University of Oklahoma Athletics
Compliance Corner: August 2014
August 28, 2014 | Athletics
The Division I Legislative Council made a number of decisions affecting the health, safety and welfare of student-athletes in April 2014. Included in these decisions was the approval that effective August 1, 2014, all Division I student-athletes can receive unlimited meals and snacks in conjunction with their athletics participation. The rule, which applies to walk-ons as well as scholarship student-athletes, was implemented in an effort to meet the nutritional needs of all student-athletes.
The provision for meals is in addition to the meal plan provided as part of an athletics scholarship. Prior to this change, scholarship student-athletes received three meals a day or a food stipend. Student-athletes that did not receive a board scholarship could not be provided meals unless it was related to a competition or during vacation-period required training/competition.
NCAA member institutions have worked to find appropriate ways to ensure student-athletes get the nutrition they need without jeopardizing Pell Grants or other federal aid received by the student-athletes most in need. It is essential to The University of Oklahoma Department of Athletics that our student-athletes are provided the best possible nutrition to enhance their athletic careers and promote their overall well-being. This venture will be an expensive endeavor as we hope to feed over 600 Division I student-athletes on a daily basis.
The new legislation does not replace the standard meal plan and will be above and beyond what is already being provided. This legislation is specifically limited to the institution providing the additional meals and snacks to the student-athletes.
As a representative of the institution's athletics interests, you are still prohibited from providing an extra benefit, such as a meal, to any student-athlete. This would include inviting an athlete into your home for a meal or purchasing a meal at a restaurant. It is an NCAA violation to provide any benefit, (e.g., cash, services, meals, drinks, transportation, etc.) free of charge or at a reduced price, to a current student-athlete.
We hope you find this information helpful and, as always, please contact the Athletics Compliance Department at (405) 325-7004 with any questions. Your cooperation and understanding is essential to the success of our programs. We appreciate your support of OU Athletics and your help in ensuring we operate within NCAA rules and regulations.
Related Links: OU Compliance Online
