Compliance Question Of The Week - Indiana University Athletics

Compliance Question Of The Week
For the week of: November 30, 2005

Question:

What is the rule regarding team functions (e.g., events, banquets, dinners, tailgates) when prospects (on official or unofficial visits), parents of current student-athletes, and former team members are all in town and will be in attendance at the team function?br>

Answer:

Institutions are reminded that NCAA legislation prohibits contact between prospective student-athletes ("prospects") and representatives of the institution's athletics interests ("boosters") or parents of current student-athletes during official and unofficial visits. This includes contact at recruiting-weekend events such as tailgates and post-competition meals.

While there is no legislation specifically prohibiting prospects from attending recruiting-weekend events also attended by boosters or parents of student-athletes, institutions are advised that permitting prospects to attend these events generates a considerable risk that contact will occur. If contact does occur, the institution will be responsible for a violation of NCAA Bylaw 13.1.2.1 [Permissible Recruiters - General Rule], inasmuch as boosters and parents of student-athletes are impermissible recruiters.

If prospects and impermissible recruiters are permitted to attend these events simultaneously, institutions are advised to take precautions to ensure that no contact occurs. While the types of precautionary measures will vary on an event-specific basis, examples of specific measures include (1) physical separation of the area containing prospects from the area containing impermissible recruiters and/or (2) assigning staff members to ensure that no impermissible contact occurs. (BT compliance reminder 12/22/05)