I thought the list might enjoy learning the limits placed on Boosters by the NCAA.
I am restrained, Randy. Set me free! A. Leon Polhill, Gator "I was gratified to be able to answer promptly, and I did. I said I didn't know." - Mark Twain ----- Forwarded Message ---- From: eGator <[email protected]> To: [email protected] Sent: Wed, October 6, 2010 4:40:58 PM Subject: Gator Booster Compliance: Ask Before You Act Download the Fall 2010 issue of the University of Florida Compliance Newsletter. RECRUITING AND BOOSTERS All member institutions of the NCAA, including the University of Florida, are bound by the same bylaws. In order to remain in compliance and maintain a successful athletic department, boosters should be familiar with some of these guidelines. The NCAA defines recruiting as, “Any solicitation of a prospect or his/her family by an institutional staff member or by a representative of the institution's athletics interests for the purpose of securing the prospect's enrollment and participation in the institution's athletics program.” Some of the activities include, but are not limited to, the following: * Providing transportation to the prospect to visit the campus * Entertaining the prospect in any way on campus * Initiating or arranging telephone contact with the prospect or his family on more than one occasion for the purpose of recruitment * An arranged, off-campus encounter with a prospect or any members of their family for the purpose of recruitment * Entertaining the family members of a prospect on campus * Sending correspondence to a prospect, other than a generic letter that requests general information * The arrangement of meals, housing, transportation or academic interviews during an unofficial visit Boosters should also be aware that a prospective studentathlete as defined by the NCAA is any person who has begun classes for the ninth grade. A prospective studentathlete remains a prospect even after he or she has signed a National Letter of Intent or accepts an offer of financial aid to attend the University of Florida. The prospective student-athlete remains a prospect until they report for the first day of classes for the regular term (fall or spring). EXTRA BENEFITS AND BOOSTERS Recently, student-athletes at several other institutions received benefits prohibited under NCAA rules that resulted in the athlete being ruled ineligible. In order to avoid similar problems at the University of Florida, we have provided an overview of NCAA extra benefit legislation. Any special arrangement made by an institutional staff member or a booster that provides a student-athlete or the studentathlete's friend or family a benefit that is not expressly authorized by NCAA rules is an extra benefit. If a benefit is generally available to the institution's students or their relatives and friends, it is not considered to be an extra benefit. EXAMPLES: Examples of prohibited extra benefits to student-athletes include, but are not limited to: * Providing free or reduced-cost housing * Providing free or reduced-cost entertainment services from commercial agencies (e.g., providing free or reduced-cost admission into events or movies) * Providing free or reduced services (e.g. providing reduced-cost for haircuts or tanning) * Providing increased employment salary based on the student-athletes-athlete's athletics ability, reputation, or fame. * Paying a student-athlete compensation for work not actually performed * Providing free or reduced-cost services, rentals, or purchases of any type (e.g., providing reduced-cost for renting a scooter) * Providing free or reduced-cost storage of personal belongings (e.g., providing reduced-cost of storing belongings during the summer) * Allowing a student-athlete use of your automobile * Providing financial arrangements (e.g., signing or cosigning of loans) * Providing a loan of money, gift, or use of credit card * Inviting current or prospective student-athletes to tailgate parties before or after football games (or any other athletic event) * Providing student-athletes wit/h free or reduced products (e.g., providing free or reduced meals at a restaurant) -- GATORS: ONE VOICE ON SATURDAY - NO VOICE ON SUNDAY! 1996 National Football Champions | 2006 National Basketball Champions 2006 National Football Champions | 2007 National Basketball Champions 2008 National Football Champions | Three Heisman Trophy winners: Steve Spurrier (1966), Danny Wuerffel (1996), Tim Tebow (2007) - Visit our website at www.gatornet.us
