The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
Boosters - FAQ
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who is a prospective student-athlete?
Per NCAA Bylaw 13.02.12, a prospective student-athlete (prospect) is a student who has started classes for the ninth grade. In addition, a student who has not started classes for the ninth grade becomes a prospective student-athlete if the institution provides such an individual (or the individual's relatives or friends) any financial assistance or other benefits that the institution does not generally provide to prospective students. An individual remains a prospective student-athlete until one of the following occurs (whichever is earlier):
- The individual officially registers and enrolls in a minimum full-time program of studies and attends classes in any term of a four-year collegiate institution's regular academic year (excluding summer);
- The individual participates in a regular squad practice or competition at a four-year collegiate institution that occurs before the beginning of any term;
- The individual officially registers, enrolls and attends classes during the certifying institution's summer term prior to his or her initial full-time enrollment at the certifying institution;
- The individual reports to an institutional orientation session that is open to all incoming students within 14 calendar days prior to the opening day of classes of a regular year team; or
May I ever make in-person contact or initiate a telephone call with a prospective student-athlete?
You may contact or call a prospective student-athlete only after he or she has signed a National Letter of Intent or scholarship agreement or made a housing deposit with UAB.
Who is an enrolled UAB student-athlete?
An enrolled student-athlete is any student who is enrolled at UAB and is presently participating on a varsity athletics team or has completed his/her eligibility but is still enrolled at the university.
What is a contact?
A contact is any face-to-face encounter between a prospect or the prospect's parent/legal guardian and a UAB booster during which any dialogue occurs in excess of an exchange of a greeting. Any such face-to-face encounter that is prearranged or that takes place on the grounds of the prospect's educational institution or at the site of an organized competition/practice involving the prospect or the prospect's high school, preparatory school, two-year college or all-star team shall be considered a contact, regardless of the conversation that occurs.
What is an evaluation of a prospect?
An evaluation is any off-campus activity designed to assess the academic qualifications or athletics ability of a prospect, including any visit to a prospect's educational institution (during which no contact occurs) or the observation of a prospect participating in any practice or competition at any site.
What is the definition of recruiting?
Recruiting is any solicitation of a prospect or the prospect's family by a university employee or booster for the purpose of securing the prospect's enrollment at the university and/or participation in the athletics program. All recruiting must be done by designated members of the UAB athletics department.
What do I do if..?
With all the rules that are out there, sometimes you may find yourself in a situation and not know what the limitations may be. Here are just a few common situations you may encounter. In addition, always feel free to contact the UAB Compliance Office for specific questions and concerns!
No, you may continue to enjoy the same relationship with the family that you had before the child became a prospect. You may not, however, use your relationship to urge that the son or daughter chooses UAB, and you may not allow a coach to enlist you in the recruitment process.
NCAA rules prohibit boosters from having in-person contacts with prospects, their families or their coaches. However, the rules recognize that a booster may inadvertently (without pre-arrangement) come into contact with a prospect in a public place, such as the grocery store or a mall. In this situation, the booster may exchange polite greetings with the prospect, but must then terminate the encounter. However, if the booster intentionally goes to a site where the prospect is competing, there is NO contact allowed.
Yes, you may. Be sure, though, that you do not have any recruiting contact with the prospects.
No. A discount that is specifically designed for student-athletes is considered an extra benefit and against NCAA rules. However, if you provide a discount to all UAB students or the general public, then student-athletes can also receive the same discount.
No. The NCAA's prohibition on extra benefits for student-athletes also applies to their relatives and friends.
No. NCAA rules prohibit contact with the prospect and family members, the coach, the principal, and counselors.
Yes. Arrangements for the event must be made with the head coach and the athletics department in advance. However, the meal must be provided in an individual's home, on the UAB campus, or at a facility regularly used for home competitions. The meal may be catered.
- The son or daughter of an old friend is being actively recruited by a UAB coach. Do I have to stop having any contact with the prospect and his or her parents?
- What should I do if I encounter a prospect while watching my son or daughter's high school/club/AAU athletics contest?
- May I attend a public event - for example; a community picnic or a high school banquet or awards dinner - if prospects are also in attendance?
- May I give a discount on clothing, food or car rentals to student-athletes or prospects as part of my business?
- May I loan my car to the parents of a student-athlete who are in town visiting their son or daughter?
- May I talk to a prospect's coach after an athletics event, before I inform the UAB coach about the prospect?
- If an UAB team is competing in a city with a UAB Alumni Club, can the club host a team dinner?
