In each IntegrityStar edition, we highlight some frequently asked questions. In this edition we cover some frequently asked questions related to the Athletics Compliance and Athletics Boosters.
The university is responsible for ensuring that all student-athletes, university employees, and representatives of the university’s athletics interests (i.e., boosters) abide by NCAA rules and regulations.
Who is a representative of UCF’s athletics interests – A Booster?
A representative of UCF’s athletics interests (i.e., a booster) is an individual or a business that:
- Is or ever has been a contributor to the Charge On Fund or any of the sport specific support groups under this umbrella.
- Is or ever has been an employee of UCF or is the spouse of an employee of UCF.
- Has ever made a donation of any kind to the UCF men’s or women’s athletic programs.
- Has ever purchased season tickets for any of UCF’s athletics programs.
- Has ever helped to arrange or to provide summer employment for enrolled student-athletes or for prospects who have signed a Name Image Likeness (NIL) contract.
- Has ever contacted a prospective student-athlete, for the purpose of encouraging the student to participate in any of UCF’s athletics programs.
- Has ever assisted in providing any benefit to enrolled student-athletes or their families.
- Has ever been involved in any way with any of UCF’s athletics programs.
Who is a prospective student-athlete?
A prospective student-athlete, often referred to as a “recruit,” is any student who has started classes for the 9th grade, including students in prep schools and junior colleges, and individuals who have withdrawn from a four-year institution. The status of prospective student-athlete applies regardless of whether UCF is recruiting the individual.
A prospective student-athlete remains a prospect after they have signed a National Letter of Intent or made a verbal commitment, for UCF. The restrictions regarding contact between an athletics representative (alumnus, friend, fan, and donor) and prospective student-athletes apply until the prospective student-athlete reports for fall classes at UCF or preseason team practice.
What is an extra benefit?
The NCAA defines an extra benefit as any special arrangement by an institutional employee or a representative of the institution’s athletics interest (booster) to provide a student-athlete (or a student-athlete’s relative or friend) a benefit that is not generally available to other UCF students and their relative and/or friends. This includes, but is not limited to, free or reduced cost of goods or services (e.g., tickets, rent, entertainment, car repair) and academic assistance.
With the inception of Name, Image, & Likeness (NIL), non-UCF faculty & staff can now find many ways to assist student-athletes that were previously prohibited. However, NIL is relatively new, and Athletics Compliance asks that you notify their office for assistance prior to any arrangements. For more information on NIL, see our recent article in UCF Today.
Is it permissible for a “booster to provide gifts or awards to a student-athlete for their athletics performance.
No. All awards must conform to NCAA awards legislation and must be approved by UCF.
Can a “booster” make contact with a prospective student-athlete and their legal guardian(s) on an official visit to the campus?
No. Athletics “boosters” are precluded from all recruiting activities.
Is it permissible for a “booster” to provide enrolled student-athletes a home cooked meal?
Yes, provided it is on an ‘occasional’ basis and any such meal is not at a restaurant. Please note: All requests must receive prior approval from the Athletics Compliance Office.
Is it permissible for a “booster” to provide local transportation to enrolled student-athletes for an occasional home-cooked meal?
Yes, the key word is ‘occasional’! Please note: All requests must receive prior approval from the Athletics Compliance Office.
Can “boosters” participate in the recruiting process, including entertaining relatives and friends of a prospective student-athlete at any site on or off campus?
No. Boosters interested in assisting in the recruiting process should consult with Athletics Compliance prior to any prospective student-athlete interaction.
More frequently asked questions related to Athletic Boosters are available on the UCF Athletics Compliance Website. If you have additional questions, please reach out to the UCF Athletics Compliance Office at UCFCompliance@athletics.ucf.edu.