So you want to be a student-athlete? Welcome to life in a fishbowl. Becoming a member of the Intercollegiate Athletics Program carries with it extra responsibilities, special responsibilities that other students and staff do not share to the same degree. Student-athletes are expected to make conscientious and responsible decisions regarding their life-style and behavior. Because of the fact that you are highly visible and recognized as leaders and representatives of SIUE, special attention must be paid to how your actions will be perceived by others. Irresponsible decisions and choices on your part will be costly and embarrassing to you, your family, your team, the program, and the University. The very same behaviors that go unnoticed by others have front page potential for student-athletes. It may not be fair, but it certainly is reality. The image that you project on and off campus is important. The entire University shares in that image.

PRESS RELATIONS SUGGESTIONS FOR THE STUDENT-ATHLETES

1. You have a responsibility to your institution, your coaches, and teammates by cooperating with the media. The fans of the University and from your hometown are interested in your intercollegiate experience.

2. The opportunity to deal with the press is a learning experience in developing communication skills which can be helpful not only during your intercollegiate experience, but in future professional and business careers.

3. Never agree to a telephone interview unless the arrangements have been coordinated by the sports information office. This will permit you to avoid contact by unauthorized persons who may attempt to gain and use information for gambling purposes.

4. It is important that you be on time for scheduled personal interviews or in returning telephone calls arranged by the sports information director. If you encounter problems with the scheduled appointment, the sports information office should be notified.

5. You should not answer a question if you do not wish to respond to it. A proper response might be, "I'd rather not discuss that subject".

6. Summarize the interview and seek counsel with sports information office personnel if you feel uncomfortable with the questions, answers or general tone of the interview.

7. The acceptance of you, the team or the institution by the media is developed by the impressions made through the interview, feature stories, and your personal decorum.

8. Please feel free to discuss with your coach or the sports information director (phone 650-3608), your concerns about an interview.

If you have question about SIUE Athletics, please e-mail us.