Indiana University Athletics
Compliance Question Of The Week
Question:
True or False: The (relatively) new occasional meal legislation that permits staff members to provide student-athletes with occasional meals at any locale in the institution would also permit a coach to have an occasional meal at a tailgate at a home football game for his or her team, even if it was during a prospect's official visit and the prospect was present at the tailgate.
Bonus: If the above is true (hint), which of the following could also eat (for free) at the tailgate without causing any recruiting violations: The prospect, the prospect's parents, the prospect's brother, the prospect's boy or girlfriend, the prospect's coach, Professor Jaffee (our Faculty Athletics Representative), Professor Wimbush, President Herbert, a prospect on an unofficial visit, or a former student-athlete?
Answer:
True
Bonus:
The following may eat for free: Prospect on official visit, his/her parents (legal guardians or spouse), and Professors Jaffee and Wimbush (because the tailgate is on campus).
The following may eat, but have to pay the actual cost of the meal (caterer's charge per person if applicable): Brother, boy/girlfriend, coach and the prospect on the unofficial visit.
The former student-athlete is considered a booster. The NCAA would argue that the tailgate was a "controlled environment" so that the contact would not be incidental (and therefore a violation), as opposed to a chance meeting while walking through the parking lot on the way to the game. So, do NOT invite former student-athletes or other boosters to any team functions where prospects may also be in attendance.