University of Oklahoma Athletics
Compliance Corner: May 2014
May 27, 2014 | Athletics
The University of Oklahoma appreciates your support of our athletics program and helping ensure our student-athletes receive a top-notch educational and athletic experience at our institution. As a member of the Sooner Club, you are also considered to be a “booster” of OU athletics.
The NCAA defines a booster in a number of ways; including, anyone who has made a financial contribution to the athletics department or to an athletics booster organization of the institution.
As an OU booster, we ask for your help in understanding and abiding by the following information to ensure our programs operate consistent with NCAA and Big 12 rules and regulations.
We are all committed to the integrity of our programs; therefore, please ask Athletics Compliance if you have any questions concerning interaction with our student-athletes and/or our sports programs. Be sure to read our “Compliance Corner” in the Sooner Insider and visit our website for more in-depth information regarding NCAA legislation.
What is an extra-benefit and why do I need to know this term?
An extra benefit is anything that is provided to a student-athlete or a student-athlete's family and friends by an institutional staff member or a booster that is not available to the general student body or general public under the same terms. Providing anything considered an extra-benefit to one of our student-athletes or their family/friends jeopardizes their eligibility to compete for OU. The following are some common examples of extra benefits:
- Cash, loans, or co-signing a loan on behalf of a student-athlete;
- Free or reduced services (e.g. free oil change, car detailing, dry cleaning, laundry, etc.);
- Providing free lodging or rental property at a reduced rate;
- Free or reduced cost meals and drinks;
- Providing tickets to concerts, sporting events, and other entertainment activities; and
- Any other cards, gifts or presents, even for special occasions (e.g. Birthday, Christmas, or other holidays).
Are student-athletes allowed to be employed?
Yes, it is permissible for student-athletes to be legitimately employed. However, it is important to remember the following guidelines regarding the employment of student-athletes:
- The job must be registered with Athletics Compliance prior to the student-athlete beginning any employment duties;
- The student-athlete must be paid for work actually performed;
- The student-athlete must be paid the going rate for the position;
- A student-athlete may not be compensated for any value or utility they may bring to an employer because of their athletics reputation or affiliation; and
- A student-athlete's name may not be used to promote a commercial business.
Is it permissible for someone to purchase a student-athlete's complimentary tickets?
Per NCAA rules, OU is allowed to provide complimentary admissions to its student-athletes to enable his or her family and close friends to attend competitions in the student-athlete's sport. NCAA legislation precludes a student-athlete from selling or “trading” his or her tickets for any item of value (e.g. meals, furniture, lodging, etc) Unfortunately, over the years, many student-athletes have been declared ineligible for selling their complimentary admissions to fans and boosters. You can help the University of Oklahoma and our student-athletes by recognizing this rule and not approaching our student-athletes to buy their complimentary admissions.
What are the general rules surrounding recruiting and boosters?
Boosters should not be involved in the recruitment of prospective student-athletes. A prospective student-athlete is anyone who has started classes for the ninth grade. The best rule of thumb is to refer any questions about OU athletics to our staff and do not attempt to contact a prospect or influence his/her decision to attend OU. Remember that only members of the coaching staff may be involved in the recruiting process.
As always, 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
