Thank you for your support of The University of Hartford and our student-athletes. Hartford's Department of Athletics is committed to abiding by the rules and regulations of the NCAA in addition to the America East Conference, Big Sky Conference and the MAAC. This requires commitment from both our coaches and student-athletes, but also from our dedicated supporters within the Hawk Nation Club.
The compliance staff has put together some information to help our boosters and fans learn about certain restrictions. When you are faced with a situation and are unsure how to respond we strongly urge you to contact the Hawks Compliance Office. Your continued interest and support of Hartford Athletics 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 University of Hartford friends group; who makes a donation to any University of Hartford athletic program or University of Hartford friends group; who is involved in recruiting prospects; who provides benefits (i.e., summer jobs) to enrolled student-athletes and/or Hartford Athletics alumni; or who has been involved in the promotion of Hartford 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 the University of Hartford Department of Athletics may be involved in the recruitment process. A booster is only permitted to inform Hartford 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 student-athlete once he or she has signed a National Letter of Intent with Hartford?
A. No. The student-athlete remains a prospect until the first day of classes or regular practice. Until that time, it is impermissible to contact the student-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, Hartford Athletics must approve such employment. If you would like to employ a student-athlete, please contact the compliance department.
Q. Is it permissible for a booster to provide a student-athlete gifts or awards for his or her athletic performance?
A. No. The University of Hartford Athletics Department must approve all awards. Any gift or award not approved by the Hartford Athletics may jeopardize an athlete's NCAA eligibility.
Q. What is an extra benefit?
A. An extra benefit is any special gift or arrangement provided to a student-athlete, or a student-athlete's friend or family member, which is not available to the general University of Hartford student body or the general population. Examples of extra benefits include, but are not limited to, cash or loans, free or reduced- cost services, assistance with bills, and gifts of any kind, including those given on special occasions like birthdays and holidays. It is impermissible to give student athletes, their friends, and/or their relatives extra benefits.
Have additional questions? Contact:
Kevin Nash
Compliance Director
Phone: 860-768-4657
Email: knash@hartford.edu
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