Buckeye Fans & Boosters
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ohio State responsible for the actions of its boosters and booster groups?
Yes. Boosters are subject to the same NCAA and institutional rules that govern Ohio State Department of Athletics staff members. If a violation of these rules occurs, even unintentionally, it may jeopardize a prospect’s or current student-athlete’s eligibility.
Can boosters be involved in the recruiting process?
Boosters are prohibited in engaging in any recruiting activities either on or off campus. A booster can speak on the phone to a prospect only if the prospect initiates the telephone call and the call is not for recruiting purposes.
Is there any way a booster can help identify prospects?
A booster can assist the coaching staff in the recruiting process by notifying them of any student they think would be a strong addition to the University and the athletics program. Boosters may also send Ohio State’s coaching staff any newspaper clippings or other information about prospects. The coach can then make the appropriate contact. Boosters are also permitted to attend high school or two year college athletic contests or other events where prospects may compete on their own. Boosters are not permitted to contact the prospect or the prospect’s parent(s) or legal guardian(s) at these events.
If a booster is friends with a couple whose child is being recruited by Ohio State, is it permissible for the booster to continue the friendship?
Yes, the booster may continue the existing relationship, but is not permitted to discuss Ohio State’s athletics program. Encourage the family to contact the Ohio State Department of Athletics directly.
Is it permissible for a booster to arrange employment for a prospect or student-athlete during the summer?
It is permissible for a booster to arrange employment for a prospect in the summer only after they have signed a National Letter of Intent and after the prospect has graduated from high school. It is permissible for a booster to arrange employment for a current student-athlete provided the student-athlete is compensated for work actually performed and at a rate commensurate with the going rate for similar services. The student-athlete must register their employment with the Athletic Compliance Office.
Is it permissible for a booster to arrange employment for a prospect or student-athlete during the academic year?
It is not permissible for a booster to arrange employment for a prospect prior to signing a National Letter of Intent and graduating from high school. It is permissible for a booster to arrange employment for a current student-athlete. The student-athlete must be compensated for work actually performed and at a rate commensurate with the going rate for similar services. The student-athlete must register their employment with the Athletic Compliance Office.
Is it permissible for a booster to have a student-athlete or team over to his/her home for a meal?
Yes. A student-athlete or team may receive an occasional home meal from a booster under the following conditions:
– The meal is in an individual’s home, not a restaurant. The meal may be catered.
– The meal is restricted to infrequent and special occasions. Ohio State defines occasional as no more than once per month.
– University staff members and boosters may provide reasonable local transportation to student-athletes to attend the meal.
– The Athletic Compliance Office approves the occasional meal in advance. |
When an Ohio State team is competing in a city with an Ohio State Alumni Club, is it permissible for the alumni club to provide dinner for the team?
Yes, it is permissible for the alumni club to host an event that includes the entire team while in a local for away from home competition.
Is it permissible for an Ohio State booster club to finance a team banquet?
Yes, one time per year, an institution’s athletics booster club may finance an intercollegiate team’s transportation expenses to a recognition banquet, provided all expenses are paid through Ohio State’s Department of Athletics, the location of the event is not more than 100 miles from the campus and not tangible award us provided to members of the team.
The information contained in this list of frequently asked questions does not represent every possible question or situation. If you have any questions regarding prospects, student-athletes, or NCAA rules and regulations, please contact the Athletic Compliance Office: by phone at (614) 292-2681 or by e-mail at compliance@buckeyes.ath.ohio-state.edu
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