Ferrum College Athletics NCAA Rules for Division II Boosters
What Is A Booster?
The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and Ferrum College Athletics define a booster, also referred to as a representative of Ferrum College athletics interests, as any individual, business, or organization that is known (or who should have been known) by a member of the institution’s executive or athletics administration to have
Participated in or been a member of an agency, group, or organization, including corporate entities (e.g., apparel and equipment companies) that promote a Ferrum College athletics program.
Made a financial and/or in-kind donation to the Panther Club, the Department of Athletics, or the Development Office.
Assisted in providing benefits to enrolled student-athletes or their families.
Had involvement in any way promoting Ferrum College Athletics. Any Ferrum faculty or staff member is typically viewed as a representative of athletics interests even if they do not have direct ties to Ferrum College Athletics.
*Once an individual is identified as a booster, the person retains that identity indefinitely.*
The NCAA points out that boosters play a role in providing student-athletes with a positive experience through their enthusiastic efforts. They can support teams and athletics departments through donations of time and financial resources that help student-athletes succeed on and off the playing field. Boosters are permitted and encouraged to make contributions to college programs and other gift-in-kind arrangements, and to attend university athletic events and show student athletes you support their hard work and dedication to the college.
What Is an impermissible Extra Benefit?
Any special favor, service or gift given to a student-athlete (or their family or friends) that is not available to all students. Examples include money, free services, gifts, transportation, or special discounts.
If a student-athlete receives a benefit because of their athletic ability, it may result in loss of NCAA eligibility. Boosters who provide extra benefits may also be required to disassociate from the athletic program.
What Interactions Are Allowed with Prospects?
Prospects are prospective students who have not yet entered college.
On-campus contact and written communication are allowed, but booster contact during official visits must stay on campus.
Funding local high school programs is allowed if boosters act independently, use the school’s fundraising channels, and don’t direct funds to a specific athlete.
Institutions, boosters, or others may occasionally provide meals or snacks to student-athletes, according to school policy.
What Interactions Are Allowed with Student-Athletes Enrolled at Ferrum?
Provide occasional home meals to enrolled student-athletes (not prospects) and local transportation to your home with the Compliance Director’s permission for special occasions (e.g., a birthday, Thanksgiving).
Provide meals, lodging, and reasonable entertainment within 100 miles of a competition site to a Ferrum College team competing in your area.
Provide lodging, meals, and transportation to Ferrum coaches when they visit your community to contact or evaluate prospects.
Arrange employment for enrolled student-athletes as long as there is no preferential treatment and they are paid only for work actually performed at the going rate.
Allow student-athletes as a team to receive special benefits (not allowed individually) if arranged in advance with the athletic department.
Notify the athletic department of any employment opportunities for student-athletes.
What Interactions Are NOT Allowed with Prospects?
Impermissible Communication
Boosters may not contact prospective student-athletes or their families before June 15 prior to their junior year of high school.
Boosters may not make in-person, off-campus recruiting contact or phone calls with prospective student-athletes or their families.
Boosters may not contact a prospective student-athlete who has signed with another Division I or II school, or anyone associated with them.
What Interactions Are NOT Allowed with Student-Athletes Enrolled At Ferrum?
Provide extra benefits that are not available to all students.
Give gifts (birthday, holiday, or performance-related gifts).
Provide transportation or allow use of a car unless it is available to all employees or students equally.
Provide meals or entertainment for student-athletes or their families.
Arrange employment for a student-athlete without first contacting the athletic department.
