura.halvorson@dakotacollege.edu

Corey Gorder Dean of Students Thatcher Hall 105 Simrall BLVD Bottineau, ND 58318 701-228-5451 corey.gorder@dakotacollege.edu

Kayla O’Toole Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Nelson Science Center 102 105 Simrall BLVD Bottineau, ND 58318 701-228-5479 kayla.otoole@dakotacollege.edu

Sara Abrahamson Director, Human Resources 500 University Ave W Minot, ND 58707 701-858-4610 hr@minotstateu.edu or sara.abrahamson@minotstateu.edu

The Office for Civil Rights/Chicago U.S. Department of Education, Citigroup Center John C. Kluczynski Federal Building 230 South Dearborn Street, 37th Floor Chicago, IL 60604 Telephone: 312-730-1560 Fax: 312-730-1576

TDD: 800-877-8339

Email: OCR.Chicago@ed.gov Website: ed.gov/ocr

Eligibility for Competition:

National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Eligibility

American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) 2026-2027 Season manual

Sports Medicine Mission Sports medicine coverage for the student-athletes of Dakota College at Bottineau via injury/illness prevention and wellness promotion, examination, assessment, and diagnosis, immediate and emergency care, therapeutic intervention, and healthcare administration and professional responsibilities in order to give the Lumberjack’s medical care. The athletic trainer is also a resource to further education of the domains for the entire college community.

Sports Medicine Contacts and Policies

· Dr. Tyrone Berentson, Sports Medicine MD

· SMP St. Andrews

· Nurse - Amanda

· Physicals will be held at the clinic

· Insurance information & health history due before physical day

· Give information to AT 1 week prior to physical day

· Appointments

· AT can make appointments

Physicals The NJCAA requires all student-athletes to have an athletic physical exam each year of participation.

This is to be completed after the national championship of the previous year of the respective sport and before the first practice of the respective sport. A complete physical signed by a physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner. These forms can be found on the Dakota College at Bottineau website. [dcbjacks.com]

Medical History A medical history form must be filled out each year prior to the athletic season. First year student- athletes will need family medical history as well as personal medical history including dates of major injuries and surgeries. An updated form will be used after the first year to document any injuries that have occurred during the previous years.

Insurance Information Student-athletes at DCB must have medical or health insurance prior to the start of practices and throughout the duration of the academic year in which they participate or workout. Documentation of medical or health insurance must be updated annually and must include provider, policy number, group number, and policy holder. Proof of medical or health insurance will be kept on file.

Use the following link for international student insurance.

Health Insurance for International Students

For out-of-state athletes the use of Medicaid or Medicare or an affiliate is not usable here, most states are not approved to be used in North Dakota. So, if you are currently on either of these coverage plans you will need to make prior arrangements.

Student-Athlete Conduct and Appeal Procedures Any student-athlete or student associated with the athletic department that believes they have been unjustly accused of allegations or violations resulting in suspension and/or dismissal from an athletic team has the right to file an appeal with the Athletic Director. Upon review of the appeal, the Athletic Director shall determine if the appeal is legitimate and if further action is appropriate. If the appeal is legitimate and further action is appropriate, the Athletic Director shall notify the Athletic Department Student Conduct Appeals Committee. This committee provides a student with the right of due process. The Athletic Department Student Conduct Appeals Committee shall be composed of the Athletic Director, two head coaches, one faculty representative, and two students (one male and one female; one athlete and one non-athlete) as chosen by the Athletic Director. The head coaches serving on this committee cannot be directly involved with the sport for which the appealing student was a member. Likewise, the student-athlete serving on this committee may not be involved the sport for which the appealing student was a member. This committee will be formed and activated by the Athletic Director as needed.

An athlete that believes they have been unjustly suspended or dismissed should make every attempt to resolve the dispute with the head coach. If the two parties cannot resolve their differences, the following procedure shall be followed.

Step 1. The student-athlete will meet with the Athletic Director to file a formal written appeal.

Step 2. If possible, the Athletic Director will do everything within their power to resolve the dispute. If the dispute cannot be resolved and the Athletic Director determines that the student-athlete has a legitimate appeal, the Athletic Director shall inform the head coach and Athletic Department Student Conduct Appeals Committee of the appeal.

Step 3. Within three days after being notified of the appeal, the head coach will submit to the Athletic Director a statement providing evidence supporting their decision for the suspension/dismissal. A copy of this statement will be provided to the appealing student-athlete and to each member of the Athletic Department Student Conduct Appeals Committee.

Step 4. On behalf of the Athletic Department Student Conduct Appeals Committee, the Athletic Director shall determine a date/time to hold a hearing that conducive to all parties involved. The Athletic Director shall preside over the appeal hearing but is a non-voting member in the committee’s ruling.

Step 5. The head coach will meet with the Athletic Department Student Conduct Appeals Committee to formally present the reason(s) for the suspension or dismissal.

Step 6. Following the head coach, the appealing student-athlete will meet the Athletic Department Student Conduct Appeals Committee to formally present the reason(s) why they should not have been suspended or dismissed.

Step 7. Upon formally hearing both sides of the dispute and reviewing all evidence in the case, the Athletic Department Student Conduct Appeals Committee shall make a ruling on the appeal by casting a secret ballot. The committee’s final ruling shall be determined by a majority vote.

Step 8. The ruling of the Athletic Department Student Conduct Appeals Committee shall be presented to the Athletic Director. Upon receiving and reviewing the final ruling of the Athletic Department Student Conduct Appeals Committee, the Athletic Director shall make the final decision on the appeal.

Team Travel Policy Due to the location of DCB and their ACHA and NJCAA affiliation, our athletic teams are required to travel extensively during the respective sports season. During the time a team is away from campus, all college rules and policies apply since it is a DCB sanctioned event. In addition, coaches are responsible for the safety and conduct of the student-athlete and all team members. Unless there is justification for doing otherwise (with prior approval of the Athletic Director), the following policies will be adhered to:

1. When a team travels by bus or in a single vehicle which carries the team, a coach will ride that bus or vehicle to provide control and assistance should any situation occur which requires action by a college employee.

2. When there is a caravan of two or more vehicles leaving a common site at the same time, those vehicles will travel together to the destination in order to provide assistance, if needed and safety for the group.

3. Student-athletes will accompany the team to and from athletic events unless the coach is informed by a parent or guardian that said student-athlete will be with parents or guardians.

4. Student-athletes shall not make long distance calls or any other purchases that may be billed to their hotel/motel rooms. According to NJCAA regulations the college is not permitted to pay for these charges.

5. Head coaches will identify their rules and expectation for road trips to team members at the beginning of the respective sport season.

6. Student-athletes are not allowed to have persons not associated with DCB into their rooms without permission from their respective Head Coach.

If there are questions or situations which may be specific to a particular team, they should be discussed with the Athletic Director.

Code of Conduct Student-athletes enrolled at DCB are expected to uphold courtesy and respect that reflects well upon themselves, their families, and DCB. Student-athletes are expected to abide by the guidelines and laws of DCB, and the NJCAA or ACHA. Failure to do so can result in suspension from their team and/or the college. Student- athletes on scholarship risk having part or all of their scholarship monies revoked for any code of conduct infraction.

Each coach at DCB has a set of team training/conduct rules. DCB administration and the athletic department fully supports these, and any disciplinary action taken by a coach. Situations involved local law enforcement will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Final determination of an individual will be impending court/university action.

In addition, student-athletes are expected to uphold the code of conduct for their specific association.

Institution’s Anti-Hazing Policy:

Dakota College at Bottineau strictly prohibits hazing in any form. Hazing includes any act or situation, whether on or off campus, in person or virtual, that recklessly or intentionally endangers the physical or mental health or safety of an individual for initiation, admission, or affiliation with any college organization. Such behavior can occur regardless of an individual’s willingness, and a lack of objection or apparent willingness does not negate the conduct as hazing.

DCB Hazing Policy June 2025

Alcohol, Tobacco, and Illegal Drug Use Policy Use The DCB Athletic Department recognizes the use of alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drugs as a significant problem on college campuses, and for many student-athletes, resulting in negative effects on behavior, relationships, academic performance, and the overall learning environment. The use and misuse of these substances also affect athletic performance as well as team morale. Although we realize the problems with alcohol and other drugs are not confined to student-athletes, they are special concern to us because of the high visibility and additional social pressures athletes often face as representatives of our institution.

The DCB alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drug use policy applies to all student-athletes throughout the academic year as written in the college handbook. Violations will be handled by the college according to DCB policy and discretion of the Athletic Director along with the Head Coach who have the right to impose additional penalties if deemed appropriate.

Because athletes have a responsibility to themselves and their teammates to report to practice and competition and participation at 100%, the following policy pertains:

· Absolutely no use of illegal drugs or controlled substances at any time on or off campus during the season or out of season

· No alcoholic beverages are allowed at practice, games, or during travel when representing Dakota College at Bottineau

· Excessive use of alcohol at any time is strongly discouraged

· Coaches have the discretion to establish more stringent team policies regarding alcohol and use

· Student-athletes must also follow all local, state, and federal laws regarding the use of alcohol, tobacco, and controlled substances

· The use of tobacco, in any form, is strongly discouraged

· No tobacco is allowed at practice, games, or during travel when representing the College Other situations that may exist within the athletic program where athletes are expected to act responsibly throughout the academic year. Among these are:

· There can be no use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs at team meetings, dinners, or banquets

· No alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs can be provided to or made available to recruits and prospective students

· Alcohol related concerns and testing is a case by case basis. Athletic department staff reserve the right to test for alcohol if they are concerned for a student-athlete’s safety or well-being of those around them including but not limited to fellow teammates and other team members.

· Alcohol infractions on campus will be determined by the residence life staff.

Health Risks related to the use of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Illegal Drugs Many known health risks are associated with the use of drugs and alcohol. Health risks range from motor coordination and decreased reaction time to more severe risks of cancer, heart attacks, and even death. This is not a limited statement regarding the health risks of alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drugs.

Use is defined as:

· Arrest for an alcohol or drug related charges offense

· Possession of illegal substances or paraphernalia on or off campus

· Illegal use of legal substances (i.e. use of prescription medications not prescribed specifically to the user or the sharing of prescription medications). Student-athletes must be able to produce proof of prescription

· Verifiable knowledge of use or possession of illegal substances or NJCAA Banned Ergogenic aids presented by/to any coach, athletic trainer, or athletic director

· Any student-athlete whose ability to practice and to compete has been impaired as a result of consumption of alcohol or substances, in the opinion of their coach

· Positive rapid one-step screening test and laboratory confirmation of random, reasonable suspicion, and/or mandatory drug screening.

Prevention Randomized drug screening will be scheduled for student-athletes each semester. By signing the consent form at the end of this policy, the student-athlete understands that they may be required to submit to random and/or unannounced drug tests. Refusal to submit, which includes failing to provide a sample, failing to cooperate with any part of the testing procedure, or leaving the testing site early, will be considered an immediate offense and will result in disciplinary action. The consent form will be signed and return to the office of the Athletic Director. No student-athlete will be allowed to practice or compete until the consent form is signed.

Testing Procedures

· 10% of each team with be tested each semester

· Student-athlete will be notified within 24 hours of their analysis

· Appendix C shows step by step procedure

· DCB Athletic Director and respective athletic team Head Coach will be notified of all results

· Student-athlete who has tested positive will be notified of results by AD and/or coach Disciplinary Action First offense: There will be a suspension of 10% of the season’s games. Upon return the student-athlete must submit a negative drug test. Further penalties may be warranted by student-athlete in-season Head Coach or Athletic Director.

Second offense: There will be a suspension of 25% of the season’s games. Upon return the student- athlete must submit a negative drug test. A penalty of loss of scholarship (prorated to date of suspension). Further penalties may be warranted by student-athletes in-season Head Coach or Athletic Director.

Third offense: dismissal from the team and loss of any and all athletic related scholarship(s).

Student-athletes at Dakota College at Bottineau are expected to know and follow ALL applicable law and policy. This policy represents a minimum requirement by the athletic department, it is not meant to limit standards that coaches may have within their respective programs.

*All positive tests will be billed to student-athlete

Appeal Procedures can be found under the Student Conduct policy above.

I have read and understand the Code of Conduct, the Alcohol, Tobacco, and Illegal Drug Use Policy, and the Hazing Policy of Dakota College at Bottineau and agree to abide by these policies and report any violation or anticipated violation of these guidelines to the Athletic Director or Associate Dean of Student Services.

Student-Athlete’s name: Sport:

Student-Athlete’s signature: Date:

Appendix Concussion Safety Protocol A copy of the concussion safety policy can be found in the Office of the Certified Athletic Trainer (Thatcher 158). The policy can also be found on the Dakota College at Bottineau website (dcbjacks.com).

Return to Play Guidelines by Trinity Health Sports Medicine

1. No Activity/Symptom limited Activity

a. Symptom limited activity and cognitive rest

b. Patient must be 24 hours symptom free or return to baseline prior to progressing

2. Light Aerobic exercise

a. Walking, swimming, and stationary cycling

b. Keeping intensity less than 70% maximum permitted heart rate

c. No resistance training

3. Sport-specific exercise

a. Drills specific to designated sport that do no include head impact activities

4. Non-contact training drills

a. Progress to more complex training drills specific to sport

b. May start progressive resistance training

5. Full-contact practice

a. Following medical clearance, participate in normal training activities

6. Return to sport

a. Normal game play

Campus Related Links

Dakota College at Bottineau Student Handbook Dakota College at Bottineau Title IX policy Dakota College at Bottineau Housing and Residence Life Handbook

Banned Drugs The NJCAA has partnered with Drug Free Sport alongside but not limited to NCAA and NAIA The following classes are within the ban:

1. Stimulants

2. Anabolic agents

3. Alcohol and beta blockers (banned for rifle only)

4. Diuretics and masking agents

5. Narcotics

6. Cannabinoids

7. Peptide hormones, growth factors, related substances, and mimetics

8. Hormone and metabolic modulators (anti-estrogens)

9. Beta-2 agonists Substances and Methods Subject to Restrictions

1. Blood and gene doping

2. Local anesthetics (permitted under some conditions)

3. Manipulation of urine samples

4. Beta-2 agonists (permitted only inhalation with prescription)

5. Tampering of urine samples It is the student-athlete’s responsibility to check with the appropriate or designated athletics staff before using any substance.

Dakota College at Bottineau Drug Test Results Form

Student-athlete name: Date of Birth:

Gender: Male Female

Head Coach:

Address:

Phone number:

Medications and supplements currently taken:

Student Signature

Dakota College at Bottineau Refusal of Drug Testing Form

I, , refuse drug testing. I understand that refusing to drug test will result in a violation of the Dakota College at Bottineau Substance Abuse Policy for student-athletes and that disciplinary actions will be taken for my refusal. I understand that I may appeal these actions as defined in the appeal process of the Dakota College at Bottineau Substance Abuse Policy.

Printed Name Date

Signature

Witnessed By: Date

Urine Collection Guidelines

1. Only those persons authorized by the institution will be allowed in the collection room.

2. When arriving to the collection room, the student-athlete will provide photo identification. The institutional collector will then print his or her name and arrival time on the Roster Sign-in form.

3. The student-athlete will select a specimen collection container from a supply of such then be escorted by the collector to the restroom to provide a specimen.

4. The student-athlete will be responsible for keeping the collection container closed and controlled.

5. Fluids given to the student-athlete who has difficulty voiding must be from sealed containers (approved and given by the institutional collector) and will be opened and consumed in the collection area.

6. If the specimen is incomplete, the student-athlete must remain in the collection room until the sample is completed. During this period, the student-athlete is responsible for keeping the collection container close and controlled.

7. If the specimen is incomplete and the student-athlete must leave the collection room for a reason approved by the institutional collector, the specimen must be discarded.

8. Upon return to the collection room (within 1 hour) the student-athlete will begin the collection procedure again.

9. The institutional processor will secure the cap of the specimen container. Then he/she will date and initial the security seal and place it over the cap. The institutional processor will peel off the label to reveal the results. Adulteration results must be read within 2-5 minutes from voiding/collection of the sample. The test results must be read within 5 minutes after collection.

10. Once an adequate volume specimen is provided; the institutional collector will escort the student-athlete to the specimen processing table.

11. The urine specimen temperature will be read within 2-4 minutes after the student-athlete voided by the institutional processor. If any of the testing guidelines are outside the normal range, no value will be recorded, the specimen will be discarded by the student-athlete with the institutional collector observing. The student-athlete must remain in the collection room until another specimen provided.

12. Once the specimen processor has determined the specimen has an appropriate temperature and specific gravity the sample will be processed.

13. The specimen process must then collect all necessary signatures and dates/times where indicated on the result report form.

14. The student-athlete is released by the institutional collector.

15. If the student-athlete does not comply with the collection process, the institutional collector will notify the appropriate institutional administrator(s).

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