May I Take This Kid to the Game?
"May I take this kid to the game?" is by far the most common compliance question of Baylor fans and alumni. The frequency of this question is a strong indication of our alumni's generosity and love of Baylor University.
An example of a typical scenario is as follows. Baylor Dad phoned in and explained that his son's friend and fellow high school teammate, a prospective student-athlete and potential Baylor recruit, want to come to one of Baylor's home games. Baylor Dad indicated that he has provided his son's friends with tickets and travel to Baylor home games for over 10 years. Baylor Dad indicated that, once in Waco, he may bring his son and his friend to visit with friends and family at a pre-game tailgate as well.
The question: Is this permissible according to NCAA rules?
Yes, it would be permissible because:
- Baylor Dad has a pre-existing relationship with his son's friends;
- Baylor Dad's relationship with the prospective student-athlete does not originate in athletics; it originates in his son's friendship;
- Baylor Dad did not arrange the proposed benefits; his son did;
- Baylor Dad will be providing benefits that he has consistently provided to his son's friends, irrespective of athletic ability, for several years; and
- Neither Baylor Dad nor his friends or family will solicit the prospective student-athlete's participation in athletics at Baylor. The last item is necessary due to NCAA rules that preclude boosters from soliciting the enrollment of a prospect to Baylor. If you would like to bring a teenager to the game and that young person is a prospective student-athlete and you are still unsure if doing so would violate NCAA rules, please contact the Athletic Compliance at (254) 710-1234. As always, please ASK BEFORE YOU ACT!
