Indiana University Athletics
December 2012 Compliance Corner: Pre-Existing Relationships
12/13/2012 12:00:00 AM | Varsity Club
Dec. 13, 2012
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- The NCAA has strict amateurism rules governing against preferential treatment, benefits or services provided to current or prospective student-athletes due to athletics reputation, skill or pay-back potential as a professional athlete. Typically, boosters are prohibited from providing any type of benefit (money, gifts, meals, and discounts on products or services) to current or prospective student-athletes, unless these same benefits are readily available to the general public.
The only exception to this rule is a demonstrated pre-existing relationship between the booster and the current or prospective student-athlete that predates high school (7th grade for men's basketball) and did not develop from the student-athlete's athletic abilities, status or notoriety.
Pre-Existing Relationships: The following questions have been developed by the NCAA to assist in determining a pre-existing relationship:
- Did the relationship between the athlete (or the athlete's parents) and the individual providing the benefit(s) develop as a result of the athlete's participation in athletics or notoriety related thereto? (YES/NO)
- Did the relationship between the athlete (or the athlete's parents) and the individual providing the benefit(s) predate the athlete's status as a prospective student-athlete? (YES/NO)
- Did the relationship between the athlete (or the athlete's parents) and the individual providing the benefit(s) predate the athlete's status achieved as a result of his or her athletics ability or reputation? (YES/NO)
- Was the pattern of benefits provided by the individual to the athlete (or the athlete's parents) prior to the athlete attaining notoriety as a skilled athlete similar in nature to those provided after attaining such stature? (YES/NO)
Answers: If you answered NO to question 1 and YES to question 2, 3, and 4, the relationship is likely to be considered pre-existing.
Once a pre-existing relationship is determined, further analysis is needed to ensure the types of benefits provided as a result of the relationship meet the NCAA rules. Questions regarding the frequency and nature of benefits (housing, meals, entertainment, gifts, vacations, etc.) provided throughout the course of the relationship may be asked to determine the extent of benefits that may be provided in the future. It is important that the pattern of benefits remain consistent.
The Indiana University Athletics Compliance Office is available to assist with this analysis as the NCAA rules governing pre-existing relationships with current and prospective student-athletes can be confusing. Please contact the Compliance Office PRIOR to providing any benefits to current and prospective student-athletes.
Your assistance is greatly appreciated in helping Indiana University play by the rules. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact Briana Fields, Director of Compliance at 812-856-2094 or brifield@indiana.edu, or visit our compliance website.
