Athlete’s behavior on and off the playing field has always been a concern in the world of sports. Here at the college, athletes have been well behaved for the most part, in the last few years.
Athletics manager Bill Dean says, “It’s too soon in the year to say what the athletes will be like.”
All athletes at the college are asked to follow certain guidelines and a code of ethics that are laid out for them.
Outlined in The Student Athlete Handbook, Kodiaks student athletes are accountable for “competing in a manner that demonstrates sportsmanship, fair play and respect for opponents, teammates, officials, the rules of the game.”
Since the athletes travel they represent the community and the college so coaches anticipate good behaviour.
The code of conduct talks about respect and integrity towards other athletes and game officials.
Students are also asked, “to commit the same level of focus, determination and effort into their classroom activities so that they become truly successful student athletes.”
Professional athletes sometimes act un professional on national television. Sept. 12, Serena Williams had an outburst at the U.S.A Open. Officials are calling it a serious offence.
Williams was on camera when she started yelling at the umpire saying things such as “I truly despise you,” and, “you’re totally out of control. You’re a hater and you’re just unattractive inside.”
Lethbridge College would rather be strict on behaviour than have outburst on the field that could cost a lot.