Elon University Athletics

Boosters, referred to by the NCAA as "representatives of athletics interests," include anyone who has:

• Provided a donation in order to obtain season tickets for any sport at Elon

• Participated in or has been a member of an organization promoting Elon Athletics

• Contributed financially to the athletics department or the Phoenix Club

• Arranged for or provided employment for enrolled student-athletes

• Assisted or has been requested by Elon staff to assist in the recruitment of prospects

• Assisted in providing benefits to enrolled student-athletes or their families

• Promoted Elon Athletics

Boosters are not precluded from continuing established friendships with families who have prospective student-athletes. However, boosters may not encourage a prospect's participation in Elon Athletics or provide benefits that were not provided prior to becoming a prospect.

If a violation occurs, it may jeopardize a student-athlete's eligibility for intercollegiate competition, jeopardize a school's membership status with the NCAA or cause a booster to lose access to Phoenix Club benefits.

If you are unsure whether certain items meet the NCAA definition of actual and necessary, please contact the Office of Athletics Compliance.

Examples of Impermissible Booster Benefits:

• Tickets to shows, concerts, movies or sporting events

• Special discounts or financing on a purchase or service

• Cash or loan - including signing or cosigning a loan

• Transportation, payment of expenses or loan of a vehicle

• Benefits or gifts based upon the student-athlete's athletic performance

• Free or reduced rent or housing

• An honorarium to a student-athlete for a speaking engagement

Examples of Permissible Booster Benefits:

• Make contributions to university programs and other gift-in-kind arrangements

• Attend university athletics events and show support

• Provide an occasional meal on-campus or at the boosters home (if within 30 miles of campus)

  • Transportation to and from campus is permissible

  • All occasional meals must be reported to the Office of Compliance

• Employment of student-athletes provided:

  • Compensation is for work actually performed, at a rate commensurate with the going rate

  • Compensation does not include increased value to employer-based on status as a student-athlete

  • Transportation is not provided unless it is a benefit provided to all employees

  • See more information in the employment section
     

    NCAA Resources