Policies and Procedures

Eligibility

Any Gordon College undergraduate is eligible to participate in a REC-IM event. Full-time Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary students, part-time Gordon College students, as well as Gordon College faculty and staff are also welcomed to compete in events hosted by REC-IM. Seminary students may not be used as free agents.

In order to be eligible for participation in the playoffs, a player must be listed on the team's roster and have competed in at least half of the team's game. No faculty/staff or Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary team can participate in the playoffs.  

League Competition

REC-IM hosts various league sports throughout the academic year. In order to compete, a hall affiliation must put together a team, which adheres to all of the roster rules listed below, and send a registration to REC-IM. Competition for most leagues is split into two divisions per gender: A Division and B Division. These two divisions will have their own regular seasons, playoffs, and championship. REC-IM reserves the right to move a team from one division to another if they feel that they would be better suited in another division.

• A Division
  The A Division is made up of more competitive teams. In this division, the players generally have a higher skill level and play at a more adept level. The intensity is higher and the emphasis placed on winning is greater.
  
  
• B Division
  This division is more suited for those who are just playing for the enjoyment of the sport. Generally speaking, the skill level is a bit lower than the A Division and the intensity is considerably lower.

Recreation Competition

Over 20 recreation events are hosted throughout the year. Much like league competition, recreation events must be registered for. Both individual and team events are held throughout the year. In order to get points for participation, a team must show up on the day of the event and take part in the activities.

Captain's Meetings

Before the start of each league, a meeting will be held between the captains, the League Coordinator, the Officials Coordinator, and the Statistician. All team captains, or a representative, must be present at the meeting in order to review schedules, rules, procedures and roster policies.  For their attendance, teams are awarded fifty (50) All-Hall Championship points. A captain must contact REC-IM if no one can make the meeting, otherwise, they will not be allowed to compete in the league until the captain contacts REC-IM.   

Game Stats

Game sheets will be kept for all of the league sports with the statistics, outcome, and sportsmanship ratings on them.  Any team that returns 1/2 of their game sheets with statistics will be awarded a 50-point bonus.

Affiliation Colors

Each affiliation has been assigned an affiliation color, which is listed below next to the affiliation in parentheses. Any team that consistently (75-percent of their scheduled games) wears their affiliation colors will be awarded a 50-point bonus.

All-Hall Championship

The All-Hall Championship is the yearlong competition between hall affiliations in which they compete for points based on their participation and success. At the end of the year, a prize is given to the hall affiliation with the most points.

The points are awarded as follows:

League Registration                             100 Points
Attend Captain's Meeting                     50 Points
Win a Game                                         10 Points
Playoff Bonus                                       20 Points
Place 1st in a League                           200 Points
Place 2nd in a League                         125 Points
Place 3rd in a League                          75 Points
Sportsmanship Bonus                          50 Points
Game Stats Bonus                               50 Points
Affiliation Color Bonus                          50 Points
Individual Recreation Registration       15 Points
Team Recreation Registration              25 Points
Place 1st in a Tournament/Event          75 Points
Place 2nd in a Tournament/Event        50 Points
Place 3rd in a Tournament/Event         35 Points

Hall affiliations are as follows:

• Lewis/Chase (white)
  
  
• Bromley/Drew (green)
  
  
• Ferrin/Road Halls (yellow)
  
  
• Wilson/Evans (red)
  
  
• Nyland/Fulton (blue)
  
  
• Off-Campus/Tavilla (black)

Forfeit Policy

Due to the never-ending challenges of scheduling, the Leagues Coordinator will determine the number of forfeits allowed for an individual season. A forfeit will be charged to a team if they do not show up for the game, or if they drop below the minimum number of players.  The amount of time at the beginning of a game before a forfeit will be declared is decided by the Leagues Coordinator for leagues and the Recreation Coordinator for Tournaments or Recreation events. If a team exceeds the designated number of forfeits they will be docked their 100 registration points and removed from the league/recreation event.

An email needs to be sent to rec.im@gordon.edu by the team captain if they need to forfeit a game.

Unlike past seasons, teams will not be able to reschedule games if they are unable to field a team. This policy is due to the size of our leagues and the never-ending problem or reserving field/court time.

Sportsmanship Policy

In order to maximize accountability, REC-IM has a strictly enforced sportsmanship policy. The referees play a huge part in this as they rate the actions of the team from 1-5 (very poor - poor - fair - good - excellent). Any time that a team receives a very poor, the League Coordinator and Officials Coordinator must be contacted and given a report. If a team receives a second rating of very poor they will be removed from the league and will lose all points accumulated during competition.  

In order to qualify for the playoffs, a team must have a sportsmanship average of 3.

Any team that has an average of 4 or higher will be given a 50-point sportsmanship bonus.   

Roster Policy

All rosters must be submitted electronically to REC-IM via the REC-IM website by the advertised registration deadline. In hopes of keeping the playing field level, REC-IM has several policies regarding a team's roster.

A team may have up to two free agents--players on their roster from another hall affiliation. Seminary players may not be used as free agents. A team may have one varsity athlete as a free agent.

Additionally, a team may have no more than two varsity players of that sport on their roster. For example, a softball team may have no more than two varsity softball players on their roster. Coaches and former varsity players would fit into this category as well. Additional policies may be included in a particular league's rules.

Team Name Policy

When submitting a roster electronically, teams will be asked to provide a team name.  It is the captain’s responsibility to make sure that the team name is respectful and appropriate.  Teams not only represent the league they are in, but the REC-IM program and Gordon College as a whole. Please be creative, we encourage unique names with the following stipulations:
•    No vulgar, profane or derogatory language
•    No references to drugs, alcohol, tobacco, or violence
•    No sexual references or innuendos
•    No confusing terms such as BYE or CANCELED, etc.
If a team submits an inappropriate team name, an e-mail will be sent to the captain or the captain will be spoken to by a Staff member. The captain will have to change the name by the time the schedule is due to be sent out.  If the captain does not change their name by the time the schedule is set to come out, the REC-IM Staff will change the name. Teams will not be allowed to compete while wearing team apparel with inappropriate names or pictures.

Inclement Weather Policy

For sports, which are weather sensitive, REC-IM will try very hard to make a timely and responsible cancellation decision. Every effort will be made to complete games, however, safety will always take priority. If games are canceled, REC-IM will make that decision thirty (30) minutes before the first scheduled game. E-mail will be sent to all captains and every attempt will be made to contact them via phone as well.

Once a game begins, the referees have full discretion over the event. If in their opinion the playing conditions are no longer safe, the game will be called. Depending on when the game is called the league/tournament rules will provide a further description as to whether or not the game will be finished at a later time.

REC-IM Staff Discretionary Policy

Any rule or regulation not specifically stated in the policies and procedures, league rules, or tournament rules will be up to the discretion of the Staff.  With careful consideration keeping first the players in mind and secondly the program as a whole, the Staff reserves the right to make a decision based on certain extenuating circumstances that may arise during any REC-IM event.

REC-IM DISCIPLINARY POLICY

Preface

The purpose of the disciplinary policy is twofold.  First, it is in place to ensure that students will be able to compete in an atmosphere that is both competitive and enjoyable.  Secondly, and more importantly the disciplinary policy is a tangible way to maintain accountability within the body of Christ.  This policy is not legalistic or retributive, but instead gracefully offers a corrective to behavior that is not in line with our Lord's teaching.  

Any person associated with REC-IM, whether it is the REC-IM Staff, REC-IM Officials, Student/Faculty/Staff Participants or Spectators, will be held accountable to Gordon’s Code of Conduct and the REC-IM Disciplinary Policy.

Zero Tolerance Policy

The captain is the only player on the team that is allowed to address the officials. This must be done in a respectful manner. If any player on a team has a problem or a question that they need to discuss with the officials, they should do so through the captain.

If any player approaches an opposing player or official in an antagonistic manner or disrespectful manner, they will immediately receive an automatic unsportsmanlike conduct foul and be subject to the penalties outlined below in the Zero Tolerance Foul Language Policy. These penalties can be given to a player who is in or out of the game. If a team accumulates three unsportsmanlike conduct fouls over the course of a season, they will not be allowed to participate in the sport anymore. If a team is removed from the league, they will lose all of their registration points and the teams who have a scheduled game against them will receive an automatic win.

Zero Tolerance Foul Language Policy

Any player or spectator who uses profane, offensive, disrespectful, insulting, vulgar or abusive language or gestures will be given a warning and asked to sit out until halfway through the game (if the offense occurs during the second half they will sit out for the rest of the game).  If later during that game the same player commits another offense they will be ejected from the game and asked to leave the premises (i.e. any venue the event is taking place in/on).  In the case of a spectator committing the second offense they will be asked to leave the premises.  

After this incident his/her slate will NOT be wiped clean.  If another offense is committed by the player in the week following their warning or ejection they will be asked to immediately leave the premises and will not be allowed to play/watch the next team scheduled game.  

After 3 offenses have been committed, if a player commits another offense they will be removed from the league and asked to leave the premises for the remaining games/season of that league or recreation event.

If in a later REC-IM sanctioned event this player/spectator commits an offense they will be immediately removed from the league and asked to leave the premises for the rest of the league season/post-season.

Disciplinary Procedure

Recreation-Intramurals (REC-IM) reserves the right to issue penalties as a result of actions that compromise the spirit of the game and/or the rules and expectations set forth by REC-IM. In addition to REC-IM rules and regulations, all participants are also under Gordon's Code of Conduct.
 
If an official(s) or any other onlooker sees an incident that deserves a penalty and needs to be addressed, they must submit an electronic report to REC-IM (rec.im@gordon.edu). In REC-IM activities that do not have officials, any individual may send an email if they feel an incident occurred that requires disciplinary action.

The player(s) in question will then meet with the Directors to discuss the situation.  Until the player(s) meets with the Directors, they will be ineligible for competition in any REC-IM sanctioned event.  REC-IM reserves the right to interview anyone at the game to get the most well rounded understanding of what actually happened.     

Following the meeting, the Directors will decide whether any penalties should be issued.  Once that decision is made, the player(s) will be notified in writing of their penalty.  If no penalty is issued then the players will not receive anything in writing.

Penalties

Below are several penalties for general incidents.  These penalties are a guide to be used by officials when they are assessing a situation.  Each situation will be handled on an individual basis based on severity.     

Ejection

Any player being ejected must leave the playing surface immediately.  Any player that does not leave the playing surface will be subject to harsher penalties and will force his/her team to forfeit the contest.

Actions Detrimental to the Sport

Any competitor who is in violation of the intent and character of the sport or of the REC-IM program will be held culpable for actions that are detrimental to the sport.  Please find examples listed below.
•    The use of abusive or insulting language which provokes ill will, baits, or which incite an opponent, spectator or official.
•    Physically threatening, pushing or taunting an opponent, spectator or official.
•    Repeatedly arguing with an official.
•    Initiating or retaliating in a fight. Fighting includes physically striking, kicking, or attempting to do so to an opponent, spectator, or official.  
Penalties for any one of these offenses listed above will follow the same ejection rules used for the Zero Tolerance Foul Language Policy.

Creating Unsafe Playing Conditions

No team should create an atmosphere, which is unsafe for themselves, the other team, or the officials.  Any team that violates this rule will be forced to forfeit the said game.  Additionally, the captain of the team will need to go through the disciplinary process on behalf of the entire team.  Penalties could result in a removal from the league.

Verbal Abuse

Members of the opposing team and the officials should all be treated with respect and integrity.  Any player that verbally abuses an opponent or an official by yelling, cursing, taunting, or using derogatory language will be subject to the process of the Zero Tolerance Foul Language Policy.

Physical Abuse

Devious physical contact between players and opponents or players and officials should never happen.  Violations of this rule will be treated harshly.  The violator must go through the disciplinary process and will also be subject to a two game suspension at the very least.  They will also be referred to the Center for Student Development (CSD).

Mistreats Facility/Damages Equipment

All of the equipment used in REC-IM events is property of Gordon College.  As such, it should be treated with respect and taken care of properly.  Any player that abuses the facilities or the equipment will be subject to the disciplinary process and a one game suspension at the least.

Probation

Probation may be a supplement to any penalty issued by REC-IM.  Probation means that a player may not violate any REC-IM rule or procedure without being subject to heavier penalties.

Suspension

Anyone being suspended will be ineligible for a said number of events.  This means that they may not compete, but can attend the event.  While at the event, it is expected that the suspended player must be in accordance with all REC-IM rules and policies.  A suspension shall be considered served when the player sits out the completed number of games indicated in the letter, not the number of scheduled games.      

Appeal Process

Any player that disagrees with the disciplinary action taken against them has the right to appeal the decision.  All appeals must be either written or submitted electronically to the Director of REC-IM, Greg Scruton (greg.scruton@gordon.edu).  All appeals must be filed within three business days of the date indicated on the letter.