College sports isn’t always sunshine and victories. In intercollegiate athletics, addressing conflicts and ensuring a healthy environment requires a clear understanding of two complimentary but distinctly different tools at our disposal: investigations and assessments. Each serves a key and important purpose, tailored to different circumstances and outcomes.

Investigations: Retrospective and Fault-Finding

Purpose: Investigations in intercollegiate athletics are designed to uncover facts related to specific incidents, determine whether policies or rules have been violated, and identify the individuals responsible. They are inherently retrospective, focusing on events that have already occurred.

Key Characteristics:

1. Policy Violation Focus:
   • Investigations seek to establish whether there has been a breach of institutional policies, such as Title IX violations, hazing, or other forms of misconduct.
   • They involve collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses, and reviewing documentation to reconstruct the events in question.
2. Backward Looking:
   • The primary aim is to understand what happened, how it happened, and who is responsible.
   • This process relies heavily on historical data and testimonies from those involved.
3. Attribution for Fault:
   • Investigations conclude with identifying the parties at fault and recommending disciplinary actions or sanctions.
   • The goal is to hold individuals accountable and ensure justice within the framework of institutional policies.
4. Formal Process:
   • Investigations are formal and often involve strict protocols to maintain objectivity and fairness.
   • They may require the involvement of legal advisors or external investigators to ensure compliance with legal standards and institutional policies.

Examples:

• Investigating allegations of Title IX violations involving sexual harassment or assault.
• Examining claims of hazing within athletic teams.
• Reviewing instances of financial misconduct or breach of NCAA regulations.

Assessments: Forward-Looking and Solution-Oriented

Purpose: Assessments in intercollegiate athletics aim to understand the current state of an organization or team and develop strategies for improvement. Unlike investigations, assessments are forward-looking, focusing on growth and development rather than attributing blame.

Key Characteristics:

1. Understanding Current State:
   • Assessments evaluate the present conditions within an athletics department, including team dynamics, leadership effectiveness, and overall culture.
   • They aim to identify areas of strength and weakness to inform future improvements.
2. Developing a Prescriptive Path:
   • The primary goal is to create actionable recommendations that enhance performance, cohesion, and overall organizational health.
   • This involves setting goals, designing interventions, and providing guidance on best practices.
3. Future-Oriented:
   • Assessments are concerned with what can be achieved moving forward and how to reach those objectives.
   • They emphasize creating positive changes and fostering a productive, supportive environment.
4. Collaborative Process:
   • Assessments involve input from various stakeholders, including athletes, coaches, and administrators, to gain a comprehensive understanding of the issues at hand.
   • Methods may include surveys, focus groups, and workshops to gather insights and build a shared vision for the future.

Examples:

• Conducting a cultural assessment of an athletics department to improve team morale and inclusivity.
• Evaluating leadership practices within a coaching staff and providing professional development.
• Assessing mental health support systems for student-athletes and recommending enhancements.

When to Use Each Approach

Choosing between an investigation and an assessment depends on the nature of the issue and the desired outcome:

• Use an Investigation:
  • When there are allegations of serious misconduct, such as Title IX violations, hazing, or financial improprieties.
  • When there is a need to determine accountability and take corrective actions.
  • When legal or regulatory compliance is at stake.
• Use an Assessment:
  • When the goal is to enhance team dynamics, leadership effectiveness, or organizational culture.
  • When seeking to understand and address systemic issues that impede performance or well-being.
  • When aiming to develop strategies for long-term success and support for student-athletes.

Conclusion

Both investigations and assessments are crucial in managing conflicts within intercollegiate athletics. Investigations ensure accountability for past actions, while assessments provide a roadmap for future improvement and success. Understanding the distinct roles and methodologies of each approach enables athletic departments to address issues effectively and create a positive environment for all stakeholders.