According to NCAA Bylaw 16.11.1.5, a student-athlete or his/her team “may receive an occasional meal from a representative of athletics interests on infrequent and special occasions under the following circumstances: (a) [t]he meal may only be provided in an individual’s home, on campus, or at a facility that is regularly used for home competition and may be catered; and (b) [a] representative of the institution’s athletics interests may provide reasonable local transportation to student-athletes to attend the meal function only if the meal function is at the home of that representative.”  This bylaw gives representatives of athletics interests (i.e., boosters) the opportunity to meet with and celebrate special events with student-athletes on an infrequent basis.  In light of the controversy and investigation surrounding the University of Miami (“Miami”) and the alleged extravagant benefits provided by Nevin Shapiro, Miami informed its booster club that boosters can no longer provide occasional meals or host student-athletes in their homes.  Additionally, boosters were told not to provide any type of food, drink, transportation, or other extra benefits to current student-athletes.

For any questions, feel free to contact Christian Dennie at cdennie@bgsfirm.com.