We provide this information for people who meet the NCAA definition of a “Representative of Athletics Interest,” more commonly known as a “Booster.” NCAA rules require annual education of Boosters regarding key pieces of NCAA legislation so please take a moment to read through this information.
A "representative of the institution's athletics interests," also known as a booster, is an individual who:
Has made financial contributions to the athletics department or to an athletics booster group of that institution;
Has purchased season tickets to any of the institution’s athletic teams;
Has participated in an organization, including corporate entities, promoting the institution's intercollegiate athletics program;
Has been involved otherwise in promoting the institution's athletics program.
Is an alumnus of the institution.
Once an individual is identified as a “representative of the institution’s athletics interests,” the person retains that identity forever.
Any person who has begun classes for the ninth grade is a prospective student-athlete. However, it is possible for younger students to be a prospect, so it is prudent to treat ALL athletes as prospects.
Students are still considered prospects even if they have signed a National Letter of Intent (NLI) or any other financial aid agreement with a university. A student remains a prospect until he or she enrolls full time at a college or university.
Only certified institutional staff members are permitted to recruit prospective student-athletes. Generally, NCAA rules prohibit anyone else from contacting (calling, writing or in-person contact) prospects or the prospect’s relatives or guardian for recruiting purposes.
Boosters may from time to time assist the coaching staff by notifying them of any student that would be a strong addition to the program. The coach can then make appropriate contact with the prospect.
Provide employment for prospective or currently enrolled student-athletes during permissible periods. All compensation paid to a student-athlete must be for work actually performed and given at a rate equal to the going rate for a similar job in the local area.
Attend games where prospects are competing, as long as no contact is made with the prospect or prospect's parents.
Invite an individual student-athlete or an entire team in a sport for an occasional meal provided the meal is in the individual's home (as opposed to a restaurant). The meal may be catered. Arrangements for these activities must be made through the head coach in the sport and the Compliance Office BEFORE the activity takes place.
Providing a prospective student-athlete, his/her parents, relative, friends, or coaches with any material or financial benefit.
Entertain or provide awards or gifts for a current student-athlete, or his/her family and friends.
Make in-person, off-campus recruiting contacts with a prospect or the prospect's relatives or legal guardian(s).
An extra benefit is any special arrangement by an institutional employee or a representative of the institution's athletics interests (booster) to provide a student-athlete or the student-athlete's relative or friend a benefit not expressly authorized by NCAA legislation. Specifically prohibited financial aid, benefits and arrangements include, but are not limited to, the following:
Employment arrangement for a prospect's relatives
Gifts of clothing, equipment, cash or similar items
Co-signing of loans or providing loans to a prospect's relatives or friends
Free or reduced-cost services, rentals or purchases of any type
Use of an institution's athletics equipment
If a violation occurs, it may jeopardize a student-athlete’s eligibility for intercollegiate competition, jeopardize a school’s membership status with the NCAA or cause a booster to lose access to all booster benefits.
If you have any questions about contact with a prospective or enrolled student-athlete, please contact
Shawn Green
Assistant Athletic DirectorSouthern New Hampshire University2500 North River Road, Manchester, NH 03106603-645-9783 | s.green@snhu.edu
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