Princeton University Athletics
Mr. Smith Just Wants to Help
April 10, 2001 | General
Most rules violations in college athletics are committed by well-intentioned people who believe their actions will only reap positive results for the program. However, a positive outcome does not necessarily make the activity permissible under NCAA and Ivy Group rules. Knowledge of rules is the key to maintaining the integrity of Princeton University and protecting the eligibility of our student-athletes. When in doubt, ask before you act.
The NCAA considers you a representative of athletics interests if you: 1) participated in or have been a member of any of Princeton's various athletics Friends Groups, 2) make or have made a donation to any of Princeton's men's and women's athletics programs, 3) provide or have helped arrange summer employment for enrolled student-athletes, 4) have been involved in promoting Princeton Athletics in any way, i.e., recruitment of prospects, 5) are the parent of an enrolled student-athlete.
The following hypothetical situations provide some examples of the most commonly broken rules for representatives of athletics interests and their involvement with prospects and enrolled student-athletes. (Note: A prospect is any student who has started classes for the ninth grade.)
1) Mr. Smith, an alumnus of Princeton and athletics donor, attends a local high school boys' basketball game to see a player he has read about in the papers. During the game he overhears a couple say they are the player's parents. Mr. Smith decides to talk with them about their son and tell them what a wonderful coaching staff Princeton has and the special experience the University offers. Is this permissible?
It is permissible to attend high school games. However, it is not permissible to make contact with a prospect or their parents for the purpose of encouraging participation in the athletics program.
2) On his way to see a show at McCarter Theatre, Mr. Smith meets a member of the women's lacrosse team. He happens to have an extra ticket and offers it to her. She accepts and attends the show. Is this permissible?
It is not permissible to give anything to a student-athlete that is not available to the general student body. This is an "extra benefit." Other examples of extra benefits are: providing a meal, clothing, transportation, money, loan, special discount, free admission to team banquet or any gift to a student-athlete or their parents, family or friends.
3) Mr. Smith is at his residence in San Diego and sees the golf coach while in the area recruiting. He takes the coach out to dinner and offers his home for lodging. Is this permissible?
It is permissible to provide lodging, meals and transportation to coaches when they come to your community to recruit. Mr. Smith did not get into trouble this time since the hospitality was provided to a coach. It is not permissible to provide the same benefits to student-athletes or prospects.
We are all interested in the success of Princeton Athletics, but the integrity of the University and the eligibility of our student-athletes must not be jeopardized. Thank you for helping us in this endeavor and contact us if you have any questions regarding NCAA and/or Ivy Group regulations. Please direct your questions to: associate director of athletics Michael E. Cross, Ph.D., (mcross@princeton.edu or 609-258-4948) or assistant director of athletics Erin McDermott (emcdermo@princeton.edu or 609-258-3751).
by Erin McDermott