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Amateurism

You do not want to jeopardize your future college career by doing anything that would cause you to lose your amateur status and eligibility.

Amateurism guidelines vary slightly by division but the NCAA provides the following general list of activities that may cause you to lose your eligibility.

  • You are paid (in any form) or accept the promise of pay for playing in an athletics contest.
  • You sign a contract or verbally commit with an agent or professional sports organization.
  • You ask that your name be placed on a professional league's draft list.
  • You use your athletic skill for pay in any form (for example, TV commercials, demonstrations).
  • You play on a professional athletics team.
  • You participate on an amateur sports team and receive any salary, incentive payment, award, gratuity, educational expenses or expense allowances (other than playing apparel, equipment and actual and necessary travel and room and board expenses).
  • You receive educational expenses to attend a high school or preparatory college (tuition and/or fees, room and/or board) from an agent, professional sports team or representative of an institution's athletics interests; or
  • Receive gifts or other benefits (e.g., vehicle, jewelry, meals) because of your athletics ability or reputation.

Before enrolling in college, you may:

  • Tryout (practice with but not participate against outside competition) with a professional sports team at your expense.
  • Receive actual and necessary expenses from any professional sports organizations for one visit per professional organization not in excess of 48 hours.
  • Receive a fee for teaching a lesson in a particular sport.

For more specific questions or concerns on amateur rules, contact the NCAA at (800) 638-3731 or online at www.ncaa.org.


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