About the Student-Athlete Mentor Program

About the SAMs:

Mission Statement

• To create a safer and more positive environment that reduces the social hazards for student athletes.

II. Job Description

• Uphold the Mission Statement
• Attend all SAM meetings and SAM training sessions
  
  
• Act as a resource to peers- A SAM should be someone who teammates can talk with if they have a problem in any area of their lives (not restricted to team issues).  The SAM is not obligated to inform any person in the Athletic Department of any issues addressed, but is urged to direct their peers to appropriate resources on campus or in the community. 
• Hold regular meetings with the team’s freshman- The team SAMs will split the freshmen among them, and each of those SAMs will meet with their assigned freshmen at least once a month during their athletic season.  The first meeting will be held directly after preseason ends in order to help the freshmen with any problems they may be having.  
• Be knowledgeable about campus and community resources- If a team member has a problem and is not sure where he or she can seek assistance, the SAM should direct that person to the appropriate resource(s).
• Coordinate Team Programming- SAMs are responsible for organizing one (1) team program per semester.  Programs may be educational, team need based, or self-help oriented.
• Support and uphold the ideals of the Athletic Department in and out of the athletic arena- SAMs hold a position of leadership and responsibility in the college community and need to act accordingly whether they are in academic, athletic, or social settings.

III. Qualities Desired in a SAM

 

• Objective- SAM should be able to remain objective and non-judgmental when communicating with teammates. 

 

• Trustworthy- SAM must be trusted to keep meetings and communications with teammates confidential unless there is some type of hazard.

 

• Approachable- Teammates must be able to feel comfortable in approaching a SAM.

 

• Responsible- A SAM holds a position of leadership and responsibility. Each SAM must serve as a good representative of responsible health behaviors.

 

• Enthusiasm- A SAM should be eager to participate in the program and should have a desire to help other student athletes.

 

• Positivity- A SAM should have a positive outlook on Washington College Athletics and be prepared and willing to help others.

History

The Athletics Department at Washington College recognizes that in addition to the physical and academic demands placed on collegiate student-athletes, there may be social, emotional, and psychological pressures. In 1993 Washington College implemented a program of peer support for student-athletes, named the Student-Athlete-Mentor (SAM) Program.