Sponsoring of Athletic Equipment (High School Athletes)

Athletic Recruits
1

<p>Hello - Would a gift of athletic equipment given to high school athletes from a manufacturer be against the NCAA rules?? </p>

<p>For example I know of many student-athletes who receive 'sponsorship' from the big racket manufacturers and string companies. If an athlete has a high enough national ranking then they can sign up for being 'sponsored'. This means you get free (or discounted) rackets, strings, shoes, bags, etc throughout the year. The amount and type of equipment varies from company to company, and how high the kids' ranking is. But generally if a kid is ranked in the top 10% then they can get 2 rackets per year, 2 sets of strings, a racket bag and a couple of t-shirts per year (estimated value $700).</p>

<p>Was wondering if anyone knows if this violates any NCAA rules on gifts to high school athletes?</p>

2

<p>Sounds like “improper benefits” to me, but I’d get more opinions </p>

3

<p>Under armour sponsors a number of high school football teams. Not sure they could sponsor specific athletes though.</p>

4

<p>A gift of athletic equipment would be acceptable under ncaa rule 12.1.1.1.4.3</p>

5

<p>I remember that ten or twelve of my son’s football teammates were singled out to receive extra special new space-age helmets for free to wear as their standard helmet. I believe there was going to be some observation of how well the helmets fared among positions in heavy play and practice, with notes on any players who might have had head injuries. They chose the top starters to use them. I don’t recall it being any kind of issue except that the players who received helmets were asked not to tell the other players. Still did not end up being any sort of top secret deal.</p>

<p>Team also had a connection with someone at Under Armour and there were new uniforms one year. No big deal.</p>

6

<p>My son’s high school team is sponsored by an equipment manufacturer. It’s a team sponsorship though, not individual players.</p>

7

<p>The ncaa rules for provision of equipment covers individual athletes </p>

8

<p>Hello: I just had a look at the NCAA Eligibility center. Here is the verbatim text from one of the questions:</p>

<p>

</p>

<p>If yes, then the student is asked to list each occurrence, who paid, the amount and actions.</p>

<p>Does anyone know what happens when a student selects “yes” and then lists the equipment they received from racket manufacturers? Does this automatically disqualify students from eligibility? Why would NCAA ask this if it is allowed according to rule 12.1.1.1.4.3??</p>

9

<p>It is obvious that getting equipment at discount or for free from the manufacturer is allowed because as you know yourself all decent junior tennis players are “sponsored” to some degree and after junior career they move on play college tennis. All college players are generally eligible for discounted packages from the manufacturers too. Accepting these packages does not make them ineligible for college tennis.
The agreement with sponsors usually includes the requirement to stencil your strings with the manufacturer’s logo at all times. You can see many photos of junior and college players with these logos on their rackets - it is not a secret deal.
I would not worry about being punished for getting sponsored. I would concentrate on getting better and actually getting sponsored. In addition to bragging rights you will save some money and may get access to demo equipment and cool stuff not available in retail.</p>