Indiana University Athletics
Compliance Corner: Pre-Existing Relationships
12/10/2013 12:00:00 AM | Varsity Club
Dec. 10, 2013
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- With the holiday season in full swing, please remember that the NCAA has strict amateurism rules governing against preferential treatment, benefits or services provided to current or prospective student-athletes. Typically, boosters are prohibited from providing any type of benefit (money, gifts, entertainment, meals, and discounts on products or services) to current or prospective student-athletes, unless these same benefits are readily available to the general public.
However, there is an exception to this rule when a pre-existing relationship between the booster and the current student-athlete or prospective student-athlete predates high school (7th grade for men’s basketball). In addition, the relationship must not be based the student-athlete’s athletic abilities, status, or notoriety.
Below are some questions to help you determine if you have a pre-existing relationship with a student-athlete or prospective student-athlete:
- Is your relationship with the student-athlete (or the student-athlete’s parents) a result of the athlete’s participation in athletics? (Yes / No)
- Does your relationship with the student-athlete predate the student-athlete’s status as a prospective student-athlete? (Yes / No)
- Does your relationship with the student-athlete predate the student-athlete’s status achieved as a result of his or her athletics ability or reputation? (Yes / No)
- Is the pattern of benefits you provided to the student-athlete prior to the athlete’s status as a skilled athlete similar in nature to the benefits provided after attaining such a status? (Yes / No)
Answers: If you answered “No” to question 1 and “Yes” to questions 2, 3, and 4, the relationship is likely to be considered pre-existing.
If it is determined that a pre-existing relationship occurs with a student-athlete (or prospect), please contact the IU Athletics Compliance Office for further analysis of the relationship. Additional questions regarding the nature of the relationship and frequency and nature of benefits provided (housing, meals, entertainment, gifts, vacations, etc.) may be asked. These questions are important in determining the pattern of past benefits so that all future benefits remain consistent.
We know that the NCAA rules governing pre-existing relationships with current and prospective student-athletes can be confusing. The Indiana University Athletics Compliance Office is always available to assist with this analysis. Please contact the Compliance Office (iucomply@indiana.edu) prior to providing any benefits to current and prospective student-athletes.
Your assistance is greatly appreciated in helping Indiana University play by the rules!
