Amateur Status
Only an amateur student-athlete, as defined by NCAA regulations, is eligible for intercollegiate competition in a particular sport. An individual loses amateur status and thus shall not be eligible for intercollegiate competition in a particular sport if the individual:
1. Uses his or her athletics skill (directly or indirectly) for pay in any form in that sport;
2. Accepts a promise of pay even if such pay is to be received following completion of intercollegiate athletics participation;
3. Signs a contract or verbally gives a commitment of any kind to play professional athletics, regardless of its legal enforceability of any consideration received;
4. Receives, directly or indirectly, a salary, reimbursement of expenses or any other form of financial assistance from a professional sports organization based upon athletics skill or participation, except as permitted by NCAA rules and regulations;
5. Competes on any professional athletics team and knows (or had reason to know) that the team is a professional athletics team, even if no pay or remuneration for expenses was received; or
6. Enters into a professional draft or an agreement (either written or oral) with an agent or other entity to negotiate a professional contract.
Agents
A student-athlete will be considered ineligible for participation in an intercollegiate sport if he or she has ever agreed (orally or in writing ) to be represented by an agent for the purpose of marketing his or her athletic ability or reputation in that sport. Further, an agency contract not specifically limited in writing to a sport or particular sports would be deemed applicable to all sports, and the individual would be considered ineligible to participate in any sport.
A student-athlete is not permitted to sign an agreement with an attorney or financial advisor for the purpose of representation during the screening process of inquiries and offers from agents. The student-athlete (and his or her relatives and friends) is not permitted to accept any tangible benefits (e.g., gifts, money, etc.) from an agent and/or the representative of an agent, nor are they permitted to enter into a written or verbal agreement for future representation by an agent after the student-athlete's eligibility has been expired.
In addition, student-athletes who have any questions about professional sports agents, accepting prize money for athletics contests, receiving payment of expenses or gifts of any kind, endorsing or advertising products or activities, owning their own businesses, or working as a model or performer should consult with the Office of Student Life and Compliance immediately. Violations of the amateur status regulations are possible in all of these areas. For additional information about this topic, please see the Agents and Careers in Pro Athletics web page.
Promotional Activities
The NCAA has strict guidelines regarding the use of a student-athlete's name picture or likeness to promote any commercial entity or product. A student-athlete's involvement in any promotional event must be approved in advance by the Office of Student Life and Compliance, even if the activity is conducted by an institutional, educational, charitable or non-profit organization.
Student-Athletes at the University of Pittsburgh are recognized as representatives of the University of Pittsburgh, both on and off campus. During your athletic careers at Pitt, you may be asked to participate in a variety of promotional activities (if deemed permissible) on behalf of:
• Pitt Athletics;
• Other entities of the University community, such as fraternities, sororities and various campus groups and/or Departments;
• Nonprofit and charitable organizations;
• Local schools and educational centers; and
• City of Pittsburgh community service initiatives.
It is important to note that Pitt student-athletes may NOT endorse or promote in any manner (explicitly or implicitly) any commercial product or service. Doing so will immediately jeopardize your eligibility.
The following policy is in place to review/monitor promotional activities for nonprofit, charitable and University of Pittsburgh entities that student-athletes may be involved in:
1. Written Permission: The student-athlete must get written permission to participate from the Office of Student Life and Compliance, using the "Promotional Activities Approval Form."
2. Written Release: The student-athlete and an authorized representative of the charitable or educational agency must sign a release statement, included on the approval form, ensuring that the student-athlete's name, image or appearance is used in a manner consistent with NCAA rules.
3. No commercial involvement: The specific activity or project in which the student-athlete participates must not have any commercial involvement other than a logo appearing on material, such as pictures, posters or calendars. For example, you could not wear any apparel (e.g., t-shirt) with a corporation's logo, which would imply your endorsement of that entity/product.
4. No payment to student-athlete except for normal expenses: All monies derived from the activity or project goes directly to the member institution or the charitable/educational agency. The student-athlete may accept legitimate or normal expenses, such as a meal, mileage and/or parking, as long as the benefit is approved in advance by the Office of Student Life and Compliance.
5. Classes: The student-athlete must not miss any classes to participate in the activity.
In addition, participation by a student-athlete in any outside activities/competitions that are related to your sport (e.g., charity basketball tournament, softball games, etc.), both during the academic year and vacation periods (e.g., summer, holidays), must first be reviewed and approved by the Pitt Department of Athletics. In an effort to ensure that your eligibility will not be affected by participating in these types of events, please contact Charles Small (412-383-5826; cls12@pitt.edu) and Rick Christensen (412-648-8237; rchristensen@athletics.pitt.edu) in the Office of Student Life and Compliance.
Extra Benefits
An extra benefit is considered to be any special arrangement or preferential treatment given to prospective student-athletes or enrolled student-athletes, their families/relatives, and/or their friends that is not expressly authorized by NCAA regulations. Receipt by a student-athlete of an impermissible award, benefit or expense allowance can render the individual ineligible. Some examples of extra benefits that are not allowed are:
• Entertainment (such as tickets to sporting events, concerts, movies, meals at a restaurant, etc.) paid for by Panther Club donors, alumni, fans or others not related to you
• Money, loans or transportation services not available to all other University of Pittsburgh students
• Discounts on tickets, services, products or rent not available to all other Pitt students
• Use of an automobile (except owned by you or your family)
• Meals at a restaurant provided by athletic boosters, alumni, fans, or others not related to you
• Free or discounted typing services
• Use of telephone or telephone credit card at no charge
• Use of copy/fax machine at no charge or reduced rate
• Co-signing of loans (except by family members)
Sports Wagering Activities
In NCAA Bylaw 10.02.1, Sports Wagering is defined as placing , accepting or soliciting a wager (on a staff member's or student-athlete's own behalf or on the behalf of others) of any type with any individual or organization on any intercollegiate, amateur or professional team or contest. Examples of prohibited sports wagering activities include (but are not limited to):
1. Use of a bookmaker or parlay card;
2. Internet sports wagering;
3. Auctions in which bids are placed on teams, individuals or contests; and
4. Pools (e.g., "March Madness" bracket sheets) or fantasy leagues in which an entry fee is required and there is an opportunity to win a prize.
As per NCAA Bylaw 10.3, student-athletes should not knowingly:
1. Provide information to individuals involved in or associated with any type of sports wagering
activities concerning intercollegiate, amateur or professional athletics competition;
2. Solicit a bet on any intercollegiate team;
3. Accept a bet on any team representing the institution;
4. Solicit or accept a bet on any intercollegiate competition for any item (e.g., cash, shirt, dinner); or
5. Participate in any gambling activity that involves intercollegiate athletics or professional athletics,
through a bookmaker, a parlay card or any other method employed by organized gambling.
In addition, the following interpretations apply:
Soliciting or accepting a wager for a material item: The provisions of NCAA bylaw 10.3 do not permit a student-athlete from soliciting or accepting a wager for a non-monetary material item (e.g., shirt, jersey, meal) that has tangible value in exchange for the possibility of gaining another item of value. It should be noted, however, that institutions that compete against each other may agree to participate for a tangible item (e.g., governors cup), provided no student-athletes receive any tangible item.
Wagering on professional sports contests: The prohibition against student-athletes from participating in gambling activities associated with professional sports events is applicable only to those sports in which the Association conducts championship competition, bowl subdivision football and emerging women's sports.
As a student-athlete, you are responsible for the following as it related to sports wagering activities:
1. Reporting any offers of gifts, money or favors in exchange for supplying team information or for attempting to alter the outcome of any contest to the appropriate staff member (i.e., Coach, Administrative Staff);
2. Maintaining a clear understanding of what constitutes sports wagering, gambling and bribery activities and reporting any suspected infractions;
3. Contacting a coach or other Departmental personnel (i.e., Media Relations Staff) when questions concerning appropriate release of team information occur; and
4. Increasing your awareness that participation in sports wagering or bribery activities can result in disciplinary actions by the university and the NCAA, as well as local, state and/or federal prosecution of the involved individuals.
Outside Competition
Competition and practice on outside teams during the academic year and in the summer are restricted in different ways for different sports. You can jeopardize your eligibility by participating on an outside team in some cases and NCAA rules are specific pertaining to the number of teammates from each institution that can be on the same team. Please note that prior to involvement in any type of organized competition or practice with a non-Pitt amateur team, you must receive approval from your head coach, the Office of Student Life and Compliance, and the Director of Athletics.
Drug Education and Screening
Both the NCAA and the University of Pittsburgh have mandatory drug screening programs. You must agree in writing to be tested by the NCAA and the University before you can become eligible for practice and competition.
NCAA DRUG TESTING PROGRAM
Each year, student-athletes will sign a consent form demonstrating their understanding and willingness to participate in the NCAA drug-testing program. The NCAA requires this consent for any student-athletes before they begin participation each year. Failure to complete and sign the statement shall result in the student-athlete being ineligible for all intercollegiate competition.
By signing the NCAA Drug Consent Form, you agree to allow the NCAA to test you in relation to any participation in an NCAA Championship or post-season competition. The NCAA tests for any banned substances listed in Bylaw 31.2.3. Your coach, Athletic Trainer or the Office of Student Life & Compliance can provide an updated list of banned drugs by the NCAA. For the current list of 2006-07 banned drug classes, please refer to the end of this section.
Additionally, all student-athletes are now subject to year round drug testing administered by the NCAA. By signing the Drug Testing Consent Form, you also agree to be tested on a year round basis (including the summer) for anabolic agents, diuretics and urine manipulators. You must keep your coaches informed any time you leave town. The NCAA generally gives only 24 hours notice for their year round drug testing. Therefore, your coaches must know how to reach you.
If the NCAA tests you for the banned drugs listed in Bylaw 31.2.3 and you test positive (consistent with NCAA drug-testing protocol), you will be ineligible to participate in regular-season and postseason competition for one calendar year (i.e., 365 days) after your positive drug test and you will be charged with the loss of a minimum of one season of competition in all sports.
If you test positive in an NCAA drug test a second time for the use of any drug, other than a "street drug" as defined in Bylaw 31.2.3, you will lose all remaining regular season and postseason eligibility in all sports. If you test positive for the use of a "street drug" after being restored to eligibility, you will be charged with the loss of one additional season of competition in all sports and also remain ineligible for regular season and postseason competition at least through the next calendar year.
Keep in mind, the penalty for missing a scheduled NCAA drug test is the same penalty for testing positive for the use of a banned drug. You will remain ineligible until you retest negative and your eligibility has been restored by the NCAA Committee on Student-Athlete Reinstatement, after loss of eligibility, as noted above.
Supplements
Many nutritional/dietary supplements contain NCAA banned substances. Some supplements may lead to a positive NCAA or University of Pittsburgh drug test. The use of supplements is at the student-athlete's own risk. Student-athletes should contact their trainer or head coach before taking any supplements.
Employment of Student-Athletes
Employment Approval--Fall, Spring and Summer
In order to protect your eligibility and to ensure that the University is in compliance with NCAA regulations for employment, all student-athletes must request approval before accepting a job during the fall, spring and summer terms. Failure to do so may result in the potential loss of eligibility. Student-athletes seeking approval must follow the employment approval procedure set forth by the Athletic Department.
All information regarding procedure, rationale and applicable NCAA rules will be distributed and explained during the Fall Team Compliance Meetings or at the time an individual joins a team. All student-athletes who wish to be employed during the Fall and Spring terms, and in the summer, must complete the Employment Approval Request Form prior to accepting employment. The form must be completed and the Office of Student Life and Compliance must approve it prior to beginning employment.
It is the responsibility of the student-athlete to see that each section of the Employment Approval Request Form is completed and signed by the appropriate individuals. Student-Athletes are required to obtain approval each academic year.
• To obtain a form, please stop by or call the Office of Student Life & Compliance at (412) 648-8218.
Criteria Governing Compensation to Student-Athletes
All compensation received by a student-athlete must be consistent with the regulation set forth by the NCAA. Compensation may be paid to a student-athlete:
1. Only for legitimate work actually performed; and
2. At a rate commensurate with the going rate in that locality for similar services.
Fee-for-Lesson Instruction
A student-athlete may receive compensation for teaching or coaching sports skills or techniques in his or her sport on a Fee-for-Lesson Instruction ("private lesson") basis. Only under the following circumstances may a student-athlete receive pay for fee-for-lesson:
1. Pitt facilities are not used,
2. "Playing" Lessons are not taking place (there must be instruction),
3. The Compliance Office has on file (in advance) documentation of the lesson, and the fees charged during any time of the year,
4. Payment for lessons must be paid by the recipient (or recipient's family) and not another individual or entity.
The Office of Student Life and Compliance also monitors student-athletes' involvement in this type of arrangement as well. To obtain a Fee-for-Less Instruction Form, please contact the Office of Student Life and Compliance.
NCAA Special Assistance Fund (SAF)
The NCAA has made limited funding available through conference offices for certain groups of student-athletes who are experiencing financial need. The following questions and answers help provide you with basic information regarding the NCAA Special Assistance Fund (SAF):
Q: Who may apply for the funding?
A:
1. Pell eligible student-athletes (except non-qualifiers in their initial year of residence) including student-athletes who have exhausted their athletic eligibility or are no longer able to participate because of medical reasons.
2. Student-athletes who are receiving countable athletically related financial aid and who have demonstrated financial need as determined by an analysis conducted consistent with Federal methodology or the methodology used for all students at the University.
3. For a foreign student-athlete, an official foreign student-athlete advisory entity of the institution, outside the athletics department, must certify in writing that the student-athlete has financial need.
Q: What can I use the funds for?
A: The NCAA has set the program up in this way:
Student-athletes who receive PELL grants and foreign students who receive full scholarships and have properly documented "unmet need" may apply for funds for the following purposes:
1. Articles of clothing and shoes and other essential items, up to $500 for the year.
2. Medical or dental expenses not already covered by personal or institutional insurance,
3. Hearing aids,
4. Vision therapy (glasses, contacts),
5. Off-campus psychological counseling,
6. Travel expenses for parents or student-athletes related to family emergencies,
7. Purchase of expendable academic course supplies (e.g., notebooks, pens) and rental of nonexpendable
supplies (e.g., computer equipment, cameras) that are required for all students enrolled in the course (Please submit a syllabus or letter from the instructor), and/or
Students who do not receive PELL grants, but do receive athletics scholarships and have properly documented "unmet financial need" may apply for funding for the following purposes:
1. Medical or dental expenses not already covered by personal or institutional insurance,
2. Hearing aids,
3. Vision therapy (glasses, contacts),
4. Off-campus psychological counseling,
5. Travel expenses for parents or student-athletes related to family emergencies, and/or
6. Purchase of expendable academic course supplies (e.g., notebooks, pens) and rental of nonexpendable supplies (e.g., computer equipment, cameras) that are required for all students enrolled in the course (please submit a syllabus or letter from the instructor).
Q: How do I apply?
A: Student-athletes who are eligible to apply for the Special Assistance Fund must complete an application form, which can be obtained in the Office of Student Life and Compliance. For all requests, please be as specific as possible and attach any receipts or other documentation available. For the category of clothing, shoes and other essential expenses (up to $500), students are strongly encouraged to submit receipts before requesting funding. Students are permitted to submit receipts for these purchases in either two installments of $250, in order to receive two checks for that amount, or receipts for at least $500 to receive the maximum amount for the year.
NCAA Student-Athlete Opportunity Fund (SAOF)
The NCAA Student-Athlete Opportunity Fund (SAOF) is intended to provide direct benefits to student-athletes as determined by conference offices. As a guiding principle, the fund is used to assist student-athletes in meeting financial needs that arise in conjunction with participation in intercollegiate athletics, enrollment in an academic curriculum, or that recognize academic achievement. Accordingly, receipt of Student-Athlete Opportunity Fund monies should not be included in determining the permissible amount of financial aid that a member institution may award to a student-athlete.
All student-athletes, including international students, are eligible to receive SAOF benefits, regardless of whether they are grant-in-aid recipients, have demonstrated need or have either exhausted eligibility, or no longer participate due to medical reasons. Additionally, student-athletes receiving monies from the Special Assistance Fund (SAF) may also receive SAOF benefits.
In the past, the SAOF has been used for, but is not limited to, the following expenses:
• Graduation and academic achievement awards,
• Graduation school application and testing fees,
• Emergency situations,
• International student taxes,
• Necessary educational supplies to be used in the Academic Support Services for Student-Athletes center,
• Medical, vision and dental procedures,
• $30 worth of credit (per semester) to purchase educational supplies at the Book Center, and
• Funding for Panther Game Plan and community service programs (e.g., Leadership Conference).
These funds will both be administered through the Office of Student Life and Compliance. For questions or inquiries, please contact Donna Sloan (3069 Petersen Events Center; 412-648-8228, or email at dsloan@athletics.pitt.edu).
