VARSITY BLUES 2018-2019 ATHLETE HANDBOOK - Amazon S3
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VARSITY BLUES 201 8 - 201 9 AT HLE T E H A NDBOOK
CLEAR THE AIR Your mental health is important! In any given year, 1 in 5 Canadians experience a mental health illness* Did you know that the Varsity Blues has an embedded counselor available to you? Book your confidential appointment with Health & Wellness After hours? Always available 24 hours a day 416-978-8030 Let them know you are a varsity athlete to get priority booking *According to CAMH Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
Table of Contents
Varsity Blues Student-Athlete Rights 4
Section 1 A Tradition of Excellence 5
Section 2 Sport Model 7
Section 3 Varsity Blues Expectations of Behaviour 9
Section 4 Eligibility 14
Section 5 Student-Athlete Services 16
Section 6 Athletic Scholarships Athletic Scholarships and Financial Aid Awards 21
Section 7 Intercollegiate Program - Appeal Procedures 22
Section 8 Health Care 24
Section 9 Leadership and Governance 27
Section 10 Frequently Asked Questions 28
2018-19 Important Academic Dates 30
Safety Information for Students, Staff and Faculty 36
Helpful University Resources 37
Important numbers
Executive Director of Athletics Manager, Intercollegiate Sport Manager, Marketing and Events
(Athletic Director) Melissa Krist Mary Beth Challoner
Beth Ali 416-946-3712 416-946-5131
416-978-7379 melissa.krist@utoronto.ca mb.challoner@utoronto.ca
beth.ali@utoronto.ca
Assistant Manager, Blue & White, Coordinator, Sports Information
Assistant Director of Athletics Kevin Sousa Jill Clark
Denita Arthurs 416-978-5431 416-978-4263
416-946-4000 k.sousa@utoronto.ca jill.clark@utoronto.ca
denita.arthurs@utoronto.ca
Assistant Manager, Athlete Services
Steve Manchur
416-946-0807
steve.manchur@utoronto.ca
Athlete Handbook 2018–2019 | 1
About the University of Toronto The University of Toronto was founded as King’s College in 1827 and has evolved into a large and complex institution. It now occupies three campuses: Scarborough, Mississauga and the historic St. George campus. It has federated with three smaller universities which are on the St. George campus, and is affiliated with several colleges and institutes. There are ten fully affiliated teaching hospitals in metropolitan Toronto. Faculty conduct research in many places in Canada and around the world. U of T is Canada’s most important research institution and has gained an international reputation for its research. It enrols more students, employs more faculty, and offers a greater range of courses than any other Canadian university. A liberal arts education is the heart of the undergraduate curriculum at Toronto, and the Faculty of Arts and Science has more students than any other faculty. The education of students for the professions has always been an important part of the University’s role, and the University accordingly maintains a wide range of professional faculties. The University’s insistence on the importance of research in all disciplines has made it the major centre for graduate education in Canada. In many fields it produces a majority of the nation’s doctoral candidates. The quality and range of the programs - undergraduate, graduate and professional - attract students from all parts of the province, from around the country and from abroad. To support its work of teaching and research, the University has collected a library that is the largest in Canada and among the best in the world. The University maintains many laboratories and specialized aids to research. The Library and many of these research facilities are available for use by members of other universities. The University of Toronto Press Inc. is the chief institution of its kind in Canada and one of the most important scholarly publishers in North America. 2 | Athlete Handbook 2018–2019
Letter from the Director Executive Director of Athletics
Varsity Blues,
Welcome to the 2018-19 varsity season. This is an exciting time of the year It also contains the programs and services offered to varsity athletes
as each team prepares for their annual campaign – a blank slate that holds and a staff list in case you need assistance.
promise of excellence, community and lasting memories.
Finally, please stop by and introduce yourself to me and the
There are four pillars to the Varsity Blues Program – athletic excellence, intercollegiate staff. Our offices are in the Varsity Centre Pavilion and
academic excellence, leadership development and community service. the second floor of the Goldring Centre for High Performance Sport.
These four pillars serve as the framework for our program and set the
priorities by which we operate. Striving for excellence as a Varsity Blue
Go Blues!
requires extraordinary dedication, perseverance and commitment. It is
important to remember that the skills that have made you a successful
athlete, such as commitment, discipline, determination and work ethic, are
also going to help you achieve academic, personal and professional success.
In this student-athlete handbook, you will find detailed information
Beth Ali
regarding the varsity program. In particular, it outlines the OUA, U
Executive Director of Athletics
SPORTS and U of T regulations to which each varsity athlete must comply.
Athlete Handbook 2018–2019 | 3
2016-17 Academic excellence award winners
Varsity Blues Student-Athlete Rights
All Varsity Blues student-athletes have the right to:
• Be treated with dignity and respect by coaches, teammates, other • Have their athletic performance evaluated without regard to their
athletes, spectators, Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education sexual orientation, religious beliefs, race, socio-economic status or
and University staff; gender;
• Expect that their coaches, managers, medical and program staff • Participate in all intercollegiate or team social functions with the
understand and are sensitive to the challenges student-athletes face partner of their choice when partners are invited; and,
in terms of sexual orientation, religious beliefs, racial issues, socio-
economic status, gender, athletic and academic potential; • Strive for athletic and academic excellence at the University of
Toronto with the support of their coaches, academic faculty and
• Be proud of who they are and be physically safe; program staff.
• Be as open about their identity as they choose to be;
4 | Athlete Handbook 2018–2019
1997-98 Men’s Volleyball Team was
inducted into the University of Toronto’s
Sports Hall of Fame in 2018
Section 1. A Tradition of Excellence
Welcome to the University of Toronto! As a Varsity Blues student- the longest-running championship record of any swim team in Canada
athlete, you are about to embark on your journey and become part and several hundred members of Varsity Blues teams have qualified for
of a rich tradition. With 42 teams and over 800 student-athletes, the Olympic Games and FISU (international university) Games, as well as
University of Toronto operates one of the most in-depth, comprehensive Commonwealth and Pan Am Games.
and diverse intercollegiate programs in North America. With a rich and
storied tradition dating back to the 1890s, the Varsity Blues are one of The Varsity Blues teams are coached by some of the most talented,
the most iconic brands in Canadian university athletics. acclaimed and successful coaching staff in North America, including
national team and Olympic coaches.
U of T teams have won every major Canadian university sporting
championship over the past century, from football’s Vanier Cup to
women’s ice hockey, and have won more provincial and national
championships than any other university. Varsity Blues swimmers have
Athlete Handbook 2018–2019 | 5
Cheer
Toronto! Toronto! Toronto Varsity!
Shout, fight for the Blue and White
And honour of U of T
Rippity rappity rippity rappity ree*
Toronto! Toronto! Toronto Varsity!
Go Toronto!
*sometimes said as rip rap ree
6 | Athlete Handbook 2018–2019
Section 2. Sport Model
University Division Toronto Division Blue and White Division
• A comprehensive athlete development program that • An athlete development program that includes the • Provide students with a competitive sport opportunity to
includes the provision of competitive sport opportunities at provision of competitive sport opportunities at the represent their university against other Ontario institutions
the provincial and national level provincial level within a defined length of season and resource allocation
• Resources to compete for provincial and national success • Programs within this division will be allocated the • May compete within the OUA, a PSO or they may choose to
• Compete within OUA and U SPORTS structure resources needed to compete for provincial success create a competitive structure by accessing existing clubs
• Strong connections to the provincial and national high • Compete within OUA structure or leagues within the Greater Toronto Area
performance sport structure
Basketball M+W Field Hockey W Baseball M Badminton M+W Curling M+W
Football M Golf M+W Lacrosse W Softball W Fencing M+W
Hockey M+W Rugby W Rowing M+W Figure Skating M+W Lacrosse M
Soccer M+W Swimming M+W Rugby M Mountain Biking M+W Tennis M+W
Track/XC M+W Volleyball M+W Squash M+W Wrestling M+W
Water Polo M+W
➤ Funding for league, play-offs, and partially funded for ➤ Funding for OUA league and play-offs ➤ Funding for the cost of OUA or PSO championships
non-conference competitive opportunities and honoraria for coach; partial funding for athlete
preparation and apparel
➤ 12 month training programs ➤ 6-8 month training programs with partial support for ➤ 4-6 month training programs
strength and conditioning
➤ Full time or part time coaching & assistant coaches ➤ Part time coaches (honoraria) ➤ Part time coaches (honoraria)
➤ Access to facilities and sport medicine in and out of ➤ Access to facilities and sport medicine during the ➤ Access to sport medicine and facilities in season only
season academic year.
➤ Event, sport information, program, academic, alumni and ➤ E vent and sport information management support in ➤ Student or coach led event management and sport
recruitment support season information
➤ Access to IC strength and conditioning & sport science ➤ Partial access to IC strength and conditioning ➤ No access to IC strength and conditioning
21 Men’s Teams 21 Women’s Teams 23 Sports
Questions: Manager, Intercollegiate Sport Assistant Manager, Blue & White
Melissa Krist Kevin Sousa
416-946-3712 416-978-5431
melissa.krist@utoronto.ca k.sousa@utoronto.ca
Athlete Handbook 2018–2019 | 7
TAKE YOUR GAME BEYOND THE FIELD U of T’s co-curricular record (CCR) is an official document that captures your skills and experiences outside of the classroom. As a Varsity Blues-athlete, your time on the field can earn you CCR recognition. For more information, visit ccr.utoronto.ca
Section 3. Varsity Blues Expectations of Behaviour
A. Overview Other expectations include:
•• pursuing academic success while a student-athlete;
As a Varsity Blue, each student-athlete is expected to
adhere to behaviour that positively represents the Varsity •• fulfilling all team and athletic commitments throughout the year as prescribed by
Blues program and the University of Toronto. Student- their head coach;
athletes are representatives of the Varsity Blues program, •• exhibiting conduct at all times which complements and enhances the university’s
and as such, are amongst the most visible students on reputation;
campus and in the University of Toronto community. •• n
ot engaging in any activity that may be considered unethical or might bring
While participation on a varsity team creates a unique the reputation of the student-athlete, the team, the Varsity Blues program or the
opportunity to be a role model, mentor and spokesperson, university into disrepute;
it also brings with it significant responsibilities. The social
•• refraining from posting or contributing material to any social networking media
interaction of student-athletes both on- and off-campus,
that negatively reflects upon the student-athlete, the team, the Varsity Blues
can be subject to scrutiny and public knowledge. As a
program or the University; (see page 13)
Varsity Blue, you are expected to be a positive role model
and an ambassador of the Varsity Blues program, your •• t reating everyone with respect regardless of gender, race, place of origin, athletic
team and the University of Toronto by demonstrating the potential, colour, sexual orientation, religion, political beliefs or socio-economic
pursuit of ethical sport, fair play, honesty, integrity and status; (see page 12)
respect for others at all times. As a Varsity Blue you are •• exhibiting conduct that is free of harrassment, sexual harassment or discrimination
expected to abide by all university policies, intercollegiate (as outlined in the University’s Policies and Procedures: http://www.governingcouncil.
program policies, team rules and policies and procedures lamp4.utoronto.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/p1215-poshsv-2016-2017pol.pdf
of the Ontario University Athletics (OUA), Canadian •• conducting all team welcoming/orientations and social activities in a manner
Interuniversity Sport (U SPORTS) and/or other sport that reflects integrity, dignity, safety and individual rights including the right to
governing bodies. As a Varsity Blue you are expected participate voluntarily; (see page 10)
to be responsible citizens, achieving academically and
•• wearing only approved Varsity Blues-branded attire when representing the
performing athletically.
University of Toronto in competition, during award presentations, in photos and
any other University/Varsity Blues sanctioned event.
•• f ollowing the alcohol code of ethics (see page 11), including the prohibition of
consumption of alcohol before, during or after Faculty-sponsored competitive/
athletic events, either at home or during road trips; and,
•• r efraining from all illegal, recreational, or banned drugs (marijuana, cocaine,
hashish) and abide by the drug education and policy as outlined (see page 12).
•• adhering to the University of Toronto student code of conduct:
http://www.governingcouncil.utoronto.ca/policies/studentc.htm.
Violations of the Varsity Blues student-athlete expectations of behaviour will result
in appropriate sport-related discipline as determined by the Assistant Director of
Athletics and/or Executive Director of Athletics. It may result in but not be limited to:
student-athlete individual suspension and/or team suspension.
Athlete Handbook 2018–2019 | 9B. Orientation, Team Building and Hazing C. Definitions
Coaches, staff and student leaders affiliated with the Faculty of Subtle Hazing: Behaviors that emphasize a power imbalance between
Kinesiology and Physical Education (KPE) are committed to ensuring new members and veterans of the group or team. Too often they are
student-athlete orientations and transition experiences are welcoming. mistakenly accepted as harmless. Most often they involve ridicule,
Part of this commitment is an effort to introduce positive team building embarrassment and humiliation, and could even be considered as
orientation activities for student-athletes who are new to the Varsity harassment. Some new members seem to expect such treatment and
Blues intercollegiate program. endure it for the sake of acceptance.2
Some examples (but not limited to): Deprivation of privileges granted
Varsity Blues intercollegiate program supports only those team building to other team members; requiring new members to perform duties
activities which are constructive, educational and contribute to the not assigned to other members; socially isolating new members;
intellectual and personal development of student-athletes. It unequivocally identifying, or classifying new members as a “rookie” on clothing
opposes hazing and any situation created intentionally to produce mental or other identifiers; name calling; implied use of alcohol required;
or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment or ridicule. requiring new members to refer to other members with titles (e.g., Mr.,
Hazing is any act, whether physical, mental, emotional or psychological, Miss), while they are identified with demeaning terms (rookie, fresh
which subjects another person voluntarily or involuntarily to anything meat, dogs); expecting certain items to always be in one’s possession;
that may abuse, mistreat, degrade, humiliate, harass or intimidate him/ deception; use of sexually explicit language.
her, or which may in any fashion compromise his/her inherent dignity as a
person. The Varsity Blues program follows the Code of Student conduct Harassment Hazing: Behaviors that cause emotional anguish or physical
for all reported incidents of hazing. discomfort that puts unnecessary stress upon the victims (e.g., verbal
abuse and threats, etc.).3
The Varsity Blues program encourages positive team building activities
Some examples (but not limited to): Consumption of alcohol and/
that are team experiences and promote team unity and growth through
or illegal drug substances required; verbal abuse and/or threats
exercises that support the dignity of all members of the team.
or implied threats; asking new members to wear embarrassing or
Hazing vs. Team Building humiliating attire; stunt or skit nights with degrading, crude or
Hazing Team Building humiliating acts; expecting new members to perform personal service
• humiliates and degrades • promotes respect and dignity to other members, such as carrying books, errands, cooking, cleaning,
• tears down individuals • supports and empowers etc.; sleep deprivation; sexual simulations; expecting new members to
• creates division • creates real teamwork be deprived of maintaining a normal schedule of bodily cleanliness;
• creates lifelong nightmares • creates lifelong memories expecting new members to harass others.
• is shameful and secretive • creates pride and integrity
• is a power trip • is a shared positive experience! Violent Hazing: Behaviors that have the potential to cause physical and/or
emotional harm.4
Hazing incidents have resulted in:
Some examples (but not limited to): Forced or coerced alcohol or other
•• suspension of a team’s program and/or cancellation at various U drug consumption; beating, paddling or other forms of assault; forced
SPORTS institutions; or coerced ingestion of vile substances or concoctions; burning; water
•• a student-athlete’s institutional eligibility to be taken away; intoxication; expecting abuse or mistreatment of animals; public
•• student-athletes to be arrested, including having to appear in court nudity; expecting illegal activity; exposure to cold weather or extreme
at their own expense; heat without appropriate protection.
•• teams to be torn apart and fragmented; and,
•• serious physical and psychological injuries and even death.
10 | Athlete Handbook 2018–2019Initiations are defined as an induction to a team/group through returning members.
special ceremonies that hold meaningful relevance. An initiation that •• Go to a Blues Game with your team! Blues supporting Blues!
asks the student-athlete to sacrifice his or her values and participate •• Have your team visit the children’s ward in a hospital, a nursing home
in humiliating and endangering activities is misguided.5 Initiations are or a homeless shelter.
prohibited in the Varsity Blues program. •• Share your team building experience with other Varsity Blues teams
and swap ideas.
Perpetrators: Individuals who exercise their power and control over
the newest members through subtle harassing or violent hazing that
humiliates, degrades and/or endangers.6 E. Alcohol Code of Ethics
Passive Participant: An individual member of the hazing group who stands
by and watches the hazing activity perpetrated upon another victim and In order to develop a positive culture at the University of Toronto regarding
chooses not to do or say anything that would or could change the course alcohol, student-athletes need to be leaders with regards to educating
of action. The passive participant becomes as much of the problem as the themselves and others about the use of alcohol. Research has shown that
perpetrators themselves, contributing to the hazing culture.7 for every one ounce of alcohol consumed, it take two hours for the liver
1-7 Source: NCAA Policy on Hazing to process. Hence, in the quest for excellence both on and off the playing
field, student-athletes need to make smart choices and realize the long-
D. Creating new traditions: Orientation and team term athletic, career and health benefits of choosing not to drink alcohol
building alternatives or to drink responsibly after the legal age of 19 in Ontario. Furthermore,
illegally possessing, distributing, selling or being under the influence of
Traditions are important, and are intended to hand down honourable alcohol or other drugs is inconsistent with the core values of the university
customs. They instill a sense of value and pride in the existing members. community. The following activities are unacceptable for all Varsity Blues
It is imperative for coaches and team leaders to establish meaningful program members (coaches, support staff, and student-athletes):
traditions that are time-honoured through positive team building events. •• The consumption of alcohol prior to HOME Varsity Blues recognized
Rookie parties/events are not acceptable. Instead, here are some ideas: athletic events is prohibited, as defined by each team’s team code (i.e.
•• Establish mentors for new student-athletes. No alcohol within 24 hours of competition start time)
•• Design and complete a community service project pre-season. •• The consumption of alcohol at AWAY Varsity Blues recognized athletic
•• Attend a team-building ropes course to build unity among new and events is prohibited from the time the team departs campus to the time
veteran players. the team arrives back to campus.
•• Establish a ceremonial presentation of game uniforms to new players
•• Consumption of alcohol in any University of Toronto athletic facility,
before the first contest.
including but not limited to: team rooms, classrooms, labs;
•• Hold a “meet the parents and families of new players day” before the
first contest. •• Use of alcohol that interferes with scholastic success, athletic
performance, personal relationships or finances;
•• Establish a tradition of recognizing each new student-athlete’s birthday
with a pizza party. •• Irresponsible use and/or being intoxicated in a public place (i.e.,
•• Have senior players call new players before they arrive on campus as a downtownUniversity campus, restaurants, etc.); and,
welcoming gesture. •• Drinking at team building/orientation events.
•• Have holiday-time phone calls from the captain to all new first-year players. It is understood that there are social norms and special circumstances
•• Take the team hiking, canoeing, rafting or bowling. that would be allowable for coaches to use discretion. These special
•• Compete with each other in other team games such as dodgeball or circumstances would be discussed with the Assistant Director of Athletics
ball hockey, splitting the team equally between new members and or Program Manager prior to the event.
Athlete Handbook 2018–2019 | 11F. D
rug Education and Policy in inequality of opportunity, exclusion and the creation of a poisoned or
toxic environment. Student-athletes are expected to adhere to the policy
The Varsity Blues program adheres to the U SPORTS regulations for drug guidelines regarding harassment and discrimination outlined in the Code of
education and policy for all Varsity Blues athletes including: Student Conduct and the Policy on Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment.
•• A mandatory online drug education session for all student-athletes http://www.governingcouncil.lamp4.utoronto.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/
participating in the Varsity Blues program; (U SPORTS and Toronto p1215-poshsv-2016-2017pol.pdf
division sports only). The university’s new policy makes a clear distinction between disclosing an
incident and making a formal report, and there is no requirement to make a
•• U
nequivocal opposition to the use of any banned or restricted substance
formal report in order to access support. The policy is part of U of T’s action
or methods in contravention of U SPORTS rules and the rules of the
plan to prevent and respond to sexual violence. As part of that plan, an expert
National and/or International Sport Federations; the International
panel is holding consultations this month on the principles that will guide
Olympic Committee and the Federation du sport universitaire;
sexual violence education and prevention initiatives. Work also is being done
•• Oppose the encouragement of the use of such substances and/or methods on a sexual violence climate survey.
by individuals in positions of leadership in university sport (coaches,
athletic staff, medical practitioners, sport scientists, administrators) or by On the St. George campus, the Tri-Campus Sexual Violence Prevention and
the student-athletes themselves. Support Centre is located at 140 St. George St. and is currently open 9:30
•• Provision of, or administration of banned or restricted substances and/or a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. The UTM Health Centre and UTSC
methods to athletes is forbidden; and, Health & Wellness Centre will help direct people to services until the centre
•• Random testing of student-athletes in U SPORTS sports during the opens its locations on those campuses next month. Individuals can also call
competitive and off-season year. Campus Police to make a report at 416-978-2222.
Cannabis Policy After hours support is available at:
Upon the legalization of cannabis in Canada, the use of cannabis for all Women’s College Hospital SAAC (416-323-6040),
Varsity Blues athletes is prohibited during the competitive season from the Scarborough Grace Sexual Assault Care Centre (416-495-2400), and Trillium
start of training camp to the end of the sport championship. Hospital Sexual Assault Care Centre (905-848-7100).
G. Harassment and Discrimination Policy H. Equity Policy
The Varsity Blues program is committed to providing a safe, non-threatening The University is committed and dedicated to inclusion and equity. In recent
environment, supportive of productivity, as well as demonstrating a concern years, a great many steps have been taken towards greater equity in the funding
for the personal goals, dignity and self worth of all athletes and staff of the available to men and women in intercollegiate sports. The Faculty continues to
intercollegiate program. The University’s goal is to treat every athlete and staff extend and realize opportunities for students who wish to participate.
member fairly in an environment free of harassment and discrimination. •• Treat all participants equitably within the context of their sporting
The University of Toronto recognizes that all members of the University activities, regardless of gender, race, place of origin, athletic potential,
community have the right to be free from harassment and discrimination on the colour, sexual orientation, religion, political beliefs and socio-economic
prohibited grounds defined in the Ontario Human Rights Code. This includes status;
but is not limited to: sexual harassment, harassment based on gender, race,
•• Use language that conveys respect for the dignity of others (e.g., gender-
ethnicity, religion, creed, disability and sexual orientation. Such harassment
neutral terms) in written and verbal communications;
and discrimination has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with
an individual’s or a group’s work or academic performance, or of creating •• Not practice, condone, ignore, facilitate or collaborate with any form of
an intimidating, hostile or offensive working, living, athletic or academic discrimination in sport; and,
environment. Discrimination is any action which has the effect of differentiating •• Act to prevent or correct practices that are impermissible/discriminatory.
on the basis of prohibited human rights grounds, including but not limited to: For more information on intercollegiate sport and equity, contact
race, ethnicity, religion, creed, disability and sexual orientation, resulting Denita Arthurs, Assistant Director of Athletics denita.arthurs@utoronto.ca
12 | Athlete Handbook 2018–2019I. Social Media Policy & Guidelines for Student-Athletes •• Information that is sensitive or personal in nature or is proprietary
to the Varsity Blues athletic program or the university, which is not
public information (examples: tentative or future team schedules,
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat and other social media sites
student-athlete injuries and eligibility status, travel plans/itineraries
have increased in popularity globally, and are used by the majority of
or information).
student-athletes here at the University of Toronto in one form or another.
Varsity Blues student-athletes, as members of the University of Toronto For your own safety, please keep the following recommendations in
community, are permitted to have profiles on social networking websites mind as you participate in social media websites:
such as, but not limited to, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Snapchat.
•• Set your security settings so that only your friends can view your
Student-athletes may not be aware of the ease that third parties, including profile and do not post personal identifying information such as
the media, faculty, future employers and officials can access their profiles phone numbers, class schedules, home address or other personal
and view all personal information. This includes all pictures, videos, information as it could lead to unwanted attention, stalking, identity
comments and posters. Inappropriate material found by these third theft, etc.
parties affects the perception of not only the student-athlete but also the •• B
e aware of who you add as a friend – many people are looking to
the athletic department and the University. This can also be detrimental take advantage of student-athletes or to seek connection with them.
to a student-athlete’s future employment options, whether in professional
Student-athletes should remember that they are ambassadors of the
sports or in other industries. It is important that student-athletes exercise
University of Toronto and are always in the public eye. Content posted
appropriate caution if they choose to participate.
by student-athletes at other institutions or even other students on
Users must understand that any content that they make public via such campus may not be acceptable on the profile. If you are ever in doubt of
online networks or digital platforms does not violate the ethics and intent the appropriateness of your online public material, consider whether it
behind both the student code AND the student-athlete expectations of upholds and positively reflects your own values and ethics as well as the
behaviour listed here. Varsity Blues and the University’s.
Examples of inappropriate and offensive behaviors that fall under the Team Social Media
student-athlete expectations of behaviour include but are not limited to, If a coach and/or a student-athlete(s) wishes to initiate, create or
the following: manage a team handle on any social media platform with the purpose
•• Photos, videos, comments or posters showing the personal use of of promotions and/or dissemination of information of a University
alcohol, drugs and tobacco e.g., no holding cups, cans, shot glasses etc. of Toronto and Varsity Blues program, and in doing so use the brand,
•• Photos, videos, and comments that are of a sexual nature. This likeness, and/or name of the University, the Varsity Blues or of the
includes links to websites of a pornographic nature and other specific team, they will need to contact Mary Beth Challoner, Manager,
inappropriate material. Events and Marketing for set-up, branding approval and administration
rights. All new and existing team-managed social media accounts are
•• Pictures, videos, comments or posters that condone drug-related activity.
considered the property of the University of Toronto, and the Varsity
This includes but is not limited to images that portray the personal use of
Blues department must maintain administrative access to all accounts.
marijuana and drug paraphernalia.
•• Content online that is unsportsmanlike, derogatory, demeaning or Questions regarding acceptable content may be directed to:
threatening toward any other individual or entity (examples: derogatory Mary Beth Challoner at mb.challoner@utoronto.ca Manager, Events and
comments regarding another institution; taunting comments aimed at Marketing.
a student-athlete, coach or team at another institution and derogatory
comments against race and/or gender). No posts should depict or
encourage unacceptable, violent or illegal activities (examples: hazing,
sexual harassment/assault, gambling, discrimination, fighting,
vandalism, academic dishonesty, underage drinking, or illegal drug use).
Athlete Handbook 2018–2019 | 13B. A
cademic Eligibility Rules for OUA
Section 4. Eligibility and U SPORTS Athletes
In order to compete in OUA/U SPORTS and alternate university
leagues, each student-athlete must comply with eligibility requirements. U SPORTS sports are those which are offered by both the OUA and
It is the responsibility of the student-athlete to be aware of all eligibility U SPORTS and lead to both OUA and U SPORTS championships
rules. Below is a summary of the eligibility rules:
A. Be a full-time student and/or registered in 3 full courses, 6 half
Complete versions can be found on the U SPORTS website
courses or 18 semester hours. A student-athlete must be enrolled in a
(www.usports.ca) and the OUA website (www.oua.ca).
minimum of 3 courses (9 credit hours or equivalent) in the same term
in which they are competing.
All student-athletes must be cleared by the intercollegiate program
office prior to starting any competitive season. B. For sports in the University and Toronto divisions, along with curling
and wrestling, each continuing student-athlete must have successfully
For further questions, clarifications or for a complete list of eligibility completed 3 full courses (or equivalent) in the previous academic year
requirements, contact Steve Manchur at steve.manchur@utoronto.ca (Sept. 1 to Aug. 31) they were a student-athlete in order to be eligible
for competition during the following season. Athletes may take
summer courses, including online, in order to qualify, as long as the
A. Process for Completing Your Eligibility summer courses are fully recognized by the University of Toronto.
•• All student-athletes must register for intercollegiate participation C. If there are circumstances within a student’s academic program
through the Varsity Blues Registration System (VBRS). This must be which would warrant an exception to A and/or B and in which the
completed prior to the start of any training/practice/tryouts with the University continues to declare the student a full-time student (e.g.
program. If you are intending to tryout/compete on multiple teams, you graduate student), the student can be declared in good standing and
must register for each program. therefore eligible to compete.
•• All forms must be completed in their entirety, paying close attention D. Academic records are checked on a daily basis. A student-athlete will
to all sections. This is a legal document and student-athletes are not be permitted to compete if he/she reduces his or her course load
required to complete it fully and honestly. below the eligibility requirement.
E. Penalties for non-compliance with any eligibility rule may include,
but are not limited to team and/or individual disqualification.
14 | Athlete Handbook 2018–2019C. Years of Eligibility D. U SPORTS Participation as a
Professional Athlete
A. U SPORTS sports – basketball, curling, cross country, football, field
hockey, ice hockey, women’s rugby, soccer, swimming, track and field, In U SPORTS sports, a professional athlete is defined as any student-
volleyball and wrestling – are limited to 5 years of eligibility. Men’s athlete who at any time played in a professional and or semi-professional
rugby is the only OUA sport has a 5 year eligibility maximum. All league recognized by the U SPORTS. All student-athletes that are
other sports have no limitation to the number of years of eligibility. In deemed to be ‘professional’ must be cleared prior to competition. For
the sport of football and men's rugby, there is an age-cap limitation. OUA sports, student-athletes must have an “amateur status” in order to
Please contact Steve Manchur steve.manchur@utoronto.ca, for more be eligible for participation.
details.
B. A year of eligibility in a U SPORTS sport is consumed: E. Transfers
•• Participation in three or more non-conference competitions/ A U SPORTS student-athlete who transfers to another academic
tournaments/invitationals institution is not eligible to compete for one calendar year of competition
•• In the sports of basketball, field hockey, hockey, soccer, and prior to competing in interuniversity athletics. Exceptions:
volleyball, participation in any conference competition if there is a 1. A U SPORTS student-athlete who has completed a degree at a
non-conference schedule U SPORTS institution may transfer to another U SPORTS institution
•• In the sports of football and rugby, and where a team has a one-game and will not be required to sit out for a year if they enroll in a
exhibition schedule, a student-athlete may participate in one regular graduate or first professional degree program at a school different
season game without consuming a year of eligibility. from the one he/she attended the previous year. All eligibility of
•• In the sports of basketball, field hockey, football, hockey, rugby, transfers must be confirmed with the intercollegiate program office
soccer, and volleyball, participation in two or more conference prior to competing.
competitions if there is no non-conference schedule 2. In the sports of track and cross country, a student-athlete may
•• Any participation in a conference playoff or qualifier (i.e. OUA transfer after having competed one year at a previous institution,
playoffs & championship) without a penalty.
•• Any participation in a U SPORTS Championship 3. In the sport of swimming, a student-athlete may apply to transfer to a
•• REMEMBER: Your name appearing on a gamesheet or entry form U SPORTS institution from any degree granting institution without
constitutes your participation in that game/event, even if you don’t a penalty.
step onto the court/field/ice.
4. A Canadian student-athlete who transfers to a U SPORTS institution
C. Injury: Whether or not a student-athlete consumes a year of from a non-Canadian degree granting institution (e.g. NCAA
eligibility after being injured early in a season will be determined on or NAIA) shall be eligible to participate immediately if certain
an individual basis. Contact Steve Manchur at conditions are met. Please contact Steve Manchur for more
steve.manchur@utoronto.ca for more information. information.
5. In OUA sports only, student-athletes may transfer from one
institution to another without penalty, provided all other eligibility
requirements are met.
Athlete Handbook 2018–2019 | 15Section 5. Student-Athlete Services
A. Student-Athlete and Team Support B. Academic Expectations
The University of Toronto is committed to whole person development. The University of Toronto is committed to both academic and athletic
Students are at a crucial stage of their intellectual, physical and social excellence. We strongly encourage student-athletes to:
development. Athletic skill development should be encouraged alongside: 1. Set priorities and plan ahead.
•• Intellectual accomplishment, professional preparation and critical 2. Make every effort to attend all classes, labs and tutorials for each
reflections; course.
•• Self-knowledge about health and well-being;
3. Fulfill all course requirements on time.
•• Interpersonal and intercultural awareness and communications;
4. Know and adhere to all academic requirements and deadlines
•• A commitment to personal excellence, fair play, ethical behaviour including prerequisites and add/drop dates.
and a lifetime of involvement in physical activity; and,
5. Know all academic regulations that apply to intercollegiate eligibility.
•• Various educational sessions and support services are available to
teams and individual student-athletes in order to enhance whole 6. Get to know the resources and student support systems on campus,
person development. Examples of the educational services that may starting with professors.
be offered include: 7. Ask for help when needed.
•• positive team building Coaches and staff make every effort to ensure practice and
•• diversity training competition schedules consider the academic needs of student-
•• stress management athletes. There will, however, be occasions when academic and
athletic commitments conflict.
•• coping with performance anxiety
•• orientation and transition experiences Academic Conflict Policy:
•• body image and eating disorders The following outlines the procedures student-athletes must follow
when there is a conflict between academic and athletic events. It is the
•• communication
responsibility of the student-athlete to identify these conflicts well in
•• time management advance, and notify the coach and/or professor as early as possible.
•• nutrition •• If practice conflicts with a class:
•• off-season strength and conditioning The student-athlete is expected to honour the academic commitment
and inform the coach well in advance of the conflict.
•• strength training basics.
•• If practice conflicts with a test:
Confidential support and referrals are available. Tests are occasionally scheduled outside regular class times. In these
For further information, please contact: Steve Manchur at cases, the student-athlete must inform the coach, as early as possible,
steve.manchur@utoronto.ca. but academic commitment takes priority.
•• If competition conflicts with class time:
The student is expected to honour the athletic commitment and to
advise the professor of the conflict as early as possible. The student
must keep up with missed work. In the event the class time has an
academic evaluation component (mandatory tutorial, PRA rotations,
etc.), please request an academic conflict letter.
16 | Athlete Handbook 2018–2019•• If competition conflicts with a test or exam: C. Academic Services
The academic commitment has priority and the student-athlete is
expected to honour that commitment. The student-athlete should The University of Toronto offers a range of academic services for all
request an academic conflict letter, and talk with the professor students. Consult your academic counselor in your department, faculty
about alternate arrangements. or individual college for a list of available resources. The following are
services frequently used by students and student-athletes alike:
Academic Conflict Letter
It is the responsibility of the student-athlete to inform the professor 1. The Writing Centre
of a test or exam conflict, a minimum of two weeks in advance University website: www.writing.utoronto.ca
to determine if alternative arrangements can be made. Student St. George campus:
athletes MUST go to www.varsityblues.ca to the ATHLETES ONLY Innis College Writing Centre
SECTION button and fill out an online request form. Innis College, Rooms 315 and 321
New College Writing Centre
To assist you, please contact Steve Manchur at Wilson Hall, Rooms 2045 and 2047
steve.manchur@utoronto.ca three weeks in advance or more to St. Michael’s College Writing Centre Kelly Library Commons
provide a letter for you to give to the professor verifying your Trinity College Writing Centre Trinity College Academic
status as a student-athlete and dates of the competition that are in Resource Centre, Room 3
conflict with your exam or test. It is imperative that in order for any University College Writing Centre Laidlaw Library,
consideration to be made, student-athletes respect these timelines Rooms 214, 216 and 218
as outlined. Victoria College Writing Centre Northrop Frye Hall 103,
Room A and Room B
REMEMBER: The decision to provide alternate arrangements belongs Woodsworth College Academic Writing Centre
with the professor. You are responsible for following the established Woodsworth College, Room 214
guidelines and to work with your professor in a cooperative and
courteous manner. If you are taking a course in French or philosophy, you may
be eligible to work with a specialized writing centre. Call the
Department of French at 416-926-2302 for information about its
services for this academic year. The Philosophy Essay Clinic is
located at 170 St. George St.
Mississauga campus:
The Robert Gillespie Academic Skills Centre
Hazel McCallion Academic Learning Centre, Room 390K
Scarborough campus: Academic Resource Centre,
AC210
>>
Athlete Handbook 2018–2019 | 172. Learning Skills
D. Time Management Skills
St. George campus: Academic Success Centre
214 College St. Learning to use your time effectively is a skill. Balancing the demands of
https://www.studentlife.utoronto.ca/asc
school and athletic competition can be challenging, whether you are a first
Mississauga campus: year or fifth year student-athlete. Here are some suggestions to help you
Robert Gillespie Academic Skills Centre organize your time.
Hazel McCallion Academic Learning Centre Room 390K •• Plan ahead. Keep a daily, weekly and monthly calendar of all of your
http://www.utm.utoronto.ca/asc/ responsibilities, including practice times, competition dates, test and
Scarborough campus: Academic Advising & Career Centre exam dates and due dates for papers and presentations. Pay particular
www.utsc.utoronto.ca/aacc attention to periods where many things are going on at once, for
3. The Career Centre example, midterm and exam time. Highlight these “crunch” times on
St. George campus: Koffler Student Services Centre a calendar or in a daily planner and set out time, well in advance, to
214 College St. prepare for them. Remember if you have a conflict with an exam or
https://www.studentlife.utoronto.ca/cc test, you need to give your professor a minimum of two weeks notice.
(see page 17)
Mississauga campus: Career Centre
3359 Mississauga Rd. •• K
now yourself. Be aware of how you currently spend your time. It
http://www.utm.utoronto.ca/careers/ is difficult to make changes if you aren’t sure what your habits and
patterns are. We all work on slightly different schedules, but there are
Scarborough campus: Academic Advising & Career Centre
some times we all seem to work more efficiently. Many students study
www.utsc.utoronto.ca/aacc.
well in the morning as opposed to late in the evening. Determine when
4. Counselling Services
you work best and arrange your schedule accordingly. Avoid leaving
Counselling services are available on campus for students of the tasks you dislike or material you find difficult to grasp until the end.
University. They include short-term crisis counselling and brief Instead, try to tackle difficult material when you are most alert.
psychotherapy for individuals, couples and groups, learning skills
lectures and workshops, and individual consultation on academic •• Use small blocks of time. Hours between classes, during travel, and
skills matters. before and following practices can be used effectively. Important
learning can take place in an hour or less. Identify tasks that require
St. George campus: Health & Wellness Centre
a short period of time (i.e. reading a part of a chapter, reviewing class
214 College Street, Second Floor
notes, filling out forms, seeing a coach or professor, etc.) and tackle
Koffler Student Service Centre
https://www.studentlife.utoronto.ca/hwc them during these breaks in the day.
•• Write everything down. “The faintest pencil mark is superior to the
Mississauga campus: Health & Counselling Centre
Room 1123, South Building clearest memory” (Chinese saying). If you have an idea or forgot to do
http://www.utm.utoronto.ca/health/ something, write it down. If you finish something, cross it off the list,
etc.
Scarborough campus: Health and Wellness Centre
https://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/hwc/health-wellness-centre •• Prioritize. There are times we simply can not finish all of the tasks we
have undertaken. Be sure to prioritize those that are most important
and allot your time accordingly. Pay particular attention to the value
of assignments and papers. For example, an assignment worth 5% of
your final grade does not warrant as much time as a paper worth 40%
of your final grade.
18 | Athlete Handbook 2018–2019•• Establish a regular routine. Try to eliminate time spent making The following are some suggestions to help deal with the stress of
decisions and organizing your schedule by setting up a regular being a university student and an athlete:
routine for studying, practicing and relaxing.
•• Embedded Counsellor
•• Find a place to study where you won’t be interrupted. Be aware of The intercollegiate program has the services of an embedded
your distractions and have a plan to deal with them. Once you find counsellor from the University’s Health & Wellness Centre who
a place that is conducive to concentration and focus, designate this works strictly with student-athletes once a week at the clinic in
place to be where only studying occurs. Make sure all the materials Goldring. To book an appointment the student-athlete needs to
you need are close by. contact the Centre’s office at: 416-978-8030 and mention they are a
•• Plan for recreation/personal time. One of the first activities student-athlete.
to be eliminated when faced with numerous responsibilities is
recreational or personal time. It is important to set aside some time •• Good 2 Talk
for rest, relaxation and proper nutrition. Plan regular breaks and use Good2Talk is a free, confidential and anonymous helpline providing
the breaks to truly relax. You will return more refreshed and ready professional counselling and information and referrals for mental
to use your time effectively. health, addictions and well-being to post-secondary students in
•• Just say “no”. Student-athletes, in general, tend to enjoy being Ontario. The service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
involved in multiple tasks. Unfortunately, sometimes we over-extend Call the helpline at 1-866-925-5454.
ourselves with extracurricular activities including volunteer work
and leadership roles. Be sure the responsibilities do not come at a
time when you are already overloaded. If they do, politely decline F. Additonal Study Skills
and indicate you may be interested in participating at another time
(if that is the case). PREPARING FOR EXAMS
When the Exam is Announced:
E. Coping with Stress
•• Find out what the exam will or won’t cover.
Student-athletes must cope with the stressors typically experienced •• Find out what kind of exam it will be: objective, short essay, long
by other students, as well as those associated with being a competitive essay, or a combination.
athlete. Stressors may include but are not limited to:
•• moving to a new city; Exam Study:
•• making new friends; •• Prepare summary sheets for large amounts of lecture and textbook
notes.
•• choosing courses and a major;
•• Spend several nights before an exam making a final review of notes.
•• adjusting to the intensity of training at a competitive university
level; •• Stress the following areas in your review:
•• attending practices, games and tournaments; a. Points emphasized in class or in the text;
•• coping with poor or unfamiliar levels of athletic and academic b. Areas the professor has advised for study;
performance; c. Q
uestions in study guides, past quizzes, and reviews at the end of
•• injuries. textbook chapters.
Athlete Handbook 2018–2019 | 19Preparation by Type of Exam:
•• Objective Exams: - Stress specifics.
- Definitions of key terms and examples.
- Lists of items.
- For True/False, write some false statements.
•• Essay Exams:
- Stress concepts.
- List probable exam questions.
- Prepare a good outline answer and practice it.
•• Problem Exams:
- Memorize formulas if needed.
- Practice problems.
MANAGING LECTURE CONTENT 2017-18 Silver T recipients
Before the Lecture
•• Look at the course outline to determine what sections of text are
going to be covered in lecture G. Financial Aid
•• Scan the chapters that are going to be covered to get a sense of the The Faculty has a work-study program – the largest on campus. Many
main points colleges and faculties on campus offer bursaries; please check with the
financial aid staff at your registrar’s office for more information.
•• Download and read any lecture slides that you will need for the lecture.
During the Lecture Leadership & Employment Opportunities
The Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education provides hundreds
•• Make your own lecture notes and/or make notes on the overhead
of full and part-time paid, work-study and volunteer leadership
slides you have downloaded.
positions and experiences. These leadership opportunities provide a
•• Listen for sound bites (e.g. “This is really important.” Or “This is the variety of ways for students to gain valuable career related experiences,
sort of thing that you’ll see on the exam.”) and make note of them. learn new skills, contribute to their education and have an enjoyable
•• Make notes about upcoming assignments or test. time while studying at U of T. For more information, visit
https://kpe.utoronto.ca/about/jobs-kpe/student-jobs
Shortly After the Lecture
•• Review your lecture notes to make sure you understand everything
that was discussed in class
•• Complete any details in your notes that you missed.
•• Refer back to the text to make sure you understand all the concepts
that were covered in the lecture.
20 | Athlete Handbook 2018–2019Section 6. Athletic Scholarships and Financial Aid Awards
A. Athletic Scholarships C. Varsity Blues Athletic Award Descriptions
•• Also referred to as an athletic financial award, an athletic scholarship is First Colour T
any award that is conditional to being on a U SPORTS or OUA team. Awarded on the recommendation of the coach to student-athletes who
•• There are over 100 Varsity Blues intercollegiate Athletic Financial are listed on the team’s eligibility certificate and are members of the
Awards. program at the end of the competitive season.
•• Some of the awards may have a financial need requirement.
•• Financial need awards are restricted to students who can demonstrate Bronze T
financial need – defined usually as OSAP eligibility. Such awards are Awarded to student-athletes whose participation has been recognized
restricted to Ontario residents. recognized by completing three seasons as a varsity athlete.
Regulations: Silver T
•• All athletic scholarships related to Varsity sports fall under OUA and This award is presented primarily to Bronze T holders in their
U SPORTS regulations. graduating year for truly outstanding athletic performance. Major
•• Those regulations include a maximum $4500 award per person per criteria for "truly outstanding athletic performance" include:
calendar year. •• U SPORTS All-Canadian
•• Those regulations include, for continuing student-athletes (includes •• U SPORTS/OUA Major Award winner
transfer), a GPA 2.50 or greater. •• U SPORTS Tournament All-star
•• Those regulations include, for incoming students, an entering average •• Multiple OUA All-star selections
of 80% or greater. •• U SPORTS and OUA Record-Holder or Individual Gold Medalist
B. Athletic Scholarship Application Procedures and Financial Need
Secondary Criteria:
•• Applications for financial need scholarships are made available in
•• Participation in Olympic, Commonwealth, Pan-Am, World
early April.
Championships or FISU Games
•• Applications are only accepted online. Student-athletes will receive •• Team record-holder (only if can be verified by intercollegiate staff)
link via email.
•• Invitational Tournament All-star or Individual Gold Medalist
•• The deadline for all award applications is April 30, unless otherwise
specified. The decisions will be made by the end of August. Notes:
1) Nominees must demonstrate major criteria to be considered.
The award winners will be notified by mail, after grades have been 2) Successful candidates would ideally have multiple major criteria in
released. Only successful candidates will be contacted. The awarded their nomination.
amount will be deposited directly into your student account in two 3) Leadership and Sportsmanship are NOT criteria for this award
equal installments, one per academic semester, to cover your tuition
and fees. Rookie of the Year
Awarded to the female/male varsity athlete in their first year of post-
Athletic Scholarship for Incoming Students secondary eligibility, who exhibits outstanding athletic performance.
Coaches may approach recruits during the year and offer a maximum of
$4500/person for the ensuing academic year. The student-athlete must
have a minimum entering average of 80% to be eligible to receive the
AFA. Deadlines and other procedures can be obtained by contacting
Steve Manchur at steve.manchur@utoronto.ca.
Athlete Handbook 2018–2019 | 21You can also read
