|
MSU Fans (Boosters) Do's and Don'ts
This simple phrase is a friendly reminder to alumni, fans and friends of MSU that it is always better to ask before you act!
Morgan State University strives for academic and athletic excellence. Pursuant of that goal is an on-going commitment to ethical conduct by all members of its staff and supporters. Even the simplest, inadvertent actions on the part of a booster or supporter may jeopardize the eligibility of student-athletes and/or prospects and the compliance of the university with NCAA or MEAC regulations.
Morgan State University, by virtue of its membership in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), is responsible for ensuring complete compliance of all constituencies (i.e. university staff, student-athletes, alumni, fans, boosters and friends) with all NCAA and MEAC rules and regulations. Under NCAA rules, parents, alumni, fans and friends may be categorized as “representatives of athletics interests.”
Who is a Booster?
An individual is considered to be a representative of Morgan State University’s athletic interests if they are a former student, friend, or fan of the program. Representatives of athletics interest are subject to NCAA regulations; therefore, both Morgan State University and the representative are subject to penalties for any violation of NCAA rules by athletics representatives or their support organization. The NCAA defines a representative of athletics interests as an “individual who is known (or should have been known) by a member of the institutions Athletics administration” to:
- Currently be a member or have participated as a member in any organization promoting the institution’s intercollegiate athletics program( example: booster club);
- Have made financial contributions to the athletic department or to an athletics booster organization of that institution;
- Have been involved, in any way, in promoting the institution’s athletics program;
- Be assisting or have been requested by the athletic department staff to assist in the recruitment of prospective student-athletes or;
- Be assisting or to have assisted in providing benefits to enrolled student-athletes or their families
- Important Note: Once an individual is identified as a representative of the institution’s athletics interests, the person retains that identity indefinitely
The NCAA stipulates that once an individual has been identified as a representative or "booster" of the University's athletics program, he or she retains this status forever. This is true even if the individual no longer contributes to the athletics program.
Extra benefits (as defined by the NCAA) – “any special arrangement by an institutional employee or representative of athletics interest to provide a student-athlete a benefit not expressly authorized by NCAA legislation. Receipt of such a benefit in not considered an NCAA violation if that same benefit is generally available to the institution’s students or their relatives and/or friends or to a particular segment of the student body determined on a basis unrelated to athletics ability.”
A student athlete cannot accept anything from a booster or an employee of MSU that would be considered an extra benefit not available to the general student body. Examples include the use of a car, clothing, gifts, money, tickets, entertainment, etc.
A student athlete cannot accept free or reduced-cost room and board from any MSU employee or booster of MSU. A student athlete cannot accept free or reduced merchandise or services from any merchant unless that free or reduced-cost item is also available to the general public.
A student athlete cannot receive a special discount arrangement or credit on a purchase (e.g. airline ticket, clothing) or service (e.g., laundry, dry cleaning) from an employee of MSU or a booster.
A student athlete cannot eat at a restaurant as the guest of an athletics booster or an employee of MSU.
On infrequent, special occasions (e.g., birthday), a student athlete may accept an invitation to the home of an employee of MSU or booster for a meal.
A student athlete cannot use the Department of Athletics' copy machine, fax machine, or make long distance phone calls using departmental equipment or the long distance access code of an employee of MSU or a booster.
A booster or employee of MSU cannot type reports, letters, papers, etc., for a student athlete.
An MSU employee or booster cannot provide a student athlete with a loan or money, a guarantee of bond, the use of an automobile or the signing of a note to arrange a loan.
A student athlete cannot accept frequent traveler miles for trips that are financed by the Department of Athletics.
Frequently asked questions:
Q: IS IT PERMISSIBLE TO CONTACT A PROSPECTIVE STUDENT-ATHLETE OR HIS/HER PARENTS OR LEGAL GUARDIANS?
NO. An athletics representative may not contact a prospect or his/her parents in person, by telephone, writing, or e-mail.
Q: IS THIS CONTACT APPLICABLE TO PROSPECTS THAT ARE “ESTABLISHED FAMILY FRIENDS” OR NEIGHBORS?
NO. However, it must be UNDERSTOOD that such contacts cannot be initiated or arranged by Morgan State University coaching staff members. In addition, the established relationship must have occurred prior to the friend or neighbor becoming a prospect.
Q: WHAT IF A PROSPECT CALLS AN ATHLETICS REPRESENTATIVE?
A: An athletics representative may have a telephone conversation with a prospect ONLY if the prospect initiates the call. Such a call may not be prearranged by an institution staff member and the athletics representative may NOT have a recruiting conversation, but may exhibit normal civility. The athletics representative must refer any questions, about the University’s athletic program to the Department of Athletics.
Q: WHAT IF A PROSPECT KNOWS THAT AN ATHLETICS REPRESENTIVE IS A MORGAN STATE UNIVERSITY GRADUATE AND CONTACTS HIM/HER ABOUT QUESTIONS ABOUT MSU?
A: If a prospect contacts an athletics representative, he/she may answer questions regarding various aspects of Morgan State University as long as NO discussion takes place regarding Morgan State University athletics program. If a prospect asks about Morgan State University athletics, refer him/her to the Department of Athletics.
Q: MAY AN ATHLETICS REPRESENTATIVE SPEAK TO A MSU COACH IF A PROSPECT IS WITH THE COACH?
A: If a MSU coach is with a prospect, do not approach the coach until the prospect and family have gone elsewhere. Otherwise, the coach will be placed in an awkward situation because he/she will not be able to introduce the prospect to the athletics representative. If a prospect approaches an athletics representative on or off campus regarding the athletics department, explain that NCAA rules do not permit discussion of the athletics program. Refer the prospect to the appropriate MSU coach.
Q: CAN I EMPLOY RETURNING STUDENT-ATHLETE DURING THE SUMMER?
YES, but the compensation must be only for work that is performed and at a rate that is commensurate with the going rate for similar services.
Q: IS IT PERMISSIBLE FOR AN ATHLETICS REPRESENTATIVE TO EMPLOY A STUDENT-ATHLETE DURING THE ACADEMIC YEAR WHILE HE/SHE IS ENROLLED AS A FULL-TIME STUDENT?
YES, but student-athletes must register their part-time job with the Compliance Office to ensure all income is correctly tracked in accordance with NCAA legislation. If you do employ a MSU student-athlete, you will be contacted by MSU Compliance Office to ensure the student-athlete’s eligibility is not in jeopardy.
Q: CAN I PROVIDE TRANSPORTATION TO A STUDENT-ATHLETE TO GET TO HIS/HER JOB?
NO. You can not provide transportation for student-athletes under your employment unless such transportation is provided to all employees. .
WHOM DO I CONTACT?
Compliance with NCAA regulations is the highest priority for our athletics programs at MSU. We need your assistance in complying with NCAA rules and regulations. If you are faced with a situation and are unsure how to respond, or if you have any questions regarding NCAA rules, we urge you to contact the Compliance Office. Your continued interest in and support of Morgan State University is greatly appreciated.
Office of Athletics Compliance
Morgan State University
1700 E. Cold Spring Lane
211 Hillfield House Baltimore MD 21251
(W) 443-885-4810
(F) 443-885-8308
|
