1. UAlbany Compliance Corner
November 2018 Student-Athlete Edition
Redshirting
The term “redshirt year” usually refers to an academic year when a student-athlete practices, but does not compete, with a team. There are a number of rules relating to redshirting.
Five-year clock: A student-athlete has five years from the date of initial, full-time collegiate enrollment to complete four seasons of competition.
Complete season: Redshirting is determined by looking back to see if a student-athlete engaged in countable competition over the course of the entire season.
Any competition counts: If a student-athlete competes in any competition, the student-athlete used a season of competition (e.g., pinch running in softball, false starting in a track and field meet). If you have questions regarding whether a student-athlete would qualify for a redshirt, please ask the Compliance Office.
Countable Athletically Related Activity Reminder
Out-of-Season (8 hour segment)
All countable athletically related activities outside the playing season are prohibited during institutional vacation periods.
In-Season (20 hour segment)
Countable athletically related activity limitations do not apply during institutional vacation periods, except they cannot take place between midnight and 5:00am.
Important Dates
November 4th – Daylight Savings Time ends, roll back clocks 1hr.
November 6th – Last day for undergraduate students to drop semester length course with a “W” assigned
November 9th – Last day for students to make up incomplete from Spring or Summer 2018
November – Classes suspended, Thanksgiving Break
November 26th – Classes resume
Spot the Violation
Billy Madison is a PSA interested in playing soccer at UAlbany next year.  Billy is visiting UAlbany’s campus today and tomorrow on an unofficial visit.  A few of the UAlbany soccer student-athletes are going to watch some college basketball games at a restaurant near campus and ask Billy if he would like to join them. Is it permissible for the UAlbany student-athletes to have contact with Billy off-campus?
Two Week Dead Period
A reminder for all student-athletes competing in fall sports once your season concludes, the entire team must have a 14-day dead period. During this time no countable activities may occur. Although, it is permitted to have an end of season one on one meeting with your coaches, as well as, any voluntary activities you choose to take part in.
Answer on next page.

2. Extra Benefits Reminder Spot the Violation Answer:
Medical-Hardship Waivers
As injuries are unfortunately part of competing in athletics, it is possible to regain a season of eligibility through the medical-hardship waiver process or more commonly known as a medical redshirt. In order to qualify for a medical-hardship waiver the following criteria must be met:
The incapacitating injury/illness occurs during the season at a 2/4yr school or after the 1st day of class in a student-athletes senior year of high school;
The injury/illness occurs prior to the start of the second half of the season & results in incapacity to compete for the remainder of that playing season;
The student-athlete has not participated in more than 3 contests or dates of competition or 30% (whichever is greater) of the scheduled or completed contests in their sport;
It is not necessary for the incapacitating injury/illness to be the direct result of the student’s participation in organized practice or competition; and
Contemporaneous or other appropriate medical documentation, from a physician who administered care at the time of the injury/illness shall be submitted with the hardship-waiver request.
Extra Benefits Reminder
Student-Athlete, please remember that you are not allowed to accept any type of extra benefit or service, including discounts, gifts, special arrangements, etc. if you are receiving it as a result of your status as a student-athlete. If it is something that is available to the general public, or all students, it is ok for you to accept.
Please remember, if you are not sure if you should accept or decline a gift or offer, please contact the Office of Compliance Services.
Spot the Violation Answer:
Yes with conditions. During an unofficial visit, off-campus contact may occur between an enrolled student or student-athlete and PSA, regardless of whether the visit was arranged by the athletics department, provided any off-campus contact is not at the direction of a coaching staff member.
Melissa Peach
Associate Athletics Director for Compliance
@UAlbanyBylaws
Taulie Frierson
Compliance Assistant
Robert Battaglia
Compliance Intern