Compliance

Compliance Question of the Week
For the week of July 31, 2006

Scholarship Offers at Camp 

Question:

During Swim Fast University's institutional summer camp, Coach Lane is impressed with prospect Suzy Sprinter's workouts. After the evening camp session, Coach Lane walks back to the dorms with a group of campers, including Suzy. Coach Lane pulls Suzy aside and asks her some questions about her swimming background. When Suzy responds that she has been swimming for 5 years, would love to swim in college and has always dreamt of swimming for Swim Fast University, Coach Lane mentions that she may have some scholarship funds available for Suzy and tells her that she would like to meet with her after camp is over to discuss Suzy's interest in attending Swim Fast University. Has Coach Lane committed a violation? If yes, at what point did Coach Lane commit the violation?

Answer:

Yes, Coach Lane has committed a violation. Coach Lane committed the violation when she mentioned that she may have scholarship money available for Suzy and tells Suzy that she wants to meet with her once camp is over. This conversation does not pertain to camp activities and would be considered a recruiting conversation. In order for a coach to have recruiting contact or conversation with a prospect, all camp activities must be concluded and the prospect must have been released from camp. The compliance office strongly suggests that the prospect depart campus after camp and prior to commencing an official or unofficial visit, so that there is a clear line of demarcation between camp activities and recruiting activities. Per NCAA Bylaw 13.12.2.3, any institutional staff member employed at any camp or clinic (either institutional or noninstitutional - remember that "institutional" still applies to coaches who are incorporated) is prohibited from recruiting any prospect during the time period that the camp or clinic is conducted (i.e., from the time the prospect reports to the camp or clinic until the conclusion of all camp activities). The prohibition against recruiting includes extending verbal or written offers of financial aid to any prospect during his or her attendance at the camp or clinic.