New Booster Rules Education
Congratulations and thank you for your support of the University of Georgia Athletic Association (UGAAA). Your support and commitment to UGAAA is truly appreciated. As a UGAAA supporter, you are responsible for following NCAA rules specific to boosters. In addition to the “Guide to NCAA Rules” brochure that is enclosed, please review the below information regarding your interaction with prospective, current and former student-athletes.
Extra Benefit:
The term "extra benefit" refers to any special arrangement by an institutional employee or representative of the institution’s athletics interests (booster) to provide the student-athlete or his or her relatives or friends with a benefit not expressly authorized by NCAA legislation.
Receipt of a benefit (including otherwise prohibited extra benefits per Bylaw 16.11.2) by student-athletes, their relatives or friends is not a violation of NCAA rules if it is demonstrated that the same benefit is generally available to the institution's students and their relatives or friends. Therefore, a general student discount or benefit would be permissible but a discount or benefit available only to student-athletes would not be permissible.
A booster may not provide a student-athlete with professional services (for which a fee normally would be charged) without charge or at a reduced cost except as permitted elsewhere in this bylaw. Professional services provided at less than the normal rate or at no expense to a student-athlete are considered an extra benefit unless they are available on the same basis to the general student body. This would include legal counsel, resume preparation, etc.
An institutional employee or booster may not provide a student-athlete with extra benefits or services, including, but not limited to:
- A loan of money;
- A guarantee of bond;
- An automobile or the use of an automobile;
- Transportation (e.g., a ride home with a coach), except as permitted in 16.9.1-(e), even if the student-athlete reimburses the institution or the staff member for the appropriate amount of the gas or expense;
- Signing or cosigning a note with an outside agency to arrange a loan;
- Housing or use of housing;
- Telephones or credit cards, including general use; or,
- Other tangible items
Benefits from Boosters:
Is it permissible for a booster to provide a benefit to a prospective, current or former student-athlete?
The NCAA has determined that an institution must analyze the relationship between the booster and prospective, current or former student-athlete using the four part test below to determine if there is an established relationship between the booster and student-athlete. The questions below will help you and UGAAA determine whether you have an established relationship with a student-athlete. If an established relationship is determined, UGAAA must analyze the types of benefits that were provided to the student-athlete prior to the student-athlete becoming a prospect, current or former student-athlete.
- Did the relationship between the athlete (or the athlete's parents) and the individual providing the benefit(s) develop as a result of the athlete's participation in athletics or notoriety related thereto?
- Did the relationship between the athlete (or the athlete's parents) and the individual providing the benefit(s) predate the athlete's status as a prospective student-athlete?
- Did the relationship between the athlete (or the athlete's parents) and the individual providing the benefit(s) predate the athlete's status achieved as a result of his or her athletics ability or reputation?
- Was the pattern of benefits provided by the individual to the athlete (or the athlete's parents) prior to the athlete attaining notoriety as a skilled athlete similar in nature to those provided after attaining such stature?
The origin and duration of a relationship and the consistency of benefits provided during the relationship are key factors in determining whether the benefits provided are contrary to the spirit and intent of NCAA legislation. If the answer is “no” to any of these questions, the benefit may not be provided by the booster to the prospective, current or former student-athlete.
Although it is not permissible to provide gifts or cash to student-athletes who graduate, the NCAA does allow boosters to hire former student-athletes upon graduation and allows boosters and former student-athletes to be involved in legitimate business opportunities/arrangements.
