Boosters, Alumni & Fans – Frequently Asked Questions
Husker boosters, alumni and fans are some of the most devoted fans and often want to show their support for Husker Athletics. However, there are limitations that preclude the type of support they may provide. By being educated and aware of the NCAA regulations controlling their conduct and such support, all Husker fans, boosters and alumni can help to preserve our integrity and excellence at the University of Nebraska. The Athletic Compliance Office is always available to answer any questions you may have, so to avoid a potential violation, remember to ASK BEFORE YOU ACT.
Current Student-Athletes
Q: May I provide a student-athlete with gifts?
A: No, a fan, booster or alumni may not provide a student-athlete or their relatives or friends with any gifts. A gift would be considered an extra-benefit which is impermissible, unless it is demonstrated that the same benefit is generally available to the institution’s students or their relatives or friends determined on a basis unrelated to athletic ability.
Q: May I provide discounted housing or rent to student-athletes?
A: Discounted housing or rent would be considered an extra-benefit and it would be impermissible to provide such a discount to a student-athlete, his/her relatives or friends.
Q: May I allow a student-athlete to use my telephone to make long distance phone calls?
A: No, this would constitute an extra benefit and is impermissible.
Q: I have an extra car that I don’t use, is it ok to lend it to a student-athlete?
A: The provision of free transportation would constitute an extra-benefit. This includes loaning an automobile, free plane tickets home, or paying for transportation for the student-athlete’s relatives to attend a competition.
Q: May I provide a scholarship to a particular student-athlete?
A: No, a scholarship may not be provided to a particular student-athlete, however a booster or alumni may make an athletic scholarship contribution to the Athletic Department.
Q: May our booster club provide an honorarium and expenses to a student-athlete to attend our annual banquet?
A: Such requests should be made to the Athletic Compliance Office for approval.
Q: May a business provide a student-athlete with an achievement or recognition award?
A: Such requests should be made to the Athletic Compliance Office for approval.
Q: May I contact a student-athlete?
A: Yes, boosters and alumni may have in-person, telephone or e-mail contact with student-athletes.
Q: May I employ a student-athlete?
A: It is permissible for a booster or alumni to employ a current student-athlete. Compensation MUST be based upon work actually performed and at a rate commensurate with services of like character in that locality. Compensation MAY NOT be based upon the student-athlete’s reputation, fame, publicity or athletic success. The student-athlete may not receive any benefits not provided to other employees and may not be used to advertise, promote or endorse the employer or product.
Q: May I provide a meal or reception for a Husker team in my hometown where that team is competing?
A: Yes, a booster, alumni or alumni group may provide a meal or reception for a Husker team in the location that the team is competing. Arrangements for such events must be made in advance through the head coach of the particular team.
Q: May I have a student-athlete over to my house for dinner?
A: Yes, a booster or alumni may invite a student-athlete to their home (not a restaurant or club) for a meal on an “occasional” basis. The meal may be catered and reasonable transportation may be provided to the student-athlete. Please contact the Compliance Office prior to arranging the meal
Q: May I purchase a complimentary admission ticket from a student-athlete?
A: No, a student-athlete may not receive payment for his or her complimentary admissions and may not exchange them for any item of value.
Prospective Student-Athletes
Q: May I call a prospective student-athlete to tell them how great the University of Nebraska is?
A: An athletics representative (e.g. fan, booster, alumnus) of a member institution may not call a prospective student-athlete. An athletics representative may speak over the telephone with a prospective student-athlete only if the prospect initiates the conversation and the call is not for recruiting purposes. Any questions referring to the University of Nebraska’s athletics program should be referred to the athletics department staff.
Q: May I go talk to a prospective student-athlete before, after or on the sidelines at the prospect’s athletics contest?
A: An athletics representative is allowed to attend and observe a prospective student-athlete’s athletic contest, but may not make contact with the prospective student-athlete, his or her parents or coaches during such occasion.
Q: May I contact a prospective student-athlete’s coaches, principal or counselors to evaluate or encourage support for the prospect to attend the University of Nebraska?
A: No, an athletics representative may not contact a prospective student-athlete’s coaches, principal or counselors.
Q: May I obtain film/videotape or transcripts from a prospective-student athlete’s educational institution in an effort to evaluate the prospect’s academic eligibility or athletics ability?
A: No, an athletics representative may not contact a prospective student-athlete’s educational institution and request film/video tape or transcripts.
Q: May I provide transportation, food or lodging for a prospective student-athlete to visit the University of Nebraska?
A: No, an athletics representative may not provide transportation, food or lodging for a prospective student-athlete, his or her parents or coaches. Doing so would violate the preclusion of athletics representatives having contact with prospective student-athletes and would constitute an extra-benefit.
Q: May I attend a public event (e.g. high school awards banquet or dinner) at which prospective student-athletes may be in attendance?
A: Yes, so long as the athletics representative does not attempt to make any contact with the prospects, their parents or coaches.
Q: May I e-mail or post messages on a prospective student-athlete’s MySpace, Facebook or similar web site and try to convince him or her to attend the University of Nebraska?
A: An athletics representative may not e-mail or post messages on the webpage or website of any prospective student-athlete.
If you have questions or concerns, please contact the Athletics Compliance Office at (402)472-2042 or e-mail
GO BIG RED!