SEC Constitution and Bylaws - Southeastern Conference

BYLAW, ARTICLE 10Ethical Conduct (Code of Ethics)10.1 Statement of Purpose ................................................................................................................................................................. 1110.2 Recruiting .................................................................................................................................................................................. 1110.3 Academic Integrity .................................................................................................................................................................... 1210.4 Game Management .................................................................................................................................................................... 1210.5 Sportsmanship ........................................................................................................................................................................... 12The Southeastern Conference embraces the principles of ethical conduct stated in the NCAA Manual.10.1 STATEMENT OF PURPOSEThe members of the Southeastern Conference subscribe to the principle that intercollegiate athletics is a legitimate and important partof higher education, is regarded as a significant part of the university culture, and shall be administered and conducted in a mannerconsistent with the institution’s educational policies. It is the function of the Conference to encourage intercollegiate athletics on anamateur basis with effective institutional control and to establish and promote the highest possible standards of personal conduct by allthose who administer and participate in the events that provide the competitive experience.Therefore, the Southeastern Conference sets forth this code to maintain intercollegiate athletics in harmony with the essentialeducational purposes of the institution. A spirit of mutual trust and cooperation is fundamental to the successful application of therules of the Conference and this code of ethical behavior.10.1.1 Each coach shall annually, prior to October 1 of each academic year, provide a written certification to theCommissioner that (a) he or she has read the Constitution, Bylaws, and the Commissioner’s Regulations governing his or hersport, as well as all provisions in the NCAA Manual applicable to his/her sport and (b) he or she is aware of no unreportedviolations of the Constitution, Bylaws, and other rules, regulations, and legislation of the Conference or of the NCAA.Failure to execute such a certification may subject the individual to penalties or sanctions from the Commissioner. [Revised6/1/96 and 6/1/11]10.2 RECRUITING10.2.1 Coaches shall comply with and promote compliance with all rules and regulations of the Conference and the NCAAand are accountable for the highest standards of honesty and integrity in order to provide a fair and equitable opportunity foreach prospective student-athlete to make an informed and properly-considered commitment to the university of his/herchoice. [Clarified/Conformed 6/1/11]10.2.2 The right of a prospective student-athlete to obtain accurate information to aid in the decision process must berespected. Thus, no coach shall provide false or misleading information, or offer inducements that are violations of the rulesor regulations of their member institution, the Southeastern Conference or the NCAA. [Clarified/Conformed 6/1/11]10.2.3 Coaches and other member personnel shall advocate the positive advantages and attributes of their university and itsintercollegiate athletics program and shall avoid making any derogatory statements concerning another member institution’sathletics program, facilities or educational opportunities.10.2.4 Coaches shall strictly adhere to all applicable rules related to the involvement of alumni and boosters in therecruiting of prospective student-athletes.10.2.5 A request by a prospective student-athlete to be subjected to no further recruitment shall be respected.11