NCAA RULES ATHLETICS TICKETING CONDUCT AND EMPLOYMENT OF ATHLETICS STAFF Buckley Amendment An institution is not permitted to disclose information regarding a student-athlete s: 1. Results of NCAA, Conference or institutional drug tests; 2. Academic transcripts from any institution including Carolina; 3. Pre-college test scores and information relating to eligibility of nonstandard testing (e.g. learning disabilities); 4. Records concerning financial aid; and 5. Any other papers or information pertaining to his/her NCAA eligibility. NCAA Constitution, Article 2 Principles for Conduct of Intercollegiate Athletics 2.2 THE PRINCIPLE OF STUDENT-ATHLETE WELFARE Intercollegiate athletics programs shall be conducted in a manner designed to protect and enhance the physical and educational welfare of student-athletes. 2.2.1 Overall Educational Experience It is the responsibility of each member institution to establish and maintain an environment in which a student-athlete's activities are conducted as an integral part of the student-athlete's educational experience. 2.2.2 Cultural Diversity and Gender Equity It is the responsibility of each member institution to establish and maintain an environment that values cultural diversity and gender equity among its student-athletes and intercollegiate athletics department staff. 2.2.3 Health and Safety It is the responsibility of each member institution to protect the health of and provide a safe environment for each of its participating student-athletes. 2.2.4 Student-Athlete/Coach Relationship It is the responsibility of each member institution to establish and maintain an environment that fosters a positive relationship between the student-athlete and coach. 2.2.5 Fairness, Openness and Honesty It is the responsibility of each member institution to ensure that coaches and administrators exhibit fairness, openness and honesty in their relationships with student-athletes. 2.2.6 Student-Athlete Involvement It is the responsibility of each member institution to involve student-athletes in matters that affect their lives. 1
2.4 THE PRINCIPLE OF SPORTSMANSHIP AND ETHICAL CONDUCT For intercollegiate athletics to promote the character development of participants, to enhance the integrity of higher education and to promote civility in society, student-athletes, coaches, and all others associated with these athletics programs and events should adhere to such fundamental values as respect, fairness, civility, honesty and responsibility. These values should be manifest not only in athletics participation but also in the broad spectrum of activities affecting the athletics program. It is the responsibility of each institution to: (a) Establish policies for sportsmanship and ethical conduct in intercollegiate athletics consistent with the educational mission and goals of the institution; and (b) Educate, on a continuing basis, all constituencies about the policies in Constitution2.4-(a). 2.8 THE PRINCIPLE OF RULES COMPLIANCE 2.8.1 Responsibility of Institution Each institution shall comply with all applicable rules and regulations of the Association in the conduct of its intercollegiate athletics programs. It shall monitor its programs to assure compliance and to identify and report to the Association instances in which compliance has not been achieved. In any such instance, the institution shall cooperate fully with the Association and shall take appropriate corrective actions. Members of an institution's staff, student-athletes, and other individuals and groups representing the institution's athletics interests shall comply with the applicable Association rules, and the member institution shall be responsible for such compliance. 2.8.2 Responsibility of Association The Association shall assist the institution in its efforts to achieve full compliance with all rules and regulations and shall afford the institution, its staff and student-athletes fair procedures in the consideration of an identified or alleged failure in compliance. 2.8.3 Penalty for Noncompliance An institution found to have violated the Association's rules shall be subject to such disciplinary and corrective actions as may be determined by the Association. 2.15 The Principle Governing Postseason Competition and Contests Sponsored by Noncollegiate Organizations The conditions under which postseason competition occurs shall be controlled to assure that the benefits inherent in such competition flow fairly to all participants, to prevent unjustified intrusion on the time student-athletes devote to their academic programs, and to protect student-athletes from exploitation by professional and commercial enterprises. 2.16 The Principle Governing the Economy of Athletics Program Operation Intercollegiate athletics programs shall be administered in keeping with prudent management and fiscal practices to assure the financial stability necessary for providing student-athletes with adequate opportunities for athletics competition as an integral part of a quality educational experience. Bylaw, Article 10 ETHICAL CONDUCT 10.01.1 Honesty and Sportsmanship Individuals employed by (or associated with) a member institution to administer, conduct or coach intercollegiate athletics and all participating student-athletes shall act with honesty and sportsmanship at all times so that intercollegiate athletics as a whole, their institutions and they, as individuals, shall represent the honor and dignity of fair play and the generally recognized high standards associated with wholesome competitive sports. 2
10.1 UNETHICAL CONDUCT Unethical conduct by a prospective or enrolled student-athlete or a current or former institutional staff member may include, but is not limited to, the following: a. Refusal to furnish information relevant to an investigation of a possible violation of an NCAA regulation when requested to do so by the NCAA or the individual's institution; b. Knowing involvement in arranging for fraudulent academic credit or false transcripts for a prospective or an enrolled student-athlete; c. Knowing involvement in offering or providing a prospective or an enrolled student-athlete an improper inducement or extra benefit or improper financial aid; d. Knowingly furnishing the NCAA 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 regulation; or e. Receipt of benefits by an institutional staff member for facilitating or arranging a meeting between a student-athlete and an agent, financial advisor or a representative of an agent or advisor (e.g., "runner"). Interpretation: Unethical Conduct/Academic Fraud. A staff member includes any individual who performs work for the institution or the athletics department, even if the individual is a student at the institution (for example, student manager, student trainer) and/or does not receive compensation from the institution for performing such services (for example, volunteer coaches, undergraduate assistant coaches and graduate assistant coaches). (Official Dec. 13, 2001) 10.2 Knowledge of Use of Banned Drugs A member institution s athletics department staff members or others employed by the intercollegiate athletics program who have knowledge of a student-athlete s use at any time of a substance on the list of banned drugs, as set forth in Bylaw 31.2.3.1, shall follow institutional procedures dealing with drug abuse or shall be subject to disciplinary or corrective action as set forth in Bylaw 19.6.2.2. 10.3 GAMBLING ACTIVITIES Staff members of a member conference, staff members of the athletics department of a member institution and student-athletes shall not knowingly: a. Provide information to individuals involved in organized gambling activities concerning intercollegiate athletics competition; b. Solicit a bet on any intercollegiate team; c. Accept a bet on any team representing the institution; d. Solicit or accept a bet on any intercollegiate competition for any item (e.g., cash, shirt, dinner) that has tangible value; or e. 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. The following official interpretations/confirmations also relate to gambling activities: Soliciting or accepting a bet for a material item. The provisions of NCAA Bylaw 10.3 preclude 3
a student-athlete from soliciting or accepting a bet for a nonmonetary material item (e.g., shirt, dinner) that has tangible value. The interpretations Committee noted, however, that institutions that compete against each other may agree to participate for a tangible item (e.g., governors cup), provided no student-athletes receive any tangible item. Gambling on professional sports contests. The prohibition against student-athletes and athletics department staff members participating in gambling activities associated with professional sports events is applicable only to those sports in which the Association conducts championship competition. Division I-A football and emerging sports. Accordingly, the provisions of Bylaw 10.3 do not apply to other types of sports wagering (e.g., horse racing, auto racing, boxing. Printing of point-spread information in institutional publications. According to the provisions of Bylaw 12.01.2 (line of demarcation,), it would not be permissible for a member institution to publish in its game program an advertisement that provides specific point-spread information regarding professional sports contests. Long-standing Tradition. The provisions of NCAA Bylaw 10.3 are not applicable to a longstanding demonstrated tradition in a particular sport in which student-athletes from involved institutions exchange a tangible item (e.g., exchanging of shirts in the sport of rowing) contingent on the outcome of a competition provided such activity is approved by the involved institutions. [Reference: 10.3 (gambling activities) and NCAA Interpretations Committee 11/26/96, Item No. 1)] 10.4 DISCIPLINARY ACTION Prospective or enrolled student-athletes found in violation of the provisions of this regulation shall be ineligible for further intercollegiate competition, subject to appeal to the Academics/Eligibility/ Compliance Cabinet for restoration of eligibility. (See 10.3.1 for sanctions of student-athletes involved in violations of 10.3) Institutional staff members found in violation of the provisions of this regulation shall be subject to disciplinary or corrective action as set forth in Bylaw 19.6.2.2 of the NCAA enforcement procedures, whether such violations occurred at the certifying institution or during the individual s previous employment at another member institution. Bylaw 11, Article 11 Conduct and Employment of Athletics Personnel 11.1 CONDUCT OF ATHLETICS PERSONNEL 11.1.2 Responsibility for Violations of NCAA Regulations Institutional staff members found in violation of NCAA regulations shall be subject to disciplinary or corrective action as set forth in the provisions of the NCAA enforcement procedures, whether such violations occurred at the certifying institution or during the individual s previous employment at another member institution. 11.1.3 Use of Association Name or Affiliation Staff members of member institutions and others serving on the Association s committees or acting as consultants shall not use, directly or by implication, the Association s name or their affiliation with the Association in the endorsement of products or services. 11.1.4 Representing Individuals in Marketing Athletics Ability/Reputation Staff members of the athletics department of a member institution shall not represent, directly or indirectly, any individual in the marketing of athletics ability or reputation to an agent, a professional sports team or a professional sports organization, including receiving compensation for arranging 4
commercial endorsements or personal appearances for former student-athletes, except as specified in Bylaw 11.1.5.1, and shall not receive compensation or gratuities of any kind, directly or indirectly, for such services. 11.1.5 Use of Tobacco Products The use of tobacco products is prohibited by all game personnel (e.g., coaches, trainers, managers, and game officials) in all sports during practice and competition. Uniform penalties (as determined by the applicable rules-making committees and sports committees with rules-making responsibilities) shall be established for such use. 11.2.2 Athletically Related Income Contractual agreements, including letters of appointment, between a full-time or part-time athletics department staff member (excluding secretarial or clerical personnel) and an institution shall include the stipulation that the staff member is required to receive annually prior written approval from the chief executive officer for all athletically-related income and benefits from sources outside the institution. The staff member s request for approval also shall be in writing and shall include the amount and the source of the income. Sources of such income shall include, but are not limited to, the following: a. Income from annuities b. Sports camps c. Housing benefits d. Country club memberships; e. Complimentary ticket sales; f. Television and radio programs; and g. Endorsement or consultation contracts with (including preferential housing arrangements) athletics shoe apparel/equipment manufacturers 11.3.1 Control of Employment and Salaries The institution, as opposed to any outside source, shall remain in control of determining who is to be its employee and the amount of salary the employee is to receive within the restrictions specified by NCAA legislation. 11.3.2 Income in Addition to Salary 11.3.2.1 Bona Fide Outside Employment A staff member may earn income in addition to the institutional salary by performing services for outside groups, provided the compensation is for additional work actually performed and at a rate commensurate with the going rate in that locality for services of like character; further, such outside work must be in conformity with institutional policy and with the approval of the institution. Athletically related income requires the prior written approval of the institution s chief executive officer (see Bylaw 11.2.2). 11.3.2.2 Supplemental Pay An outside source is prohibited from paying or regularly supplementing an athletics department staff member s annual salary and from arranging to supplement that salary for an unspecified achievement. This includes the donation of cash from outside sources to the institution earmarked for the staff 5
member s salary or supplemental income. It would be permissible for an outside source to donate funds to the institution to be used as determined by the institution, and it would be permissible for the institution, at its sole discretion, to use such funds to pay or supplement a staff member s salary. 11.3.2.3 Bonuses for Specific and Extraordinary Achievement An institution may permit an outside individual, group or agency to supplement an athletics department staff member s salary with a direct cash payment in recognition of a specific and extraordinary achievement (e.g., contribution during career to the athletics department of the institution, winning a conference or national championship, number of games or meets won during career/season), provided such a cash supplement is in recognition of a specific achievement and is in conformance with institutional policy. 11.3.2.4 Non-institutional Publications That Report on Athletics Program Athletics department staff members shall not endorse (either orally or in writing) any non institutional publication dedicated primarily to reporting on an institution s athletics activities, except as provided in this section, and shall not write for or receive any remuneration from such publications. 11.3.2.5 Recruiting Service Consultants An institution s staff member may not endorse, serve as consultants or participate on advisory panels for any recruiting or scouting service involving prospects. Bylaw, Article 12, Amateurism AGENTS/PROFESSIONAL TEAMS 12.3 USE OF AGENTS 12.3.1 General Rule An individual shall be ineligible for participation in an intercollegiate sport if he or she ever has agreed (orally or in writing) to be represented by an agent for the purpose of marketing his or her athletics ability or reputation in that sport. Further, an agency contract not specifically limited in writing to a sport or particular sports shall be deemed applicable to all sports, and the individual shall be ineligible to participate in any sport. 12.3.1.1 Representation for Future Negotiations An individual shall be ineligible per 12.3.1 if he or she enters into a verbal or written agreement with an agent for representation in future professional sports negotiations that are to take place after the individual has completed his or her eligibility in that sport. 12.3.1.2 Benefits From Prospective Agents An individual shall be ineligible per 12.3.1 if he or she (or his or her relatives or friends) accepts transportation or other benefits from: a. Any person who represents any individual in the marketing of his or her athletics ability. The receipt of such expenses constitutes compensation based on athletics skill and is an extra benefit not available to the student body in general; or b. An agent, even if the agent has indicated that he or she has no interest in representing the studentathlete in the marketing of his or her athletics ability or reputation and does not represent individuals in the student-athlete's sport. 6
INSTITUTIONAL, CHARITABLE, EDUCATIONAL OR NONPROFIT PROMOTIONS 12.5.1 Permissible 12.5.1.1 Institutional, Charitable, Educational or Nonprofit Promotions A member institution or recognized entity thereof (e.g., fraternity, sorority or student government organization), a member conference or a non-institutional charitable, educational or nonprofit agency may use a student-athlete's name, picture or appearance to support its charitable or educational activities or to support activities considered incidental to the student-athlete's participation in intercollegiate athletics, provided the following conditions are met: a. The promotional activity release form must be properly completed and signed PRIOR to the promotional activity occurring. The form must be signed by a representative of the organization holding the promotion, the participating student-athletes, and the director of athletics (or his or her designee); b. The specific activity or project in which the student-athlete participates does not involve cosponsorship, advertisement or promotion by a commercial agency other than through the reproduction of the sponsoring company s officially registered regular trademark or logo on printed materials such as pictures, posters or calendars. The company s emblem, name, address and telephone number may be included with the trademark or logo. Personal names, messages or slogans (other than an officially registered trademark) are prohibited; c. The name or picture of a student-athlete with remaining eligibility may not appear on an institution's printed promotional item (e.g., poster, calendar) that includes a reproduction of a product with which a commercial entity is associated if the commercial entity's officially registered regular trademark or logo also appears on the item; d. The student-athlete does not miss class; e. All moneys derived from the activity or project goes directly to the member institution, member conference or the charitable, educational or nonprofit agency; f. The student-athlete may accept legitimate and normal expenses from the member institution, member conference or the charitable, educational or nonprofit agency related to participation in such activity, provided it occurs within the state or, if outside the state, within a 100-mile radius of the member institution's campus; g. The student-athlete's name, picture or appearance is not utilized to promote the commercial ventures of any nonprofit agency; and h. Any commercial items with names or pictures of student-athletes (other than highlight films or media guides per 12.5.1.8) may be sold only at the member institution at which the student-athlete is enrolled, institutionally controlled (owned and operated) outlets or outlets controlled by the charitable or educational organization (e.g., location of the charitable or educational organization, site of charitable event during the event); and, i. The student-athlete and an authorized representative of the charitable, educational or nonprofit agency sign a release statement ensuring that the student-athlete s name, image or appearance is used in a manner consistent with the requirements of this section. 7
PROMOTIONS INVOLVING COMMERCIAL LOCATIONS/SPONSORS 12.5.1.1.2 Promotions Involving Commercial Locations/Sponsors A member institution or a charitable, educational or nonprofit organization may use the appearance, name or picture of an enrolled student-athlete to promote generally its fund-raising activities at the location of a commercial establishment, provided the commercial establishment is not a cosponsor of the event and the student-athlete does not promote the sale of a commercial product in conjunction with the fund-raising activity. A commercial establishment would become a cosponsor if the commercial establishment either advertises the presence of the student-athlete at the commercial location or is involved directly or indirectly in promoting the activity. Interpretation: Booster Function. It is not permissible for a student-athlete to receive compensation related to his or her speaking/lecturing at an institutional athletics booster-club function. (Official: April 21, 1998) Distribution of Commercial Products in Conjunction with an Institutional Promotion. The legislative services staff determined that an institution is permitted to distribute discount coupons or packages as part of an institutional promotion that also includes the distribution of items (e.g., poster) that include the names or pictures of student-athletes with remaining eligibility. (Staff: March 1, 1995) Student-Athletes Appearing on Ballots in Commercial Establishments. It is not permissible for the names or pictures of student-athletes with remaining eligibility to appear on a ballot displayed in a commercial establishment that is being used for the purpose of selecting a recognition award (e.g., player-of-the-year, freshman-of-the-year). (Official: Feb. 16, 1995) Promotional videotapes airing in commercial establishment. A promotional video (e.g., conference video) that includes the names and pictures of student-athletes with remaining eligibility may not be aired on video monitors at local commercial establishments if the commercial establishment is involved in any manner in promoting the activity (e.g., initiating the request for the video). Under such circumstances, the commercial establishment is considered a cosponsor of the promotional activity and, thus, the airing of the video jeopardizes the remaining eligibility of any student-athlete appearing in the video. (Official: Sept. 15, 1994) Use of Student-Athlete's Name or Photo on T-Shirts. The legislative services staff determined that when a student-athlete is involved in permissible promotional activities per 12.5.1, it is not permissible to use the student-athlete's name or picture on any items (e.g., T-shirt, sweatshirt) other than printed materials if a commercial logo also appears on the item. (Staff: August 31, 1994) Commercial Advertisement Containing a Congratulatory Message. It is permissible for a member institution's sports calendar to include the cosponsoring company's regular trademark or logo and a congratulatory message (e.g., good luck in 1991). (Staff: Feb. 21, 1991) 12.5.1.1.3 Player/Trading Cards A member institution or recognized entity thereof (e.g., fraternity, sorority or student government organization), a member conference or a non-institutional charitable, educational or nonprofit agency may distribute but may not sell player/trading cards that bear a student-athlete s name or picture. Interpretation: Student-Athlete Agrees to Appear on a Playing Card. A student-athlete who has signed a contract to market the student-athlete's ability or reputation in a specific sport (e.g., for a trading card) would not jeopardize his eligibility in another sport, provided no arrangements for publication of the playing card have commenced (including a photo shoot) until the student-athlete had exhausted his or her eligibility in all sports. (Staff: March 13, 1991) 8
12.5.1.1.4 Improper Use of Student-Athlete's Name or Picture If an institution, without the student-athlete s knowledge or consent, uses or permits the use of the student-athlete s name or picture in a manner contrary to Bylaw 12.5.1.1, the violation shall be considered an institutional violation; however, the student-athlete s eligibility shall not be affected. 12.5.1.4 Commercial Advertisement It is permissible for a student-athlete's name or picture, or the group picture of an institution's athletics squad, to appear in an advertisement of a particular business, commercial product or service, provided: a. The primary purpose of the advertisement is to publicize the sponsor's congratulations to the studentathlete or team; b. The advertisement does not include a reproduction of the product with which the business is associated or any other item or description identifying the business or service other than its name or trademark; c. There is no indication in the makeup or wording of the advertisement that the squad members, individually or collectively, or the institution endorses the product or service of the advertiser; d. The student-athlete has not signed a consent or release granting permission to use the student-athlete's name or picture in a manner inconsistent with the requirements of this section; and e. If the student-athlete has received a prize from a commercial sponsor in conjunction with participation in a member institution's promotional activities and the advertisement involves the announcement of receipt of the prize, the receipt of the prize is consistent with the provisions of 12.5.2.3.3 and official interpretations approved by the Management Council. Interpretation: Use of Student-Athlete's Number Accompanied by a Heisman Trophy Slogan. A non-institutional commercial entity may produce and sell a commercial item that includes a current student-athlete's jersey number accompanied by a slogan promoting the student-athlete's candidacy for a national recognition award (e.g., Heisman trophy) without jeopardizing the student-athlete's eligibility, provided the item does not contain the studentathlete's actual name (or nickname) or picture (or likeness). (Official: August, 27, 1998) Bylaw 12.5.1.4.1 Schedule Cards An advertisement on an institution s wallet-size playing schedule that includes the name or picture of a student-athlete may include language other than the commercial product s name, trademark or logo, provided the commercial language does not appear on the same page as the picture of the student-athlete. 12.5.2.2 Use of a Student-Athlete's Name or Picture without Knowledge or Permission If a student-athlete's name or picture appears on commercial items (e.g., T-shirts, sweatshirts, serving trays, playing cards, posters, photographs) or is used to promote a commercial product sold by an individual or agency without the student-athlete's knowledge or permission, the student-athlete (or the institution acting on behalf of the student-athlete) is required to take steps to stop such an activity in order to retain his or her eligibility for intercollegiate athletics. Bylaw 12.5.2.3 Specifically Restricted Activities: A student-athlete s involvement in promotional activities specified in this section is prohibited. 12.5.2.3.1 Name-the-Player Contest A student-athlete may not permit use of his or her name or picture in a name-the-player contest conducted by a commercial business for the purpose of promoting that business. 9
12.5.2.3.2 Athletics Equipment Advertisement A student-athlete s name or picture may not be used by an athletics equipment company or manufacturer to publicize the fact that the institution s team utilizes its equipment. 12.5.2.3.3 Promotional Contests Receipt of a prize for winning a promotional activity (e.g., making a half-court basketball shot, being involved in a money scramble) held in conjunction with a member institution s intercollegiate competition by a prospective or enrolled student-athlete (or a member of his or her family) does not affect student-athlete s eligibility, provided the prize is won through a random drawing in which all members of the general public or the student body is eligible to participate. 12.5.2.3.4 Appearance in Commercial Films Footage of an institution s intercollegiate game or event or of the individual performance of a studentathlete may not be used in a commercial movie unless all individuals appearing in the footage have exhausted their seasons of eligibility. Bylaw, Article 13, Recruiting RECRUITING 13.1 CONTACTS AND EVALUATIONS Recruiting contacts (per Bylaw 13.02.3) and telephone calls with a prospect (or the prospect s relatives or legal guardians) by institutional staff members and/or representatives of the institution s athletics interests are subject to the provisions set forth in this bylaw. 13.1.2 Permissible Recruiters 13.1.2.1 General Rule All in-person, on- and off-campus recruiting contacts with a prospect or the prospect s relatives or legal guardian(s) shall be made only by authorized institutional staff members. Such contact, as well as correspondence and telephone calls, by representatives of an institution s athletics interests are prohibited except as otherwise permitted in this section. 13.1.2.1.1 Institutional Staff Members - Off-Campus Recruiters. In all sports, only those coaches permitted to recruit off campus as specified in Bylaw 11.7 may contact prospects off campus. Faculty members may contact prospects for recruiting purposes in all sports, but only on campus. All institutional staff members may write prospects. Interpretation: Faculty Members Involved in the Entertainment of Prospect at Staff Member s Home. A faculty member is precluded from participating in off- campus recruiting in accordance with 13.1.2.4-(a), but is permitted to participate in entertainment activities involving a prospect on an official visit held at the home of an institutional staff member. Further, an athletics department staff member (e.g., recruiting coordinators, administrative assistants) may participate in off-campus entertainment with a prospect on an official visit, provided the entertainment is within a 30- mile radius of the institution. (Staff Interpretation: Oct. 23, 1992). 13.1.2.3 General Restrictions-Staff Members and Governing Board The following are additional restrictions that apply to an institution s staff members and governing board. Violations of this bylaw shall be considered institutional violations per Constitution 2.8.1; however, such violations shall not affect the prospective student-athlete s eligibility. (a) Institutional Staff Members Off-Campus Contacts. In all sports, only those coaches permitted to recruit off campus as specified in Bylaw 11.7 may contact prospects off campus. Faculty members may contact prospects for recruiting purposes in all sports, but only on campus. All institutional staff members 10
(e.g., faculty members, athletics department staff members and administrators) may write prospects. (See Bylaws 11.7.2.3, 11.7.3.3 and 13.4.1 for additional restrictions in the sport of football.) (b) Board of Governors/Regents. Recruiting contacts on or off campus between a member of the institution s board of governors (or regents) and a prospect is not permissible. 13.1.2.4 Other Restrictions, Athletics Representatives (Boosters) The following are additional restrictions that apply to athletics representatives: (a) Telephone Conversation. An athletics representative of a member institution may speak to a prospective student-athlete via the telephone only if the prospect initiates the telephone conversation and the call is not for recruiting purposes. Under such circumstances, the representative must refer questions about the institution s athletics program to the athletics department staff; (b) Observing Prospect s Contest. An athletics representative may view a prospect s athletics contest on his or her own initiative, subject to the understanding that the athletics representative may not contact the prospect on such occasions; (c) Evaluation of Prospect. An athletics representative may not contact a prospect s coach, principal or counselor in an attempt to evaluate the prospect; and Visiting Prospect s Institution. An athletics representative may not visit a prospect s educational institution to pick up film/videotape or transcripts pertaining to the evaluation of the prospect s academic eligibility or athletics ability. 13.4.1.1 Responding to Prospect's Request Institutional staff members (including athletics staff members) may respond to a prospect s letter requesting information from an institution s athletics department prior to September 1 at the beginning of the prospect s junior year in high school, provided the written response does not include information that would initiate the recruitment of the prospect or information related to the institution s athletics program (e.g., the reply contains an explanation of current NCAA legislation or a referral to the admissions department). 13.1.6.3 Post NLI Contacts Subsequent to the calendar day on which the prospect signs a NLI, there is no limit on the number of contacts by the institution with which the prospect has signed. However, the following conditions continue to apply: (a) Any contact at the prospect s educational institution in football and basketball shall be confined to the permissible contact period and shall not exceed one visit per week; (b) No in-person, on- or off-campus contact may be made during a dead period; (c) No in-person, on-or off-campus contact may be made with a nonqualifier enrolled in the first year of a two-year college; (d) No on- or 0ff-campus contact (including correspondence and telephone calls) any be made by a representative of the institution s athletics interests except for those involving permissible preenrollnet activities (e.g., a discussion of summer employment arrangements); and 11
(e) Contact at the site of a prospect s competition shall continue to be governed by the provisions of Bylaw 13.1.7.2. Note: contact with the prospect s relatives or legal guardian at the site of the prospect s competition shall be permitted. 13.4.4.4 Miscellaneous Promotions Member institutions and their representatives of athletics interests are prohibited from financing, arranging or utilizing recruiting aids (e.g., newspaper advertisements, bumper stickers, message buttons) designed to publicize the institution s interest in a particular prospect. 13.5 ENTERTAINMENT 13.5.1 General Restrictions An institution may entertain a prospect and his or her parents [or legal guardian(s)] or spouse, at a scale comparable to that of normal student life, only on the institution's campus (or, on an official visit, within 30 miles of the institution's campus). It is not permissible to entertain other relatives or friends of a prospect at any site. For violations of this bylaw in which the value of the offer or inducement is $100 or less, the eligibility of the individual (i.e., prospective or enrolled student-athlete) shall not be affected conditioned upon the individual repaying the value of the benefit to a charity of his or her choice. The individual, however, shall remain ineligible from the time the institution has knowledge of the receipt of the impermissible benefit until the individual repays the benefit. Violations of this bylaw remain institutional violations per Constitution 2.8.1, and documentation of the individual's repayment shall be forwarded to the enforcement staff with the institution's self-report of the violations 13.5.2 Excessive Entertainment A member institution may not arrange or permit excessive entertainment of a prospect on the campus or elsewhere (e.g., hiring a band for a dance specifically for the entertainment of the prospect, a chauffeured limousine, a helicopter). 13.5.3 Purchase of Game Tickets An institution may not reserve tickets for purchase by a prospect (or individuals accompanying the prospect) to attend one of its athletics contests except on an official visit (see Bylaw 13.7.5.2). Tickets may be purchased only in the same manner as any other member of the general public.) 13.5.6 Alumni and Friends An institution s staff member or a representative of its athletics interests may entertain alumni or other friends of the institution in the home town of a prospect, provided those entertained are not friends of any particular prospect being recruited by the institution. 13.7.1.6 Number of Official Visits - Institutional Limitation The total number of official visits a member institution may provide prospects in the following sports on an annual basis (August 1 through July 31) shall be limited to: (a) Football - 56 (b) Basketball - 12. (c) Baseball - 25. 13.7.5 Entertainment/Tickets on Official Visit 13.7.5.1 General Restrictions An institution may provide entertainment, which may not be excessive, on the official visit only for a prospect and the prospect s parents [or legal guardian(s)] or spouse and only within a 30-mile radius of the institution s main campus. Entertainment and contact by representatives of the institution s athletics interests during the official visit are prohibited. It is not permissible to entertain other relatives or friends 12
(including dates) of a prospect at any time at any site. For violations of this bylaw in which the value of the entertainment is $100 or less, the eligibility of the individual (i.e., prospective or enrolled studentathlete) shall not be affected conditioned upon the individual repaying the value of the benefit to a charity of his or her choice. The individual, however, shall remain ineligible from the time the institution has knowledge of the receipt of the impermissible benefit until the individual repays the benefit. Violations of this bylaw remain institutional violations per Constitution 2.8.1, and documentation of the individual s repayment shall be forwarded to the enforcement services staff with the institution s self-report of the violation. 13.7.5.2.2 NCAA Championships or Other Postseason Contests The provision of complimentary or reduced-cost admissions to prospects for an NCAA championship (all rounds) or other postseason contests (e.g., bowl game, NAIA or NIT championship) constitutes excessive entertainment and is prohibited. The prospect may purchase these tickets only in the same manner as any other member of the general public. Interpretations: Providing tickets for the brother of Coach who is also a prospect. Reviewed Bylaws 13.2 (offers and inducements) and 13.7.5.2 (complimentary admissions), and confirmed that a member institution's coaching staff would be precluded from providing his or her relative, who is a prospective student-athlete per Bylaw 13.02.8, complimentary tickets to an away-from-home contest, noting that the member institution's coaching staff would be permitted to provide his or her parents with such tickets. (Staff: Sept. 14, 1990) Special Seating for high school coaches. Reviewed 1990 NCAA Convention Proposal No. 118, which amends Bylaw 13.6.5.2 (campus athletics events -- special seating), and Bylaw 13.8.1 (entertainment -- high school coaches) and confirmed that a high school coach could not be provided with special seating when given complimentary admissions to a campus athletics event. (Staff: June 20, 1990) 13.5.3 Parking. An institution may arrange special on-campus parking for prospects during an official visit. 13.8.2.1 General Restrictions During an unofficial visit, the institution may not pay any expenses or provide any entertainment except a maximum of three complimentary admissions (issued only through a pass list) to a campus home athletics event in which the institution's intercollegiate team practices or competes. Such complimentary admissions are for the exclusive use of the prospect and those persons accompanying the prospect on the visit and must be issued on an individual-game basis. Such admissions may provide seating only in the general seating area of the facility utilized for conducting the event. Providing seating during the conduct of the event (including intermission) for the prospect or the prospect's parents [or legal guardian(s)] or spouse in the facility's press box, special seating box(es) or bench area is specifically prohibited. Interpretations: Special Seating to Observe On-Campus Intra-squad Scrimmages. An oncampus intra-squad scrimmage (e.g., spring football scrimmage, "midnight madness" basketball scrimmage) that is open to the general public is considered a campus athletics event, even if no admission is charged to attend the event. Thus, complimentary admissions provided to a prospect (or the prospect's parents or legal guardians or spouse) for such an event during an official or unofficial visit must be in the general seating area of the facility used for conducting the event. [References: 13.7.5.2 (complimentary admissions) and 13.8.2.1 (general restrictions)] (Official: April 20, 1995) Utilization of Pass List by Division I Institutions to Groups whose Visits are Unrelated to Recruitment. Reviewed Bylaw 13.8.2.1 (tickets -general restrictions) and Bylaw 13.8.2.5 (visit unrelated to recruitment) and 10/18/89 staff minutes, Item No. 1-(e), in regard to groups that 13
visit the institution's campus for purposes unrelated to athletics recruitment and who receive complimentary admissions to the institution's home athletics contest; determined that no hard tickets may be issued to such members of a group; however, a Division I member institution may admit such a group through a pass list without requiring identification of each individual prospect. (Staff: Aug. 29, 1990) Complimentary Admissions to Student-Athletes and Prospective Student-Athletes for Neutral Site Contest. Determined that for purposes of Constitution 3-1-(h)-(6) [admission for each student-athlete to all of the institution's regular-season home intercollegiate athletics contests] and Bylaw 1-9-(k) [three complimentary admissions to a prospective student-athlete for one regular-season home game at a site located in a community other than its own] a regularseason contest held at a neutral site may be treated as a home contest; consequently, this decision is a matter of institutional discretion, with the understanding that the contest is not considered the institution's home contest unless declared as such by the institution. This interpretation was confirmed through the legislative services conference contact program. (Staff: Nov. 9, 1988) Interpretation: Complimentary tickets as part of incentive program. Determined that it would be permissible to provide complimentary admissions to an individual high school or a high school system as part of an attendance incentive program, provided they are awarded according to Bylaws 1-9-(f) and 1-9-(k) and there is no publicity of the institution's involvement in such a program inasmuch as such a publicity arrangement would constitute an improper recruiting inducement per Bylaw 1-1-(b). (Staff: Nov. 18, 1987) 13.8.2.1.4 Reserving Game Tickets An institution may not reserve tickets (in addition to the permissible complimentary admissions) to be purchased by a prospect (or individuals accompanying the prospect) on an unofficial visit. Tickets may be purchased only in the same manner as any other member of the general public Interpretation: Season Pass to Home Athletics Contest for Prospective Student-Athlete. Reviewed Bylaw 13.7.2 (entertainment/tickets -- unofficial visit) and extended the principle set forth in 11/03/89 staff minutes, Item No. 1-(e) [prohibiting institution from providing identification cards to high school coaches for use in gaining admission to athletics contest], to prospective student-athletes. (Staff: Nov. 17, 1989) 13.8.2.1.5 Parking An institution may not arrange special parking for prospects to utilize while attending a member institution s campus athletics event during an unofficial visit 13.8.2.2 Home Games at Site Other than Regular Home Facility If an institution schedules any regular-season home games at a site not designated as its regular home facility, the host institution may provide a maximum of three complimentary admissions to any such game for the exclusive use of a prospect and those persons accompanying the prospect. Tournament and postseason games are excluded. The institution shall not arrange or permit any other entertainment or payment of expenses, including transportation. Interpretations: Complimentary Admissions to a Campus Athletics Event (I). The membership services staff confirmed that during an official visit, a member institution may provide complimentary admissions only to a home athletics event in which the institution s intercollegiate team (as opposed to another institution's team) practices or competes within a 30- mile radius of the institution's campus. Further, during an unofficial visit, such admissions may be provided to a prospect for a home athletics event at any location. [References: NCAA Division I Proposal Nos. 2003-1 and 2003-2, NCAA Division I Bylaws 13.7.5.1 14
(entertainment/tickets on official visit - general restrictions), 13.8.2.1 (entertainment/tickets - general restrictions), 13.8.2.2 (home games) and 10/14/98 staff confirmation, item 21, which has been archived.] (Staff: July 30, 2003) Home Competition Site Not on Campus. If an institution normally participates in home competition at a site that is not located on the institution's campus, the institution is subject to the same standards (i.e., benefits and restrictions) during the competition that apply to a competition conducted on an institution's campus. Thus, it would be permissible for the institution to provide meals to a prospect (and the prospect's parents or legal guardians) during an official visit at the site of the competition. Further, an institution's staff member who has permissible contact with the prospect at the competition site prior to, during or immediately following the competition would not be charged with an off-campus contact with the prospect. [References: 13.01.4 (offcampus recruiting); 13.1.2.4 (general restrictions: staff members and governing board); 13.7.1.4 (visit to off-campus contests); 13.7.5.7 (meals on official visits) and 13.8.2.2 (home games outside the community)] (Official: April 28, 1994) 13.8.2.3 Conference Tournaments A member institution may not provide complimentary admissions to a prospect for a postseason conference tournament. The prospect may purchase tickets only in the same manner as any other member of the general public. Interpretation: Complimentary Admissions to Prospects' Coaches to Attend Postseason Tournament. An institution may not provide complimentary admissions to coaches of prospects (or any other individual responsible for teaching or directing an activity in which a prospect is involved) to attend a postseason competition (e.g., NCAA championship, conference tournament, bowl game). Such tickets may be purchased only in the same manner as purchased by any other member of the general public. [References: NCAA Bylaws 13.8.2.3 (conference tournament) and 13.9.1 (entertainment restrictions)] (Official: Dec. 12, 12001) 13.8.2.4 NCAA Championships or Other Postseason Contests The provision of complimentary or reduced-cost admissions to prospects for an NCAA championship (all rounds) or other postseason contests (e.g., bowl game, NAIA or NIT championship) constitutes excessive entertainment and is prohibited. The prospect may purchase tickets to such events only in the same manner as any other member of the general public Interpretations: Complimentary Admissions to Preseason Events. The membership services staff confirmed that a member institution may provide complimentary admissions to a prospect to attend preseason (as distinguished from postseason) home athletics events. [References: NCAA Proposal Nos. 2003-1 and 2003-2, Bylaws 13.7.5.1 (entertainment/tickets on official visit - general restrictions), 13.7.5.2.2 (NCAA championships or other postseason events), 13.8.2.1 (entertainment/tickets on unofficial visit - general restrictions), 13.8.2.2 (home games outside regular facility) and 13.8.2.4 (NCAA championships and other postseason events) and 8/22/90, official interpretation, item 14, which has been archived.]. (July 02, 2003) Complimentary Admission to NCAA Championships. The legislative services staff confirmed that it is not permissible, under any circumstances, for a student-athlete to provide a prospect with a complimentary admission to an NCAA championship or other postseason contest in which the student-athlete is a participant. [References: 13.7.5.2.2 (NCAA championships or other postseason contests), 13.8.2.4 (NCAA championships or other postseason contests), 16.2.1.2 (complimentary admissions and ticket benefits -- Division I regulations), 16.2.1.3 (complimentary admissions and ticket benefits -- Division II regulations) and 16.2.1.4 (complimentary admissions and ticket benefits -- Division III regulations)] (Staff: June 14, 1996) 15
13.9.1 Entertainment Restrictions Entertainment of a high-school, college-preparatory school or two-year college coach or any other individual responsible for teaching or directing an activity in which a prospect is involved shall be confined to a member institution s campus and shall be limited to providing a maximum of two complimentary admissions (issued only through a pass list) to home intercollegiate athletics events, which must be issued on an individual-game basis. Such entertainment shall not include food and refreshments, room expenses, or the cost of transportation to and from the campus. It is not permissible to provide complimentary admissions to any postseason competition (e.g., NCAA championship, conference tournament, bowl game). An institutional coaching staff member is expressly prohibited from spending funds to entertain the prospect s coach on or off the member institution s campus. 13.9.1.3 Purchase of Game Tickets An institution may not reserve tickets (in addition to the permissible complimentary admissions) to be purchased by high-school, college preparatory or two-year college coaches (or individuals accompanying them) to attend an institution s athletics contest. Tickets may be purchased only in the same manner as any other member of the general public. 13.11.2 Comments Prior to Signing Prior to the signing of a prospect to a National Letter of Intent or an institution's written offer of admission and/or financial aid, a member institution may comment publicly only to the extent of confirming its recruitment of the prospect. The institution may not comment generally about the prospect's ability or the contribution that the prospect might make to the institution's team; further, the institution is precluded from commenting in any manner as to the likelihood of the prospect's signing with that institution. Recruiting Correspondence. When responding to someone s request for institutional mementos (posters, schedule magnets, etc.) please ensure that the individual you are sending the items to is not a prospect (started classes for the ninth grade), prospect s parent, or prospect s coach. If they are, please check with the athletic compliance office before sending any items. Bylaw, Article 16 Awards, Benefits and Expenses for Enrolled Student-Athletes 16.02.3 Extra Benefit. An extra benefit is any special arrangement by an institutional employee or a representative of the institution's athletics interests to provide a student-athlete or the student-athlete's relative or friend a benefit not expressly authorized by NCAA legislation. Receipt of a benefit by studentathletes or their relatives or friends is not a violation of NCAA legislation if it is demonstrated that the same benefit is generally available to the institution's students or their relatives or friends or to a particular segment of the student body (e.g., foreign students, minority students) determined on a basis unrelated to athletics ability. 16.10.1 (e) Local Transportation Staff members may provide reasonable local transportation to student-athletes on an occasional basis. 16.6.1.5 Reasonable Refreshments for Parents (or Legal Guardians) An institution may provide the parents (or legal guardians) of a student-athlete with reasonable refreshments (e.g., soft drinks, snacks) on an occasional basis. 16.12.1.5 Occasional Meals A student-athlete or the entire team in a sport may receive an occasional family home meal in the locale of the institution on infrequent and special occasions from an institutional staff member. An institutional staff member may provide reasonable local transportation to student-athletes to attend such meals. 16