Illegal aid is a topic that should concern every student-athlete, as it constitutes a serious violation of NCAA rules. If you accept illegal aid you may lose your eligibility, your scholarship and right to compete in intercollegiate athletics.

Most student-athletes think of illegal benefits in terms of accepting gifts or money. While certainly that is one form of an illegal extra benefit, you also cannot:

  • Receive more than the allotted number of complimentary admissions;
  • Sell complimentary admissions at any price;
  • Receive materials benefits that are not available to the general student body; or
  • Use Athletics offices phones for personal use.
  • Receive payment for unspecified, un-itemized, or improper expenses
  • Receive the loan of money by an member of the athletic staff

The following are examples of benefits that ARE permitted by the NCAA.

  • Tutoring expenses
  • On-Campus student development and career counseling
  • Future professional sports career counseling from a panel appointed by the institution's president.
  • Actual and necessary expenses to attend proceedings conducted by the institution, its athletic conference
  • Cost of a field trip, provided the field trip is required of all the students in the course
  • Organized day planners that are non-electronic.
  • Required course-related supplies (books, goggles, etc)

This means that you should not accept special discounts on purchases or services, or even accept special payment arrangements on any purchases. Be very careful of “free” or “special” benefits that someone wishes to give you.

Student-Athlete's Ticket Policy

  1. Each student-athlete that participates in a revenue sport (scholarship, dress-out squad, or travel squad) will be granted 4 complimentary tickets only per game.
  2. Each admission may be used for a relative or a college student (2 year or 4 year).