As a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), Rice University must abide by NCAA rules and regulations as they relate to all aspects of its athletic program. In addition to ensuring that all of its coaches, administrators, University faculty and staff, and student-athletes are aware of and following NCAA rules. Rice University is also responsible for the actions of any individual who is a member of any of its athletic booster groups or meets the definition of a "representative of athletics interests." It would be nearly impossible to communicate all NCAA rules and regulations in a quick reference list or brochure. The information below is an attempt to provide you with basic definitions and "do's and don'ts." If you have any additional questions about NCAA rules and regulations, you should contact the Assistant Athletic Director, Jason Gray at (713) 348-5829.
Who Is A Representative Of Rice University Athletics Interests?
The NCAA recognizes you as a friend, booster, or representative of the athletic department if:
• You have participated in or are a member of an agency or organization promoting Rice University athletics programs
• You have made financial contributions to the Rice University athletics department or to an athletics booster organization of Rice
• You have assisted or been requested (by the athletics department staff) to assist in the recruitment of prospects
• You have assisted or are assisting in providing benefits to enrolled student-athletes or their families
• You have been involved in promoting a Rice University athletics program
• You have assisted a student-athlete in finding a job, or employed a student-athlete for a summer job
• You have ever donated money through being a season-ticket holder
Once a Booster, Always a Booster
According to NCAA rules, once an individual has been identified as a "representative of the institution's athletics interests" the individual retains that identity indefinitely, regardless of when you were involved with the athletic department. Rice University is responsible for the behavior of all its athletics representatives in relation to NCAA rules and regulations. A violation by an athletics representative may result in severe sanctions against Rice University (e.g. loss of scholarships, television and post-season bans).
Remember, as a representative of athletics interests, you are responsible for making the Rice University Compliance Office aware of any infractions of Conference USA or NCAA rules you know have occurred. Even if a violation was not intentional, the eligibility of a prospect or enrolled student-athlete could be jeopardized.
NCAA Rules Regarding Contacts and Benefits for Prospective Student-Athletes
• You may not become involved in making arrangements to provide money or financial aid of any kind to a prospect or the prospect's family and friends
• You may not make contact with a prospective student-athlete and his/her parents when the prospect is on campus for an official or unofficial recruiting visit
• You may not contact a prospect to congratulate him/her on signing a National Letter of Intent to attend Rice University
• You may not pay or arrange for payment of summer camp registration fees for a prospect
• You may not transport, pay or arrange for payment of transportation costs for a prospect, and his/her relatives or friends to visit campus (or elsewhere)
• You may not provide ANYTHING to a prospect, the prospect's family or friends without prior approval from the Compliance Office
*NOTE: A student-athlete is considered a prospect (whether or not they have signed a National Letter of Intent) until the first day of initial collegiate enrollment or the first day they report for practice, whichever is earliest. Therefore, all NCAA regulations concerning contact with a prospective student-athlete are applicable until that time.
Only Rice University coaches who have successfully completed the NCAA Recruiting Rules Examination on an annual basis may be involved in the recruitment process. Representatives of Rice University athletics interests may not make any recruiting contacts. This includes: letters, e-mails, telephone calls, or face-to-face with a prospect or the prospect's parents.
• You may forward information about prospective student-athletes to the appropriate coaching staff
• You may have contact with a prospect regarding permissible pre-enrollment activities such as summer employment, provided the prospect has already signed a National Letter of Intent and the Compliance Office is aware that you are making these contacts in regard to employment arrangements
• You may have a telephone conversation with a prospect only if the prospect initiates the call. Such a call may not be prearranged by an institutional staff member and you are not permitted to have a recruiting conversation, but may exhibit normal civility.
• You must refer any questions about the Rice University's athletics program to an athletics department staff member or coach
• You may view a prospect's athletic contest at your own initiative provided you do not contact the prospect or his/her parents. In addition, you may not contact a prospect's coach, principal, or counselor in an attempt to evaluate the prospect
• You may continue established family relationships with friends and neighbors of prospects. Contacts with sons or daughters of these families are permitted as long as they are not made for recruiting purposes or encouraged by Rice University coaches
Consequences Boosters Regarding NCAA Violations
Institutions are required by NCAA to notify Boosters of consequences regarding rules violations. Boosters found in violation of NCAA rules are subject to losing benefits and privileges, including season tickets. For major violations Boosters risk disassociation.
The Rice University Athletics Department appreciates your support of the student-athletes and compliance to the NCAA regulations. Compliance with NCAA rules is a never ending process and your attention to the information provided on this website will ensure that the eligibility of a student-athlete is not jeopardized.
