Penn Sport_Spring08.indd - University of Penn Athletics

Dear Red & Blue FanAs a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association(NCAA), the University of Pennsylvania isresponsible for exercising “institutional control” over itsintercollegiate athletics program. Under this concept,the University is held accountable for the acts of eachperson identified as an “athletics representative.”By NCAA definition, an “athletics representative” isany individual who is a member of a Penn intercollegiateathletics group (Board of Overseers, SportBoard, Alumni or Parent), has made contributions toPenn Athletics (Division of Recreation and IntercollegiateAthletics), is involved in any manner in recruitingprospects for participation in intercollegiate athleticsor in providing benefits (e.g., summer jobs) to enrolledstudent-athletes, or is otherwise involved in promotingPenn’s athleticsprogram. Once anindividual is identifiedas such a representative,the personretains that identityindefinitely.Under NCAA legislation,“athletics representatives”are prohibited from any contact, includingletters and telephone calls, for purposes of athleticteam recruitment with prospective student-athletes,their relatives or legal guardians. Such contacts areto be initiated exclusively by an authorized Universityathletics staff members only. Under NCAA definition,a prospective student-athlete (‘prospect’) is a studentwho has started classes for the ninth grade. If you are aSecondary Schools Committee member, you may havecontact with high school students, however it is notpermissible for you to discuss Penn’s athletic programs.Athletics representatives are subject to NCAAlegislation that requires the University to revoke orwithhold privileges of an individual who has engagedin conduct that is determined, either by the University,Ivy League, or the NCAA, to be a violation of NCAAregulations, regardless of whether such violationresults in the imposition of sanctions. The individualshall be subject to the revocation or withholding of anyathletically-related benefit or privilege, received by thatindividual from the University. Such benefit or privilegemay include, without limitation, ticket privileges whichmay be withheld by the University for that period oftime which the University, Ivy League, or NCAA deemsappropriate. The revocation of ticket privileges mayresult in an individual being denied admittance to anyUniversity hosted athletic event.Obviously, the perils for overzealous and misguidedalumni and friends are many. We request that “athleticsrepresentatives” do not make athletic team recruitingcontacts with prospective student-athletes at any time.No matter how well-meaning the communication, ithas the potential to place our entire program in jeopardyof NCAA and possible Ivy League sanctions.If you have questions,No matter how well-meaning the communication,it has the potential to placeour entire program in jeopardy of NCAAand possible Ivy League sanctions.contact Denis EltonCochran-Fikes, coordinatorfor the DRIAOffice of Compliance(215/898-6241 or athlcomp@pobox.upenn.edu) for clarificationbefore taking anyaction. Should you wish to receive more informationon applicable NCAA and or Ivy League policies, we willgladly mail you a copy of “Alumni and Athletics, RulesCompliance,” a booklet packed with pertinent NCAArules and rules interpretations. This is a useful resourcefor all alumni and other representative of our athleticsinterests. Remember that we want you to help us, nothurt us. You must know the rules to play the game.We are grateful for your support and appreciateyour attention to NCAA regulations regarding Pennprospective and enrolled student-athletes. In that summertimeis a less stressful time for the office staff, this isthe ideal time to have your questions and/or concernsaddressed. No Ivy athletics program boasts a moreenthusiastic and loyal following! Thank you and pleasestop by the Compliance office when you are visitingcampus. Have a safe and enjoyable summer.Compliance CornerThe rules and regulations governing intercollegiate athletics are always being revised and updated. What is permissible today may not be permissibletomorrow and vice versa. For the latest rules or interpretations as to what is or is not permissible, please contact the DRIA Compliance staffat athlcomp@pobox.upenn.edu or 215-898-6241. Penn’s guide to NCAA rules can be found online at PennAthletics.com. Click “Alumni” on the leftside and scroll to “Guide to NCAA Rules.”Remember: To Play the Game You Have to Know the Rules ... Check Before You ActNew at PennAthletics.com—Penn PassportThis summer, PennAthletics.com is proud to introduce the Penn Passport.The feature will allow users a simple, one-stop location for purchasingtickets, merchandise, photos and more. Fans can also watch live eventsand bid on auction items through their Penn Passport with just one username and password. To learn more about the new streamlined features,visit PennAthletics.com.AND ... Check back in late summer for theNEW look of PennAthletics.com!