exhibit 3 big sky constitution and operating rules

8/3/2019 Exhibit 3 Big Sky Constitution and Operating Rules

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2010-2011 CONSTITUTION

C O N S T I T U T I O N

O F

T H E B IG S K Y C O N F E R E N C E

PREAMBLE

The members of the Big Sky Conference subscribe to the principle that intercollegiate athletics is a vital part of

higher education, and is regarded as an integral part of the educational program, and that the intercollegiate

athletic experience is equally valuable for both male and female students. Institutions are committed to

providing athletic opportunities on an equitable basis without regard to gender. The intercollegiate athletic

programs shall be administered and conducted in a manner consistent with the institutions' educational

policies.

Fundamental to the successful application of any set of rules is the spirit of mutual confidence and

cooperation. It is the function of this Conference to encourage intercollegiate athletics on an amateur basis

with institutional control.

The members of this Conference are dedicated to a continuing effort to maintain intercollegiate athletics inharmony with the essential educational purposes of the institution. To reinforce these principles, the Big Sky

Conference believes in and subscribes to the fundamental purposes, policies, and principles governing the

conduct of intercollegiate athletics as adopted by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). These

include the purposes and fundamental policy contained in Article 1 of the NCAA Constitution. The principles

for conduct of intercollegiate athletics are found in Article 2 of the NCAA Constitution and include the following:

Institutional Control and Responsibility

Student-Athlete Welfare

Gender Equity

Sportsmanship and Ethical Conduct

Sound Academic Standards

Nondiscrimination

Diversity within Governance Structures

Rules ComplianceAmateurism

Competitive Equity

Recruiting

Eligibility

Financial Aid

Playing and Practice Seasons

Postseason Competition and Contests Sponsored

by Non-collegiate Organizations

Economy of Athletics Program Operation

ARTICLE 1A M E

The name of the organization shall be the Big Sky Conference.

ARTICLE I IFFILIATION

The Big Sky Conference is a Division I member of the National Collegiate Athletic

Association.

ARTICLE III PURPOSES

The purposes of the Conference shall be:




Section 1.o govern intercollegiate athletic competition of member institutions;

Section 2.o promote high standards in academic scholarship and athletic competition;

Section 3.o provide an atmosphere of trust, confidence, cooperation, and sportsmanship in all athletic

competition;

Section 4.o develop public appreciation of the educational values of intercollegiate athletics;

Section 5.o bring about full cooperation of all members in the maintenance of high standards of

eligibility and enhance the administration of intercollegiate athletics; and

Section 6.o subscribe to the Human Rights Policy:

In accordance with the generally accepted policies of affirmative action and equal opportunity,

there shall be no discrimination with respect to race, color, religion, ethnic origin, age, sex, or

disability status practiced at the Conference office or at member institutions in the conduct of

their intercollegiate athletic programs.

Section 7.his Conference is organized exclusively for educational purposes within the meaning of

Section 501(c) (3) of the internal Revenue Code.

ARTICLE IV GOVERNANCE

Section 1.O V E R N A N C E O F T H E C O N F E R E N C E

The governance of this Conference shall be established by this Constitution, the Operating

Code, the Sports Policies, and Championship Policies.

Section 2.P P L IC A T I O N O F N C A A L E G I S L A T IO N

The Big Sky Conference is a member of the NCAA and as such is bound by NCAA rules and

regulations unless Conference or institutional rules are more restrictive.

Section 3.N S T I T U T IO N A L C O N T R O L

Membership in the Conference is based on the principle of active institutional control of

athletics. Responsibility In all matters of Conference athletic policy shall rest with the

member institutions.

Section 4.O V E R N I N G B O D I E S A N D P O W E R S

A. The Conference shall be governed by the Presidents' Council which shall have legislative

authority. The Presidents' Council shall review and give final approval to all policy

matters acted on by the Conference Council.

B. The Conference Council has the power to enact matters of management and control in

all aspects of intercollegiate athletics among the member institutions.

C. The Faculty Athletic Representatives' Council has the power to enact matters of

academic management and has primary responsibility for the enforcement of

Conference standards, ethics and eligibility rules.

D. The Joint Athletic Administrators' Council shall direct the athletic programs in the

respective institutions and shall make recommendations for changes to the Conference

Council.

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Section 5.onference members shall be bound by the same controls when competing withnon-Conference institutions, unless otherwise specifically noted.

Section 6.ach member Institution agrees to enact and enforce such measures necessary to carry out

Conference regulations, both in letter and in spirit.

ARTICLE V MEMBERSHIP

Section 1.EMBERS OF THE CONFERENCE ARE;

California State University, Sacramento

Eastern Washington University

Idaho State University

The University of Montana

Montana State University

Northern Arizona University

University of Northern Colorado

Portland State University

Weber State University

Section 2. MEMBERSHIP

A. Member institutions shall be Division I members of the NCAA and classified as FootballChampionship Subdivision in football.

B. Member institutions shall meet the NCAA Division I membership criteria as set forth in

NCAA Bylaws.

C. Member institutions may participate as members of another Conference n those

sports not recognized or sponsored by the Conference.

Section 3.FFILIATE MEMBERSHIP

A. Affiliate members may be accepted to the Big Sky Conference In a given sport by a

two-thirds (2/3) vote of the member institutions,

B. Affiliate membership may be permitted in those sports where additional sponsoringinstitutions are needed to conduct championships.

C. Affiliate member institutions may not vote on Conference matters.

D. Those institutions applying for affiliate membership must be Division I in that sport.

Section 4.EW MEMB ER S

Institutions may become members of the Big Sky Conference by invitation or written

application. Admittance requires two-thirds (2/3) vote of the member institutions.

Membership shall not be acted upon at the same meeting at which it Is proposed.

A. Entrance Fee

1. An institution Invited to join the Conference as a Core member shall pay anon-refundable entrance fee of $250,000. In addition, it must pay one share

of the current Conference equity (as of the most recent audit). The

Presidents may periodically make specific arrangements with an institution

for payment of fees, other than what is stated herein.

2. An institution invited to join the Conference as an Affiliate member shall pay

a non-refundable entrance fee as described below. A new Affiliate member

is not responsible to pay a share of the Conference equity; however, it will

make no claim to Conference equity should there be a distribution from this

fund. Unless otherwise agreed, all fees are due prior to participation in

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2010-2011 C O N ST I T U T I O N

league schedules. The Presidents may periodically make specific

arrangements with an institution for payment of fees, other than what is

stated herein:

a. An Affiliate member, whose membership includes men's basketball, shaltpay a non-refundable entrance fee equal to $250,000. Unless otherwise

agreed upon, these members would begin to share NCAA basketball

revenue immediately (at the first distribution) upon entering the

Conference.

b. An Affiliate member whose membership does not include men's

basketball shall pay a non-refundable entrance fee equal to $150,000.

Section 5. A. W I TH DRAW AL

L A mem ber institution may withdraw from the Conference upon written notice to the

Commissioner and each president of its intention to withdraw at-least-one-yeaf

prior to the effective dote of withdrawal-by July 1 prior to the commencement of

the year in which withdrawal shall be effective.

2. Any institution that has forwarded to the National NCAA office written notice of its

intention to change its football mem bership classification from Division IAA (FCS) to

Division IA (FBS) prior to the completion of their f inal football season with the

Conference, shall be ineligible to paitkipat-e-in compete for the Big Sky Conference

Football Ch ampionship. Th is is effective on the date the institution's written notice is

received by the NCAA office.

3. An institution that has announced its intention to withdraw from the Conference

is not eligible to receive a regular (i.e., television, championships revenue,

surplus, etc.) or special (i.e., new initiative funding, etc.) distribution made from

the Conference to its membership, effective immediately upon written notice of

intent to withdraw.

4. An institution that has announced its intention to withdraw shall not vote on

issues affecting future Conference operation or policy.

5. All scheduled commitments of the withdrawing institution with other member

institutions of the Conference shall be ho nored or fulfilled unless dissolved by mutual

agreement of the affected member institutions.

B. Failure To Provide Notification

The failure of an institution to provide proper notification will result in the forfeiture ofthe Conference, by a majority vote of its

mem bers, excluding teams from the withdrawing institution from participation in any

remaining Big Sky Championships.

1. An Institution that fails to provide proper notification will pay a non-refundable

$1,000,000 fee to the Conference.

a.) The Presidents' Council, by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of those institutions

eligible to vote, may reduce, restructure, or waive the payment required if

extenuating circumstances warrant consideration. A mem ber institution maywithdraw from the Conference upon written notice to all Conference mem bers by thePresident of the withdrawing institution at least one year prior to the effective date of

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withdrawal. All scheduled commitments of the withdrawing institution with other

ember institutions of the Conference shall be honored or fulfilled unless dissolved

by mutual agreement of the affected member institutions.

A. Failure To Provide Notification

The failure of an institution to provide proper notification will result in the forfeiture of

all financial distributions. In addition, the Conference, by a majority vote of its

members, may exclude teams from the offending institution from participating in any

remaining Big Sky Championships.

1. Any institution who has forwarded to the National NCAA office, written notice of

their intention to change their football membership classification from Division IAA

to Division IA, prior to the completion of their final football season with the

Conference, shall be ineligible to participate in the Big Sky Conference Football

Championship. This is effective on the date the institution's written notice is

received by the NCAA office.

Section 6.R O B A T I O N

The Faculty Athletic Representatives shall have the power, by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the

member institutions, except the institution involved, to place on probation any member that

violates the rules and regulations of the Conference. Final action may occur at the same

meeting in which it is proposed.

Section 7.XPULSION AND SUSPENSION

The Presidents' Council shall have the power, by affirmative vote of all member institutions,

except the institution involved, to expel or suspend any member who violates the rules and

regulations of the Conference. Final action on expulsion or suspension shall not be taken in

the same meeting at which action is proposed.

Section 8.E I N S T A T E M E N T O F M E M B E R S

The Conference shall have the power, by affirmative vote of all member institutions, except

the institution involved, to reinstate any member who has withdrawn or been expelled or

suspended.

ARTICLE VI CONFERENCE ORGANIZATION

Section 1.HE COUNCILS

A The Conference shall be comprised of four Councils:

1. Presidents' Council

2. Conference Council3 . Faculty Athletic Representatives' Council

4. Joint Athletic Administrators' Council



2010-2011 CONSUTTON

B. The Officers

1. The officers of each Council shall be a Chair and a Vice-Chair.

2. It is the policy of the Conference to rotate the Chair of the Councils annually. Termswill begin at the close of the Spring Conference Meeting. For rotation see Appendix

Index.

C. Voting

There shall be one vote per institution in each of the Councils. The exception is in the

Joint Athletic Administrators' Council where each institution shall have two (2) votes with

one (1) vote to be cast by each of its two athletic administrators.

D. Quorum

A majority number of Council members, or their duly authorized representatives, shall

constitute a quorum. All items passed shall go into effect at the beginning of the next

academic year, unless otherwise provided, and shall not be retroactive unless specifically

provided.

E. Roberts Rules of Order

All Councils and Committees shall operate under Roberts Rules of Order.

F. The Conference office shall provide staff support for all Councils.

Section 2.R E S I DE N T S ' C O U N C I L

The Presidents' Council shall have legislative authority and shall review all actions of the

Conference Council.

A. Representation

The President of each member institution shall be the representative to the Presidents'

Council.

B. Substitute Representation

The President shall have the right, upon giving notice to the Commissioner, to designate

a substitute representative. The substitute shall be the representative for that particular

meeting(s) as given in the notice.

C. Functions of the Presidents' Council are:

1. To determine all Conference policies;

2. To approve or disapprove proposed amendments to the Constitution, Operating

Code, Sports Policies, and Championship Policies.

3. To select and employ the Conference Commissioner; and

4. To take responsibility for all items included in ARTICLE V (Membership) of the

Constitution, with the exception of violations procedures as described in ARTICLE V,Section 2, of the Operating Code of the Sig Sky Conference.

D, Officers and Their Duties

1. The officers of the Presidents' Council shall be a Chair and a Vice-Chair.

2. The duties of the Chair shall be:

a. To preside over all meetings of the Presidents' Council;

b. To collaborate with the Commissioner in the areas of Conference policies, rules

and regulations between regular Conference meetings. Actions taken are

subject to the review of the Presidents' Council.

c. To issue calls for Council meetings through the Conference office.

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d. To appoint members of standing committees, and members of ad hoc

committees, as necessary; and

e. To serve as spokesperson to the press and the public.

3. The duty of the Vice-Chair shall be to assume the duties of the Chair in the latter's

absence. Officers shall be elected at the spring meeting, The Vice- Chair will serve

as Chair during the following year.

E. Appeals Deadline

A member institution may appeal any action taken at the President's Council meeting. A

written appeal must be made within thirty (30) days after the final minutes of the

Presidents' Council have been mailed by the Conference office. Note: Procedures for

appeals of actions taken by the FARs Council for censure, probation or specific penalties

are set forth in Operating Code, Article V, Section 2-D.

Section 3.ONFERENCE COUNCIL

The Conference Council shall be the operating body of the Big Sky Conference.

A. Representation

The Conference Council is comprised of the Faculty Athletic Representatives' Counciland the Joint Athletic Administrators' Council.

B. Function of the Conference Council

In this Council, all action taken by the Joint Athletic Administrators' Council and the

Faculty Athletic Representatives' Council shall be reviewed and considered for approval

and then submitted to the Presidents' Council.

C. Officers

1. The Chair of the Conference Council is the Chair of the Faculty Athletic

Representatives' Council. The Vice-Chair will be the next FAR in the rotation and will

assume the duties of the Chair in the latter's absence.

2. The duties of these officers are described in ARTICLE VI, Section 4-C of the

Constitution.

D . Voting

The Faculty Athletic Representative, designated by the President of each institution, shall

be the voting delegate for this council.

Section 4.ACULTY ATHLETIC RE PRESENTATIVES' COUNCIL

A. Representation

The Faculty Athletic Representatives' Council shall consist of individuals designated by

the Presidents of the member institutions. These representatives shall be members of

the institutions' faculty, or administrators who hold faculty rank. The salary of the FAR

shall not be paid by the Athletics Department.

B. Functions of the Faculty Athletic Representatives' Council are:

To determine policy in eligibility rules, academic standards, matters of student-

athlete welfare, and to consider medical hardship cases.

2. To take primary responsibility for the enforcement of Conference standards and

ethics; and

3. To submit to the Conference Council, for its approval, all matters of policy.

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C. O fficers and Their Duties

1. The officers of the Faculty Athletic Representatives' Council shall be a Chair andVice-Chair.

2. The duties of the Chair shall be:a. To preside over all meetings of the Faculty Athletic Representatives'

Council and Conference Council meetings with the Athletic Administrators;

b. To issue calls, through the Conference office, for all Conference

meetings, designating time and place;

c. To appoint committees; and

d. To perform such other duties as may be prescribed from time to tim e.

3. The V ice-Chair will be the next FAR in the rotation and will assume the duties of theChair in the latter's absence. The Vice-Chair will serve as Chair in the upcoming

year.

D . VotingEach institution shall have one vote.

Section 5.OINT ATHL E TIC ADMINIS TRATORS ' COUN CIL

The Joint Athletic Administrators' Council shall be vested with the m anagement and op erationof the athletic programs.

A. R epresentationThe Joint Athletic A dministrators' Council shall consist of the Athletic Directors andSenior W oman Adm inistrators of the mem ber institutions.

B . Functions of the Joint Athletic Administrators' Council are:1. To act on al! prop osals presented to it by various constituencies and to forward item s

to the Conference Council with their recommendation for action.

2. To conduct all Conference athletic activities in compliance with policies approved bythe Presidents' Council; and

3. To m ake decisions on technical matters as authorized by the Presidents' Councilpertaining to the conduct of athletic activities.

C. O fficers and Their Duties1. The officer of the Joint Athletic Administrators' Council shall be the Chair.

2. The duties of the Chair shall be to preside over all meetings of the Joint AthleticAdministrators' Council.

3. The Chair of the Joint Athletic Council shall be designated to a mem ber institution fora period of one year. The Athletic Director will serve as Chair for one meeting, theSenior W oman Adm inistrator will serve as Chair for the other meeting, at theirdiscretion.

D. VotingEach institution shall have two (2) votes with one vote to b e cast by each of its twoathletic adm inistrative representatives present.

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201(1-2011 CONSTITUTION

Section 6.OMMITTEES

A. The Standing Committees are:

1. Eligibility Committee

The Eligibility Com mittee shall consist of five m embers: the Chair, the Vice-Chair,

and the Imm ediate Past Chair of the Faculty Athletic Representatives' Council; oneathletic director, and one senior woman adm inistrator. The Com missioner shall bean ex-officio, non-voting member of the Committee. The Committee shall rule oncases submitted to it by the Conference office, including waiver requests related tosatisfactory progress. The Committee has final jurisdiction, subject to the vote of theFaculty Athletic Representatives' Council. Matters affecting the status of Conferenceathletics under the rules of eligibility m ay be subm itted to the Committee only by aFaculty Athletic R epresentative or the Com missioner.

2. Legislative Comm itteeThe Legislative Comm ittee shall consist of one representative from each mem berinstitution and the Conference representatives to the NCAA M anagementCouncil, the Academics/Eligibility/Compliance Cabinet and theChampionships/Competition Cabinet. The Commissioner is an ex-officio,non-voting member of the Committee. It shall be the duty of the Committee tostudy the rules and regulations and make necessary revisions of the ConferenceConstitution, Operating Code, Sp ort Policies, and Champ ionship Policiesaccording to the recomm endations of all the Councils and the NCAA. In addition,in order to ensure each institution participates in the NCAA governance structure,the Committee shall meet regularly to review Management Council and Cabinetaction agendas as well as review NCA A proposed legislation, mak erecomm endations on conference votes, and send comm ents to the NCAA andPresidents of mem ber institutions of the Big S ky C onference on proposedlegislation.

3. Ethical Conduct & Violations CommitteeThe Ethical Conduct & Violations Committee shall consist of five members, with

three-year staggered terms: three Faculty Athletic Representatives, a Senior W omanAdministrator and an Athletic Director, with one of the FARs serving as Chair. Itshall be the duty of this Committee to consider alleged violations of Conference rules

only after a thorough investigation by the FAR of the involved institution and torecomm end appropriate action to the Faculty A thletic Representatives' Council. Ifapproved by that Council, the Chair of the Committee shall notify the Presidents'Council of the appropriate action. At the request of the Commissioner, thiscomm ittee may act in m atters relating to conduct, ethics, and violations of the intentor "spirit" of NCAA and B ig S ky Conference rules and policies.

4. Comm ittee on Comm itteesThe Committee on Committees shall consist of five members with three-yearstaggered terms: four Athletic Administrators and one Faculty Athletic

Representative. It shall be the duty of this Committee to recommend appointmentsto all standing comm ittees which adequately reflect the charge of each comm ittee.All Com mittee appointm ents shall be approved by the Presidents' Council.

5 . Championships & Competition CommitteeThe Championships & Competition Committee shall consist of five members withthree-year staggered terms: four Athletic Adm inistrators and one Faculty A thleticRepresentative appointed by the Conference Council upon recommendation by theComm ittee on Committees. It shall be the duty of this Comm ittee to review mattersof scheduling, regular season competition, and championship issues in all sports.Such recom mendations shall be forwarded to the Joint Athletic Council for theirapproval.

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6. Officiating Committee

The Officiating Committee shall consist of six members with three-year staggered

terms: three athletic directors and three senior woman administrators. Ex-officio

members shall be the Coordinator of Men's Officials, the Coordinator of Women's

Officials, and the Commissioner. It shall be the duty of this committee to review allmatters relating to officiating including: game fees and per diem, numbers of officials

required in each sport, and the improvement of officiating, Recommendations from

the Officiating Committee shall be forWarded to the Joint Athletic Council for itsaction.

7 . Television Committee

The Television Committee shall consist of four members with three-year staggered

terms: four positions allocated to Athletic Administrators who shall work in

conjunction with the Conference office staff. It shall be the duty of this committee to

review all proposed television contracts for Conference contests and to select games

for the Conference television package. These selections will be reviewed by the

member institutions involved.

8. Student -Athlete Advisory CommitteeThe Student-Athlete Advisory Committee shall consist of two student-athletes, one

male and one female, from each conference institution. To the extent possible, this

group shall be diverse with respect to ethnicity and sports represented. The SAAC

shall meet yearly or at the call of the Commissioner and shall review legislative

proposals and make recommendations on student-athlete welfare issues. Majority

recommendations shall be forwarded to the Joint Athletic or Conference Council for

their review.

B, Additional Committees

Additional committees may be appointed by the Presidents' Council.

Section 7.E L E C T IO N S F O R N C A A S E R V IC E O N B O A R D O F D I R E C T O R S , M A N A G E M E N T

C O U N C I L & C A B I N E T S

The Big Sky Conference supports the efforts of NCAA governance in meeting the

requirements of gender and ethnic diversity and recognizes the concept that each Division I

subdivision has a responsibility to attain those diversity goals as outlined by the Division I

Board of Directors. The Big Sky Conference will cooperate with the process by which the

subdivisions of Division I will select their representatives to the governance structure.

A. Board of Directors

The Presidents' Council, by majority vote, will select a Big Sky Conference representative

to the Board of Directors. The Presidents will seek advice and opinions from the

Commissioner.

B. Management Council and Cabinets

The Commissioner will develop and maintain a list of experienced candidates who have

expressed willingness to serve on the Management Council or a Cabinet. It is th eresponsibility of the Joint Athletic Council to ensure that the list is diverse, according to

gender, ethnic minorities, and job classification within the Conference structure (ADs,

SWAs, FARs) is represented to the greatest extent possible. The candidate list shall be

continuously maintained and approved annually by the Presidents' Council. The

Presidents' Council will select Conference nominees for the various NCAA positions from

the list ensuring the goals of diversity and effective representation for the Conference.

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2010-201] CONSTITUTION

C. Alternates for Management Council and Cabinets

Temporary absences to these bodies will be filled by the Commissioner and staff, with an

alternate of the same gender as the absent representative to maintain the gender

balance of the group, whenever possible. The Chair of the Presidents' Council will

determine if absences longer than two meetings should be filled in this manner or an

alternate designated from the list maintained by the Conference.

ARTICLE VII CONFERENCE COMMISSIONER

Section 1.ELECTION AND TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

A. The Conference shall employ a Chief Administrative Officer known as the

"Commissioner." The Commissioner is selected and the terms of employment are set by

the Presidents' Council. The term of office of the Commissioner shall commence July 1,

unless otherwise provided by agreement, and shall be for a period such as the

Presidents' Council shall establish.

B. Prior to the expiration of the Commissioner's contract, the Presidents' Council shall

determine whether the contract shall be renewed, unless otherwise provided by

agreement.

Section 2.ENERAL DUTIES

The general duties of the Commissioner shall be to:

A Serve as the Chief Administrative Officer of the Conference;

B . Serve as the principal enforcement officer of the Conference rules, regulations and

agreements;

C. Serve as Executive Officer of the Conference;

D. Serve as ex-officio, non-voting member of all standing committees unless

otherwise specified;

E . Study the problems of the Conference and give advice and guidance in the solution of

those problems to the members and thereby promote the general welfare of the

Conference at all times;

F. Conduct, through the press, radio, television, periodicals, meetings and the general

service of the office, a continuous educational program advancing the development of

scholarship, sportsmanship, an understanding of the values of competitive athletics,

and exert all reasonable effort to acquaint the public with the ethics and high ideals

which motivate the Conference and its conduct of intercollegiate athletics;

G. Issue the call for meetings;

H. Interpret and rule upon matters of eligibility and regulations and send copies of the

interpretations and rulings to the Faculty Athletic Representatives and Athletic

Adm inistrators. R ulings with respect to matters of eligibility shall be submitted by theCommissioner to the Eligibility Committee for reference to precedents and supportive

reasoning for approval or disapproval. Such review by the Eligibility Committee may

affect the applicability of the Commissioner's ruling in the reported case;

I. Report at least once a year to the Presidents' Council concerning Conference matters;

J. Exercise all powers necessary for the effective performance of all duties; and

K. Perform other duties as the Conference Councils may direct.

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2010-2011 CONS TiTUM ZON

Section 3.DMINISTRATIVE DUTIES

The administrative duties of the Commissioner shall be to:

A. Maintain records of all Conference meetings and peruse previous meeting's minutes for

any unfinished business or referred or tabled motions and bring those matters to the

attention of the appropriate Council;

B. Administer Conference policy Involving television, radio, and related programs;

C. Select, assign, and contract game officials for intercollegiate sports as may be directed

by the Athletic Administrators;

D. Act as ex-officio, non-voting member, in all coaches groups and provide assistance in the

preparation of schedules in all sports, if necessary;

E. Act as liaison between the Conference representatives and the media;

F. Maintain and distribute historical and statistical records for all Conference athleticcompetition;

G. Maintain a compilation of precedents and interpretations of Conference rules and

regulations from proceedings of all Council meetings and appropriate committee

meetings;

H. Prepare and distribute reporting forms required by Conference rules and regulations;

I. Be responsible for Conference financial transactions;

J. Prepare the annual budget and related fiscal data for the Conference office and submit to

the Presidents' Council;

K. Supervise the operations of the Conference office and support personnel, including allpersonnel matters; and

L. Arrange for Conference meetings and prepare agendas for the Conference Councils, in

consultation with appropriate Chairs and be responsible for the distribution of all minutes.

AR T I CLE VI I I MEET I NGS

Section 1.he Presidents' Council shall meet at least annually upon the call of the Chair.

Section 2.he Faculty Athletic Representatives and AthleticAdministrators shall meet at least annually.

A. The Fall Meeting shall be at a designated site and shall generally be scheduled in

October or November,

B. The Spring Meeting shall be held at a designated site and shall generally be scheduled

just prior to the end of Spring term.

G. The special dates and designated sites of the Conference Meetings for the following year

shall be reviewed and scheduled at the Spring meeting of the Conference Council.

D. Special meetings may be called by the Chairs through the Conference office.

Section 3.oaches, Sports Information Directors, and other institutional personnel shall meet at the call

of the Big Sky Conference or at the call of the Commissioner.

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2010-011 CONSTITUTIO N

Section 4.ll agenda items must be circulated at least three weeks In advance of a Conference

meeting. Emergency items not so circulated must have unanimous consent of the

appropriate council for consideration. (Refer to Article XIII, Section 2, of the Big Sky

Conference Operating Code for further clarification.)

Section 5.n case of emergency operational matters, the Conference Commissioner may conduct a

vote of the appropriate Council or committee by conference call, fax, E-mail, or mail. A

majority vote shall prevail. The results shall be circulated to the appropriate Councils orcommittees.

Section 6.ll meetings are open; however, a Council may go into an executive session upon a majority

vote of its members.

Section 7,HE PRE S IDE NTS ' COUNCIL M E E TING FORMAT

A. The first meeting of the Presidents' Council shall be held on the next to last day of the

Spring and/or Fall Meetings. Persons participating will include the Presidents, the

Commissioner, Chair of the Faculty Athletic Representatives Council, Chair of the Joint

Athletic Administrators' Council and whomever the Presidents wish to invite. The

purpose of the meeting will be to receive the reports of the Council Chairs and set the

agenda for the business meeting to be held the following day.

B. The second meeting of the Presidents' Council will be held on the morning ofthe last day

of the Spring and/or Fall Meetings. The Commissioner will be Included for the purpose of

briefing the Presidents on issues that may be current or on the horizon and to add last

minute items and make any adjustments to the agenda.

C. The Chair of the Presidents' Council shall convene the Presidents' Council in Executive

Session on the last day to consider matters and concerns of individual campuses that, by

necessity, need to be confidential.

D. The Final Meeting of the Presidents' Council and the other Councils shall be held the last

day of the Spring and/or Fall Meetings. The purpose of this final meeting will be for the

Presidents' Council to take official action on the agenda.

A R T I C L E IX A M E N D M E N T S

Section 1.hese articles may be amended by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Conference Council. No

constitutional amendment can be voted on at the same meeting at which it is originally

proposed.

Section 2.inal approval will be by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Presidents' Council.

ARTICLE X DISSOLUTION

Dissolution of the Conference shall be effected by no less than three-fourths (314) vote of the

member institutions, In case of dissolution, the assets and/or the liabilities of the Big Sky

Conference shall be equally distributed among the member institutions.

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2010-2011 OPERATING CODE

O P E R A T I N G C O D E

O F

T H E B I G S K Y C O N F E R E N C E

The Operating Code of the Conference consists of directives as welt as commitments of a contractual nature

between member institutions, and all procedures and prohibitions of the Conference.

A R T IC L E IE C O G NIZE D S P O R T S

Section 1.equired Core Sports

Each core member institution is required to participate in all of the following core sports:

Women:asketball, cross country, golf, indoor track and field, outdoor track and field,

tennis, volleyball.

Men :asketball, cross country, football, indoor track and field, outdoor track and

field, tennis.

To meet the core sport participation requirements, each institution, in the core sports listed

above, must participate in the minimum number of regular season competitions (incompliance with NCAA divisional sport scheduling requirements) with the minimum number

of participants, as specified to meet the NCAA Division I membership requirements. An

institution applying for a NCAA waiver of any sport sponsorship-related bylaw must also

apply for a waiver from the Big Sky Conference's Presidents' Council if a Big Sky

Conference core sport is involved. Failure to meet the above requirements without a

waiver granted by the Presidents' Council is a violation that must be reported to the

Conference's Ethical Conduct and Violations Committee. Finally, each institution Is

required to participate in each core sport championship.

In addition to the Big Sky core sport requirements listed above, each institution is required

to meet the NCAA's minimum sport sponsorship requirements for total number of sports

sponsored (i.e., sponsor a minimum of either seven sports for men and seven sports for

women or six sports for men and eight sports for women.).

Section 2.ponsored Sports

A. Any sport sponsored by the Big Sky Conference and participated in on an intercollegiate

basis shall be subject to all rules and regulations set forth in this Operating Code.

B. Any student-athlete competing in non-Big Sky sports shall be required to meet all Big Sky

Conference academic standards.

Section 3,ropping Sports

A. Required Sports: In exceptional cases, a core member institution may be permitted to

forego competition in a particular sport upon a two-thirds majority vote of the Presidents'

Council. Annual review of each such case is also required.

B. Other Recognized Sports: Member institutions may drop sports in this category; however,

should such action affect the Big Sky Conference sports championship's criteria, the

minimum sports requirements for championships, the minimum number of championships

required, or automatic qualification for national championship s, it is imperative that formaldiscussions occur at a regularly scheduled Conference meeting prior to final institutional

action. The Commissioner may initiate such discussions.

Section 4.ember Participation

A Conference institution may not participate as a member in any other Conference in a sport

recognized and sponsored by the Big Sky Conference.

13




Section 5.arsity Competition

Any intercollegiate competition shall count as a year of varsity competition. (Refer to NCAA

Bylaws 14.02.6 and 14.7.)

Section 6.ules for Conducting Competition

Playing rules and conditions for all sports shall be governed as set forth in the Sports Policies.

Section 7.hampionships

Championships shall be conducted in each of the sponsored sports if a minimum of six

members participate in that sport. A minimum of six conference championships in men's

and women's sports are required to meet the NCAA automatic qualification criteria.

Playing rules and conditions for all conference championships shall be governed as set forth in

the Championship Policies.

ARTICLE IIULES OF ELIGIBILITY

The Conference shall follow NCAA eligibility requirements, including the NCAA progressive

GPA requirements.

Any person representing a member institution in any athletic contest must comply with the

following eligibility rules. If a student-athlete competes while not In compliance with the NCAA

academic standards, the institution must declare the student-athlete ineligible, self-report a

violation of NCAA Bylaws, and seek restoration of eligibility from the NCAA.

Section 1.ntra-Conference Transfer Rule

A. In all Big Sky Championship Sports, a student-athlete who receives athletically-related

financial aid and transfers directly to another Big Sky Conference member institution must

fulfil( a residence requirement of one full academic year (two full semesters or three full

quarters excluding summer term) before competing. During that period the student-athlete

shall not be offered, provided or have arranged directly or indirectly any earned orunearned athletically-related financial aid.

A recruited non-qualifier, although not receiving athletically related aid, is bound by this

provision unless released in writing by the Athletic Director of the previous institution.

B. On written petition from the student-athlete clearly, e_ _ _ _ I y _ _tialning all extenuating

circumstances and hardships, the ErairelliTyTareiriTaq may waive the year in residency

requirement and/or financial aid restriction for an Intra-Conference transfer.

Section 2.tatus

All student-athletes must be certified as eligible by the Faculty Athletic Representative of

the institution. Full and complete data must be included on the eligibility certificate for all

student-athletes new to the fail sports programs who desire to participate in Spring practice.

Section 3.egistration and Attendance

A. The student-athlete must be attending a full-time, on-campus course of study by the

10' institutional instructional day of the term in which competition occurs.

B. Admission standards shall apply to all students.

C. All student admission procedures shall be handfed by the regular admissions officers or

Committees of the institution.

14




Section 4.esidence

A student shall be considered a resident at a collegiate institution when the Registrar or

Admissions Officer certifies that the student was officially registered and enrolled at said

institution on the opening day of classes in any term, or the student attended a class or classes

in any term, or the Athletic Director certified that the student reported on call for the regular

uniformed practice prior to the beginning of any term, summer session excluded.

Section 5.nrollment Requirements

1. Student-athletes are required to be enrolled in a minimum of 12 credit hours during each

term in which they practice or compete. Dropping below 12 credit hours during any term

may jeopardize financial aid.

2. Exception, Final Semester/Quarter. A student-athlete with athletics eligibility remaining

may participate in practice and competition while enrolled in less than a minimum full-time

program of studies, provided the student is enrolled in the final semester or quarter of the

baccalaureate program and the institution certifies that the student is carrying (for credit)

the courses necessary to complete the degree requirements, as determined by the faculty

of the institution.

3 . A student-athlete may compete while enrolled in a full-time graduate program as defined

by the institution, but in any event not fewer than eight hours.

Section 6.cademic Requirements

A. reRTITITIPWRigirFAMirliTrifgFirreTrIgiMirgi ng e 1 1 T 8W-11.14eiCePtkl§fli

In order for a transfer student from a two-year college who Is not a qualifier to be eligible

for institutional financial aid, practice and competition during his or her first academicyear

in residence, he or she must have successfully completed three semester or four quarter

hours of English and three semester or four quarter hours of mathematics at the two-year

college that are transferable toward any baccalaureate degree program at the certifying

institution.

Section 7.istorical Questionnaire

The Big Sky Conference Historical Questionnaire is required to be on file in the Athletic

Director's office for each student-athlete prior to his/her participation in any intercollegiate

sport. This form provides information on student-athletes' attendance at high schools and

universities and their participation in intercollegiate sports. This information is needed by

Athletic Administrators and Faculty Athletic Representatives to certify eligibility and to

determine seasons of competition remaining. Only one fully completed form is required

during a student's tenure at the institution unless the student subsequently enrolls at

another collegiate institution. In subsequent years, students need only complete the part of

the form containing demographic information and to sign the form indicating receipt of Big

Sky Conference rules and regulations. (Refer to Appendix Index) A student whoknowingly falsifies such a statement shall be permanently ineligible for participation in all

sports in this Conference.

Section 8.ligibility Rule Change

No change in an eligibility rule may be made unless it is discussed at a regular meeting and

voted an no sooner than at the next regular meeting. Such rule changes shall be retroactive if

less restrictive.

15




Section 9.fficial Interpretation

In cases requiring clarification of rules, the Com missioner shall have jurisdiction, and shallreport the decision in writing immediately to the Conference members. The Commissionershall confer with the Eligibility Committee on matters pertaining to eligibility.

ARTICLE 111 F INANCIAL A ID TO ATHLETES

Refer to NCAA Manual.

Section 1.rants-n-id

A The full grant-in-aid (FGE) Is financial aid that consists of tuition and fees, room and boardand required course-related books.

B. Big S ky Conference Financial Aid Lim itations: Financial aid will b e administered anddistributed within the guidelines of NGAA M anual, Bylaws 14 and 15.

C. Athletic aid is not to be granted for night school, extension, or correspondence coursesunless the institution considers enrollment in such courses as regular course enrollm ent

for all students.

D. Excep t for students attending a sum mer orientation program , a student-athlete shall notreceive athletically-related financial aid to attend the institution's summer term or summerschool unless the student-athlete received such athletically-related aid during the previousacademic year. Further, such aid may be awarded only in proportion to the amount ofathletically-related financial aid received by the student-athlete during the p reviousacademic year.

(1 ) Each institution shall, on an annual basis, report the num bers of student athletesreceiving aid, the sports involved, the amount of aid used, and whether or notthe student athletes were eligible at the tim e they received the aid. TheConference office will summ arize the data. Also reviewed will b e the use of

scholarships from non-core championship sp orts, why students were ineligibleand standards being used to prioritize aid.(2 ) Institutional fees are defined as those which are required of all students and do

not include special fees. (See NCAA Bylaws)

Section 2.ligibility for Aid

A. Refer to NCAA M anual, Bylaws, and Big Sky Code Appendix Index.

B. Student-athletes who are not in compliance with II-6-D may have their aid cancelled at thediscretion of the institution. (Freshmen are exempt from provisions of II-6-D for financialaid purposes.)

C. All students must b e enrolled full time as defined by the institution at which they are

enrolled, but carry not less than ten credit hours in any term that does not fulfill theexceptions listed below. Enrollment in less than 12 credit hours in any term may jeopardizefinancial aid. (Refer to NCAA Manual Bylaws)

(1) Exceptions to Full-Time Enrollment

(a) A student-athlete with athletics eligibility remaining m ay participate in p racticeand competition while enrolled in less than a minimum full-time program ofstudies, provided the student is enrolled in the final semester or quarter of thebaccalaureate program and the institution certifies that the student is carrying(for credit) the courses necessary to complete the degree requirements, asdetermined by the faculty of the institution.

16



2010-2011 OPERATING CO DE

(b) A student-athlete may compete while enrolled in a full-time graduate program

as defined by the institution, but in any event not fewer than eight hours.

D. Those students fulfilling a year of residence under the antra-Conference Transfer Rule

shall not receive directly or indirectly any earned or unearned athletically-related financial

aid. (See ARTICLE H, Section 1-A. Intra-Conference Transfer Rule)

A R T I C L E I V R E C R U I T I N G

Section 1.ecruiting Practices

All recruiting practices shall conform with rules as stated in NCAA Manual.

Section 2.ational Letter of Intent

The Big Sky Conference shall abide by the National Letter of Intent The same

provisions and restrictions will apply between Conference institutions. (Refer to Appendix

Index.)

A R T I C L E V V I O L A T I O N S , P R O T E S T S , DI S C I PL I N A R Y A C T I O N , A N D R E M E D I E S

Section 1.eports and Investigations of Violations

NC AA Vio la tions

A. The principle of institutional control and the Big Sky Conference require self-reporting of

NCAA violations: Level I Violations are to be reported directly to the NCAA with a copy sent

to the Conference office, while Level II Violations are submitted to the Conference office,

which submits an annual report to the NCAA on behalf of all member institutions. The

Conference office will compile all violation reports into a summary for review by the Ethical

Conduct and Violations Committee to determine trends and suggest possible remedies

that can be taken as a conference.

B. It is the duty of every institutional staff member or student-athlete to report to the Faculty

Athletic Representative of their institution any suspected or known violation of the rules of

the NCAA. If the Faculty Athletic Representative believes there is possible or probable

merit in the complaint, he/she shall then prepare a self-report utilizing the Big Sky

Conference Violation Reporting form. The Faculty Athletic Representative shall send the

violation report to the President of the institution who shall forward Level I violations to the

NCAA (with a copy to the Conference office), and Level II violations directly to the

Conference office only.

Conference Code Violations

A. The principle of institutional control and the Big Sky Conference require members to self-

report all violations of the Conference Code to the Conference office.

B. It is the duty of every institutional staff member, coach and student-athlete to report to

the Faculty Athletic Representative of their institution any suspected or known violation

of the rules of the Big Sky Conference Code, If the Faculty Athletic Representative

believes that a Code violation has occurred, they shall utilize the Big Sky Conference

Violation Reporting form and submit it to the Conference office. All such violation

reports shall be reviewed by the Ethical Conduct and Violations Committee for

disposition.

(1) In cases where violations are admitted or of such nature that they are undeniable, the

Commissioner may submit the facts to the Ethical Conduct and Violations Committee

without further investigation.

17




(2 ) When one Conference institution alleges a Conference Code violation against another

Conference member, the Faculty Athletic Representative of the alleging institution

shall gather pertinent data to support the charge and send a copy to the Conference

office. At the request of the Conference Commissioner, the Faculty Athletic

Representative of the institution alleged to have a violation shall conduct a thorough

investigation of the matter and send to the Commissioner a report which either verifies

the allegations in a violation report or provides information that no violation occurred.If a violation occurred, the matter will be forwarded for action to the Ethical Conduct

and Violations Committee.

(3 ) In cases of complaints made to the Commissioner from sources outside theConference that the Commissioner believes may have validity, or in cases where the

Commissioner has reason to suspect a Code violation, the Commissioner shall direct

the institution to conduct a full investigation. The Faculty Athletic Representative shall

prepare all pertinent data into a report and forward it to the Conference office. I t shall

place the case before the Ethical Conduct and Violations Committee at the next

Conference meeting.

(4 ) Investigation of all alleged Big Sky Conference Code violations is the responsibility of

each institution. The Ethical Conduct and Violations Committee shall consider only

those violations reported to them by the Commissioner. The Commissioner willbecome involved in investigations of potential Code violations only upon direction from

the Presidents' Council. The Ethical Conduct and Violations Committee may take

action on Code violations by conference call between meetings if deemed necessary

by the Commissioner.

C. The Ethical Conduct and Violations Committee, after thorough consideration of any case,

is to make a full report to the Faculty Athletic Representatives' Council with

recommendations for disciplinary action or dismissal. No representative of the institution

charged with a violation shall vote in the decisions of the Ethical Conduct and Violations

Committee, Faculty Athletic Representatives' Council or Presidents' Council.

Section 2.ction Following Hearings

Penalties Except Suspension or Expulsion of Member Institution

A. The Faculty Athletic Representatives' Council has the authority to impose any penalties

and sanctions except suspension or expulsion of a member institution. After all the

evidence in a case has been considered, the Faculty Athletic Representatives' Council, by

a two-thirds (2/3) vote of all members (with the institution charged with the violation not

voting), may impose upon the institution charged with the violation a penalty or penalties to

include: vote of censure, probation, or any specific penalty or penalties judged to be

appropriate for the specific vidation(s) and the duration of the penalty, if appropriate.

Without the required two-thirds (213) vote, the Faculty Athletic Representatives' Council

may hold that there is insufficient evidence to justify any disciplinary action against the

accused institution.

B. The Commissioner will monitor the institution's efforts to remedy the circumstances that

caused the violation(s), if appropriate, and advise the Faculty Athletic Representatives'Council and the Presidents' Council when the institution has taken action to correct the

factors causing the violations. if penalties are time-specific, they will be terminated at the

conclusion of the specified period.

C. The Chair of the Faculty Athletic Representatives' Council shall provide written notification

of all actions taken by the Faculty Athletic Representatives' Council to the Conference

Commissioner, the Chair of the Presidents' Council, and the President, Faculty Athletic

Representative, and Athletic Director of the institution charged with violation. The action of

the Faculty Athletic Representatives' Council becomes official when the President of the

institution charged with the violation indicates that the decision will not be appealed and the

institution will abide by the ruling handed down (or at the expiration of 30 days from the

date of written notification of penalties if the institution has not responded).

18



2010-2011 OPERATING CO DE

D. Any institution notified that the action of the Faculty Athletic Representatives' Council callsfor censure, probation, or specific penalties may seek to appeal the action(s) within thirty(30) days of the date the institution was provided with written notification of the imposedpenalties. A formal written request for appeal must be subm itted to the Conference officeby the President of the institution against which sanctions were imp osed. The request toappeal the action by the Faculty Athletic Representatives' Council should specify the basisfor the appeal and Include relevant documentation and arguments. A majority vote of thePresidents' Council (with the institution appealing the penalties not voting) shall determinewhether the request for an appeal hearing will be granted. if an appeal hearing takesplace, a two thirds (2/3) vote of the Presidents' Council (with the institution appealing thepenalties not voting) is required to sustain the appeal. The Presidents' Council may reviewall pertinent data, including the results of the investigation, the Ethical Conduct & ViolationsCommittee report and recommendations, the Faculty Athletic Representatives' Councilreview, and arguments from the institution against which penalties were imposed. Theaction taken by the Presidents' Council shall be final,

E . If the representative from the institution charged with the violation serves as the Chair ofthe Faculty Athletic Representatives' Council or the Presidents' Council, then all hearingsinvolving that institution shall be chaired by the V ice-Chair.

F. Any revenue derived from penalties imposed on a m ember institution will be received bythe Conference office and set aside in the strategic reserve.

Suspension or Expulsion of Member Institution

Action to suspend or expel a mem ber institution from the Big S ky C onference must b e passedby a unanimous affirmative vote of the Presidents' Council, with the institution charged withviolation(s) not voting. In case of a unanimous vote for suspension, all athletic relations will besuspended between the m ember institutions of the Conference and the suspended memb er forone calendar year, beginning with the day on which suspension action becomes official. incase of a vote of expulsion from the Conference, the institution so disciplined may apply for re-admission to the Conference after expiration of one calendar year, in the same manner as anyother non-mem ber institution seeking adm ission.

Competition Involving An Ineligible Athlete

In the event an ineligible student-athlete represents a Big Sky Conference memberInstitution in an y in tercollegiate contest(s) , Conference or n on-C onference, thatinstitution STAIlliMMecilatelY737ri i.scoveiy.of th e ; y i T r a i T 6 1 T r W o . F t : fo x : 7 —p i a t i c i A t attte; trig S t y _ Conferenceloffice The Conferenc e offt'ce will review the violation r i k t l f

into cai i 1 1 6 t a t : i * 0 1 i k . 4 t 0 4 f i r 1 6 4

the chair of `the^ Ethical Conduct andAViolations Gomm tttee - shalt Issue ari immediate

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C(3 001.14t0 0:1;tri tcaIp wh ep the` ngoin g i conduct..

,0g t o g s e a s o ntjahf4ecindb::61iMi3ionsliip'itiAy:10"Vietteaiby,ftLe:tkACf;itkilellbeiationsl

WIre! . . 61 " 6- 7 " e r n 7 6 1 5 75 1 % 1 7 0 1 7 1 1 7 7 d en c -e.ef, th e I a t i o ritA may14t.:APrt t . * •

take;an 6f••ccounct-Ttifide i Tin imisiAhd:eOtctreteri

ti;r-orapidritdeserV itifi 7 of - alAAn'ationSthich!rriiyiefeaid67ferfOilriclii i i i i . Sut rienthe of

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CalStr, arftliorstudenttattilefrOtriltiturp:Orrip.'etitiiih;tifi rriiit6kin`Of r ,•

6vISA'd•policy.for',COrrirneritand,Apiirdiial ., andior,, letter et'reprirriandJ

borting , tt i*d6Cisionthe CommitTeflaTilliliifiorisideration , Corrimittee

precedents a ndito:mha t degreeithelpfesenttviolationNaoln.advertentiiintentiOnai

19



2010-2011 OPER ATING CODE

an prae

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Section 3.rinciples of Ethical Conduct

It shall be a member institution's responsibility to apply and enforce the following principles:

A. Unethical conduct by a prospective or enrolled student-athlete or a current or formerinstitutional staff member may include, but is not limited to, the following:

(1 ) Refusal to furnish information relevant to an Investigation of a possible violation of

an NCAA or Conference regulation when requested to do so by the individual's

institution, the Conference or the NCAA.

(2 ) Knowing involvement in arranging for fraudulent academic credit or false

transcripts for a prospective or an enrolled student-athlete;

(3 ) Knowing involvement in offering or providing a prospective or an enrolled student-

athlete an improper inducement or extra benefit or improper financial aid;

(4 ) Knowingly furnishing the NCAA, the Conference, or the individual's institution false

or misleading information concerning the individual's involvement in or knowledge

of matters relevant to a possible violation of an NCAA or Conference regulation; or

(5 ) Receipt of benefits by an institutional staff member for facilitating or arranging a

meeting between a student-athlete and an agent, financial advisor, orrepresentative of an agent, or advisor (e.g., "runner").

B . Individuals employed by or associated with a member institution for the administration,

conduct or coaching of intercollegiate athletics, shall deport themselves with honestyand good sporting behavior at all times, and shall stand for the honor and dignity of fair

play and generally recognized high standards associated with wholesome competitive

sports.

C. Staff members of the athletics department and student-athletes shall not knowingly:

(1) Provide information to individuals involved in organized gambling activities

concerning intercollegiate athletics competition;

(2) Solicit a bet on any intercollegiate team;

(3) Accept a bet on any team representing the institution;

(4) Solicit or accept a bet on any intercollegiate competition for any item

(e.g. cash, shirt, dinner) that has tangible value; or

(5) Participate In any gambling activity that involves intercollegiate athletics or

professional athletics, through a bookmaker, a parlay card or any other method

employed by organized gambling.

Note: Gam bling regulations also apply to Conference office personnel.

D. The use of tobacco products is prohibited in all sports during practice and competition by

student-athletes, coaches, trainers, managers, game officials, and any other game

personnel.

20




E. Since the control of intercollegiate athletics rests with member Institutions, it shall be the

responsibility of the institution to investigate and report any incident that violates the

principles of ethical conduct If such action Is not initiated by the member institution, it shall

be the responsibility of the Commissioner andior the Ethical Conduct & Violations

Committee to take action regarding any incident that violates the principles of ethical

conduct.

Section 4.nstitutional Support of Conference Programs

A. Support of Programs: Support by each member institution and its representatives of Big

Sky Conference programs, regulations, and administrative and game officials is required

as a condition of membership in the Big Sky Conference. This Section stipulates howthat

support must be demonstrated and what punitive action by the Conference may be

anticipated by a member when there exists a lack of support or when Conference

regulations are broken in a manner which dictates a Conference response other than

through the formal enforcement procedures, e.g., timely action by Commissioner.

B. Public Comment on Conference Programs and Institutional Personnel/Student-Athlete

Conduct: Institutional personnel and student-athletes of Big Sky Conference institutions

must remember at all times, even in the midst of the emotion of a game, that they are

representatives of an institution of higher education, its administration, its student body,and faculty. Accordingly, they are expected to conduct themselves in a manner which will

reflect credit on the institution and the Conference and create a collegiate atmosphere for

Big Sky competition. The coach and other Institutional personnel must be aware that they

are examples to the student-athletes and other students and, consistent with their

influence and visibility, must meet a particularly high standard. The conduct of student-

athletes, coaches and institutional personnel will be judged by that standard. Misconduct

by institutional personnel or student-athletes will not be condoned and can result in

immediate disciplinary action by the Conference. The term "misconduct" includes but is

not limited to the following: any act of dishonesty, unsporting conduct, unprofessional

behavior or breach of law occurring incident to, en route to, from or at the locale of

competition or practice that discredits the event, intercollegiate athletics, or the Big Sky

Conference. Proper conduct also is essential to crowd control, to which the Conference

has assigned a high priority to assure that attendance at Big Sky Conference games is a

safe and enjoyable experience.

"Institutional personnel" as used in this context, shall include all coaches, athletic

department staff members, and other institutional employees.

G. Commissioner's Authority Regarding Misconduct/Timely Action

(1) Immediate Action Required: The Commissioner has the authority to take immediate

and discretionary action when:

(a ) the misconduct Is so inappropriate that immediate penalties should be imposed,

(b ) in the event that timely action is needed to alleviate or control a situation which by

its nature and possible effect threatens orderly administration or operation of the

Conference or its programs and precludes the timetable of due process

contained herein, or

(c ) when action is in the best interest of the Conference.

The actions of the Commissioner in such cases shall be final and binding and shall be

reported to the Ethical Conduct & Violations Committee for further action if deemed

necessary.

(2) Other Situations: In cases where immediate action is not required, but where the

Commissioner believes it is in the best interest of the Conference that action be taken

to handle incidents of misconduct, the Commissioner shall reportsuch incidents to the

Ethical Conduct & Violations Committee for review and possible action. The

Conference's normal hearing procedure shall be utilized in this event.

21



2010-2011 OPER ATING CODE

D, If any student-athlete comm its a flagrant disqualifying foul otherthan fighting on the field ofplay or at the gam e site, or comm its any other unsporting act, the Athletic Director of theoffending member Institution shall notify the Conference office immediately. Anystudent-athlete suspended from athletic activities for flagrant violations, other than fightingon field or court, shall be penalized as follows:

(1 ) First Offense - M inimum of official reprimand.

(2) Second Offense by Same Individual - M inimum of suspension for the nextregularly scheduled game.

(3 ) Third Offense by Sam e Individual - Suspension for the remainder of the season.

If necessary, the Commissioner shall conduct an investigation including a study of thegam e films, report of gam e officials, and any other available information. If, after reviewingthe information available, the Com missioner determines the incident to be flagrant, theCommissioner may rule the player permanently ineligible, ineligible for a fixed period, ormay privately warn the student-athlete, the coach, and the institution, that if such conductis repeated, the student-athlete will be ruled permanently ineligible and the penalty

imposed publicly.

In sports where fighting is covered in the rule book, the officials shall take Immediateaction. In sports where fighting is not covered in the rule book, the action for flagrant,disqualifying fouls shall be followed.

The Com missioner shall have the authority to vacate reprimands and suspensions if filmsshow such action is warranted. The Com missioner shall forward all such incidents to theEthical Conduct and Violations Committee for their review.

ARTICLE VI CONFERENCE ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS

Section 1.variety of NCAA and Conference reports and/or forms are required or suggested as a meansof assurance for each institution that its athletic program is being conducted in a mannerwhichcomplies with rules of the NCAA and Conference.

Section 2.esponsibility For Transmission Of Reports

The com pletion and timely transmission of all forms to the Conference office shall be theresponsibility of the Athletic Director of each institution. Certain forms will b e authenticated bythe Athletic Director, or by the Registrar and Faculty Athletic Representative. In each case, theapproved forms will indicate the institutional staff members who authenticated such reports tothe Conference office.

Section 3.. Reports required to be filed with the Conference office:

(1) T he NCAA Squad List: A NCAA squad list form (NCAA CA) that contains financial

aid fractions for head count and equivalency sports shall be com piled and signedby the appropriate institutional official prior to the first day of competition for eachteam sponsored by the member institution. Squad lists shall be revised to coverany changes m ade to a squad prior to the competition of any student-athlete addedto the list and shall be signed b y the app ropriate institutional official. Squad listsshall be forwarded to the Conference office twice a year; once within three weeksof the first scheduled competition and once at the end of the academic y ear orcomp letion of the season, whichever is later. Failure to comply with thisrequirement will result in a Code violation that m ust be self-reported to theConference office.

(2 ) Conference Eligibility Report: A copy of an eligibility report approved by theConference office (NCAA CAI) must be filed within three weeks of the first

22




scheduled competition in each sport. Where the sport season covers more than

one term, an approved report must also be made after the close of any term ending

during the sport season. Athletes participating in a sport before their eligibility is

certified become ineligible for that sport until their eligibility is restored by the

NCAA.

An eligibility report must also be certified and filed with the Conference office before

student-athletes in fall sports can participate in spring practice (football, volleyball,soccer). The report must show the high school core grade point average and

Eligibility Center status for freshmen students who did not participate in fall sports,

number of hours enrolled and cumulative grade point average for all students, and

total eligibility requirements for new junior college transfers. Full and complete data

must be included on the eligibility certificate for all student-athletes new to the fall

sports programs who desire to participate in Spring practice.

(3 ) National Letter of Intent and Athletic Aid Agreement A National Letter of Intent is only

valid when a member Institution files a copy of each financial aid agreement along with

a copy of the NLI with the Conference office.

B. Institutional Reports

Historical Questionnaire - Must be completed and signed by each student-athlete prior tocompetition, and retained In the Athletic Director's office. (Refer to Article II Section 7, and

Appendix Index.)

Appropriate review of individual programs may be conducted by Conference

representatives during annual visits to the member institutions. Presidents will be

advised of the results of any review.

ARTICLE VII AWARDS

Section 1.onference Awards

The Conference shall determine the awards to be given in each sport. The qualifications andtypes of awards are listed in the Awards Structure (see appendix index).

Section 2.nstitutional Awards

Each member institution shall prescribe its own requirements for earning varsity or freshman

awards and shall determine specific awards to be given in the sports offered.

Section 3.cholar-Athlete Award

Each year the most outstanding female and male scholar-athlete from each institution shall be

awarded the Big Sky Conference Scholar-Athlete Award. Each institution shall select the

award winner and submit the following information to the Conference office: name and major,

cumulative grade point average, the sport in which the student participated, and class in

school. To be eligible for this award the student-athlete must have a minimum cumulative

grade point average of 3.2 (on a 4.0 scale), be a member of the graduating class and/or have

completed his/her last year of intercollegiate athletic eligibility, have completed at least two

years of intercollegiate competition at the institution, and be a letter winner. Grade point

averages shall not be released.

The Conference shall sponsor a Conference Honor Roll scroll which shall recognize all of the

Big Sky Conference Scholar-Athletes. Each member institution shall receive a Conference

Honor Roll scroll with the entire list of the Scholar-Athletes' names engraved.

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Section 7.ll-Conference Selection — Goff

A. Utilizing the Golfstat W omen's Players Standings, the Conference office will produce afirst- and second-team Ail-Conference team, with each team consisting of five players.R esults will be based on performance prior to the championship and will be releasedthe week before the championship. Student-athletes must have competed in aminimum of 50% of their teams' tournaments for that year.

Player of the Year will be the top ranked player and Freshman of the Y ear will be thetop ranked freshman (true or red shirt).

B. Student-athletes under current suspension are not eligible for selection or nom ination.

Section B.ll-Conference Selection - All Other Sports

A. Head coaches in each sport will select that sports All-Conference team. The Conferenceinformation personnel w ill issue a call for nominations at the conclusion of the regularseason.oaches will nominate their players and return the nominations to theConference office. Ballots will be sent to each head coach and a telephone conferencecall will be scheduled. Votes will be tabulated by Conference office personnel and results

will be released prior to post-season play or at a time chosen for maxim um exposure.Coaches may not vote for their own student-athletes. Each sport will be p ermitted thenumb er of special awards contained in the Award Sum mary in App endix VI, such asPlayer of the Year, Freshman of the Year, etc. The number of such awards will not beincreased without a vote of the Conference membership. Specific instructions for All-Conference selection In each sport will be sent to head coaches prior to the voting. Headcoaches only may vote for All-Conference players. All-Conference selection in thesesports shall be conducted in a manner to ensure maximum flexibility.

B. Student-Athletes under current suspension are not eligible for nom ination or selection.

Section 9.cademic Ali-Conference

Academic All-Conference selections will be made in all Big Sky Conference sports. Following

the sports seasons in fall, winter and spring, each institution will b e asked to provide to theConference office a list of that season's athletes who qualify fo r the award, except for g olf,which will nam e its all-academic team in the spring instead of the fall, when it completes itschampionship. Conference certificates will be sent to each recipient who qualifies by meetingthe following standards:

A. M ust have participated in at least half of the team's com petitions.

B. M ust have a (3.2) average (on a 4.0 scale) cumulative GPA at the conclusion of the mostrecently com pleted term.

C. Transfer students must have comp leted at least one academic term at the current Big Sk yConference institution. The grade point average considered will be that earned at the BigSk y Conference institution.

D. Freshmen are eligible after they have completed one term at the current Big SkyConference institution.

Section 10.oaches of the Year

Coaches of the Year in men's and women's sports shall be selected by means of a poll of thecoaches conducted by the C onference office at the conclusion of regular season comp etition.Selections must be made prior to regional and national Coach of the Year selections.Coaches under current suspension are not eligible for nomination or selection as Coach of theYear.

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Section 11.ham pionship Gifts

Each participant in a Big Sky Conference Championship shall receive a memento supplied by

the Conference office.

ARTIC LE VIII SP ECIAL EVENTS

Section 1.articipation in Special Events

The Conference gives automatic consent to member institutions for participation in NCAA

and NIT events and foreign tours if such events have been certified by the Championships/

Competition Cabinet

Section 2.ost-Season T ournamen t Select ions

The Commissioner is to direct promotion of potential Conference nominees for post-season

tournament selection. All pertinent information is to be channeled through the Conference

office. The Individual institution is to circulate and publicize data during the season and

especially at the climax of the season. Proper NCAA Committees are to be supplied data by

individual institutions during the season if they are potential selectees.

A R T I C L E IX M A N A G E M E N T R E G U L A T I O N S

Section 1.onference Championship Expense

A. (I) The host institution shall retain all receipts and miscellaneous income from

Conference championships in cross country, golf, indoor track, outdoortrack, women's

soccer, and tennis. The Conference office will provide trophies, medals and other

awards.

(2) For basketball and volleyball championships, the host institution shall pay all expenses

for the championship event Costs for officials, individual trophies, and mementos will

be deducted from the gross proceeds of the tournament.

B. The host institutions for Conference championships shall send a financial report to the

Conference office. The host institution must also report other data pertinent to the conduct

of the championship, including anything controversial.

Section 2.ontracts for Sporting Events

The Conference office will provide each institution with a Conference schedule in all team

sports. Contracts will not be used for these sports.

Modifications of Conference schedules are permissible only if there is agreement between the

Athletic Directors of the participating institutions and the change is approved by the Conference

office. The Schedule Change Request Form must be signed by both Athletic Directors and

the Conference Commissioner or his designee. Any changes must be provided to allconcerned parties in writing, and sent to the Commissioner who will notify the appropriate

Coordinator of Officials. (See Schedule Change Request Form Appendix VI.)

Event contracts may be used when scheduling Conference individual sports or those sports not

sponsored by the Conference.

Non-performance of contracts in Conference sports may be subject to a financial penalty.

Section 3.onference Consent

Conference consent Is automatically granted to all Conference institutions to use excerpts of

game or television tapes of Conference games for coaches and highlight shows.

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Section 4.edia Access for Interviews

There shall be "closed" locker rooms for all Conference regular season and championshipevents. Equal access to all athletes for the purpose of interviews will be provided after a 10 -minute cooling-off period following the conclusion of the event. Arrangements shall be madefor interviews of athletes in a designated area through each institution's S ports Information

Director.

Section 5.heer Squads

A. All cheerleading squads must conform to the guidelines set by the American Association ofCheerleader Coaches and Advisors (AACCA). Neither the Big Sky Conference nor thehost institution shall be responsible for supervising or m onitoring routines performed bycheerleaders at championship events. Except as noted, supervision of cheerleadingsquads, their activities, yells and stunts are solely the participating institution'sresponsibility. The participating institution shall ensure that the squad has sufficienttraining, supervision and equipm ent for any and all routines its squad m ay choose toperform. Tournam ent managers m ust inform p articipating institutions if the host facilityhas more stringent requirem ents. If so, the director of athletics at each institution mustapprise his or her cheerleading squad of such requirements and ensure their comp liance.

B. Placement of cheer squads will be the responsibility of the host institution according tocomm on practice. Exceptions must be approved by both com peting institutions.

Section 6.ideo Boards

Video boards shall be limited to the showing to one replay of each play at game speed only.Also, if the display is in the line of sight of a free throw shooter, the footage must not b e of adistracting nature.

Section 7.iscontinued & Interrupted Contests

A. Crowd Control & Game M anagement

W henever a game is interrupted because of events beyond the control of responsibleadministrative authorities, it shall be continued from the point of interruption unless theteams mutually agree otherwise. Crowd control shall be a home-managementresponsibility. Administrative personnel, coaches, players and game officials influencecrowd behavior by their actions and attitudes. Coaches and players can assist incontrolling crowd reactions by controlling their own reactions to the play of the gam e; gam eofficials can materially aid in such situations by clearlyand quickly signaling penalties. Thefollowing procedures have been adopted as they pertain to crowd control and Big S kygames.

(1) Only as a last resort should a team be penalized for crowd behavior.

(a) If debris is thrown on the playing floor and the offender(s) can be identified as acertain team's follower(s), the offended team may be rewarded as defined under

NCAA rules.

(b ) If the offender(s) cannot be identified, the debris shall be removed, a warningannouncement given, and the game resumed.

(C) If conditions prevail which prevent the game from being resumed, the refereeshall direct both teams to return to their benches or dressing rooms until it isdeemed appropriate and safe for the game to resume. In such cases, thefollowing announcements will be m ade outlining the actions by the officials: Thegam e officials and the coaches and players of both teams have been directed bythe Big Sky Conference to remain off the field/court until such time as order hasbeen restored."

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(d) In all cases where the offender(s) can be identified, immediate ejection from

the facility shall be made by home team management.

(2 ) All reports or comments pertaining to officiating or home management

responsibilities, in regard to crowd control and interruptions, shall be forwarded to

the Conference office.

(3 ) Inasmuch as crowd control is a home management responsibility, each institution

should have and implement a plan of action to minimize the effect of crowd

behavior on game administration.

B. Postponement/Cancellations

(1 ) It is the responsibility of the visiting team to arrive on site with enough lead-time to

start games on time. If inclement weather (or other unforeseen emergency)

threatens the opportunity for safe departure and arrival on site, the following

individuals must be notified without delay: both athletics directors and head

coaches, Conference office liaison, supervisor of officials, and game officials. No

game may be postponed or canceled without consultation with the Conferenceoffice. The Commissioner will

assign a makeup date for any game which is postponed, or shall have the authority

to cancel a game if there is not opportunity to play the contest. Under NCAA rules,

a canceled contest shall be declared no contest."

(2) Although there are no guarantees for Conference games in the Big Sky

Conference, the teams unable to travel to play an agreed upon contest may be

subject to a forfeit and a fine. This fine will not exceed $10,000, as determined by

the Commissioner. It is further understood that this fine is typically enforced when

the visiting team failed to exhaust all means by which to travel in time to play the

scheduled contest.

C. Suspension of Games in Progress

( 1 ) Tempora ry Suspens i on: The referees may temporarily suspend the game when

conditions warrant such action (electrical storms, power outages, riots, etc.).

Teams will be sent to their benches and/or dressing rooms. In any event, all

pertinent game information to include possession, down and distances (if football),

score, penalties, and time remaining will be recorded by the referee and agreed to

by each of the officials and head coaches prior to leaving the field. The game shall

resume within one hour of the suspension either at the same site or a mutually

agreed upon site, or the game shall be declared a permanently suspended contest.

(2) Permanent ly Suspended Contests : The score at the time of the suspension will be

considered the final score when any permanently suspended contest is 75%

completed. In contests where there is less than 75% completed or there is 75%completed but the score is tied, these contests will be declared a tie. Home

administration sh all make e very reasonable effort to restart the contest with in the

one-hour time period. The Commissioner shall have the authority to declare a

contest a tie or completed should unusual circumstances warrant such a ruling.

Section 8.onference Travel

There shall be a 450 mile limit under which air travel shall not be used for team travel

within the Conference. Waivers of this policy may be granted in unique circumstances

by the Commissioner.

ART ICLE X R ADIO, TELEVIS ION, V IDEO STREAM ING AND POST-SEASON GAM ES

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Section 1.adio

A Member institutions shall designate their official radio station(s) and inform the Conferenceoffice no later than Septemb er 1 of each year.

(1) When a visiting team's radio station comes in for m atches or games, it will not be

charged for the installation of a phone line for its use. It will be charged only for theprice of its calls.

B .edia Time Out FormatThe Big Sky Conference shall use the media format adopted by the NCAA.

Section 2.elevision

A Live Broadcasts of Non-Conference Athletic Contests

(1 ) LocalThe m ember institution participating in a non-conference athletic contest shall awardthe rights for a local television b roadcast and shall negotiate and retain the rig hts fees.

(2 ) R egional or NationalThe m emb er institution p articipating in a non-conference athletic contest shall awardthe rights for a regional or national television broadcast. The mem ber institutionparticipating shall neg otiate the rights fees and distribute them as follows:

10 % to the member institution participating

90% in equal shares to all conference institutions (including the participatinginstitution) and the Conference

B. M edia Time Out FormatThe Big S ky C onference shall use the media format adopted by the NCM .

C. Live Broadcasts of Con ference Athletic Contests

(1 ) The rights to all live Conference games (games involving two Conference institutions)shall be the property of the Conference, to be administered by the TelevisionCommittee. This shall Include the rights to all 'new technology" forms of distribution,including but not limited to video streaming on the Internet

(2 ) The Television Com mittee shall negotiate all rights fees.

(3 ) Th e Commissioner shall award the rights, for a period not to exceed two years, fortelevision broadcasts of Conference athletic contests and shall negotiate the rightsfees, subject to approval by the Television Committee.

(4 )Each m emb er institution may award a right-of-last-offer to a local television station.The mem ber institution shall inform the Conference office of its selection, in writing, nolater than March 1 of each y ear.

(5 ) The Conference shall request bids, which must be submitted by April 1. TheCommissioner may choose to accept late bids, subject to the approval of theTelevision Committee.

(6 ) The Commissioner shall Inform the Athletic Director of a member institution if thestation with a right-of-last-offer did not submit the high bid. The station with a right-of-last-offer will be given the option of m atching the high bid and receiving the rights,provided that station's Initial bid w as at least 75% of the high b id.

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(7) All rights fees for live broadcasts of Conference athletic contests shall be remitted to

the Conference office by May 31. The Conference office shall distribute the fees as

follows:

60% to the host institution

35% to the visiting institution

5% to the Conference

The Conference share shall be used to defray expenses of the Television Committee.

Funds in excess of the required amount shall be distributed in equal shares to the

member institutions.

(8) The Conference shall assign a "red hat' for each live broadcast of a conference

football game and a television liaison for each live broadcast of a basketball game.

The originating station shall pay $75 for these services.

(9) The Television Committee must obtain the express prior written consent of

the Athletic Director(s) of the institution whose game is to be televised if.

(a ) A local telecast is to be In the same market as the game (i.e., a Portland State

University home game is to be televised in Portland — the Portland State

University Athletic Director must give consent). A local telecast is a telecast that

is not regional or national. A statewide telecast will be considered a local

telecast

(b ) The telecast involves material modifications of agreed upon terms surrounding

the contests including, but not limited to, scheduled dates and times.

SUSPE N D FO R T HE 2 01 13 11 SE A SO N '( 1 0 ) F o r Regional Sunday OfrrgfifIrie.WeekteleVision scheduling, the Conference will .

an account which will be used to equally compensate institutions that agree to host ;(If an institution agreei to host but is not assigned a game by the Conference

office, it will still receive t he $10,000. )

D. Live Broadcasts of Conference Championships

The Commissioner shall award the rights for television broadcasts of Conference

championships and shall negotiate the rights fees, subject to approval by the Television

Committee. The rights fees are part of the revenue of a tournament or championship.

E . Delayed Telecasts of Athletic Contests

(1 ) Each conference institution shall award the rights and negotiate and retain the rights

fees for a local delayed telecast of an athletics contest in which the institution

participates.

(2 ) Delayed telecasts shall not begin prior to 10:30 p.m. on the day of the contest

(3 ) No television time-outs will be called during the taping of athletics contests for delayed

broadcasts,

(4 ) Each visiting Conference institution is given permission to delay their institution's

telecasts; however, there shall be a fee not to exceed $250 paid to the home

institution.

(5 ) A football game is presumed to be four (4) hours in length; a basketball game is

presumed to be two (2) hours in length.

Section 3.ideo Streaming

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A. The minimum technical standards for video streamed broadcasts on BigSkyTV.org

include:

(1 ) Two (2) Digital Video Camcorders (minimum two-chip processor)

(2 ) One (1) switcher

B. All games and matches shall feature at least one (1) high court or field shot and one (1 )alternate shot.

C. All football and men's and women's basketball games shall have home audio, and all

volleyball games shall have at least public address input. All audio must be fed directly

into the switcher device from the original source.

D. In the event of technical issues preventing a broadcast, the host institution must upload

the game via alternate means (e.g., video player, computer file) to BigSkyTV.org by

Noon the following day.

Section 4.evenue from Preseason and Postseason Championship and Tournaments

A. Net revenue from the Big Sky Conference Basketball Championship, NCAA

championships, and other preseason and postseason playoffs and tournaments mustbe distributed to the individual member institutions within ninety (90) days of receipt All

net revenues derived from participation in any NIT shall be divided in nine (9) equal

shares and distributed to the eligible Conference institutions and the Conference office.

B. The net revenues (after Conference share) of the NCAA Division i Basketball Tournament

shall be distributed in equal shares to all eligible member institutions.

ARTICLE XI OFFICIATING BUREAU

Section 1.election of Officials

The Big Sky Conference shall operate its own Officiating Bureau in football, basketball and

volleyball. Officials for other sports shall be selected by the host institution. Officials for the

Big Sky Conference Soccer Championships will be assigned by the Conference office.

Section 2.ootball, Basketball, Golf and V olleyball Officials

The Coordinators of Officiating Services shall be responsible for selecting, assigning, training,

and evaluating football, basketball, and volleyball officials for all games hosted by a

Conference institution. The Conference office shall assign volleyball line judges for the

Conference Championship.

Section 3.onference Policies

A. Criteria for Selection and Assignment of Officials shall include, but not be limited to:

(1 ) Competence and dependability

(2 ) Evaluations

(3 ) Development of new officials

(4 ) Avoidance of overexposure at one institution

(5 ) Travel expense considerations

B. Training and Evaluation of Officials

(1 ) The Conference shall cooperate with all attempts to standardize rules,

interpretations, and mechanics nationally.

(2 ) The Conference shall train officials by conducting clinics and evaluating their

performances at games.

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2010-2011 O PERATING CODE

(3 ) Constructive criticism in specific areas shall be solicited from coaches, qualifiedobservers, and fellow officials. Official forms shall be used to rate officials'performance in individual gam es and over an entire season.

(4 ) W hen appropriate, m ean ratings shall be reported to coaches and athletic directors.

C. R elations Among Officials, Coaches, News M edia, and the Public

(1 ) The Athletic D irector of the host institution is responsible for spectator behavior ateach event The Commissioner shall suggest remedies if inappropriate spectatorbehavior persists.

(2 ) Conference institutions shall provide adequate and suitably located dressing roomsfor officials in all sports. It should be possible for officials to access their dressingroom without mingling with spectators or the competing teams. The host institutionshall provide a security escort for officials to and from court and locker room,including at the conclusion of the game.

(3 ) The officials' dressing room m ust be kept locked during the contest. No unauthorized

access is allowed before, during, or after the contest.

(4) At public gatherings or with representatives of the news media, officials shall notdiscuss incidents having to do with their perform ance.

(5 ) Coaches shall not criticize officials at public gatherings or in the presence ofrepresentatives of the news media. Head coaches and athletic directors maycomm unicate questions and constructive criticisms to the Coordinators ofOfficiating S ervices who shall review gam e videotape and respond. Informationprovided by the Coordinators of Officiating S ervices is confidential and m ust not beshared with representatives of the news m edia. This prohibition extends to criticalcomm ents about officiating during news conferences and television shows. Acoach who criticizes officials in public shall receive a letter of reprimand from theConference plus automatic suspension for the next scheduled gam e. These

regulations apply to all games, including non-conference and postseason contests.

(6 ) Institutional press releases shall contain no statements that refer to the quality ofofficiating. Schools shall not pub lish the names of officials in official gameprograms.

(7 ) No institutional representative is allowed to com municate directly with an official toraise questions or register complaints about that official's performance, and no officialis allowed to respond directly to a coach or other institutional representative.

(8 ) The Conference office m ay choose to use videotape of controversial incidents atclinics and may request officials to review videotapes of games they h ave worked.

(9 ) The conduct of coaches and other institutional representatives toward officials shall beabove reproach. The Com missioner shall take appropriate action if it is not.

(10) Once a season has begun, the Conference shall consider a request to changeofficials' assignm ents only in exceptional circumstances.

( 1 1 ) The Conference shall adopt no policy that would allow an institution to "blackball" anofficial.

(12) The above-mentioned policies regarding public criticism of officials are to be followedfor all contests, both Conference and non-Conference.

Section 4.ssignment, Fees, Travel Allowances, and Per Diem

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A. The per diem allowance for Big Sky Conference officials shall be $140.00. Per diem

shall be paid only when the distance traveled exceeds 150 miles one way. Two days'

per diem may be provided if surface travel exceeds 300 miles one way. The

Conference office may approve an additional half or full day of per diem allowance

when travel arrangements warrant.

B. The travel expense allowance for officials shall be $0.38 per mile or round trip airfare atthe

best available rate.

C. The Conference office shall select and assign officials for Big Sky Conference

championship contests. Officials' travel allowances and per diem as well as game fee

will be paid by the Conference office for all Championships. These expenses are

shared equally by all conference institutions that participate in that sport.

D. The Conference office shall reimburse the host institution's costs for official's travel

expenses, per diem, and fees for the Championships in Track and Field, Tennis, Soccer,

and Golf. The institutions shall deposit monies with the Conference for these expenses.

Payments must be received by the Conference office before August 1.

E . in the sports of football, basketball, and volleyball, the Conference office shall be

responsible for the payment of officials' travel, per diem and game fees for all regularseason home contests. (Unless the game contract makes clear the officials

assignment Is not the responsibility of the Big Sky Conference). The institutions shall

deposit monies with the Conference for these expenses. Payments must be received

by August 1. institutions shall pay directly all of the game fees and officials' expenses

for regular season contests in sports other than football, basketball, and volleyball.

F. When an official has started to travel to the site of a Big Sky Conference game to

which he or she has been assigned and is unable to arrive due to circumstances

beyond his or her control, the Conference shall pay the travel expenses (but not the

game fee) from Conference funds. The host institution shall pay the game fee for

the substitute official. If a game is cancelled or postponed early enough to alert the

officials before beginning their travel to the site, game fees will not be paid and per

diem and travel (i.e. airline ticket) shall be returned to the Conference office. If

already en route to Big Sky Conference game, or at site, game fees shall be paidby the host institution. If a game is rescheduled, the Conference office will make

every effort to assign the same officials. If not possible, the host institution is

responsible for the game fee(s) of replacement officials.

G. The Conference office shall organize football officials into crews and assign crews for all

games. Each crew will consist of seven (7) officials. The game fee shall be:

2009 and 2010: $500 basic game fee

$525 referee game fee

H . The game fee for basketball officials shall be:

$725 (09-10), $750 (10-11)

I, The match fee for volleyball officials shall be as follows:

Regular Season $236 (09) $250 (10)

NOTE: The fee for Conference Championship shall be equal with the

regular season.

Conference Championship 2009235

Lines Judges30 minimum

Conference Championship Line Judges50

J. Guidelines for training and assigning volleyball line judges shall be established by the

Women's Coordinator of Officiating Services. Institutions shall maintain pools of lines

33




persons who have been selected and trained according to Conference guidelines. In case

of emergency, officials and line judges may be replaced by the host institution.

K. Officials and observers are entitled to two (2) complimentary admissions to all games they

observe or officiate. Institutional personnel are responsible for distribution of these tickets.

ARTICLE X II LOCATION AND DATES OF CONFER ENCE CHAM PIONSHIPS AND M EETINGS

Section 1.hampionship Events

A. The dates and sites of all championship events for the following year shall be reviewed

and set by the Athletic Administrators at their Spring Meeting. (Refer to inside back cover.)

B. If a member institution or other entity (e.g., visitor's bureau, country club) wishes to submit

a bid to host a Conference championship, the bid should contain any associated fees,

times facility available, area lodging options, travel options and cost, support staff plans

and area weather conditions (if applicable). In addition, the following regulations apply:

(1). If a bid to host does not change the fundamental structure of the event (i.e.,

number of teams), it must be submitted two weeks prior to the Fall Meeting, and if

approved must pass a final vote in the Spring meeting (i.e. undergo a two-meeting

cycle).

(2), If a bid to host does seek to change the fundamental structure of the championship, it

must be submitted two weeks prior to the Spring Meeting and undergo a three-meeting

cycle, meaning it could not have final approval until the Spring Meeting one year later.

Section 2.onference Meetings

The dates and sites of Conference meetings for the following year shall be reviewed and set at

the Spring Meeting of the Faculty Athletic Representatives and Athletic Administrators. (Refer

to inside back cover.)

Section 3.oaches Meetings

A. All head coaches shall meet annually at a time, place, and manner (the meeting may be a

conference call) to be determined by the Commissioner. Participation by all head coaches

in the annual meetings of men's and women's basketball, volleyball, and football shall be

mandatory. Any institution whose head coach in the above sports does not participate will

be assessed a fine of $250.00 unless absence is excused by the Commissioner prior to

the meeting.

B. The Sports information personnel shall meet annually in conjunction with the Big Sky

Conference Football Kickoff or at the discretion of the Conference office.

C. Procedure - Minutes of all coaches and Sports Information Directors meetings shall be

made available promptly to the meeting participants by the Conference office.

Section 4.onference-Wide Proposals

Any Conference-wide proposals from private businesses are to be referred to the Conference

office for screening and initial analysis prior to the meeting at which they are to be presented.

ARTICLE XII I CONFER ENCE OPER ATIONS

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Section 1.rder of Business

The Order of Business at each Council Meeting shall be as follows:

Call to Order

Introductions

Approval of Minutes

Report of Chair

Report of the Committees

Miscellaneous Unfinished Business

Action Agenda

Discussion Agenda

Other New Business

Section 2.rocedure & Agenda Items

A. Procedure shall be based upon Roberts Rules of Order.

B. There shall be two agendas for each of these meetings: Joint Athletic Council, Faculty

Athletic Representatives' Council, Conference Council, and Presidents' Council.

(1 ) Action Agenda: Consisting of those items for which a specific change in legislation is

proposed. To place an item on the Action Agenda, the proposer must submit the

following to the Conference office: the specific changes that are proposed to the Big

Sky Conference Constitution, Operating Code, Sports Policies or Championship

Policies, the name of the institution, coaches, or other group proposing the change,

the intent of the proposed change, the effective date of the proposed change. Items

for the Action Agenda must be submitted to the Conference office by October 1 for the

Fall Meeting, and April 15 for the Spring Meeting. (Refer to Appendix Index)

(2 ) Discussion Agenda: Consisting of those items that are informational in nature and for

which no specific legislative proposal is anticipated. An item may be moved from the

Discussion Agenda to the Action Agenda with unanimous approval of the appropriate

Council.

Section 3.inances

Each Core member institution shall pay annual dues in the amount agreed upon by

the Presidents' Council, currently $30,000 annually.

An Affiliate member will pay annual dues of $10,000 for one or two sports, and

$20,000 for any number of sports up to but not including those equal to Core

membership. The Presidents may periodically make specific arrangements with an

institution for payment of dues, other than what is stated herein.

Section 4.ravel

A. The Commissioner is authorized to approve travel and per diem expenses necessary for

the conduct of official Conference business.

B. The travel expense of all official Conference meetings called by Conference authority

through the Conference 'office (including the Presidents' Council, the Faculty Athletic

Representatives' Council, the Joint Athletic Administrators' Council) shall be at institutional

expense.

35




C. The travel and per diem expenses Involved in Conference comm ittee meetings called byConference authority through the C onference office shall be paid by the C onferencethrough Conference funds.

D, All Conference travel approved by the C onference office shall be upon the followingmaximum basis:

(1 ) Coach airfare unless coach is unavailable, then first class airfare is authorized.M ileage will be paid at the current rate approved by the Presidents' Council.

(2 ) R eceipted room and m iscellaneous expenses and the current per diem rate approvedby the Presidents' Council.

ARTICLE XIV NCAA REGULATIONS AND CONFERE NCE OFFICE INTERPR ETATIONS

A. The NCAA Rules and Regulations shall apply in any cases not herein listed.

B. The same five (5) designees authorized to call the NCAA for interpretations are permitted

to call the Conference office for Interpretations. Those persons at each Institution are:

Director of AthleticsSenior W oman Adm inistratorFaculty Athletic R epresentativeCompliance CoordinatorPresident

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exhibit 3 big sky constitution and operating rules

Documents