According to NCAA legislature, an extra benefit is any free special arrangement or gift provided by an institutional employee, a representative of the institution’s athletics interests (booster), or any other entity/individual to a student-athlete or prospective student-athlete—including their relatives or friends—because of their ability or status as a student-athlete, and that arrangement or gift is not available to the general public or student-body.
There are many types of benefits that the University of Miami provides to our student-athletes that are not extra benefits. General academic counseling and tutoring services are available to student-athletes. The institution also may provide student development and career counseling, the use of computers, meals, transportation, school supplies, and other services and benefits.
The University of Miami asks that boosters, community members, and institutional employees refrain from providing extra benefits to student-athletes and prospective student-athletes. The following are examples of extra benefits that should not be provided to student-athletes or prospective student-athletes.
- Money, loans, bonds, or co-signing of loans.
- Free transportation that may include airline tickets, bus tickets, or the use of a car or boat.
- Free storage.
- Free merchandise, such as clothing and video games.
- Free entertainment, including access to sporting events, movies, concerts, and nightclubs.
- Free lodging, such as hotel rooms or accommodations at an apartment or house.
- Free meals.
- Discounted merchandise.
- Free use of a credit card, calling card, or other method of payment.
Acceptance of an extra benefit by a student-athlete or prospective student-athlete—including their family or friends—could result in penalties such as loss of athletic eligibility, repayment of the value of the benefit, suspension from the team, and NCAA reinstatement.
For questions about which benefits are allowed or for more information, contact UM athletics at athleticscompliance@miami.edu or 305-284-2692.
Read more compliance reminders.
