A Guide to NCAA Rules for Alumni and Friends of NMU

Introduction:

We hope to provide you with a basic understanding of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Association (GLlAC), and the Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA) rules and regulations that you should know as someone who cares about Northern Michigan University Intercollegiate Athletics. While this does not include all applicable provisions, it does include many common situations encountered by alumni and friends.

Compliance with NCAA, GLlAC, and CCHA rules is of the highest priority for our athletic program and institution. The NCAA holds Northern Michigan University responsible for the actions of its boosters and fans.

We are proud to have the loyal support of and continued interest in our athletic programs by alumni and friends. We strive for excellence and the highest standard of ethical conduct. With your assistance and cooperation, we believe we can accomplish both goals.

Rules Governing Enrolled Student-Athletes:

DO NOT provide an "extra benefit" or special arrangement to an enrolled student-athlete. The extra benefit rule for student-athletes, their relatives, and friends states that you:

• MAY NOT give student-athletes cash or loans in any amount.
• MAY NOT employ a student-athlete at a rate of pay that is higher than the going rate for other employees.
• MAY NOT give them gifts of any kind or free services.
• MAY NOT provide special discounts for goods or services.
• MAY NOT provide them hospitality in your home or camp.
• MAY NOT provide them transportation within or outside of a campus area.
• MAY NOT provide tickets to an athletic, institutional or community event.
• MAY NOT provide promise of financial aid for postgraduate education.
• MAY NOT provide promise to a student-athlete of employment after college.

Rules Governing Prospective Student-Athletes:

Only coaches and athletic department staff members can be involved in the recruiting process. This rule states that anyone involved with Northern Michigan University, including alumni and friends:

• DO NOT telephone, write or make in-person contact (on or off campus) with a prospective student-athlete for the purpose of soliciting his/her participation in NMU athletics.
• DO NOT contact a prospective student-athlete's coach, principal or counselor in an attempt to evaluate the prospect and do not visit the prospect's high school to pick up transcripts or films.
• DO NOT provide free or reduced price tickets to any NMU home or away contest to prospects, their relatives, or friends.
• DO NOT employ, or promise to employ, relatives or friends of a prospect as an inducement for his/her enrollment at NMU.
• DO attend high school athletic events that you would usually attend. You simply cannot have any contact with the prospect or his/her relatives.
• DO continue friendships with families with whom you have had a previously established relationship. You simply cannot encourage a prospect's participation in NMU athletics or provide benefits.

Need more information?

If you have any questions concerning a prospective or enrolled student-athlete, please direct your inquiry to:

Ken Godfrey, Athletic Director or
Bridget Berube, Senior Woman Administrator / Compliance Officer  
Northern Michigan University
PEIF 226
Marquette, MI 49855
906-227-2105