University of Oklahoma Athletics
Compliance Corner: March 2013
March 20, 2013 | Athletics
March 20, 2013
Most OU boosters have spent time in Oklahoma and helping those in need is a character trait that has been instilled in all of us. When we see someone less fortunate or in need of the essentials of life, it is basic instinct to reach out to provide assistance.
NCAA regulations do not express the same individual "Good Samaritan" quality. Even though a booster may feel the need to provide help, it is an NCAA violation of the "extra benefit" legislation to provide such assistance. The NCAA defines an extra benefit as "any special arrangement by an institutional employee or booster to provide a student-athlete or the student-athlete's relatives or friend a benefit not expressly authorized by NCAA legislation."
In order to accommodate the needs of a high percentage of college students, the NCAA has established permissible benefits to assist student-athletes who have extenuating circumstances. In television alone, March Madness generates approximately $771 million a year. Meanwhile, the BCS bowls generated around $125 million in 2011. From this revenue, the NCAA funds many programs that directly support the educational, financial, and health and safety needs of student-athletes. Specifically, in 2011-12 the NCAA contributed $66 million to the Student Assistance Fund. This fund consists of The Student-Athlete Opportunity Fund ("SAOF") and Special Assistance Fund ("SAF")
SAOF was set up to provided direct benefits to accommodate student-athletes or their families as determined by a conference office. As a guiding principle, the fund shall be used to assist student-athletes in meeting financial needs that arise in conjunction with participation in athletics. Receipt of these funds is in addition to any athletic scholarship a student-athlete may receive. All student-athletes are eligible to receive SAOF benefits. Use of this fund has included education expenses and fees, health and medical expenses, personal and family expenses and institutional academic or programming enhancements.
The SAF's purpose is to assist student-athletes with special financial needs. This fund helps student-athletes pay for clothing (individually or for immediate family members), expendable course supplies, medical and dental costs not covered by insurance, and costs related to family emergencies. You must be a student-athlete who is receiving a Federal Pell Grant or athletic aid and who demonstrates financial hardship to qualify.
As member of the Sooner Club, this information is provided so that you are aware that funds are available to assist student-athletes in need. If the urge to help an athlete is overwhelming, do not risk an NCAA violation and the loss of the student's eligibility. Instead, contact the Compliance Department at (405) 325-7004 and report the need so we can use these established funds properly and provide for the financial needs of our student-athletes without risk.
Your cooperation and understanding is essential to the success of our programs. We hope you find this information helpful, and as always, please contact the Athletics Compliance Department at (405) 325-7004 with any questions. We appreciate your support of OU Athletics and your help in ensuring we operate within NCAA rules and regulations.
Related Links: OU Compliance Online
