July 2010
Question: What is the penalty if a prospect does not fulfill his/her NLI obligation to the school with which he/she signed?
Answer: If a student-athlete does not attend the institution with which he/she signed or attends the institution for less than one academic year, and that student enrolls at another NLI institution, that student may not represent the second institution in intercollegiate competition for one academic year. In addition, the student will lose one season of eligibility. It is possible for an institution to release a student from his/her NLI obligation prior to the student attending the institution with which he/she signed.
June 2010
Question: Is it permissible for a booster to provide transportation to a student-athlete to return to campus for a preseason practice and/or fall classes?
Answer: No. Boosters may not provide student-athletes with transportation to and from campus for any reason. Providing transportation to a student-athlete is considered an extra benefit.
May 2010
Question: Is it permissible for alumni and booster to employ current student-athlete?
Answer: Yes. However, employment must be pre-approved by the EIU compliance department and the following conditions must be met:
1. Compensation must be based on work actually performed.
2. Compensation must be at a rate commensurate with the going rate in the locality for services of like character.
3. Earnings may not be based on the publicity, reputation, or fame the student-athlete has obtained because of athletics ability.
February 2010
Question: How long is a prospective student-athlete considered to be a prospect?
Answer: A prospective student-athlete remains a prospect even after committing to or signing a National Letter of Intent with Eastern Illinois University. The prospect continues to be governed by NCAA recruiting legislation until he/she reports for practice or attends his/her first day of classes in any regular term.
January 2010
Question: Can a booster provide a prospective student-athlete or current student-athlete with complimentary admissions to EIU athletics events?
Answer: No.
It is not permissible for a booster to provide prospective student-athletes or current student-athletes or their families with complimentary admissions to any EIU athletics events, community events, or professional sporting events. In addition, boosters may not provide prospective student-athletes or current student-athletes with special seating at an EIU athletics event.
December 2009
Question: I would like to invite an EIU team to my home and serve them a meal. Is this permissible?
Answer: Yes, by following these guidelines:
NCAA Bylaw 16.11.1.5
A student-athlete or the entire team in a sport may receive an occasional meal in the locale of the institution on infrequent and special occasions from an institutional staff member. An institutional staff member may provide reasonable local transportation to student-athletes to attend such meals. A student-athlete may receive an occasional family home meal from a representative of athletics interests (Panther Club member) on infrequent and special occasions under the following conditions:
(a) The meal must be provided in an individual’s home (as opposed to a restaurant) and may be catered; and
(b) A representative of the institution’s athletics interest may provide reasonable local transportation to student-athletes to attend the meal
November 2009
Question: If I give to EIU Athletics, am I a representative of the university’s athletic interests?
Answer: Yes!
The NCAA defines a Representative of Athletics Interests as anyone who is known (or who should have been known) by a member of the institution’s executive or athletics administration to:
-- Have participated in or to be a member of an agency or organization promoting the institution’s intercollegiate athletics program (Panther Club);
-- Have made financial contributions to the Athletics Department or to a EIU booster organization;
-- Assisted or has been requested by EIU staff to assist in the recruitment of prospects;
-- Assisted in providing benefits to enrolled student-athletes or their families;
-- Have been involved otherwise in promoting the institution’s athletics program; or
-- Participated as a varsity student-athlete at EIU.
Please be reminded that once an individual is identified as a “representative of the institution’s athletics interest,” the person retains that identity FOREVER.
Commonly Asked Questions
Q: Is EIU responsible for the actions of its boosters and their support groups?
A: Yes. Boosters are subject to NCAA regulations and EIU is subject to penalties for any violations of NCAA rules by boosters or their support organization. Boosters found in violation of NCAA rules are subject to losing benefits and privileges.
Q: What actions should boosters take if they become aware of a rules violation?
A: Boosters should contact the Compliance Office to report and discuss the information pertinent to the violation. Boosters may remain anonymous if they wish. The Compliance Office will review the information and process it as necessary.
Q: When does a prospect become a student-athlete?
A: A prospect remains a prospect even after signing a National Letter of Intent. A prospect does not become a EIU student-athlete until he or she reports for regular squad practice or attends class.
Q: Is the restriction on contacts with prospects applicable to established family, friends and neighbors?
A: No, however, it must be understood that such contacts may not be made for recruiting purposes and may not be initiated by a member of the institution’s coaching staff.
(NCAA Bylaw 13.02.10 Representative of Athletics Interest Rule)
October 2009
What can I do to thank the EIU student-athletes for all they do?
The NCAA prohibits boosters from providing extra benefits or making special arrangements for prospective or enrolled student-athletes. As a Panther Club member/EIU Athletic Booster YOU MAY:
1. Have an EIU student-athlete or an entire team as your guest for an occasional home meal under the following conditions:
-- The meal must be provided in an individual’s home (as opposed to a restaurant) and may be catered;
-- Meals must be restricted to infrequent and special occasions;
-- You may provide reasonable local transportation for the student-athlete(s) only if the meal is at your home. (You may not have them picked up by a limousine, humvee, etc.)
2. Invite a team for dinner or arrange for them to meet with alumni in an away city. Note: Please be sure to coordinate these activities with the head coach first
3. Offer summer employment opportunities to enrolled student-athletes and incoming student-athletes who have already signed a National Letter of Intent. The rate of pay must be commensurate with the going rate for that position and approved by the EIU Compliance Office.
Unfortunately, you may NOT:
1. Provide an honorarium to a student-athlete for a speaking engagement;
2. Provide awards or gifts to any student-athlete because of an outstanding performance;
3. Use the name or picture of an EIU student-athlete to advertise a product or service;
4. Provide any expenses to the friends or family of an EIU student-athlete to allow them to visit campus or attend an away athletic contest;
5. Spend money to entertain any student-athlete, their friends or family.
(NCAA Bylaw 16.02.3 The Extra Benefit Rule)
Should you have any questions please contact EIU Compliance at 217-581-6992. Thank you.