COMPLIANCE TIP OF THE WEEK

Booster Reminders…

Q - Can prospects be invited to UM alumni club functions?

A - Prospects from the area may be invited to UM functions as long as they are not singled out to be the only students included in the function. Since prospects cannot be contacted, invitations to UM functions must be given in the same manner that they would be given to all students participating in the function. Invitations may be sent to the high schools or advertised in the newspaper in the area indicating what the invitation entails. In addition, prospects who attend functions cannot be singled out to be introduced as that would be a violation of NCAA publicity legislation relating to prospects. Treat prospects in the same manner that all other students are treated.

Q - May boosters send newspaper clippings and other information about prospects that they feel may be important to the coaching staff?

A - Yes. Boosters may contact UM coaches regarding a prospective student-athlete, but a booster may not contact (by mail, email, phone or social networking) the prospective student-athlete about playing for the institution.

Q - Is it permissible for a booster to telephone a prospect once the prospect has committed or signed a National Letter of Intent with UM?
A - No. Even if the purpose of the call is only to congratulate the prospect, he or she is still a prospect and the same contact rules apply after committing or signing that applied before. A booster should not contact a prospect for any reason without first checking with the Athletic Compliance Office, unless the prospect is a relative.

Q - Is UM responsible for the actions of its boosters and athletics representative groups?

A - Yes. UM is responsible for the conduct and actions of its athletics representatives and all organizations that promote the institution's athletic programs; therefore, it is UM's responsibility to educate boosters and other organizations about basic NCAA rules, monitor their actions involving current and prospective student-athletes, and encourage them to ask questions. If a violation of NCAA rules occurs, even unintentionally, it may jeopardize a prospect's or current student-athlete's eligibility.



Laurel Hanson, Compliance Assistant
The University of Montana
Department of Intercollegiate Athletics
(406) 243-5729 (Phone) | (406) 243-2264 (Fax)