Regardless of a high school student’s status as a recruit by the University or involvement in a sport in general, the NCAA rules prohibit an institution, its staff members, or boosters from offering, providing, or arranging financial assistance or other benefits. As a result of COVID-19, the NCAA instated a temporary recruiting dead period, currently extended through Jan. 1, 2021. During this time, the University athletics department may provide limited benefits to prospective student-athletes, including complimentary admissions to University of Miami games, provided the tickets have been verified by the compliance office.
While the University’s athletics department has some leeway, individual staff members and boosters may not provide any type of pre-college expenses to a prospective student-athlete, which is any individual in high school, including complimentary admission to an event. This extends to donations of tickets or other items to be auctioned for a high school fundraiser since the funds raised by the event go directly to prospective student-athletes, even if they are not earmarked for specific individuals.
University employees and boosters may contact the compliance office for guidance on permissible benefits and to learn more. Contact UM athletics at athleticscompliance@miami.edu or 305-284-2692.
Read more compliance reminders.
