Central Michigan University Athletics Department

Compliance Meeting April 22, 2009

Updated Recruiting Calendar

Recruiting Calendar— April / May

Men’s Basketball: April 23 – May 20 / May 31 – July 5= Quiet Period /

May 21 – May 30 = DEAD PERIOD

Women’s Basketball: April 22 – July 5 = QUIET PERIOD

Football: April 27 – May 23: Evaluation Period

Softball: April 22 – May 25 = CONTACT PERIOD / May 26 – June 4(noon) = DEAD PERIOD

Baseball April / May/June = CONTACT PERIOD

Gymnastics/Field Hockey/Wrestling/Soccer: May/June/July = CONTACT PERIOD

Volleyball: April 22 – April 30 / May 22-July 31= CONTACT PERIOD / May 1 – May 21 = QUIET PERIOD

Track: April / May – June 9 = CONTAACT PERIOD / June 10-14 = DEAD PERIOD

Q: A prospect that recently signed an NLI with CMU is holding an event at her high school to celebrate her signing, can a CMU coach attend?

A: NO. It is NOT permissible for an institution, an institution's coach or booster to have any involvement in the prospect’s announcement. For example, a coach may not attend the prospect's press conference or be a part of any interview in

conjunction with the signing (e.g., newspaper, radio, television).

Case Study: A head softball coach attended a press conference arranged by women's softball prospect to announce that she had signed a NLI with the institution. The prospect asked the head softball coach to attend the press conference that was being arranged by her and her family. The head coach mistakenly thought that it was permissible for her to attend the press conference since the prospect previously had signed her NLI to attend the institution.

Recent Questions

Q: Is it permissible for a booster to contact a prospect once he/she has signed a National Letter of Intent with CMU?

A: NO. A prospect remains a prospect even after he/she has signed an NLI with an institution. Boosters may not have on- or off-campus contact with a prospect. In addition, boosters may not contact a prospect via telephone, written or electronic correspondence.

Q: Once a prospect signs a NLI with CMU, is it permissible for the prospect to participate in workouts with the coaching staff?

A: NO. It is not permissible for a coach to workout with a prospect or for the coach to watch the prospect participate in recreational activities with current student-athletes.

Recent Questions

Q: Can I show a prospect game footage on campus and/or during an off campus visit (contact)?

A: Yes, you can show a prospect game films during an off-campus visit (contact) or during the prospect’s visit to campus, however you cannot provide copies of game films to prospects.

Q: I want to create a video to promote our summer camps, can I use current SA’s in the video?

A: No, the same rule that applies to brochures applies to camp videos. SA’s cannot be identifiable in the footage, you can only use large shots of current SA’s (stadium) where they cannot be identified.

Recent Questions

Contact with a prospect during an unofficial visit off campus

If you contact a prospect off-campus during an unofficial visit (eating lunch downtown) this counts as a contact for that prospect and they must be a senior (july 1 after junior year / july 15 after junior year – WGY). You cannot contact a non-senior off campus at any time.

13.5.3 Transportation on Unofficial Visit. 

During any unofficial recruiting visit, the institution may provide the prospective student-athlete with transportation to view practice and competition sites in the prospective student-athlete's sport and other institutional facilities and to attend a home athletics contest at any local facility (see Bylaws 13.02.5.1 and 13.7.3).  An institutional staff member must accompany the prospective student-athlete during such a trip.  Payment of any other transportation expenses, shall be considered a violation. 

Recent Violations

University of Missouri: (arrangements of summer housing for prospects)

Savannah State University: arrangements of summer housing for prospects, observing of open gyms in summer, extra benefits once enrolled

Texas State University: mandatory summer conditioning activities, observing conditioning activities, strength coach reporting back to coaches

Summer Major Infractions

University of Missouri - 2004

Summer Housing

• After signing a NLI, a prospect visited the institution in June for two weeks. An assistant coach arranged for him to stay in a current student-athlete’s apartment. While on campus the prospect played in pick-up games

• NCAA: When prospects come to town during the summer before their initial enrollment, the institution should monitor the circumstances, particularly as they related to lodging, because of the possibility of violation. In fact, the former assistant coach stated he did not want to know of the lodging arrangement for that reason (CMU’s general counsel)

• Head Coach: I think what I was trying to articulate is that I was not actively involved in trying to find out where they were staying. In retrospect, that is what we are doing now, and probably what I should have done.

Summer Housing13.2.6 Summer Housing for Prospects

An institution may rent dormitory space to a prospect during the summer months at the regular institutional rate, provided it is the institution's policy to make such dormitory space available on the same basis to all prospective students.  (Only available at CMU if prospect is enrolled in summer classes)

An institution may only arrange off-campus summer housing for a prospective student-athlete who has signed a National Letter of Intent and is enrolled in the institution's summer term prior to the student's initial full-time enrollment or is receiving athletically related financial aid to attend the institution's summer term prior to his or her initial full-time enrollment.

All coaches and student-athletes are required to complete a form for all prospects staying in Mt. Pleasant prior to summer enrollment!! We cannot arrange housing, but we MUST monitor!

Summer Housing13.2.6 Summer Housing for Prospects

An institution may rent dormitory space to a prospect during the summer months at the regular institutional rate, provided it is the institution's policy to make such dormitory space available on the same basis to all prospective students.  (Only available at CMU if prospect is enrolled in summer classes)

An institution may only arrange off-campus summer housing for a prospective student-athlete who has signed a National Letter of Intent and is enrolled in the institution's summer term prior to the student's initial full-time enrollment or is receiving athletically related financial aid to attend the institution's summer term prior to his or her initial full-time enrollment.

All coaches and student-athletes are required to complete a form for all prospects staying in Mt. Pleasant prior to summer enrollment!! We cannot arrange housing, but we MUST monitor!

CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY Prospective Student-Athlete Pre-Enrollment Form (completed by CMU student-athlete)

Complete this form for each prospective student-athlete (signed or unsigned) that moves to Mt. Pleasant from his/her hometown prior to enrollment in classes / practice at CMU and is staying with a current student-athlete.

Name of Student-Athlete: Phone #:

Sport:

Local address:

How much do you pay for rent per month? $ How much do you pay for utilities per month? (on average) $

What is the daily rate to live in your apartment? *(The amount you pay for rent per month / 30) + The amount you pay for utilities per month / 30) $

Name of prospective student-athlete that will be staying with you:

How many days will the prospect be staying with you? The prospect must pay you: (# of days * daily rate) $

Did a CMU staff member arrange for the prospect to stay with you Yes No

If yes, who assisted in arranging for the prospect to stay with you?

I understand my responsibility as a student-athlete to comply with NCAA, MAC, and institutional rules and regulations in regards to prospective student-athletes who move to Mt. Pleasant prior to full-time enrollment at CMU. I understand that I may not provide a prospective student-athlete with any inducements(extra benefits) including free housing (rent), utilities, food, transportation, or other expenses. I understand that failure to adhere to these rules and regulations may affect my eligibility and the prospect’s eligibility for intercollegiate competition at CMU.

Student-Athlete Signature Date

Savannah State University

During the summer of 2004, former assistant coach provided or made arrangements for lodging and meals in the Savannah area for eight prospective student-athletes, primarily from two-year institutions, who had committed to the institution and intended on enrolling at the institution in the fall.

On numerous occasions, former assistant coach instructed or observed the above-mentioned prospective student-athletes and student-athletes engaging in football drills and conditioning activities, which took place at the institution's football practice field and track, the local YMCA, and a local beach. Further, the athletically related activities exceeded eight hours per week.

Former assistant coach occasionally provided transportation to prospects between his home and the institution's campus and the beach for the purpose of engaging in athletically related activities during the time period in which each prospective student-athlete stayed at former assistant coach’s home.

Texas State University

In the summer of 2003, violations involving football student-athletes and “mandatory” workouts.

NCAA: The committee finds that the off-season strength and conditioning program was mandatory.

The student-athletes were required to sign in and out when they participated in the program during the summer, and the former head coach required the athletic training staff to type the handwritten attendance sheets and submit them on a weekly basis to a former assistant football coach;

Student-athletes were punished for missing summer workouts, one SA missed approximately three workouts and failed to notify a coach or make up the absences on two of those occasions. On those two occasions, SA was required to perform extra workouts in the football stadium.

Coaches lifted weights while the SA’s lifted or jogged on the track. Coaches greeted them and provide motivational words as the SA’s were working out. SA’s felt that their performance was being monitored by their position coaches.

Texas State University

On a few occasions, the strength coach told football student-athletes who showed up for a 6 a.m. conditioning session that he would not begin the session until the young men called their teammates and got additional football student-athletes to the session that morning. The student-athletes present at the session drove to their houses and gathered more participants until the former strength coach eventually agreed to start the sessions.

An assistant football coach received information from the former strength coach about how the student-athletes were performing during summer workouts, and the assistant coach made phone calls to praise the young men for their participation in the workouts

NCAA: The violations were not inadvertent; the football coaching staff had been specifically advised about legislation related to voluntary athletically related activities

Penalties: Reduced practice hours by 55 hours, Reduction in scholarships over 2-year period, SA’s required to sit-out contests.

Summer Voluntary ActivitiesPlaying & Practice Season Requirements (All Sport)

1. Cannot supervise, assist, observe or require summer workouts or competition (open gyms)

2. Cannot require that student-athletes, strength coaches, trainers, managers, etc… report back to you as to who is or is not in attendance

3. Cannot give penalty or recognition awards for summer voluntary participation

4. Strength coaches can design and conduct specific workouts in summer, provided the workouts are voluntary (football – 8 hrs. per week max)

Individual Sports / Safety ExceptionIndividual Sports (track & field, gymnastics & wrestling)

• Student-athlete can request (i.e, voluntary) individual workouts

• The duration and substance of those workouts are directed by the student-athlete

• Cannot prescribe daily workouts. May provide a general summer workout program

• Not permitted to observe weightlifting sessions

• Individual workout exception not available to prospects!!!

Safety Exception (field events, gymnastics & wrestling)

• May provide skill instruction but cannot conduct workouts

• Cannot be present during weightlifting session (does not apply!)

• Can observe student controlled workouts for safety purposes

• Incoming prospects who are enrolled in the summer session may utilize the safety exception (must have medical exam and consent form signed!)

When is a prospect considered a SA?

Only when a prospect is enrolled in summer classes AND attends classes, they are NOT considered prospects in applying Bylaw 13 (recruiting contacts only) and 16 (extra benefits). All other bylaws still apply!!!

This means prospects CANNOT:

Be employed in CMU camps / clinics

Engage in summer workouts with coaches (safety exception only for individual sports)

Engage in voluntary activities conducted by strength coach (allowed in football and basketball)

***Proposal being voted on 4/30 to allow for all other sports to have prospects engage in workouts conducted by strength coach, provided they are enrolled in summer school (most likely will not pass). Current rule – strength coaches can conduct workouts for PSA’s only in FB and Basketball.

Summer Medical Policy Summer Medical Policy:

• First Time Participants: In order for first time participants to participate in open gyms or in workout sessions supervised or conducted (i.e., football & basketball) by the strength coach, or to utilize the safety exception (wrestling, field events, gymnastics) the participants must undergo a medical exam by a doctor within 6 months of initial participation:

• Also will need to complete:

Medical History Form

Informed Consent & Release Form (on intranet)

• Returning Student-Athletes: Must complete an Informed Consent & Release Form if they want to use facilities for open gym workouts. IAC will have list of SA’s cleared.

Summer Prospects Prospects on Campus During Summer

Enrolled and attending classes

No limits on contacts for coaches, staff, and current student-athletes

Considered a student-athlete for Bylaw 16 (extra benefits) - able to receive occasional meal, academic expenses, utilize athletic equipment

Voluntary weightlifting or conditioning activities on CMU’s campus in presence of strength coach (FB and BK – strength coach can conduct activities)

Open-gym

Training room

Academic support

Safety exception

Summer Prospects Prospects on Campus During Summer

Who are note enrolled

Open-gym X Not permitted to utilize weight room or conditioning center under the supervision of the institution’s strength and conditioning coach

Must sign informed consent form prior to utilizing facilities

Recruiting

All Sports: General Rules on prospects in the summer

NLI or NOT

X Not permitted to participate in voluntary “INDIVIDUAL WORKOUTS” permitted in individual sports

X Coaches are not permitted to observe prospects (and current student-athletes) in open gym

X Coaches cannot ask upperclassmen “TO REQUIRE” participation in open gym sessions

X Strength coaches / trainers / managers cannot report back to coaches attendance / performance of open-gyms and voluntary activities

Eligibility for Fall 2009 Eligible for the Fall?

• Six-Semester Hour Requirement: Student-athletes must pass six semester hours during the previous term (spring 2009) to be eligible for the fall (14.4.3.1)

Before the fall 2009 semester - Current Freshman:

• 24 Credits: Current freshman must successfully complete 24 credits before beginning of third semester(can use summer classes to meet this requirement)

Before the fall 2008 semester - Everyone:

• 18 Credits: Student-athletes must successfully complete 18 credits in fall 2008 and spring 2009 semesters.

• % of degree: Entering 3rd year (40%), 4th year (60%), 5th year (80%)

• Cumulative GPA: Sophomores (1.8), Juniors (1.9), Seniors (2.0)

Sophomores are required to declare their degree in the fall (before November) and have audit scheduled by January

Summer / Fall 2009Academic Communication Reminder: Coaches should never call professors or other offices on campus regarding student-athlete issues (e.g., admissions, housing). You should always direct all communication through your respective academic advisor!

Very important that coaches communicate with academic advising staff during the summer months to monitor eligibility…

Review worksheets distributed to you by academic advisors to know what your SA’s need this summer to be eligible for fall. Advisors will communicate with you again as soon as grades are posted.

COMMUNICATE frequently with academics for updates on eligibility concerns!

Understand APR implications of student-athletes that are not eligible for the fall (spring sports)…

Drug Testing

NCAA drug testing is beginning it’s third summer as a year round test! All coaches are required to provide the compliance office with updated contact information for their active roster for the summer months.***Matt will be contacting you to secure this information!

Review listing of NCAA banned drug list with all student-athletes before summer.

Beware of Items purchased over the counter – they do appear on this list as well as prescription medications and illegal substances.

Inform student-athletes to communicate with the training staff on any substances (supplement) they may be taking in order to ensure permissibility.

1st positive test – 1 year immediate ban from competition!

Coach Summer Camp / Clinic EmploymentAll outside (CMU) camp/clinic employment must be pre-approved by the Compliance Office.

All camps / clinics that you work / attend must meet the basic camp / clinic requirements

(a) Open to any and all entrants (limited only by age or number)(b) No free or reduced admission to campers(c) No athletics award winners may be employed (letter winners)

NO private elite camps!

Send me the info on the camp and I will contact the camp / clinic and run through a questionnaire to see if you can attend

Women’s Basketball (cannot be employed in any capacity (volunteer) at any prospect camp outside CMU) Men’s Basketball : Cannot be employed in any 7th / 8th grade camp AND high school camps.

Football - participation limited to 2 periods of 15 consecutive days in June and July or any calendar week that includes those months (e.g., May 28 – June 3).  Must declare the 2 periods sometime in May.

REMEMBER, all outside (CMU) income must be recorded (presidential pre-approved if over $1,000 per event)

Summer Employment Student-Athlete Summer Employment:

Can be paid for work actually performed

At a rate commensurate with the going rate in that locality for similar services

Can be paid for work actually performed

Such compensation cannot be based on fame or reputation as a student-athlete!

A student-athlete could establish his or her own business, however they could not advertise using their name, picture, identity to promote the business

Fee for lessons are permitted – SA’s must have pre-approval through compliance. NO institutional facilities can be used. Only the family or the lesson recipient may pay student-athlete (no AAU coach)

Student-athletes should never be paid in cash – only be check! ***All student-athletes are required to submit 2 forms to compliance – the employer will complete one, and the student-athlete/coach will complete the other.

THE END!!!