RUST COMMENTARY: GUIDELINES: NCAA RULES COVER BOOSTERS AS WELL AS STUDENT-ATHLETES

I received a mailing from Southeast Missouri State University on NCAA rules compliance for "representatives of athletic interests." In reading the rules I found they applied to me and probably a lot of others who are not aware of it. Without debating the merit of the rules ... I reprint them here for your information.

* * * * *

From the athletic director:

Southeast Missouri State University is committed to excellence, both on and off the playing field. A continuous effort to maintain these high standards is required by our coaches, administrators, student-athletes, boosters and fans.

This brochure has been developed as a quick reference guide to provide a basic understanding of NCAA rules. Please take the time to read it, since we hope it will help alleviate potential NCAA concerns.

Your interest and support of Southeast athletics is appreciated, and we ask that you assist us by following NCAA rules.

Sincerely,

Carroll L. Williams

Director of Athletics

Representatives of athletic interests:

According to NCAA legislation, you are a "representative of athletic interests" if you:

1. are a member of or have participated in an organization that promotes Southeast athletics (i.e., Booster Club).

2. have made financial contributions to the athletics department or Booster Club.

3. have ever assisted in evaluating or recruiting prospective student-athletes.

4. have ever provided benefits to student-athletes or their families.

5. have provided or assisted in the arrangement of employment for student-athletes.

6. have been involved in the promotion of Southeast athletics in any way.

NOTE: Once you are identified as a "representative" or Booster, you will always be considered one.

Prospects:

A prospective student-athlete (prospect) is ANY student who has started classes for the ninth grade.

1. Boosters cannot call, write or have face-to-face contact with prospects or their relatives.

2. Boosters cannot be involved directly or indirectly in making arrangements for financial assistance for prospects or their families. This includes funding for summer camps.

3. Boosters cannot provide transportation, room and board or any other benefit to prospects.

4. Boosters cannot contact a prospect's high school or junior college coach, principal, or guidance counselor to obtain information that would be useful in evaluating a prospect.

5. Boosters are not allowed to talk with a prospect during the prospect's official campus visit. Do not provide tickets or the use of an automobile to prospects during official or unofficial visits to the university.

6. Boosters may attend high school or junior college athletic events that they would normally attend. Boosters may contact Southeast Missouri State coaches regarding prospects they see; however, they may not contact prospects, their families or their coaches.

7. Established personal relationships with prospects and their families are obviously permissible. However, Boosters may not encourage prospects to attend Southeast Missouri State or provide extra benefits to the prospects.

NOTE: Prospective athletes remain prospects until they begin full-time enrollment (classes) at Southeast.

Extra benefits:

Boosters or Southeast employees may not provide prospects or enrolled student-athletes extra benefits or services. Student-athletes who are involved in violations of NCAA rules and regulations are subject to loss of eligibility. The following examples are NOT permissible. This list is not all-inclusive.

1. The name, picture or appearance of a student-athlete may not be used to promote or advertise an activity without contacting the compliance office. Student-athletes may never be used to promote, advertise or recommend a commercial product or service.

2. Student-athletes may not receive an honorarium to speak at an organization. They may only receive legitimate and normal expenses.

3. University employees and Boosters may not provide gifts or awards to student-athletes.

4. University employees and Boosters may not provide free or reduced rates for goods or services to athletes.

5. University employees and Boosters may not provide free or reduced housing or transportation to athletes.

6. An occasional meal at one's home is permissible; however, buying an athlete's meal at a restaurant is not.

Institutional control:

An institution must control and monitor all aspects of its intercollegiate athletics program. The institution is held responsible for not only the actions of student-athletes and athletics department staff including coaches, but also university employees and "representatives of athletic interests" (Boosters).

Recruiting:

Only institutional staff who have been certified to recruit may evaluate or contact prospects off campus. Southeast Boosters may not contact prospects either on or off campus. Exceptions for institutional staff members do exist regarding on-campus contact during official and unofficial visits; however, off-campus contact is not permissible.

Booster consequences:

Southeast Missouri State University is responsible for actions of its Boosters. Southeast Boosters are bound by NCAA rules. Boosters found to be in violation of these rules may lose benefits or privileges associated with the Southeast Booster Club.

Student-athlete employment:

1. Boosters may employ a prospect after his or her senior year in high school.

2. Southeast student-athletes and their employers are required to sign a written statement issued by the compliance office prior to the commencement of employment. Do not allow a student-athlete to begin employment until you have read and signed this statement.

3. Student-athletes may only be compensated for work actually performed and at a rate commensurate with the going rate for similar services in the area.

4. Student-athletes may not be compensated for their value to the employer based on publicity, reputation or personal following that he or she has obtained because of athletic ability. ??? holarship may work during the academic year and earn up to $2,000 provided they have spent an academic year in residence at Southeast and are academically eligible to compete.

Rules governing student-athlete employment are complex and must be closely monitored. Please contact the compliance office with any questions.

"Ask before you act":

Compliance with NCAA rules is a high priority for our athletics program and institution. Southeast Missouri State University is responsible for the actions of its boosters and fans. Even the best-intentioned action on your part may be a violation of NCAA rules. If you have questions about NCAA rules, please contact Alicia Scott in the compliance office at (573) 651-2980.

* * * * *

It hasn't been too tough to be in violation without knowing it. Me thinks the rules are a little too much...but you need to be aware of them. -- G.W.R.

* * * * *

Saddam ignores Clinton's threat: As expected, Saddam is playing games with U.N. weapons inspectors again. Thursday, someone from Iraq's ruling party announced that inspectors would be barred from a party office they unsuccessfully tried to examine the day before. Iraq also won't explain where suspicious equipment has gone since the break in inspections. On Nov. 15, President Clinton said that he would respond to any new obstructions with force. Saddam's actions indicate that he doesn't take Clinton's threats very seriously. -- Washington Update

~Gary Rust is president of Rust Communications, which owns the Southeast Missourian and other newspapers.