Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
The following are the answers to a few of the questions most frequently asked by the public:
Q. Can a booster make contact with a Prospective Student-Athlete (PSA) and his/her legal guardians on an official visit to campus?
A. In Division I, representatives of an institution's athletic interests (as defined in Bylaw 13) are prohibited from making in-person, on or off campus recruiting contacts, or written or telephonic communications with a prospect or the prospect's relatives or legal guardians.
Q. May I contact high school coaches or guidance counselors directly regarding a student-athlete?
A. No. Because such contact would involve specific athletic recruiting and not general institutional recruiting, a booster would be prohibited from such contact. Further, boosters are prohibited from visiting a prospect's educational institution to pick up game films or transcripts pertaining to a prospect.
Q. Can boosters entertain relatives and friends of a PSA at an off campus site?
A. No.
Q. Can a booster pay any part of the registration fees associated with summer sports camps?
A. No.
Q. Is the contact rule applicable to established family friends or neighbors of a PSA?
A. No. However, it must be understood that such contacts may not be made for recruiting purposes and may not be initiated by a UCR coaching staff member.
Q. May a booster attend a public event at which PSAs are in attendance?
A. Yes, but any contact with student-athletes may not be prearranged by a UCR Athletics' Staff member and no attempt may be made to recruit the prospect.
Q. Is it permissible for a booster to provide enrolled student-athletes with professional services (for which a fee would usually be charged) for personal reasons?
A. No. Professional services provided to a student-athlete at less than the usual charge, or at no charge, is considered an extra benefit, which would be prohibited.
Q. May a booster "evaluate" a PSA on behalf of UCR Athletics?
A. Legislation does not preclude a booster from watching a PSA's contest on the booster's initiative, as long as the booster does not contact the prospect. However, the booster is prohibited from contacting a PSA's coach, principal, or counselor in an attempt to evaluate the prospect. Additionally, the booster is prohibited from visiting a high school or junior college campus to pick up film or transcripts pertaining to the evaluation of a PSA's academic or athletic ability.
Q. How long is a PSA considered a "recruit"?
A. A PSA remains a recruit even after signing the National Letter of Intent to attend UCR. Both UCR Athletics and the recruit continue to be governed by NCAA recruiting legislation until:
1. The PSA reports for regular squad practice;
2. The Registrar certifies that the PSA is officially enrolled at UCR on the first day of classes; or
3. The PSA attends a class in any regular term.
Q. Is it permissible for a booster to provide an honorarium to a student-athlete for a speaking engagement?
A. No. Student-athletes may receive only necessary travel expenses when speaking to educational or charitable groups.
Q. May a booster group finance a season-ending banquet for a UCR Team?
A. Provided all funds are expended through the Athletics Department, it is permissible for a booster group to be the source of funds for banquets and awards. Since the NCAA has established a value limit on awards received by student-athletes, it is important to have all awards approved by the Athletics Compliance Office.
Q. What about high school fund raising events?
A.UC Riverside Athletics is prohibited from providing any tangible support to high school fund-raising events aimed at raising money for any facet of the high school, including the athletics program. This extends to groups affiliated with UCR Athletics, such as the Athletic Association.
An individual booster can provide funding to support a high school athletics program located in the booster's community provided he/she acts independently of UCR. The contributed funds must be channeled through normal fund-raising procedures and the funds cannot be earmarked for a specific student-athlete.
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