What Spider Alumni and Friends Should Know
WHO ARE UR'S BOOSTERS?
You are considered a booster if you belong to the Spider Club or other athletic support groups for UR athletics; contribute to UR's athletic program in any way; are involved in any manner in providing benefits to enrolled student-athletes or their families (e.g., summer jobs); assist in the recruitment of prospects; or are involved in promoting UR's athletics program.
As a booster, UR is responsible for anything you do relating to prospective and enrolled student-athletes, their families or friends, whether it be by accident or on purpose. Once you become a booster, you remain so indefinitely.
RULES GOVERNING PROSPECTIVE STUDENT-ATHLETES
Definition of a Prospective Student-Athlete: A prospective student-athlete or prospect is any student who has started classes for the ninth grade. A prospect remains a prospect even after signing a National Letter of Intent to attend a particular institution or enrolling in a preparatory school or junior college.
You are prohibited from making in-person on- or off-campus recruiting contacts with, writing to, or calling prospects or their relatives or legal guardians.
You may not entertain, buy a complimentary meal for, transport to on- or off-campus events, or expend any funds on the prospect or his/her guardians, relatives, or friends.
You may view a prospect's contest on your initiative, subject to the understanding that you may not contact the prospect. You may contact a UR coach if you know of a talented student-athlete who might benefit our program or who is already interested in attending UR. Feel free to send recommendation letters, newspaper clippings or similar information about prospects to coaches.
You may not contribute to the payment of registration fees for prospects to attend sports summer camps.
You may not mail anything including newspapers, clippings, posters, programs, etc. to prospects or their families.
You may not transport, entertain, or provide expenses for a high school, preparatory school, or two-year college coach.
RULES GOVERNING CURRENTLY ENROLLED STUDENT-ATHLETES
You may not provide any special benefits (e.g., clothes, cars, jewelry, electronic/stereo equipment) for a student-athlete.
You may not allow a student-athlete to use a phone or credit card without charge or at a reduced cost.
You may provide summer employment provided the athlete is paid only for work actually performed and at a rate commensurate with the going rate in that locality for similar services. Transportation related to the job may not be provided unless it is provided to all employees in that particular job.
You may provide an occasional family home meal. The meal must be provided in an individual's home and must be restricted to infrequent and special occasions.
You may not buy Christmas, birthday, or other gifts or provide awards for athletic performance to any student-athlete.
WHAT IF THERE IS A VIOLATION?
Violations of NCAA legislation will result in the ineligibility of the involved prospect/student-athlete at UR. In addition, multiple violations can jeopardize an entire program. Provisions of extra benefits can result in the institution being placed on probation or forfeiture of games, revenues, and/or championships. As a booster, you may be given certain benefits or privileges associated with your contributions; any such benefits or privileges may be withheld if you engage in conduct that is determined to be a violation of NCAA legislation.
The Assistant Director of Athletics/Compliance is Julie Hutchins. She is available to answer questions as they arise.
