Division III Awards, Benefits and Expenses

Division III Awards, Benefits and Expenses
2011 NCAA Regional Seminars Kristin Nesbitt Amy Huchthausen

Overview Key definitions. Primary areas. Honest ABE Trivia. Waivers.
Incidental expense waivers. NCAA Division III Management Council Subcommittee for Legislative Relief.

Definition – Award NCAA Division III Bylaw An award is an item given in recognition of athletics participation or performance. Awards are regulated by Bylaw 16.1.

Definition – Excessive Expense
Bylaw An excessive expense is one not specifically authorized under regulations of the NCAA concerning awards, benefits and expenses.

Definition – Extra Benefit
Bylaw Any special arrangement by an institutional employee or a booster to provide a SA or the SA’s relatives or friends a benefit not expressly authorized in NCAA legislation. However…

Definition – Extra Benefit
Receipt of a benefit is not a violation if it is demonstrated that the same benefit is generally available to the institution’s students, relatives or friends, or to a particular segment of the student body on a basis unrelated to athletics.

Primary Areas Bylaw 16.1 – Awards.
Figure 16-1, Figure 16-2 and Figure 16-3. Bylaw 16.2 – Complimentary Admissions and Ticket Benefits. Bylaw 16.3 – Academic and Other Support Services. Bylaw 16.4 – Medical Expenses.

Primary Areas Bylaw 16.5 – Housing and Meals.
Bylaw 16.6 – Expenses for Student-Athlete’s Friends and Relatives. Bylaw 16.7 – Team Entertainment. Bylaw 16.8 – Expenses Provided by the Institution for Practice and Competition.

Primary Areas Bylaw 16.9 – Other Travel Expenses Provided by the Institution. Bylaw – Provision of Expenses by Individuals or Organizations Other Than the Institution. Bylaw – Benefits, Gifts and Services. Bylaw – Expense Waivers. Incidental expense waivers.

Honest ABE Trivia

Select a question from the board.
Honest ABE Trivia Select a question from the board. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32

1) Eligible SA Receiving Award
A softball SA is injured and cannot travel with the team to the conference championship. She has been the starting catcher all season and would have caught in the conference championship. May she receive the conference’s participation award? A. No. B. Yes. C. Only if she pays actual value.

Eligible SA Receiving Award
Answer = B. Any SA eligible to represent the institution in competition may receive a participation award, even if SA does not travel to the event or actually compete. Bylaw 2/14/11 staff interpretation, Item No. c Application of NCAA Bylaw 13 to a Prospective Student-Athlete with no Reasonable Expectation of Participation in Intercollegiate Athletics (III) Date Issued: April 11, Date Published: April 12, Item Ref: 1 Interpretation: The NCAA Division III Management Council determined that the restrictions of Bylaw 13 do not apply to a prospective student-athlete who has no reasonable expectation of participating in intercollegiate athletics as a result of a disability or terminal illness. [References: NCAA Division III Bylaws (prospective student-athlete), (general regulation), (specific prohibitions), (prospective student-athlete's visit), (introduction of prospective student-athlete) and (precollege expenses -- prohibited expenses); official interpretations (6/27/05, Item No. 3-d and 3/25/11, Item No. 8-b) and staff interpretation (2/25/10, Item No. b), which have been archived ]

2) Uniformity of Awards Coach would like to provide participation awards to entire team. Each starter will receive an iPod. Each non-starter will receive a cassette tape of team’s pregame music. A. Not permissible. B. Permissible. C. Permissible only if starters do not already own an iPod.

Uniformity of Awards Answer = A.
Participation awards must be uniform for all team members. Exception: May provide separate senior participation award. Bylaw

3) Awards Won for Intramurals
SA plays on an intramural flag football team that becomes intramural champions. Intramural champions in all sports receive a gift card to campus bookstore. A. Not permissible at all. B. Permissible only if gift card cannot be redeemed for cash. C. Permissible even if gift card can be redeemed for cash.

Awards Won for Intramurals
Answer = B. Awards legislation does not apply to intramurals, except cash is not permitted in any circumstance. Gift cards are permitted provided they are not redeemable for cash. Bylaw 1/18/89 staff interpretation, item ref. f Awards and prizes won by students and student-athletes in intramural contests and competitions Date Issued: January 18, Date Published: January 18, Item Ref: f Interpretation: f. Awards and Prizes Won by Students and Student-Athletes in Intramural Contests and Competitions: Determined that intramurals are not subject to the awards legislation in Bylaw 16.1 (awards), except the receipt of cash shall not be permitted in any case.

4) Contribution to Purchase of Award
School wants to provide team with $200 watch as participation award, but maximum is $175. Which of these options is the institution able to do? A. Look for a less-expensive model of the watch. B. Let each SA give $25 toward the cost of the watch to reach $200. C. Negotiate discount with vendor to lower the cost to $175 by agreeing to purchase other items.

Contribution to Purchase of Award
Answer = A. The limits on the value of an institutional award are absolute. A SA cannot contribute to the purchase or upgrade of award. Cannot enter into supplementary agreement to purchase other items to cover actual price. Bylaws and 8/5/02 educational column 2002 Column No NCAA Divisions I, II and III Bylaws Types of Awards, Awarding Agencies, Maximum Value and Numbers of Awards and Student Date Issued: August 5, Date Published: August 5, Item Ref: 2002 Column No. 16 Educational Column: NCAA institutions should note that pursuant to Bylaws and , the value of an award provided to a student-athlete may not exceed specified value limits and the student-athlete may not contribute to its purchase in order to meet those limits. In accordance with the legislation, an institution may not permit student-athletes to make financial contributions to the purchase of awards. For example, if an institution would like to provide a student-athlete with an annual participation award that has a value of $175, the student-athlete is not permitted under NCAA legislation to contribute $25 so that the institution meets the $150 maximum value of the annual participation award. Further, if an institution chooses to provide an award with a value less than the maximum value permissible under NCAA legislation, it is not permissible for a student-athlete to make a financial contribution to upgrade the award.

5) Expenses to Receive Noninstitutional Awards
SA is receiving a national sportsmanship award. Can his institution pay for his travel to the site of the awards ceremony? A. Not permissible. B. Permissible only if the sponsors of the award do not pay. C. Permissible.

Expenses to Receive Noninstitutional Awards
Answer = C. Either the institution or the sponsoring organization may provide actual and necessary expenses for a SA to receive an established regional, national or international award. Bylaw 4/12/11 educational column, item ref. 1 Expenses to Receive Noninstitutional Awards (III) Date Issued: April 12, Date Published: April 12, Item Ref: 1 Educational Column: In January, the NCAA Division III Management Council approved the NCAA Division III Noncontroversial Proposal No. NC to permit institutions to provide actual and necessary expenses for a student-athlete, his or her relatives or individuals of a comparable relationship, to travel to a banquet designed to recognize the individual's accomplishments as a student-athlete as part of an established regional, national or international award. Before this change to the awards and benefits legislation, the institution was not permitted to provide these expenses but rather the outside organization that sponsored the awards banquet could only provide expenses. If the outside organization did not cover these costs the student-athlete and his or her family had to bear the financial costs themselves. Under this proposal, the institution may provide actual and necessary expenses if it chooses. Institutions should note noncontroversial legislation is considered effective immediately on final approval by the Management Council, unless otherwise noted. While all noncontroversial legislation is subject to membership ratification at the next year's 2012 NCAA Convention, it is effective and shall be applied once Management Council's approval is final. [References: NCAA Bylaw (established regional, national or international awards)]

6) Transfer of Nonpermissible Award
SA receives a national award for athletics ability, academic success and community service. $5,000 cash award from the corporate sponsor of the award. A. SA may not accept, but may transfer the award to the institution or a charity. B. SA may not accept and may not transfer the award. C. SA may accept since it is a nationally recognized award.

Transfer of Nonpermissible Award
Answer = B. Cash awards are not permitted. May not transfer nonpermissible award to another individual or entity. National awarding agency or corporate sponsor may also not transfer the award, even if not directed. Bylaw 10/7/88 staff interpretation, Item ref. a Forwarding cash to another individual or organization Date Issued: October 7, Date Published: October 7, Item Ref: a Interpretation: a. Forwarding Cash Prize to Another Individual or Organization: Reaffirmed that Case No. 9 (administration of cash awards) indicates that cash awarded to an individual based upon athletic ability may not be designated by the individual to be forwarded to another individual or organization; noted further, that the sponsoring individual or organization may not forward such a cash prize to another individual or organization, even if the individual has not so directed when circumstances indicate that the funds were being forwarded or contributed as a direct result of the individual's place finish or performance in a competition.

7) Special Seating A. Not permitted.
Football SA’s mother is in wheelchair recovering from hip surgery and unable to climb stairs to sit in the bleachers. School’s facility has reserved seating for physically challenged persons in the press box area which can be reached via elevator and mother sits in this area. A. Not permitted. B. Only permitted if SA is not playing in the game. C. Permitted.

Special Seating Answer = C.
Family member that requires special seating due to injury, illness or disability may be provided such seating in a manner consistent with institution or facility’s policy for all such individuals. Bylaw 16.2 3/5/08 staff interpretation, item ref. a Special Seating for Student-Athlete's Family Member Suffering From Severe or Life Threatening Injury or Illness (I/II/III) Date Issued: March 5, Date Published: March 5, Item Ref: a Interpretation: The membership services staff confirmed that when a student-athlete's family member requires special seating due to an injury, illness or disability, the institution may provide such seating in a manner consistent with the institution's (or facility's) policies for seating any individuals with such an injury, illness or disability. [References: NCAA Division I Bylaws (extra benefit), (institutional events in the student-athlete's sport), (exception -- conference championships, NCAA championships and bowl games), (tournaments), (general regulations), (issuance procedures) (complimentary admissions to an institution's home contest honoring a student-athlete) and (general rule); NCAA Division II Bylaws (extra benefit), (institutional events in the student-athlete's sport), (partial qualifier), (exception -- conference championships, NCAA championships and bowl games), (tournaments), (regulations), (partial qualifier or nonqualifier), (institution's home contests in other sports), (exception -- recognition of student-athlete) and (general rule) and NCAA Division III Bylaws (extra benefit), (institutional contests in the student-athlete's sport), (exception - NCAA championships and bowl games), (tournaments), (institution's home contests in other sports) and (exception -- recognition of student-athlete)]

8) Complimentary Tickets for Transfer SA
Student-athlete serving a year in residence due to her transfer status. May the institution provide a complimentary ticket to the SA at an away-from-home contest? A. Yes. B. No. C. Only if the SA attends every away-from-home contest.

Complimentary Tickets for Transfer SA
Answer = A. Institution may provide complimentary tickets in his or her sport to any student-athlete who participates (practices or competes) in the sport. Bylaw 5/8/91 staff interpretation, item ref. a Complimentary tickets for a student-athlete satisfying a residence requirement at away-from-home contests Date Issued: May 8, Date Published: May 8, Item Ref: a Interpretation: a. Complimentary Tickets for a Student-Athlete Satisfying a Residence Requirement at Away-From-Home Contest: Reviewed NCAA Bylaw (institutional contests in the student-athlete's sport) and confirmed that a member institution would be permitted to provide a student-athlete who is satisfying a residence requirement complimentary tickets to an away-from-home contest.

9) Support Services for SAs
School wants to use priority registration for SAs to minimize class conflicts with travel schedules. Permissible? A. Yes, because the Reserve Officer’s Training Corps chapter on campus has priority registration for its cadets. B. No. Student-athletes must be treated the same as the rest of the student body, even if another group has priority registration. C. Yes, provided the school president approves.

Support Services for SAs
Answer = A. Student-athletes are permitted to receive academic and other support services (e.g., priority registration, career planning services) when similar services are provided or available to students in general, or to any particular segment of the student body for a reason unrelated to athletics. Bylaw 16.3 5/22/08 educational column, item ref. 1 Academic, Health and Other Programming and Support Services for Student-Athletes (III) Date Issued: May 22, Date Published: May 22, Item Ref: 1 Educational Column: As a result of the adoption of 2008 NCAA Convention Division III Proposal No. 5, it is now possible for a Division III institution to finance and provide academic and other support services for student-athletes, provided similar services are provided or available to students in general. The series of questions and answers below are designed to assist the Division III membership in addressing some of the common questions that exist on campus related to academic, health and other programming and support services for student-athletes. Question: What is the distinction between the previous legislative language and the change adopted through Proposal No. 5? Answer: Proposal No. 5 changed the legislative language from "providing such services" to "providing similar services." The language in the previous legislation required that any academic or support service available to student-athletes must have been made available to students generally. The new legislation permits institutions and/or conferences to provide student-athletes with programming and/or services that are "similar in nature" to those available to students in general, while at the same time, providing more flexibility for programming that is geared more specifically to the needs and interests of student-athletes. Question: Under the new legislation, how is an institution to determine what is a "similar" service or program? Answer: The institution should be able to identify and describe an academic or support service that is available to the general student body that is similar to the service they wish to provide to student-athletes. Both services should have a similar intended benefit and provide that benefit on a comparable scale. Question: Under the new legislation, can tutoring services be offered exclusively to a group student-athletes? Answer: For tutoring services to be offered exclusively to groups of student-athletes, it would be necessary for the institution to demonstrate that similar services are provided to any other particular segment of the student body (e.g., foreign students, minority students) determined on a basis unrelated to athletics ability. Question: Can coaches or other athletics department staff members provide tutoring to student-athletes? Answer: It is necessary that each institution carefully evaluate their institutional policies on academic integrity to ensure that an arrangement like the one detailed within this question complies with the institution's own academic standards. Question: Instead of offering tutoring or any assistance, what if a coach simply requires a student-athlete to sign in during a designated time in a particular location in order to study during study table hours? Answer: Being physically present and monitoring a room or area while someone is studying would not be considered a service or program as no real service is apparently being provided. As such, these arrangements would be left entirely to the discretion of the institution. Question: Under the new legislation, can leadership programming or motivational speakers be offered exclusively to a group of student-athletes? Answer: There are two different scenarios in which leadership programming or motivational speakers could be offered exclusively to a group of student-athletes. The first scenario is that it would be permissible to offer this programming exclusively to a group of student-athletes if an institution can demonstrate that similar programming is generally available to the institution's students or to any particular segment of the student body (e.g., foreign students, minority students) determined on a basis unrelated to athletics ability. A second permissible scenario allows for programming with an athletics purpose where the institution can demonstrate that the programming is related to on-field or on-court performance and the activity occurs during the declared playing season. In this scenario, the institution must treat the activity as a countable athletically related activity as defined in NCAA Bylaw (athletically related activities); therefore, it could be held exclusively for student-athletes regardless of whether any other group on campus is offered similar programming. Question: Under the new legislation, could programming such as career counseling and time management be offered exclusively to a group of student-athletes? Answer: An institution may finance and provide these types of support services and programming exclusively for student-athletes, provided similar programming is provided or is generally available to the institution's students or to any particular segment of the student body (e.g., foreign students, minority students) determined on a basis unrelated to athletics ability. Question: Can programming offered through the student-athlete advisory committee on campus be made available exclusively for student-athletes? Answer: For programming that is conducted by a campus student-athlete advisory committee program to be offered exclusively to student-athletes or exclusively to members of the student-athlete advisory committee, an institution would need to demonstrate that similar programming is provided or is generally available to the institution's students or to any particular segment of the student body (e.g., foreign students, minority students) determined on a basis unrelated to athletics ability. However, there is a legislative exception, identified in Bylaw (student-athlete advisory committee meetings), for conference, regional or NCAA Division III Student-Athlete Advisory Committee meetings. An institution or conference may provide actual and necessary expenses for a student-athlete to attend conference, regional or national student-athlete advisory committee meetings. The programming at these meetings may be exclusively available to a group of student-athletes or exclusively to members of the student-athlete advisory committee. To meet the qualifications of a conference student-athlete advisory committee meeting, the programming should be offered on a conference-wide level, to multiple institutions, and the funding would typically be provided through the conference office. The regional student-athlete advisory committee and Division III Student-Athlete Advisory Committee programming and meetings are managed through the NCAA national office. Question: May an institution provide food to student-athletes attending any of the various types of programming mentioned above? Answer: Food may be provided if it meets the parameters of the occasional meal legislation as defined in Bylaw (occasional meals) or the reasonable refreshments legislation as defined in Bylaw (reasonable refreshments). That legislation stipulates that a student-athlete or the entire team in a sport may receive an occasional meal from an institutional staff member or representative of an institution's athletics interests under the following conditions: (a) the occasional meal may be provided at any location in the locale of the institution; (b) meals must be restricted to infrequent and special occasions; and (c) institutional staff members and representatives of the institution's athletics interests may provide transportation to student-athletes to attend such meals. Question: How does the new legislation affect the CHAMPS/Life Skills Program on my campus? Answer: Under the previous legislation, CHAMPS/Life Skills programming was required to be open to all students on your campus and not just student-athletes. The new legislation permits institutions to limit the availability of CHAMPS/Life Skills programming exclusively to student-athletes only if the institution can demonstrate that similar programming is provided to any particular segment of the student body (e.g., foreign students, minority students) determined on a basis unrelated to athletics ability. It should be noted that under both the previous and the new legislation, institutions may provide some health and safety-related CHAMPS/Life Skills programming, such as nutritional education and mental health education, exclusively to student-athletes under Bylaw 16.4 (medical expenses). Question: Does the new legislation impact what is permissible under medical expenses in any way? Answer: No. Bylaw 16.4 (medical expenses) was unaltered by the new legislation. Question: What expenses or services may an institution offer under the medical expenses legislation? Answer: Division III institutions may finance or provide medical expense benefits incidental to a student-athlete's participation in intercollegiate athletics. In 2000, Bylaw 16.4 (medical expenses) was deregulated to eliminate the 'laundry list' of permissible expenses. Instead, Bylaw 16.4 (medical expenses), as it has appeared in Division III since 2000, allows an institution to finance or provide medical expense benefits incidental to a student-athlete's participation in intercollegiate athletics. This is a determination that must be made at the institutional level and the institution must be comfortable that the medical service being financed or provided is incidental to the student-athlete's athletics participation. Note that institutions remain prohibited from financing or providing dietary supplements (e.g., weight-gain, muscle/strength-building and weight-loss supplements) as medical expense benefits incidental to a student-athlete's participation in intercollegiate athletics. Question: Can medical expenses be offered exclusively to student-athletes? Answer: Yes. The medical expense legislation has no requirement that other students receive similar services or programming. Question: Would programming on issues such as mental health, nutritional education, alcohol awareness education or other such programming be considered a medical expense? Answer: Before the deregulation of the laundry list of permissible expenses in 2000, items such as drug rehabilitation and counseling for eating disorders were included as permissible medical expenses. The current legislation allows more institutional autonomy; however, as noted in the question above, the institution must be comfortable that the medical service or programming being offered is incidental to the student-athlete's athletics participation to offer this type of programming as a medical expense and not as a general support service. [References: NCAA Bylaws 16.3 (academic and other support services), (academic based programming and services), (support services and other programming), (exception -- in season athletically related activities), (student-athlete advisory committee meetings), (CHAMPS/life skills programming), 16.4 (medical expenses), (occasional meals) and (reasonable refreshments)]

10) Meals – Home Competition
School is hosting a two-day wrestling meet. Will have food available throughout both days in the locker room for team to have at their discretion based on their competition schedule. A. Permissible. B. Only permissible to provide meals when dining halls are closed. C. Not permissible to provide meals during a competition.

Meals – Home Competition
Answer = A. For home competition, may provide meals at institution’s discretion on day(s) of competition until released. Cannot provide cash in lieu of meals prior to release. Upon release, may provide either meal or cash (but not both). 10/26/10 official interpretation, item ref. 19 Meals in Conjunction with Home Competition (III) Date Issued: September 24, Date Published: October 26, Item Ref: 19 Interpretation: The NCAA Division III Interpretations and Legislation Committee confirmed that it is permissible for an institution to provide meals to student-athletes at the institution's discretion on the day(s) of competition until the student-athletes are released by institutional personnel. An institution shall not provide cash in lieu of a meal during this time period. An institution, at its discretion, may provide a meal or cash (but not both) to student-athletes at the time of their release by institutional personnel. [References: NCAA Division III Bylaw (housing and meals -- exceptions) and an official interpretation (4/27/99, Item Ref. 1) which has been archived.]

BONUS Meals – Home Competition Using the same scenario: Wrestling meet. Food available in locker room all day. May a transfer SA serving a year in residence receive meals in conjunction with home competition? A. Yes. B. No.

Answer = A. Meals in conjunction with home competition are considered incidental to participation. 11/23/88 staff interpretation, item ref. a Transfer students serving residence requirement receiving pregame or postgame meals or snacks Date Issued: November 23, Date Published: November 23, Item Ref: a Interpretation: a. Transfer Students Serving Residence Requirement Receiving Pregame or Postgame Meals or Snacks: Determined that Constitution 3-1-(g)-(5) [extra benefits] and Constitution 3-1-(g)-(2)-(iii) [expenses incurred by a student-athlete while not eligible to represent the institution are improper expenses] would not preclude transfer students serving a year of residence from receiving pregame meals and postgame snacks for home games only, inasmuch as it was determined that such benefits are incidental to involvement with team activities.

11) Relatives or Comparable Relationship
SA has been selected as the school’s “Student-Athlete of the Year” to be honored at the all-sports banquet. Mother, stepfather, father, stepmother, twin sister, half-brother, grandmother and uncle would like to attend. Can the institution pay banquet admission for any or all of them? A. Yes, only the mother, stepfather, father and stepmother. B. School may pay admission for all of them. C. School may pay admission for none.

Relatives or Comparable Relationship
Answer = B. May provide complimentary admission to an institutional awards banquet where SA will be honored for all relatives or individuals of a comparable relationship who wish to attend. Bylaw

12) Reasonable Refreshments
Senior night for wrestling team. Following meet, school will host small reception for team and their families in the gymnasium with drinks and snacks. A. Family members may enjoy refreshments free of charge. B. Family members may enjoy refreshments if they pay for them C. Family members must bring their own drinks.

Reasonable Refreshments
Answer = A. May provide reasonable refreshments on occasional basis to relatives or individuals of comparable relationship. Bylaw

13) Entertainment During Vacation Period
Ice hockey team is required to remain on campus during winter break for practice and competition. Coach takes team to movie theatre located 50 miles from campus because it is the only theatre showing the new Justin Bieber movie. A. Not permissible at all. B. Permissible because it is within 100 miles of campus. C. Only permissible within 30 miles of campus.

Entertainment During Vacation Period
Answer = C. May provide reasonable entertainment within a 30-mile radius of campus or practice site when required to remain during vacation periods. Bylaw

14) Entertainment During Postseason Competition
Pepper College is hosting the NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship. Pepper College advances to the semifinals. Coach takes team to local historical museum where exhibit of Dr. Pepper, founder of Pepper College, is on display. A. Permissible. B. Not permissible at all. C. Only permissible if NCAA pays for all participating teams.

Entertainment During Postseason Competition
Answer = A. May provide entertainment in conjunction with postseason competition, even if in the locale of the institution. Bylaw 12/9/98 staff interpretation, item ref. a Entertainment in Conjunction with Postseason Contests (I/II/III) Date Issued: December 9, Date Published: December 9, Item Ref: a Interpretation: a. Entertainment in Conjunction with Postseason Contests: (I/II/III) The membership services staff confirmed that in accordance with NCAA Bylaw , an institution may pay the actual costs for reasonable entertainment that takes place within a 100-mile radius of where a team plays or practices in connection with a postseason contest (e.g., certified bowl game), even if the contest is conducted in the same locale of one of the participating institutions. [References: Bylaw (team entertainment - away-from-home contests) and Official Interpretation, 12/2/87, item 7]

15) Conference Providing Pro Tickets
Conference office purchases tickets to the NBA game being played the day before the conference tournament starts. Tickets are provided to all participating teams. A. Only permissible if school reimburses the conference. B. Permissible. C. Not permissible.

Conference Providing Pro Tickets
Answer = B. Conference may provide complimentary tickets to a professional sports contest if considered entertainment in conjunction with a conference event. Bylaw 10/25/91 staff interpretation, item ref. a Conference provides complimentary ticket for a professional sports contest to a member institution Date Issued: October 25, Date Published: October 25, Item Ref: a Interpretation: a. Conference Provides Complimentary Pro Sports-Contest Tickets to a Member Institution: Reviewed NCAA Bylaw (professional sports tickets) and determined that a conference office would be permitted to purchase and provide to its member institutions complimentary tickets to a professional sports contest, provided the tickets are provided in conjunction with a conference event and are for entertainment purposes for student-athletes involved in the conference event.

16) Hotel Bill SA charged video games, movies and souvenirs from the gift shop to his hotel room during an away contest. Institution paid for all expenses as entertainment. A. Permissible. B. None are permissible. C. Only video games and movies are permissible.

Hotel Bill Answer = C. Institution may provide reasonable entertainment expenses during an away-from-home contest. Bylaw 2/1/90 official interpretation, item ref. 5 Hotel bill -- incidental expenses Date Issued: February 1, Date Published: February 1, Item Ref: 5 Interpretation: Extra benefits 5. Hotel bill -- incidental expenses: Agreed that a student-athlete (rather than the student-athlete's institution) would be required to pay for incidental expenses the individual incurred in conjunction with a hotel bill for one of the institution's away games, unless the expenses fall within the permissible actual and necessary expenses the student-athlete may receive for such contests.

17) Football Team-Building in Spring
At start of its five-week period, football team participates in a ropes course activity for team-building. After that, the team uses its 16 days of athletically related activity for conditioning, drills, etc. A. Not permissible. B. Permissible because within five-week period. C. Permissible to do team-building at any time during the academic year.

Football Team-Building in Spring
Answer = A. Team-building is athletically related activity so must count as one of the 16 days. Otherwise, it is permissible, including payment of expenses for ropes course since considered practice. Bylaws and 5/10/10 official interpretation, item ref. 5 Team-Building Activities During Five-Week Period -- Football (III) Date Issued: March 17, Date Published: May 10, Item Ref: 5 Interpretation: The NCAA Division III Interpretations and Legislation Committee determined that, in football, an institution may conduct team-building activities (e.g., ropes courses) during the five-week period outside the playing season, provided the activity counts as one of the 16 days in which athletically related activity may occur. Further, an institution may provide expenses for participation in such activity. [References: Bylaws (practice) and (out-of-season athletically related activities -- exception) and staff interpretation (8/23/96, Item Ref. b) which has been archived]

18) Collegiate All-Star Game
Senior SA selected to participate in collegiate all-star game once season is over. Institution donates money to organizer of all-star game to defray SA expenses. A. Not permissible, but institution can pay expenses directly. B. Not permissible for institution to pay or donate for expenses. C. Permissible provided not funds not earmarked for SA.

Collegiate All-Star Game
Answer = B. Institution cannot pay expenses directly and also cannot donate to organizer, even if funds are not earmarked for SA. Bylaw 7/14/06 official interpretation, item ref. 13-b 12/9/80 official interpretation, item ref. j 12/1/10 educational column Institutions may not Donate Funds to Third-party Athletics Tour Operators (III) Date Issued: July 14, Date Published: July 14, Item Ref: 13b (June 2006 ILC Minutes) Interpretation: The committee determined that an institution (including institutional coaching staff members) may not make a donation to an outside organization to defray expenses for the organization's competitive tour if a student-athlete from that institution will be a participant on the tour, even if the donation is not made specifically for use by the student-athlete. [References: Division III Bylaw (outside competition); (eligibility effect of violation); and an August 7, 1992 Division I official interpretation (item ref: 9-a-(5)).] Expenses paid to participate in lacrosse all-star contest Date Issued: December 9, Date Published: December 9, Item Ref: j Interpretation: Denied a request by an officer of the U.S. Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association that member institutions be permitted to pay the expenses of their student-athletes to participate in the USILA's postseason all-star lacrosse contest, noting that the provisions of Constitution 3-1-(h)-(1) would preclude such payment and that the USILA may wish to consider assessing its member institutions for such purposes. Provision of Expenses for Collegiate All-Star Contests (III) Date Issued: December 1, Date Published: December 1, Item Ref: 1 Educational Column: Under NCAA Division III Bylaw , a student-athlete who competes in a collegiate all-star contest forfeits all remaining eligibility in that sport. In addition, NCAA legislation continues to apply to a student-athlete who has exhausted his or her eligibility. As a result, a student-athlete who exhausts his or her eligibility and is selected or invited to participate in a postseason collegiate all-star contest is still subject to rules regarding extra benefits and amateurism. Additionally, extra benefit legislation continues to apply to a student-athlete's institution and representatives of the institution's athletics interests (i.e., boosters). Consistent with an official interpretation [Reference: 12/9/80, Item No. j], it is not permissible for an institution to provide expenses to a student-athlete, regardless of whether he or she has eligibility remaining to participate in an all-star contest because they do not meet any of the permissible competitions in Bylaw However, an institution may provide an award valued up to a maximum of $350 to a student-athlete for participation in an all-star game. Further, it would be permissible for that award to be an item that is considered an expense associated with the all-star contest provided the award satisfies the requirements in Bylaw 16.1 and Figure 16-1. For example, the institution may provide an airline ticket as the all-star participation award but per the maximum value listed in Figure 16-1, the cost of the student-athlete's airfare could not exceed $350. Furthermore, it would not be permissible for an institution to pay $350 of the airfare if the total airfare cost $500, as an example, in accordance with Bylaw Additionally, all other rules regarding awards continue to apply such as Bylaw which would prohibit the student-athlete from redeeming the ticket for cash, services, benefits or merchandise, including changing the dates on the ticket for a later travel. The same would hold true for any other expense(s) that would be provided as an award for participation in an all-star game (e.g., hotel). Further, if an institution has two student-athletes selected to participate in an all-star game, both of those student-athletes must be provided the same award (e.g., airfare, hotel) per Bylaw It is also permissible to provide a senior participation award in addition to an award for participation in an all-star game. For example, if an institution's football team has 10 seniors and two have been selected for participation in an all-star game, the two student-athletes selected for the all-star game may receive both the senior participation award and the all-star participation award. Awards that do not conform to Bylaw 16.1 are impermissible. Any expenses provided by the institution or a representative of the institution's athletics interest to a student-athlete for an all-star contest would violate the extra benefit legislation if not considered an award as described above. In addition, an institution also may not provide a list of its boosters to a student-athlete for purposes of soliciting funds, even if the student-athlete has no eligibility remaining, pursuant to an official interpretation [Reference: 5/8/95, Item No. 4]. Please note that if a student-athlete chooses on his or her own to solicit or receive donations through fundraising activities that are made on behalf of or earmarked for him or herself while still eligible, the student-athlete will immediately jeopardize any remaining eligibility, even if the all-star contest is scheduled to occur after the student-athlete intends to exhaust his or her eligibility. Finally, please note that if an institution or student-athlete is involved in these or other activities contrary to NCAA legislation, the institution remains obligated to self report any violation to the NCAA enforcement staff, even if the student-athlete has no remaining eligibility in his or her sport. [References: Bylaws (Collegiate – All-Star Contests), (Uniformity of Awards), (Nonpermissible Awards), (Student-Athlete Contribution to Purchase) , and (Permissible); Figure 16-1; and Official Interpretations (12/9/80, Item No. j and 5/8/95, Item No. 4)]

Expenses for All-Star Contests
BONUS Expenses for All-Star Contests Same scenario as the previous: Senior selected to play in all-star game. Can the institution pay for his $300 plane ticket? A. Yes, if the ticket is given as an award. B. No. Impermissible to cover all-star game expenses. C. Yes. The SA is representing the institution in competition.

Expenses for All-Star Contests
Answer = A. Institutions are generally prohibited from providing expenses for SAs associated with all-star contests. An institution may provide a SA with a participation award valued up to a maximum of $350. Award must meet the requirements in Bylaw 16.1 and Figure 16-1. Bylaws and Figure 16-1 12/1/10 educational column, item ref. 1 Provision of Expenses for Collegiate All-Star Contests (III) Date Issued: December 1, Date Published: December 1, Item Ref: 1 Educational Column: Under NCAA Division III Bylaw , a student-athlete who competes in a collegiate all-star contest forfeits all remaining eligibility in that sport. In addition, NCAA legislation continues to apply to a student-athlete who has exhausted his or her eligibility. As a result, a student-athlete who exhausts his or her eligibility and is selected or invited to participate in a postseason collegiate all-star contest is still subject to rules regarding extra benefits and amateurism. Additionally, extra benefit legislation continues to apply to a student-athlete's institution and representatives of the institution's athletics interests (i.e., boosters). Consistent with an official interpretation [Reference: 12/9/80, Item No. j], it is not permissible for an institution to provide expenses to a student-athlete, regardless of whether he or she has eligibility remaining to participate in an all-star contest because they do not meet any of the permissible competitions in Bylaw However, an institution may provide an award valued up to a maximum of $350 to a student-athlete for participation in an all-star game. Further, it would be permissible for that award to be an item that is considered an expense associated with the all-star contest provided the award satisfies the requirements in Bylaw 16.1 and Figure 16-1. For example, the institution may provide an airline ticket as the all-star participation award but per the maximum value listed in Figure 16-1, the cost of the student-athlete's airfare could not exceed $350. Furthermore, it would not be permissible for an institution to pay $350 of the airfare if the total airfare cost $500, as an example, in accordance with Bylaw Additionally, all other rules regarding awards continue to apply such as Bylaw which would prohibit the student-athlete from redeeming the ticket for cash, services, benefits or merchandise, including changing the dates on the ticket for a later travel. The same would hold true for any other expense(s) that would be provided as an award for participation in an all-star game (e.g., hotel). Further, if an institution has two student-athletes selected to participate in an all-star game, both of those student-athletes must be provided the same award (e.g., airfare, hotel) per Bylaw It is also permissible to provide a senior participation award in addition to an award for participation in an all-star game. For example, if an institution's football team has 10 seniors and two have been selected for participation in an all-star game, the two student-athletes selected for the all-star game may receive both the senior participation award and the all-star participation award. Awards that do not conform to Bylaw 16.1 are impermissible. Any expenses provided by the institution or a representative of the institution's athletics interest to a student-athlete for an all-star contest would violate the extra benefit legislation if not considered an award as described above. In addition, an institution also may not provide a list of its boosters to a student-athlete for purposes of soliciting funds, even if the student-athlete has no eligibility remaining, pursuant to an official interpretation [Reference: 5/8/95, Item No. 4]. Please note that if a student-athlete chooses on his or her own to solicit or receive donations through fundraising activities that are made on behalf of or earmarked for him or herself while still eligible, the student-athlete will immediately jeopardize any remaining eligibility, even if the all-star contest is scheduled to occur after the student-athlete intends to exhaust his or her eligibility. Finally, please note that if an institution or student-athlete is involved in these or other activities contrary to NCAA legislation, the institution remains obligated to self report any violation to the NCAA enforcement staff, even if the student-athlete has no remaining eligibility in his or her sport. [References: Bylaws (Collegiate – All-Star Contests), (Uniformity of Awards), (Nonpermissible Awards), (Student-Athlete Contribution to Purchase) , and (Permissible); Figure 16-1; and Official Interpretations (12/9/80, Item No. j and 5/8/95, Item No. 4)]

19) Expenses to Attend Championship
Swimming SA did not qualify for NCAA championship, but would like to attend to support her teammates who did qualify. May the institution cover her expenses to attend? A. Yes. B. No. C. Only if SA won a conference championship race.

Expenses to Attend Championship
Answer = B. In individual sports, only those student-athletes who qualified for the championship may received expenses. In team sports, all eligible student-athletes may receive expenses 11/17/04 staff interpretation, item 1-a Expenses for Student-Athletes to Attend Championships (I/II/III) Date Issued: November 17, Date Published: November 17, Item Ref: 1a Interpretation: The membership services staff determined that it is permissible for an institution that is participating in an NCAA championship to provide expenses to attend the championship to any student-athlete who is eligible to represent the institution in intercollegiate competition, even if the student-athlete may not actually represent the institution in the championship due to a restriction on the number of student-athletes who may participate in the competition. Further, the staff confirmed that in individual sports, an institution may not provide travel expenses for a student-athlete to attend the championship if the student-athlete has not satisfied applicable qualifying standards necessary to be eligible for that competition. [References: NCAA Divisions I, II, and III Bylaw (competition while representing institution); a 11/18/92 staff interpretation, item b, and a 11/11/94 staff interpretation, item a, which have been archived]

20) Male Practice Player as Manager
Dale is a male who regularly practices with the women’s basketball team. May he receive expenses to travel to away contests? A. Yes, provided he is enrolled full time. B. Yes, if he serves as a team manager and performs managerial duties. C. No.

Male Practice Player as Manager
Answer = C. Only those SAs eligible to represent the school in competition may receive travel expenses. Rule applies even if performs duties (e.g., managerial) that would otherwise be permissible. Bylaw 11/13/02 staff interpretation, item ref. 1 Male Student Who Regularly Practices with an Institution's Women's Team Traveling with the Team During an Away-From-Home Competition (I/II/III) Date Issued: November 13, Date Published: November 13, Item Ref: 1 Interpretation: The membership services staff confirmed that a male student who practices with an institution's women's team is not permitted to receive actual and necessary travel expenses (i.e., transportation, lodging, meals) for an away-from-home competition. Therefore, it would not be permissible to place a male student, who practices with the institution's women's team, in the position of a manager to provide him with expenses for an away-from-home contest. [Reference): NCAA Division I Bylaw (competition while representing institution) and NCAA Division II and III Bylaws (competition while representing institution)].

Male Practice Player Benefits
BONUS Male Practice Player Benefits Which of these benefits is a male practice player permitted to receive in conjunction with participation with a women’s team? A. Room and board expenses to remain on campus during a vacation period to practice with the team. B. Travel expenses to away-from-home competition. C. Practice uniform.

Male Practice Player Benefits
Answer = C. Male practice players may not receive vacation period expenses in order to remain on campus to practice with a women’s team. 9/16/02 educational column, item ref. 2 10/22/92 official interpretation, item ref. 2 2002 Column No. 19 NCAA Bylaw Requirement for Practice - Male Students Practicing with Women's Teams. Date Issued: September 16, Date Published: September 16, Item Ref: 2002 Column No. 19 Educational Column: NCAA member institutions should note that in accordance with NCAA Bylaw (Bylaw in Division III), a student-athlete must be enrolled in a minimum full-time program of studies leading to a baccalaureate or equivalent degree to be eligible to participate in organized practice sessions. The former NCAA Interpretations Committee determined that male students who practice with an institution's women's teams on an occasional basis must be verified as eligible for practice in accordance with Bylaw and have eligibility remaining in accordance with Bylaws and (Bylaws and in Divisions II and III). Further, the former Interpretations Committee determined that if male students practice on a regular basis with the institution's women's teams (and vice versa), those male students must be certified in accordance with all applicable NCAA eligibility regulations (e.g., the individual must be enrolled in a minimum full-time program of studies, have eligibility remaining under the five-year/10-semester rule, must sign a drug-testing consent form and must be included on the institution's squad list). In addition, the former Interpretations Committee also determined the following issues related to male student-athletes practicing with women's teams: a. It is permissible for an institution to provide apparel to male students for the purpose of practicing with the institution's women's team. b. It is not permissible for an institution to provide male students financial assistance (i.e., room and board, tuition and fees, and books) in return for practicing with the women's team. c. It is not permissible for an institution to provide male students with room and board to remain on campus during vacation periods to participate in practice sessions with the women's team. d. It is not permissible for an institution to allow male students who are nonqualifiers to participate in practice sessions with the women's team. Division I institutions should note that during its October 17, 2001, meeting, the NCAA Division I Academics/Eligibility/Compliance Cabinet Subcommittee on Legislative Review/Interpretations confirmed that a male student-athlete who is serving his academic year of residence as a partial qualifier may participate in practice sessions against a women's team on campus or at the institution's regular practice facilities, provided all the other applicable legislation and interpretations established for male student-athletes practicing with a women's team are satisfied. Furthermore, during its February 18, 1999, meeting, the Subcommittee on Legislative Review/Interpretations confirmed that a male student-athlete who is a counter in a men's sport may not engage in practice sessions with an institution's women's team in any sport. Division II institutions should note that during its July 27, 1999, meeting, the NCAA Division II Management Council agreed that an institution is not permitted to allow a male student-athlete who is receiving athletically related financial aid in any sport to practice with the women's basketball, volleyball or field hockey team on a regular basis. Division I and II institutions should note that in accordance with Bylaw , in sports other than football, participation by student-athletes in individual skill-related instruction is permitted outside the institution's declared playing season, provided no more than four student-athletes from the same team are involved in skill-related instruction with their coach(es) at any one time in any facility and the student-athletes request the instruction. Thus, if male students are involved in skill-related instruction with a women's team, they must be included in the permissible number of student-athletes involved in such instruction at any one time in any facility (i.e., no more than four). Additionally, institutions should note that in accordance with Bylaw , it is permissible to provide actual and necessary travel expenses (i.e., transportation, lodging, meals) to a student-athlete for participation in athletics competition, provided the student-athlete is representing the institution (competes in the uniform of the institution) and is eligible for collegiate competition in the applicable sport. Thus, it is not permissible to provide a male student (who is practicing with a women's team) with travel expenses to an away-from-home competition, inasmuch as such students will not be representing the women's team in the competition. Finally, although it is permissible for a male student to serve as a team manager for a women's team, the individual's duties should be limited to those traditionally performed as managers. It is not permissible to place a male student in the position of a manager for the purpose of receiving expenses to practice with the women's team on away-from-home competitions. Male students practicing with institution's women's team Date Issued: October 22, Date Published: October 22, Item Ref: 2 Interpretation: 2. Male students practicing with institution's women's team. The committee reached the following conclusions regarding male students practicing with an institution's women's team: a. It is permissible for an institution to provide practice apparel to male students for the purpose of practicing with the institution's women's team. b. It is not permissible for an institution to provide male students financial assistance (i.e., room and board, tuition and fees, and books) in return for practicing with the women's team. c. It is not permissible for an institution to provide male students room and board to remain on campus during the vacation period to participate in practice sessions with the women's team. [References: (requirement for practice), and (mixed team) and IC 12/5/91, Item No. 3]

21) Competing Unattached
Which of the following is permissible for a SA to do when she is competing while not representing Solo College? A. Get coaching from Solo’s coach at the competition. B. Be identified as a student at Solo in the competition program. C. Wear her Solo uniform.

Competing Unattached Answer = B. When a SA competes unattached:
Cannot provide expenses, training, coaching or instruction. SA cannot compete in the institution’s uniform, unless he or she paid for it. Can be identified as student at the institution, but must be clear that SA is not representing the institution. Bylaws and 11/17/05 educational column, item ref. 1 12/3/03 staff interpretation, item ref. a Competing Unattached in Individual Sports Date Issued: November 17, Date Published: November 17, Item Ref: 1 Educational Column: Q: Is it permissible for an institution to provide expenses (e.g., meals, entry fee, lodging) for a student-athlete to compete unattached, when that student-athlete is not representing the institution in competition (e.g., ineligible or "redshirting")? A: When a student-athlete competes unattached (i.e., competes as an individual, representing only himself or herself) in any competition, the institution may not provide any expenses to the participating student-athlete. The student-athlete is considered to be representing the institution in outside competition when provided expenses from the institution. This includes the institution providing transportation (e.g., individual riding on team bus to competition) to an unattached participant. Q: May an unattached student-athlete wear the uniform of the institution? A: No. Wearing the uniform of the institution constitutes representation of the institution; therefore, the student-athlete, by rule, would not be considered to be competing unattached if he or she were wearing the institution's uniform. If the student-athlete triggers NCAA Bylaw (intercollegiate competition), the student-athlete must be eligible to represent the institution in outside competition. Q: Is the institution permitted to provide athletics training support and other medical services prior to and after the match for student-athletes who are competing unattached? A: No. As a general rule, such expenses may not be provided by the institution when the student-athlete is competing unattached. The provision of such services constitutes the receipt of expenses related to the competition. If the trainer (or other service provider) has been designated by the competition host to provide services to all participants; however, such services may be provided to the unattached student-athletes. Q: Is it permissible for institutional coaches to provide coaching and instruction to an unattached student-athlete during competition? A: No. A student-athlete who receives coaching or instruction (e.g., technique, comments related to performance, suggestions) from his or her coach while competing in an individual competition is considered to be representing the institution. As a result, the student-athlete must be eligible to represent the institution and such participation would constitute the use of one of the four seasons of competition. Further, institutional coaching staff members may not direct participating student-athletes to engage in coaching or instructional activities with student-athletes from the same institution who are competing unattached. [Note: A coaching staff member may engage in coaching activities with a student-athlete during the student-athlete's participation in established national championship events (including junior national championships and Olympic, Pan American, World Championships, World Cup and World University Games qualifying competition.] Q: Is it permissible for a sports club to provide expenses (e.g., travel, meals, lodging, uniform) to an individual competing unattached? A: A student-athlete is permitted to receive actual and necessary expenses from an amateur team only when representing such a team in competition. If a student-athlete receives expenses from a club team, he or she would be representing that club team, as opposed to being considered unattached. It is important to note that in Division I sports other than basketball, a student-athlete may not represent an outside team (note exceptions in Bylaw ) in competition during the academic year, except during vacation periods outside of the declared playing and practice season. In NCAA Divisions II and III, a student-athlete is permitted to represent an outside team at any time provided the competition takes place outside the declared playing and practice season. Thus, if the student-athlete is competing unattached (i.e., not representing the institution or any other team), all expenses must be self-funded, unless an exception exists (e.g., national team competition). Please note that Divisions I and II coaching staff members shall not be involved in any capacity, including coaching or as an administrator, during the academic year, with a club team that includes student-athletes from their own team. In Division III, an institutional coaching staff member may not be involved with a wrestling club team that includes their own student-athletes at any time, including outside the academic year. [Bylaws (Divisions I/II/III); and (Divisions I/II); (Division I); and (Division II); and (Division III)]. Q: May an unattached student-athlete's institutional affiliation be identified in any manner (e.g., in a program, by an announcer)? A: Identification of the unattached student-athlete's institutional affiliation, in and of itself, does not constitute representation of the institution in intercollegiate competition; however, it is advisable that the unattached student-athlete's participation is clearly defined as being independent of the institution in order to avoid any confusion related to the student-athlete's participation. Student-Athlete Receiving Coaching or Instruction from an Institution's Coach While Competing as an Individual. (III) Date Issued: December 3, Date Published: December 3, Item Ref: 1 Interpretation: A student-athlete who receives coaching or instruction from his or her institution's coach while competing in an individual competition is considered to be representing the institution and, therefore, would use a season of competition. The committee noted that this principle is applicable to student-athletes who are otherwise attempting to avoid using a season of competition by participating unattached in an open competition (e.g., the student-athlete does not compete in the institution's uniform and does not receive expenses from the institution). [References: NCAA Bylaws (intercollegiate competition); (competition as individual/not representing institution); (intercollegiate competition); 02/21/97 staff interpretation, item a, 09/22/89 staff interpretation, item g; and official interpretation, 05/08/95, Item No. 1]

22) Purchase of Passports
SA is going on a foreign tour with his outside baseball team during the summer. Institution purchases a passport for him. A. Only permissible for institutional foreign tour. B. Permissible for institutional and noninstitutional foreign tours. C. Not permissible at all.

Purchase of Passports Answer = B.
Institution may purchase passports for institutional or noninstitutional foreign tours. Also permissible for regular-season institutional competition. Bylaws and 10/16/02 staff interpretation, item ref. 1 8/11/95 staff interpretation, item c. Passports for Student-Athletes for Regular Season Competition (I/II/III) Date Issued: October 16, Date Published: October 16, Item Ref: 1 Interpretation: The membership services staff determined a member institution may purchase passports for its student-athletes that are required for travel in connection with regular season competition. Further, student-athletes are permitted to retain ownership of such passports because the cost of the passports are considered actual and necessary travel expenses related to participation in regular season competition. [Reference NCAA Bylaw (Competition While Representing Institution)]. Purchase of Student-Athletes Passports in Conjunction with Noninstitutional Foreign Tour Date Issued: August 11, Date Published: August 11, Item Ref: c Interpretation: c. Purchase of Student-Athletes Passports in Conjunction with Noninstitutional Foreign Tour. The legislative services staff confirmed that it is permissible for an institution to purchase passports for its student-athletes required travel in connection with institutional and/or noninstitutional foreign tours. [References: NCAA Bylaws (departure/return expense restrictions -- other competition), (foreign tour expenses -- passports) and (foreign tours)]

23) Departure for Tournament
First game of the conference softball tournament is Thursday, but team does not play until Friday. When can team depart its campus? A. 48 hours prior to tournament’s first game. B. 48 hours prior to its own game. C. Anytime, since it is a conference championship.

Departure for Tournament
Answer = A. Team may depart 48 hours prior to first contest of a multiteam competition. Bylaw 6/16/94 official interpretation, item ref. 3 Institution's team departing for multicompetition event Date Issued: June 16, Date Published: June 16, Item Ref: 3 Interpretation: 3. Institution's team departing for multicompetition event. In a situation where the 48-hour departure limitation is applicable, an institution that is participating in a multicompetition event (e.g., conference tournament) may depart 48 hours prior to the event's first round of competition (as opposed to 48 hours prior to the institution's first scheduled competition). [References: (departure/return restrictions) and (departure/return expense restrictions)]

BONUS Departure for Tournament Using same scenario: Tournament starts Thursday. Team’s first game is Friday. When can team depart if banquet is Wednesday night? A. 48 hours prior to tournament’s first game. B. 48 hours prior to the banquet.

Answer = A. Not permitted to use other activities to determine when travel may occur. Bylaw 1/28/93 official interpretation, item ref. 1 Travel restrictions prior to competition Date Issued: January 28, Date Published: January 28, Item Ref: 1 Interpretation: 1. Travel restrictions prior to competition. An institution may not provide travel expenses to its student-athletes to depart 48 hours prior to activities associated with the scheduled competition (e.g., banquets, "weigh-ins"). [Reference: NCAA Bylaw (departure/return expense restrictions)]

24) Cancellation of Contest After Travel
Field hockey team travels for away contest. Upon arrival, contest is cancelled due to weather and will not be rescheduled until later in the season. A. School has violation since expenses were provided, even if no competition occurred. B. School must file an Subcommittee for Legislative Relief waiver. C. School does not have a violation.

Cancellation of Contest After Travel
Answer = C. No violation in this situation provided game had not been cancelled prior to departure. 2/18/94 staff interpretation, item ref. c Cancellation of Contest After Team Travels to Site of Competition Date Issued: February 18, Date Published: February 18, Item Ref: c Interpretation: c. Cancellation of Contest After Team Travels to Site of Competition: The legislative services staff confirmed that when an institution's team travels to the site of a competition and the contest subsequently is cancelled, the expenses provided by the institution associated with such transportation would not be considered an extra benefit, provided the contest appears on the institution's schedule and the team returns within the 36-hour limitation per [Reference: (departure/return expense restrictions)]

25) Transfer Student Serving as Coach
Transfer SA is serving a year in residence. Will serve as an assistant/student coach during that year. May the SA receive expenses to travel to away contests since he is also a coach? A. Yes. B. No.

Transfer Student Serving as Coach
Answer = B. Expenses only provided to those eligible to compete, even if SA is serving as a coach. Bylaw 9/14/90 staff interpretation, item ref. b Student-athlete who is satisfying a residence requirement performs coaching duties Date Issued: September 14, Date Published: September 14, Item Ref: b Interpretation: b. Student-Athlete who is Satisfying a Residence Requirement Performs Coaching Duties: Reviewed Bylaw (competition while representing institution) and (coach or physical education instructor), and determined that a student-athlete, who is satisfying a one-year transfer residence requirement, would not be precluded from serving as a member institution's coach, provided the student-athlete does not receive expenses associated with an away-from-home contest or remuneration for coaching duties and is a countable coach in those sports with numerical coaching limits.

26) Training Trips Nor’easter College’s track and field team wants to take a three-day training trip to Colorado during spring break. Permissible? A. Impermissible -- further than 100 miles. B. Impermissible -- must take a week off. C. Permissible if there is at least one contest during the trip.

Training Trips Answer = C.
Can only provide practice expenses for away contest, within the state or within 100-miles of campus. 8/14/09 educational column, item ref. 1 Expenses for Practice and Competition (III) Date Issued: August 14, Date Published: August 14, Item Ref: 1 Educational Column: NCAA Division III institutions should note that pursuant to NCAA Bylaw , a member institution may provide a student-athlete expenses for practice sessions only if they are associated with an away-from-home contest or conducted at a site located within the member institution's state or, if outside that state, not more than 100 miles from the institution's campus. Many institutions travel to warm-weather locations or other locations that involve significant travel outside the institution's state during official vacation periods (e.g., quarter, semester, spring break) for practice and competition. Such trips must include intercollegiate competition as defined by Bylaw in order for the institution to provide student-athletes any expenses (e.g., transportation, lodging, meals) for the trip. Therefore, an institution may not provide student-athletes with expenses for practice only (e.g., training trip) if the practice is conducted beyond 100 miles from the institution's campus and outside the institution's state. In addition, all practice and competition activities (including "training trips") must occur during the institution's declared playing and practice season. If an institution's team wishes to participate on a training trip that does not meet the requirements of the practice and competition expense legislation above, the funding for the trip may not be provided by the institution and the entire cost of the trip shall be paid individually by each student-athlete. In addition, if the trip failed to meet the requirements detailed above, it would not be permissible to conduct an institutionally based fundraiser in order for the team to raise money for the trip. Additionally, pursuant to Bylaw , any practice on an extended trip must take place at either the competition site or on a direct route between competition sites. For example, if competitions occur in Daytona Beach, Florida and Miami, Florida, an institution may conduct a practice session in West Palm Beach, Florida because it is on a direct route between the two cities. Finally, pursuant to Bylaw , travel before and after regular-season competition during an institution's official vacation period during the academic year or an institution's summer vacation period is not subject to the 48-hour departure and 36-hour time restriction. [References: NCAA Bylaws (practice), (practice sites on road trips), (exceptions) and (intercollegiate competition)]

27) Reasonable Transportation
SA’s car broke down and assistant coach gave him a ride to his part-time job. SA learned car was totaled. Assistant coach has an extra car and provides it to the SA in lieu of driving him for the rest of the semester. A. Permissible. B. Only permissible if SA pays the cost of gas. C. Not permissible.

Reasonable Transportation
Answer = C. May provide reasonable, local transportation on occasional basis, but may not provide vehicle for this purpose. 12/12/94 official interpretation, item ref. 4 Awards and Benefits -- Transportation Expenses Date Issued: December 12, Date Published: December 12, Item Ref: 4 Interpretation: 4. Awards and Benefits -- Transportation Expenses: The committee reviewed Proposal Nos. 18 and 19, which permit an institution to provide student-athletes with reasonable, local transportation on an occasional basis, and determined that it is not permissible for an institution to provide a vehicle for a student-athlete to use for the purposes outlined in the proposals.

28) House Sitting Assistant AD wants SA to house sit for the month of July while staff member travels for work and vacation. A. Permissible if SA pays rent. B. Permissible if SA house sits for other staff members. C. Not permissible at all.

House sitting Answer = A.
Permitted to house sit for athletics staff only if SA pays rental costs for similar housing. 7/3/91 staff interpretation, item ref. a Student-athletes housesitting during summer Date Issued: July 3, Date Published: July 3, Item Ref: a Interpretation: a. Student-Athletes "House Sitting" During Summer: Reviewed NCAA Bylaw (extra benefit) and 87/03/19 NCAA Interpretations Committee minutes, Item No. 5, in regard to a situation in which an athletics department staff member wishes to allow a student-athlete to "house sit" in the staff member's home without paying rental costs; determined that an athletics department staff member would not be permitted to allow a student-athlete to "house sit" without paying rental costs for similar housing in that locale. Further, a student-athlete would be permitted to "house sit" in a faculty member's home without paying rental costs, provided the member institution can demonstrate that other students (who are not student-athletes) had performed similar functions, and the opportunity to "house sit" a faculty member's home is not arranged by the athletics department.

29) Housing Provided by Booster
Booster has a detached two-bedroom guest house and offers to have two student-athletes live there during academic year. A. Not permissible at all. B. Only permitted if SAs had pre-existing relationship with the booster. C. Only permitted if SAs pay rent.

Housing Provided by Booster
Answer = C. SA must pay rent consistent with rental costs for similar housing in the locale. 9/1/89 staff interpretation, item ref. c 3/19/87 official interpretation, item ref. 5 Student-athlete's receipt of off-campus housing owned by representative Date Issued: September 1, Date Published: September 1, Item Ref: c Interpretation: c. Student-Athlete's Receipt of Off-Campus Housing Owned by Representative: Reviewed Bylaw (cost-free apartment) and 03/19/87 LIC, Item No. 5, noting that the Legislation and Interpretations Committee interpretation indicates that housing costs charged by the representative and paid by the student-athlete must be consistent with rental costs for similar housing in that locale; determined that costs of such housing may be donated to the institution, provided the institution documents the value of the donation. Off-campus housing at home of representative Date Issued: March 19, Date Published: March 19, Item Ref: 5 Interpretation: Determined that the provisions of Case No. 132 permit a student-athlete to receive off-campus housing at the home, cottage, townhouse or private dwelling of a representative of the member institution's athletics interests, with the understanding that the member institution is required to document and ensure that the rental costs charged by the representative of the member institution's athletics interests and paid by the student-athlete are consistent with rental costs for similar housing in that locale.

30) Retention of Athletics Apparel
When is it permissible for a SA to keep his or her athletics apparel without having to pay for it? A. At the end of the individual's collegiate participation. B. At the end of the individual's collegiate participation, only if it cannot be re-used. C. Never. The institution always has to sell it to the SA.

Retention of Athletics Apparel
Answer = A. SA may retain athletics apparel items at the end of the individual's collegiate participation. Apparel items that are not reusable by other team members in subsequent seasons can be considered the property of the involved SA. 3/31/00 educational column, item ref. 3 2000 Column No Bylaw Retention of Athletics Apparel and Equipment Date Issued: March 31, Date Published: March 31, Item Ref: Column 7 #3 Educational Column: Bylaw Retention of Athletics Apparel and Equipment. NCAA member institutions should note that in accordance with Bylaw , a student-athlete may retain athletics apparel items (not equipment) at the end of the individual's collegiate participation. Used equipment may be purchased by the student-athlete on the same cost basis as any other individual interested in purchasing such equipment. It should be noted, however, that the NCAA Administrative Committee, during its October 23, 1986, meeting, confirmed that apparel items that are not reusable by other team members in subsequent seasons (subject to the discretion of the institution) could be considered the property of the involved student-athlete. Equipment items (which the institution does not plan to use in subsequent seasons) must be made available on the same cost basis to any interested individual (including nonathletes) when dispensing such items. Finally, in accordance with Bylaw , a student-athlete may retain and use institutional athletics equipment (per the institution's normal equipment policy) during a summer vacation period. A student-athlete would not be charged with a season of competition per Bylaw for the use of such equipment during a summer vacation period. Summer is defined as the period following the last date of final examinations for the spring term through the first permissible day of preseason practice or first date of classes, whichever occurs earlier.

Retention of Athletics Equipment
BONUS Retention of Athletics Equipment Can an institution give away old athletics equipment to student-athletes at no cost? A. Yes, if the giveaway is publicized and anyone in the student body is able to take the equipment. B. Yes, as long as the equipment cannot be used anymore. C. No. The equipment must be valued and sold for whatever it is worth.

Retention of Athletics Equipment
Answer = A. Equipment the institution does not plan to use in subsequent seasons must be made available on the same cost basis to any interested individual, including nonathletes. If selling equipment, permitted to give SAs initial opportunity to purchase. 3/31/00 educational column, item ref. 3 10/21/93 official interpretation, item ref. 1 2000 Column No Bylaw Retention of Athletics Apparel and Equipment Date Issued: March 31, Date Published: March 31, Item Ref: Column 7 #3 Educational Column: Bylaw Retention of Athletics Apparel and Equipment. NCAA member institutions should note that in accordance with Bylaw , a student-athlete may retain athletics apparel items (not equipment) at the end of the individual's collegiate participation. Used equipment may be purchased by the student-athlete on the same cost basis as any other individual interested in purchasing such equipment. It should be noted, however, that the NCAA Administrative Committee, during its October 23, 1986, meeting, confirmed that apparel items that are not reusable by other team members in subsequent seasons (subject to the discretion of the institution) could be considered the property of the involved student-athlete. Equipment items (which the institution does not plan to use in subsequent seasons) must be made available on the same cost basis to any interested individual (including nonathletes) when dispensing such items. Finally, in accordance with Bylaw , a student-athlete may retain and use institutional athletics equipment (per the institution's normal equipment policy) during a summer vacation period. A student-athlete would not be charged with a season of competition per Bylaw for the use of such equipment during a summer vacation period. Summer is defined as the period following the last date of final examinations for the spring term through the first permissible day of preseason practice or first date of classes, whichever occurs earlier. Purchase of used equipment by student-athletes Date Issued: October 21, Date Published: October 21, Item Ref: 1 Interpretation: 1. Purchase of used equipment by student-athletes: The requirement set forth in NCAA Bylaw that used equipment may be purchased by a student-athlete on the same cost basis as any other individual interested in purchasing such equipment does not preclude an institution from initially offering its student-athletes the opportunity to purchase the equipment at the fair market value. Under such circumstances, it is not permissible to provide such equipment to a student-athlete free of charge even if the institution receives such equipment at no cost. [References: (extra benefit) and (retention of athletics apparel and equipment)]

31) Providing List of Donors
Student-athlete selected to participate in outside team tour during summer and needs to raise $1,000 to cover expenses. Can institution give SA list of boosters to ask for donations? A. Yes. B. No, but school can pay since expenses for competition. C. No.

Providing List of Donors
Answer = C. Not permitted to provide list of boosters for SA’s to use in fundraising for outside competition. 5/8/95 official interpretation, item ref. 4 Institution Providing List of Athletics Representatives to Student-Athletes Date Issued: May 8, Date Published: May 8, Item Ref: 4 Interpretation: It is not permissible for an institution to provide to a student-athlete a list of its athletics representatives (i.e., boosters) for the purpose of contacting such individuals to participate in fund-raising activities related to the student-athlete's participation on an outside organization's competitive tour. [References: (extra benefit), (extra-benefit -- general rule) and (expenses for other competition) and IC 06/03/92, Item No. 3]

32) Gift to Parents Golf team has away contest in hometown of a team member. Team stays overnight at home of SA’s parents. Coach sends card and cookie basket to parents as thank you. A. Permissible. B. Permissible only if team paid parents for lodging. C. Not permissible to stay or provide gift.

Gift to Parents Answer = A.
Permitted to provide nominal gift to parents in exchange for services rendered. 7/11/90 staff interpretation, item ref. b 12/30/88 staff interpretation, item ref. b Providing a gift to parents of a student-athlete for services rendered Date Issued: July 11, Date Published: July 11, Item Ref: b Interpretation: b. Providing a Gift to Parents of a Student-Athlete for Services Rendered: Reviewed Bylaw (benefits, gifts and services) in regard to a member institution that wishes to give the parents of a student-athlete a gift for providing the team lodging at their home during an away-from-home contest; determined that such an arrangement would not be considered an extra benefit, provided the gift is of nominal value (e.g., a meal, flowers) and is in exchange for services the parents rendered. Parents receiving benefits in trade for services to coaches Date Issued: December 30, Date Published: December 30, Item Ref: b Interpretation: b. Parents Receiving Benefits in Trade for Services to Coaches: Reviewed a situation in which a member institution proposed to provide the parents of an enrolled student-athlete with free transportation on the team plane on away trips in exchange for free use of rental cars when the coaches make recruiting trips near the parent's car rental business; confirmed that the provisions of Constitution 3-1-(g)-(5) [extra benefits] would preclude such an arrangement with parents, relatives or friends of an enrolled student-athlete; further, the provisions of Bylaw 1-5-(c) [outside organizations, groups or individuals shall not utilize, administer or expend funds for recruiting prospective student-athletes] would require that any arrangement for use of free rental cars must be done with the knowledge and approval of the institution [see 12/30/88 staff interpretation, Item (a)]

Subcommittee for Legislative Relief and Incidental Expense Waivers

Subcommittee for Legislative Relief
Processes waivers of the awards and benefits legislation (among other bylaws). Available through AMA Online system. Must file BEFORE providing award, benefit or expenses. Once impermissible award, benefit or expense is provided = Violation.

Incidental Expense Waivers
Additional expenses incidental to a SA’s participation in athletics. No competitive advantage for the institution. Does not compromise intent of the legislation. Also processed through the Subcommittee for Legislative Relief.

Incidental Expense Waivers
Previously approved incidental expense waivers. 10/28/08 Educational column. Processed on campus or through conference. Typically occur within four areas. Transportation. – Misfortune. Miscellaneous. – Celebratory Events. Educational Column -- Previously-Approved Division III Incidental-Expense (III) Date Issued: August 1, Date Published: October 28, Item Ref: 2 Educational Column: Effective August 1, 2008, NCAA Division III institutions should note that the NCAA Division III Management Council Subcommittee for Legislative Relief (SLR) [formerly the Administrative Review Subcommittee (ARS)] has the authority to review incidental expense waivers (NCAA Bylaw 16.12). These requests were previously processed by the NCAA Division III Management Council Administrative Committee. Bylaw permits institutions and conferences to process incidental expenses, without the need for a waiver, provided the specific fact pattern of the institution's or conference's expense request is identical to a request that has been previously approved. If there is no direct on-point precedent for approval of the expense, the institution or conference must submit a formal SLR waiver application to the NCAA National Office. Division III institutions may access the SLR waiver application on the NCAA Web site ( [Note: Incidental expense waivers are only available for student-athletes and do not apply to prospective student-athletes. If an institution or conference wishes to provide a benefit/expense to a prospective student-athlete that is normally impermissible under the legislation, the institution or conference may consider filing a SLR waiver request for Bylaw 13.2 (offers and inducements) or Bylaw (precollege expenses).] Miscellaneous Expenses. To reimburse a student-athlete for the cost of long-distance telephone calls related to the hiring of a new head coach. All waivers prior to the federation (August 1, 1997) are applicable to all divisions. The following is an exhaustive list of waiver requests that have been approved prior to the federation and can be approved by Divisions I, II and III institutions/conferences without submitting a formal waiver request to the NCAA. Transportation Expenses. Transportation expenses to attend a conference on lifestyle choices and leadership training, the Apple conference or a symposium on girls and women in a sport located outside the state in which the institution is located. Transportation expenses for the difference in cost of an airline ticket to fly home for the holidays when the flight has to be changed as a result of the institution's competition schedule in the sport. Transportation expenses to student-athletes to attend a reception where their coach will be honored. Transportation expenses to a student-athlete to return home for the birth of his child. Transportation expenses to a student-athlete to return to campus during spring break to train for an NCAA championship. Misfortune Expenses. Expenses for the repair of a student-athlete's car that was damaged by a student manager. Expenses to replace items belonging to a student-athlete that were stolen from the student-athlete's car, from the student-athlete's dormitory room or during team travel.

Preapproved – Transportation
Transportation expenses to return home for the birth of the SA’s baby. Transportation expenses for a SA to attend the funeral of a family member, teammate, former teammate, coach or former coach. Transportation expenses for student-athletes to visit an ailing teammate.

Preapproved – Misfortune
Expenses to provide lodging for student-athletes who were displaced by a disaster (e.g., fire, hurricane). Provide expenses to a SA to repair his or her automobile, which was vandalized during an away-from-home contest when the automobile was parked in a lot used by student-athletes when they travel. Purchase a temporary handicapped parking pass for an injured SA.

Preapproved – Miscellaneous
Permit an institution to pay for housing expenses (e.g., rent costs, utility bills) for the rest of the semester to a SA when his or her roommate dies. Expenses to reimburse a student-athlete for the cost of long-distance telephone calls related to the hiring of a new head coach. Member conference to provide T-shirts as mementos for conference student-athlete advisory committee.

Preapproved – Celebratory Events
Permit institution's coaching staff to purchase gifts (valued at less than $25) for one of their pregnant team members. Provide automobile and meal expenses for student-athletes to attend a banquet honoring their coach.

Summary Key definitions. Primary areas. Honest ABE Trivia. Waivers.
Incidental expense waivers. Subcommittee for Legislative Relief. Questions?

Division III Awards, Benefits and Expenses

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Division III Awards, Benefits and Expenses

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