The Official Athletics Website of Coppin State

 

Prepared by the Grambling State University Department of Athletics o assist in compliance with National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) rules and regulations.

 

A.YES, if you...

Have ever participated in or are currently a member of the GSU Scholarship Fund, or any agency or organization promoting Grambling’s athletic programs;

 

Have ever made a donation to the Grambling State University men's or women's athletic programs (including gifts of cash, goods or services);

 

Have provided or are providing employment for student-athletes at the request of an Athletic Department staff member; Have assisted or been requested to assist in the recruitment of prospective student-athletes; or

 

Have otherwise been involved in promoting GSU’s athletic programs.

 

Once an individual has been identified as an athletics representative, he/she retains this identity forever, even if that person subsequently discontinues contributions to or involvement with the athletic programs.

 

A. A prospective student-athlete is defined as any student who has started classes for the ninth (9th) grade (including students attending two-year colleges). However, it is possible for a younger student to be considered a prospect, so it is a good idea to treat ALL athletes as prospects, regardless of age. 

 

A.NCAA legislation prohibits representatives of athletic interests from being involved in any recruiting activities on or off campus. Only authorized institutional staff members may recruit. An athlete is considered a prospect for purposes of NCAA legislation until he/she reports for regular squad practice or attends the first day of classes at the Grambling State University.

Legislation specifically prohibits: Any contact with a prospect at any time whether in person, by mail or by telephone;

 

Any contact with a prospect's coach, principal or counselor to gain information that would assist in evaluating the prospect either athletically or academically, including visiting the prospect's educational institution to pick up film or transcripts;

 

Any involvement, directly or indirectly, in making arrangements for or giving any financial aid or other benefits to a prospect or his/her family, relatives or friends (such as gifts, awards, loans, employment, etc.);

 

Mailing anything to a prospect including letters, cards, newspaper clippings, game programs, etc. The NCAA restricts the type of materials that maybe sent and who may distribute such materials;

 

Any contact with enrolled student-athletes at other four-year colleges or universities for the purpose of exploring their interest in transferring to Grambling State. If a student-athlete enrolled at another institution contacts you, do not discuss transfer with him/her. Immediately tell him/her to contact an Grambling State Department of Athletics staff member.

 

Limited contact is permissible, such as: Contacts made with a prospect who is an established family friend, relative or neighbor so long as the contact is not arranged by an Grambling State University staff member and is not made for recruiting purposes;

 

An unavoidable, incidental contact with a prospect provided recruiting does not take place, only normal civility is involved and the contact is not pre-arranged; Casual contacts at Grambling State’s athletic events, if incidental;

 

Contacts about summer employment only after the prospect has signed a National Letter of Intent; or, in the case of a junior college prospect, only after the prospect has graduated or officially left the junior college;

 

Contact involved in a normal working relationship (i.e., booster who is a doctor or dentist who treats a prospect professionally) provided no recruiting is involved; Viewing a prospect's game at your own initiative (must not involve contact with the prospect).

 

A.  Representatives of athletic interests are limited in their involvement with enrolled student-athletes (students at Grambling State University who are members of any intercollegiate athletic team) and must be careful not to provide a benefit to a student-athlete that would render him/her ineligible for athletic participation.

Prohibited benefits for student-athletes or their friends, family and relatives include:

 

Room, board or transportation costs for friends or family of an athlete to visit campus or attend an away game;

 

Loan of an automobile to an athlete for any reason or provision of any type of transportation (except in conjunction with an occasional home meal);

 

Use of telephones or credit cards for personal reasons without charge or at a reduced rate;

 

Cash or special discounts, payment arrangement, or credit on purchases or services;

 

Expenditure of funds to provide any type of entertainment;

 

Provision of typing or other services associated with school projects or reports; Loan of money in any amount;

 

Guarantee of bond;

 

Purchase of meals or services at commercial establishments;

 

Signing or co-signing a note to arrange a loan;

 

Tickets to an athletic, university or community event (including professional sports contests); Use of personal property (ski condos, summer homes, cars, stereos, equipment, etc.);

 

Gifts for Christmas, birthdays, etc.;

 

Free or reduced-cost services or goods (dry-cleaning, movies, haircuts, etc.);

 

Serving as a "sponsor family" or "home-away-from-home family";

 

Use of a student-athlete's name, picture or personal appearance to promote a commercial product, service or business.

 

Representatives of athletic interests may: Employ a student-athlete with eligibility remaining provided...

 

Payment is based on actual work performed and at a rate of pay comparable to the going rate for similar work;

 

Employment does not result in an athlete's receiving money in excess of that permitted by NCAA legislation;

 

Employment is approved in advance by the Athletic Department's compliance director;

 

Student-athlete and employer sign a written statement before work begins agreeing to abide by NCAA employment regulations and earnings limitations.

 

Contribute money to be administered by the Athletic Department...

 

For the booster club, a memorial fund, endowed scholarship, etc.;

 

To support a specific sport program.

 

Entertain teams at away contests provided all team members are included and advance approval has been obtained from the Athletic Department;

 

Provide an occasional meal (including transportation) to a student-athlete... In the representative's home only;

 

On an infrequent basis or special occasion (such as Thanksgiving or Christmas).

 

Invite a student-athlete to speak to a youth, educational or charitable group...

 

Appearance must be approved in advance by the Athletic Department;

 

Athlete may not receive an honorarium;

 

Athlete may receive necessary travel expenses, provided event is within the state of Louisiana or within 100 miles of the GSU campus);

 

Athlete may not miss class.

 

A. In conformance with NCAA regulations, any individual who enters into an agreement with the University that results in a special athletic benefit or privilege may have that benefit or privilege withheld if the individual engages in any conduct that is determined to be a violation of NCAA legislation.