The University of Massachusetts Lowell and its Department of Athletics are committed to abiding by the rules and regulations of the NCAA, the America East Conference and Hockey East. This requires commitment from both our coaches and student-athletes, but also from our dedicated supporters within the United In Blue Fund. When you are faced with a situation and are unsure how to respond we strongly urge you to contact the UMass Lowell Compliance Office. Your continued interest and support of the River Hawks is most appreciated.
Frequently Ask Questions - Know the Rules!
Q. Who is a booster?
A. The NCAA refers to boosters as "representatives of athletic interest." A booster is an individual who is a member of any UMass Lowell friends group; who makes a donation to any UMass Lowell athletic program or UMass Lowell friends group; who is involved in recruiting prospects; who provides benefits (i.e., summer jobs) to enrolled student-athletes and/or UMass Lowell athletics alumni; or who has been involved in the promotion of UMass Lowell athletics in any way. Once an individual becomes a booster, he or she retains the label indefinitely.
Q. Who is a prospect?
A. Any student who has started classes for the ninth grade. In addition, a student who has not started the ninth grade becomes a prospective student-athlete if the institution provides such an individual (or the individual's relatives or friends) any financial assistance or benefits that he institution does not provide to prospective students in general.
Q. Is it permissible to contact a prospective student-athlete, the prospect's friends, or relatives for the purpose of recruitment?
A. No. Only coaches and members of UMass Lowell athletics may be involved in the recruitment process. A booster is only permitted to inform UMass Lowell athletics and its coaching staff of athletes that may be strong additions to our athletic teams.
Q. May a booster be involved in any way while a prospect is on an official or unofficial visit?
A. No. Boosters are precluded from all recruiting activities.
Q. May a booster contact a prospect to congratulate the athlete once he or she has signed a National Letter of Intent with UMass Lowell?
A. No. The athlete remains a prospect until the first day of classes or regular practice. Until that time, it is impermissible to contact the athlete.
Q. Are boosters prohibited from all contact with prospects?
A. The simple answer is yes. However, the regulation is not intended to relate to an unavoidable incidental contact with a prospect by a booster. The contact cannot be prearranged and must only involve normal civility.
Q. Is the rule prohibiting contact with prospects applicable to established friends and neighbors?
A. No. It is permissible to maintain normal activities, but using the relationship to recruit the athlete must be avoided.
Q. May a booster employ a student-athlete?
A. Yes. However, the compensation must be for work actually performed and provided at the going rate for similar services. Also, UMass Lowell athletics must approve such employment.
Q. Is it permissible for a booster to provide a student-athlete gifts or awards for his or her athletic performance?
A. No. The UMass Lowell Athletic Department must approve all awards. Any gift or award not approved by the UMass Lowell Athletic Department may jeopardize an athlete's NCAA eligibility.
