Texas Tech University Athletics
Student-Athlete Expectations
Student-Athlete Expectations
To Educate, Serve and Grow Fearless Champions
Texas Tech Athletic Department
2024-2025
The student-athlete is expected, in both attitude and behavior, to make a positive contribution to the University and his or her team, and to abide by these expectations.Failure to follow these expectations could result in disciplinary action, dismissal from the team and/or loss or reduction of your scholarship. You agree to adhere to these expectations upon acceptance of your athletics scholarship agreement and prior to commencement of practice and/or competition each year.
- Academic Responsibility: The student-athlete is responsible for his or her academic obligations and academic diligence is essential. Absences from classes or study hall, except for (1) team travel, or (2) illness excused by the athletic trainer, are unexcused and will be subject to review. Tardiness and disrespect towards faculty/staff or members of the academic support team, including tutors, is unacceptable. As a student at Texas Tech, you are expected to practice and uphold academic integrity. Cheating and other forms of academic dishonesty will not be tolerated and violate the Texas Tech Code of Student Conduct.
- Medical history and injury/illness reporting: The student-athlete has a responsibility to disclose to Sports Medicine personnel his/her medical history truthfully and fully and to report any changes in his/her health. The student-athlete is expected to disclose to Sports Medicine personnel all pre-existing conditions, surgeries, any history of substance use or abuse, learning disabilities, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, disordered eating behaviors, or other mental illness. Further, the student-athlete must communicate all current injuries and illnesses to Sports Medicine personnel in a timely manner.
- Student and Prospective Student Conduct and Discipline: As University students, student-athletes are expected to abide by all city, state, and federal laws and statutes and all regulations of the University. The Texas Tech Code of Student Conduct prohibits campus violence (including, but not limited to sexual assault, abuse, and threats against others), discrimination/harassment (including sexual harassment) on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, disability, citizenship, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression, and several other policies, which all Texas Tech students are responsible for knowing and following. Prospective Student-Athletes are subject to the Texas Tech Serious Misconduct Policy as required per Big 12 Conference Rules.
- Compliance with NCAA Rules: The student-athlete has a responsibility to learn, know, and adhere to NCAA rules. Violating NCAA rules may jeopardize the student-athlete’s eligibility. Education is routinely provided by the Athletics Compliance staff. NCAA rules require student-athletes to cooperate in any investigation by providing truthful and accurate information.
- Alcohol, Tobacco, and Drugs: Alcohol consumption is prohibited for anyone under age 21. Consumption of alcohol is discouraged for any student-athlete of legal age and is not permitted on official team travel or in any situation in which the student-athlete is representing Texas Tech (e.g., recruiting visits, appearances). NCAA rules prohibit the use of tobacco products during practice or competition. The use of banned and/or illegal drugs, including marijuana and non-prescribed prescription medications, are always prohibited. Furthermore, the use of alcohol, tobacco, and drugs is detrimental to individual and team peak athletic performance. The student-athlete is subject to year-round drug testing by the NCAA and Texas Tech Athletics.
- Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL): Texas Tech is committed to supporting each student-athlete as they pursue opportunities to use their NIL as permitted by state, federal law and/or NCAA bylaws. Student-athletes are expected to, disclose NIL activities, to include agreement terms accurate details, as well as proof of activity required per deal to the athletics department. Student-athletes may not engage in NIL activities that conflict with official team activities.
- Hazing: Texas Tech Athletics is committed to establishing a safe environment for team activity that fosters a sense of acceptance and does not tolerate hazing. Hazing is any action or situation, with or without the consent of the participants, which recklessly, intentionally, or unintentionally endangers the mental, physical, or academic health or safety of a person. Hazing is prohibited under state law.
- Practice, Competition and Other Required Activities: Student-athletes will participate in up to 20 hours (as legislated per NCAA rules) of countable athletically related activity during their in-season segment and up to 8 hours during their out-of-season segment. In addition, student-athletes are expected to participate in NCAA compliance educational sessions, media activities, team promotional activities, community service and recruiting activities in accordance with the NCAA time balance rules. On occasion, activities may be added that support the student-athlete experience.
- Sportsmanship and Teamwork: The student-athlete is expected to abide by the spirit and letter of the rules of the sport during practice and competition and to treat teammates, opponents, coaches, officials, and spectators with respect and courtesy. Team success depends upon each student-athlete’s ability and willingness to communicate and work as a member of the team. Negative, disruptive, or inappropriate behavior and/or communication during or related to official team activities will not be tolerated.
- Physical Conditioning: The student-athlete is responsible for maintaining a proper level of sport specific conditioning to practice and compete safely. The Sports Medicine staff, in conjunction with the medical director and team physicians, has the ultimate authority regarding decisions on a student-athlete’s ability to practice, train, and compete.
- Attendance & Punctuality: In addition to being in class, student-athletes must ensure attendance at academic and administrative meetings, medical treatment, practice, weight and strength training sessions, and team meetings. Additionally, the student-athlete must abide by established team curfews for preseason, traditional, and nontraditional seasons, and other special times.
- Non-Public Information: The student-athlete, as a member of a Texas Tech program, will have access to non-public information. Student-athletes are expected not to disclose non-public information which includes but is not limited to injuries, team information, game strategy, and recruiting.
- Social media: Social media platform activity may be viewable by anyone. Student-athletes should remember that while using social media, they not only represent themselves, but their families, their team, and Texas Tech University. They should be mindful of their activity and are responsible for their personal posts. Non-public information shall not be shared on social media.
- Knowledge of Rules & Guidelines: Each student-athlete is responsible for reading and following the rules and guidelines outlined in the Student-Athlete Discipline Policy, the Texas Tech Code of Student Conduct, and other information and educational materials distributed by Texas Tech Athletics or by Texas Tech University, including, but not limited to team rules, policies, and procedures established by the coaching or administrative staff.