Sycamore Fans,

Indiana State University Athletics is proud and fortunate to have the loyal support and continued interest in our athletic programs by our alumni and friends! ISU Athletics takes great pride in abiding by all NCAA and Missouri Valley Conference rules that govern Division I athletics. For the benefit of the many alumni, fans and booster club members who are so active in supporting and assisting the Sycamores throughout the year, we would like to remind everyone of a few rules that apply to all athletic representatives and boosters.

Who are Boosters?

Boosters, also known as "representatives of athletics interests," are individuals that:

·       Participate in or have been members of the Varsity Club, I Club or other athletic support group.

·       Have made financial contributions to the Athletics Department or to the Varsity Club.

·       Aid or have assisted in the recruitment of prospects.

·       Provide or have helped arrange employment for enrolled student-athletes.

·       Participated as a varsity student-athlete of Indiana State University.

·       Have been involved in promoting ISU Athletics in any other way.

Once an individual has been identified as a booster, that individual is a booster for life. The NCAA holds Indiana State University responsible for the conduct of all "representatives of athletics interests."

How Can Sycamore Boosters Get Involved?

-        Discuss summer employment opportunities with a prospective student-athlete after they have signed a National Letter of Intent with ISU.

-        NCAA regulations allow current ISU student-athletes to earn legitimate on- and off- campus employment income, either during the year or vacation periods, provided any compensation is for work actually performed and does not exceed the going rate in the locality for similar services. In addition, a student-athlete's compensation may not include any compensation for the value the student-athlete has to the employer because of his/her athletics reputation.

-        Boosters may invite student-athletes to participate in nonprofit, charitable or educational events.

-        Boosters may pay student-athletes employed by you only for work actually performed and at a commensurate rate with the going rate for similar services in the community and your own business.

-        Boosters are encouraged to notify the coaches of job possibilities for student-athletes.

-        Boosters may help arrange for summer housing of student athletes.

-        A booster may have in-person, telephone, or e-mail contact with currently enrolled student-athletes.

-        A student-athlete or the entire team may be invited to the home of a booster for an occasional meal. However, a booster may not entertain student-athletes at a restaurant or club.  Boosters are permitted to give student-athletes reasonable local transportation to their home on these occasions. Compliance Office and Head Coach must pre-approve.

-        Boosters may invite the entire team for dinner and/or provide reasonable entertainment when the team visits the booster's hometown for an away contest. This meal may take place at the booster's home. However, the Varsity Club must pre-approve the meal.

What Are Some Cautions for Sycamore Boosters?

-        A booster may not promise a student-athlete postgraduate education or employment nor their relatives or friends.

-        A booster may not give gifts of any kind to prospective student-athletes or current student-athletes (i.e. birthday, graduation, holiday)

-        Boosters may not expend funds to entertain or provide transportation for a prospective student-athlete (recruit), their family members, or friends. A prospective student athlete is someone who has not yet attended classes full-time at Indiana State University.

-        Boosters may not loan money or cars to student athletes nor arrange for free or reduced cost housing.

When in doubt about what you can and cannot do, call the Athletics Department.  Before you engage in any activity involving prospective or enrolled student-athletes please ensure that your conduct is permitted by NCAA rules and won't jeopardize the student-athletes' eligibility.

Again, thank you for all your continued support of Sycamore Athletics! At Indiana State, we strive to do things the "right way." As our Sycamores continue to strive for excellence in and out of the classroom, we know we can count on you in helping us prevent potential NCAA violations that could affect the ability of our recruits and student athletes to compete next year or beyond. We look forward to seeing you at all of our upcoming athletic events.

Go Sycamores!