Employing student-athletes

Learn how to maintain a culture of compliance at the University of Miami.

Throughout the academic year, many University of Miami student-athletes participate in various internships and different types of employment opportunities. While it is permissible for representatives of athletics interests, or boosters, to employ student-athletes, there are a few NCAA regulations that must be followed to ensure the eligibility of our student-athletes. These regulations also apply to University faculty and staff members.

Student-athletes can earn only the going rate in the locale of their employment. This means, for example, that if the going wage in a certain field is $20 an hour, it would be impermissible to pay a student-athlete $50 an hour for the same job. 

Additionally, student-athletes may be paid only for work actually performed and, to ensure the work is actually completed, should not be paid in advance. There have been many NCAA violations concerning student-athletes who were paid for work they never performed. Student-athletes who receive payment without performing work would jeopardize their eligibility and subject UM to seek their reinstatement, or face other potential penalties. 

Student-athlete employment is different from a student-athlete engaging in a name, image, and likeness (NIL) activity. A student-athlete who engages in an NIL activity is using their NIL in an activity in exchange for receiving some type of benefit, which could be in the form of payment. Student-athlete employment is where a student-athlete is performing work while not using their NIL, and they must be treated the same as all other employees in a similar position. Student-athletes may be employed by the University of Miami, but the University of Miami and its staff may not “cause compensation” for an NIL activity.

Before hiring a student-athlete, complete an employer verification form, which is available at miamihurricanes.com/compliance. For more information, contact UM athletics at athleticscompliance@miami.edu or 305-284-2692. 

Find more compliance reminders, including what constitutes a benefit for student-athletes and how to communicate with prospective student-athletes.