SITUATION:
Student-Athlete R has been selected to compete in an all-star / showcase event which will be held in the summer. Because this is a prestigious event, is it possible for the member college to provide financial assistance to the student-athlete and if so what is permissible?
ANSWER:
It is not permissible for a member college or any of it’s representatives to provide any form of benefit or support for Student-Athlete R to attend the all-star / showcase event in the off-season. Article V, Section 6.G.3 states, “No college funds may be used for any current or prospective student-athlete during the off-season”. The student-athlete is fully responsible for all expenses for such an event. It is not permissible for the college to provide any support which includes allowing the student-athlete to ride with a college representative in the representatives private vehicle. Additional information regarding this type of situation can be found on page 309 of the 2013/2014 NJCAA Handbook in case #33.
The same limitations apply regardless if the student-athlete is participating in a showcase, tournament and or league. Due to the fact that it is the off-season, no support may be provided to the student-athlete or recruit by the college or any of its representatives.
The only all-star / showcase events which takes place in the off-season where a member college is able to assist with expenses are all-star / showcase events sponsored by NJCAA Coaches Associations and endorsed by the NJCAA National Office.