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Athletics Compliance
MISSION STATEMENT
Liberty University Athletics Compliance Office’s objective is to advance and support Liberty University’s mission statement by maintaining the NCAA principle of institutional control. This is accomplished through proactive, comprehensive education of our student-athletes, coaches, staff, and supporters of Flames Athletics about NCAA, ASUN Conference, and Liberty University rules and regulations. The Compliance Office monitors policies and procedures to protect Liberty University and its constituents. The Compliance Office also serves to advance the uncompromising integrity and commitment to the highest standards of ethical behavior at Liberty University and strives to ensure a positive student-athlete experience while continuing the tradition of athletic excellence. Liberty is committed to upholding the principle of institutional control in the operation of its Athletics Department in a way that is within the rules and regulations of the NCAA, ASUN Conference, and the university. As Liberty strives for excellence on and off the field, ethical conduct must be sought and held in the highest regard. Any activity outside the rules and regulations of the NCAA could jeopardize student-athletes’ eligibility to compete.
FIVE RULES OF ATHLETICS COMPLIANCE
1. Only coaches and Athletics Department staff members are permitted to be involved in the recruiting
process. Alumni, friends, or other representatives of athletics interest (e.g., boosters who are not employed by the university) are not permitted to contact a prospect (or members of the prospect’s family) by letter, telephone, or in person (on or off campus) for the purpose of soliciting their participation in the athletics program. Liberty faculty members are permitted to have contact with the prospects on campus during unofficial visits or off campus (near the institution) during official visits.
2. A prospect remains a prospect even after he or she signs a letter of intent or financial aid agreement to
attend the university. The prospect does not lose his or her prospect status until the start of classes or the beginning of official team practice prior to the start of classes.
3. The restrictions governing any contact between a prospect and representatives of a member institution’s
athletics interest include unavoidable incidental interactions. It is understood that such contact is not prearranged by the athletics representative or an Athletics Department staff member, is not made for the purpose of recruitment of the prospect, and involves only normal civility. For example, if a booster meets a high school student or junior college student-athlete, they may not talk with them about Liberty Athletics. If they are attending a public function and find themself talking to the parents of a prospect, that booster can talk about anything that does not relate to the Athletics Department.
4. A student-athlete who accepts any benefits or special consideration based on his or her status as an
athlete or because of athletic skill will lose all eligibility for intercollegiate athletic participation. Nothing can be done for prospective or enrolled student-athletes without specific authorization from the Liberty
Athletics Compliance Office.
5. Representatives of athletics interests are reminded that NCAA rules regarding enrolled student-athletes
remain in effect throughout the entire year, including summer breaks. When student-athletes complete their final season of eligibility, they must abide by NCAA rules until the end of that academic year and/or until they are no longer receiving athletics financial aid.
If you have a question about NCAA rules and your interaction with Liberty coaches, student-athletes, or staff, please contact: Athletics Compliance Office
Liberty University | 1971 University Blvd. | Lynchburg, Va. 24515 (434) 582-2116 | Compliance@liberty.edu
“Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.” – Romans 13:1
It’s easy for boosters to form a relationship with Liberty student-athletes while cheering them on and watching them compete. Building these types of relationships is not only fun for fans but also important in the lives of student-athletes. In an effort to ensure that the eligibility of student-athletes is not jeopardized, all boosters should review these guidelines and direct any questions to the Liberty Athletics Compliance Office.
WHO IS A “BOOSTER”?:
• Donated to the Flames Club • Bought a season ticket in ANY sport • Provided benefits to Liberty student-athletes • Promoted Liberty’s athletics programs
WHAT A BOOSTER CAN DO:
• Provide summer employment to a student-athlete, as long as he or she is paid the going rate and only for work actually performed. • Provide a meal to a student-athlete or the team at their home (not a restaurant). They can also furnish a ride to their home for the meal. These meals should be approved by the Compliance Office in advance.
WHAT A BOOSTER CANNOT DO:
• Give a gift of clothing or equipment • Provide free or reduced housing costs • Give cash or cosign on loans • Arrange for employment of a relative • Provide use of a car • Provide rentals or purchases of any type • Pay the costs for a student-athlete’s friends or family to visit campus • Provide free medical or professional services • Provide free use of a phone for long-distance calls • Provide funds for entertainment of an athlete, their friends, or relatives
WHAT ARE EXTRA BENEFITS?
An extra benefit is any special arrangement from the institution, its staff, or its boosters to provide a benefit to student-athletes or their friends and family. It is not considered an extra benefit if it is provided to all the institution’s students or specifically permitted by NCAA rules.
EXAMPLES OF PROHIBITED EXTRA BENEFITS:
• The use of a car • The gift of a loan or assistance securing a loan • Discounts on services, e.g., dry cleaning or car repair • Discounts on purchases, such as clothing or airline tickets • The use of a cellphone or phone card • Receipt of services from businesses, e.g., movie tickets or dinner
EXAMPLES OF PERMISSIBLE BENEFITS:
• Athletics scholarships • Appropriate equipment for practice and competition • Travel expenses for competition • Complimentary admission to their contests for family and friends • Awards to recognize their participation and achievement • Medical treatment • Academic support services
