University of Georgia Athletics
Amateurism Rules
July 19, 2006 | General
A student-athlete loses amateur status and shall not be eligible for intercollegiate competition in a particular sport if, prior to the completion of his or her eligibility (which generally occurs after the last game or contest of the student-athlete’s senior year including post-season tournament, bowl, or all-star games), he or she:
1. Uses his or her athletics skill (directly or indirectly) for pay in any form in that sport or, is involved in any commercial endorsements for a product, service or establishment.
2. Accepts a promise of pay even if such pay is to be received following completion of intercollegiate athletics participation.
3. Negotiates, signs or enters into any kind of agreement or commitment of any kind, either orally or written, to be represented by an agent for the purposes of marketing the student-athlete’s athletic ability or reputation in a sport, regardless of its legal enforceability or any consideration received. This is true even if the student-athlete (a) does not date the agreement, (b) dates the agreement as of a date after he or she has completed eligibility in that sport or (c) agrees that the agent will only represent him or her in future negotiations after having completed eligibility in that sport.
4. Accepts (or allows a relative(s) or friend(s) to accept) money, transportation or any other benefits from anyone who wishes to represent the student-athlete in marketing his or her athletic ability.
5. Receives any preferential treatment, benefits or services, including loans that do not have to be paid back immediately, because of the student-athlete’s athletic reputation or money he or she may make as a pro athlete.
6. Receives, directly or indirectly, a salary, reimbursement of expenses or any other form of financial assistance from a professional sports organization based upon athletics skill or participation, except as permitted by NCAA rules and regulations.
7. Competes on any professional athletics team, even if no payment for expenses was received.
8. Enters into a professional draft (Exception: Professional Basketball Draft and National Football League Draft. See the Compliance Office for additional information related to draft limitations.).
9. Student-athletes must report to the Compliance Office any athletic disability insurance purchased while the student-athlete has eligibility remaining. NCAA rules require that the Athletic Director be provided with copies of the loan documents and insurance policy.
10. A student-athlete may not receive any pay for athletic participation. "Pay" includes any type of salary or compensation (including cash prizes). A student-athlete may receive actual and necessary travel, room and board expenses, and apparel and equipment for practice and competition. These expenses may be received only from someone upon whom the student-athlete is naturally or legally dependent, an amateur organization or a local sports club. Such expenses cannot be based upon the outcome of the competition.
11. All awards or cash prizes that student-athletes are not allowed to receive under NCAA regulations cannot be given in the student-athlete's name to another individual or agency.
12. The awards or prizes a student-athlete may receive must conform to the regulations of the amateur governing body in the sport. At NO time, under any circumstance, may a student-athlete receive cash. Any questions about permissible prizes should be directed to the coach or the Compliance Office in advance of the competition to ensure the student-athlete’s eligibility is not jeopardized.
