University of Oklahoma Athletics
Compliance Corner: February 2014
February 28, 2014 | Athletics
With a gift to the Sooner Club, each individual and family becomes a representative of athletics interest according to NCAA legislation. When this title is bestowed, it comes with numerous restrictions and requires additional monitoring from a NCAA member institution.
In particular, the NCAA prohibits a member of the Sooner Club to offer, provide or arrange financial assistance, directly or indirectly, to pay (in whole or in part) the costs of a prospective student-athlete's (9th-12th grade) educational or other expenses for any period prior to his or her enrollment. If you are in a situation wherein you are a representative of athletics interest for OU and paying for the educational or athletic endeavors of a prospect-aged individual that is not a member of your family, please contact our office to ensure compliance with NCAA regulations. The NCAA has established this rule to prevent zealous boosters from providing funds to a high profile prospect so that he or she can receive an educational and athletic experience that will produce a recruiting advantage for a particular institution.
As a member of the Sooner Club the NCAA does permit you as an individual to provide funding to benefit a high school athletics program located in the community where you reside, provided:
- You act independently of the athletics department;
- The donation you provide is distributed through channels established by the high school or the organization conducting the fundraising activity; and
- The funds are not earmarked directly for a specific prospect at the high school.
In addition, prospective student-athletes may receive non-institutional financial aid to continue their academic endeavors provided it meets the following conditions of the NCAA:
- The recipient's choice of institution is not restricted by the donor of the aid;
- There is no direct connection between the donor and the athlete's institution; and
- If athletic ability is not a part of consideration then there are no restrictions on receiving the aid.
The Department of Athletics Compliance's main mission is to assist in maintaining the fundamental requirement of institutional control. OU is responsible for ensuring that individuals and groups representing the institution's athletics interests also comply with all applicable rules. Compliance with NCAA regulations is a shared responsibility and with the designation of representative of athletics interest you become accountable in assisting to maintain institutional control.
If you have any questions regarding NCAA regulations, please contact the OU Athletics Compliance office at (405) 325-7004 or by email at athleticscompliance@ou.edu.
