The University of Oregon is committed to reaching the highest levels of success, both academically and athletically.  As an institution we are dedicated to reaching these levels, while we maintain our integrity.  This includes adhering, in letter and spirit, to all of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), Pacific-10 Conference (Pac-10) and institutional rules and regulations governing intercollegiate athletics. 

As a member of the NCAA, the University of Oregon is responsible for the actions of its representatives of athletic interests.  The NCAA definition of a representative includes, but is not limited to, boosters, alumni, faculty, staff, and fans.  Member institutions are held accountable for your actions as a representative.  We value your interest and support, but we must remind you that a single violation of NCAA legislation, resulting from an inappropriate action on your part, whether intentional or not, could jeopardize the eligibility of a student-athlete, and/or the compliance of the University of Oregon with NCAA and Pac-10 rules and regulations.

The following information will help you understand the basic principles governing the conduct of representatives of Athletic Department interests. (Traditionally referred to as boosters). 

Am I representative of Oregon's Athletic Interests?

 

If any of the following apply to you, you are considered a representative:

  • You participate in or have been a member of any agency or organization that promotes University of Oregon intercollegiate athletics
  • You made financial contributions to the University of Oregon or its booster clubs.
  • You assisted in providing any benefit (e.g., job) to enrolled student-athletes or their families.
  • You have assisted or have been requested by the athletics staff to be involved in the recruitment of prospective student-athletes.
  • You have been involved in any other way in promoting any of Oregon's athletic programs.

Who is a Prospective Student-Athlete?

A prospective student-athlete (PSA) is any student who has started classes for ninth grade.  In addition, any student not yet in the ninth grade becomes a PSA if the institution provides such an individual, or their relatives or friends, any financial assistance or other benefits that the institution does not generally provide to prospective students.

A prospective student-athlete remains a prospect even after he or she has signed a National Letter of Intent or financial aid tender to the University of Oregon.  The PSA does not lose this prospect status until the start of classes at the University of Oregon or until the beginning of official team practice prior to the start of classes.

What is an Extra Benefit?

An extra benefit is any special arrangement by an institutional employee or a representative of the institution's athletic interests to provide an enrolled student-athlete or student-athlete's relatives or friends a benefit not expressly authorized by NCAA legislation.

What CAN I NOT DO for student-athletes?

Examples of extra benefits include but are not limited to:

  • Providing the use of an automobile
  • Providing tickets of any kind for entertainment, such as for an athletic, institutional or community event
  • Giving any type of gift, gift-in-kind, or money
  • Providing free or reduced-cost room and/or board
  • Providing free or reduced-cost merchandise or services
  • Arranging, providing or co-signing a loan

New areas of concern within NCAA Compliance

SOCIAL NETWORKING WEBSITES

Social networking websites such as Facebook and MySpace have emerged as a preferred channel of communication among high school and college students in the last five years. Duck boosters are asked to maintain a sense of propriety when using these social networks. Recently, an institution reported an NCAA violation after several boosters contacted potential recruits on their MySpace pages and inappropriately encouraged them to attend the institution. The NCAA precludes boosters from "making in-person, on or off-campus recruiting contacts, or written or telephonic communications with a prospect or the prospect's relatives or legal guardians." Online communication is considered communication under the rule. It is also important to note that a booster, as defined by the NCAA, is not necessarily someone who contributes financially to a university, but can be anyone who assists in the recruiting of prospects. This type of communication is likely well intended and motivated by pride in our institution; however, it is prohibited by the NCAA and is ultimately harmful to the University of Oregon's best interests.

It is very important for both you and the University of Oregon that you know and abide by all NCAA legislation.  If you have specific questions about NCAA rules or would simply like more information, please contact the University of Oregon Athletic Compliance Office.

REMEMBER, ALWAYS ASK BEFORE YOU ACT!

For any questions about NCAA Compliance, please contact 541 346-4486