The NCAA defines a prospective student-athlete as any individual in high school, regardless of whether that person is being recruited by the University of Miami or plays a sport. Per the rules, an institution, its employees, and its boosters may not offer, provide, or arrange financial assistance or other such benefits to prospective student-athletes.
While the University is permitted to provide certain benefits to prospective student-athletes, including tickets to University of Miami games—provided the tickets have been verified by the compliance office—institutional staff members and boosters are not permitted to provide any type of “pre-college expenses” to anyone who is a prospective student-athlete. Therefore, it is impermissible for any institutional staff members to donate or give away their tickets to high school-aged individuals.
Additionally, donating tickets or other items to be auctioned off for a high school is specifically prohibited, as the funds raised by these auctions go directly to prospective student-athletes, even if they are not earmarked for specific individuals.
UM boosters and employees must contact the compliance office for guidance before providing any benefits to current and prospective student-athletes.
For questions or more information, contact UM athletics at athleticscompliance@miami.edu or connect with them on Twitter and Facebook, @UCompliance.
Read more compliance reminders.
