Dear Local Merchants:
As you may be aware, many NCAA programs have recently come under increased scrutiny. Several institutions are currently serving probation, with violations often stemming from student-athletes receiving free or discounted meals or items from well-intentioned restaurants and local businesses. To help prevent these situations, we are working proactively to educate local businesses and supporters about NCAA rules and how they apply to interactions with student-athletes.
Many of our student-athletes frequent your businesses, so we wanted to take the opportunity to familiarize you with some NCAA guidelines that the institution, alumni, fans and student-athletes are responsible to follow.
NCAA rules prohibit any student-athlete from receiving any “extra benefits.” The NCAA considers any special discounts or arrangements given to student-athletes or their friends and family that was not available to the general student body or public to be an extra benefit, and could jeopardize the student-athlete’s eligibility. If a student-athlete receives any extra benefits they must be declared ineligible and would have to repay the benefit received and possibly be suspended for competition. Following are some extra benefit guidelines:
- Discounts and Credits: A student-athlete may not receive a special discount, payment arrangement or credit on purchase from an institutional employee or a Representative of MU’s athletic interests (season ticket holder, alumni, donated funds for athletic purposes) or local business if the same was not offered and advertised to the general student body or public.
- Free or Reduced – Cost Services: A representative may not provide a student-athlete with services for which a fee would normally be charged without a charge or at a reduced cost. Professional services provided at less than the normal rate or at no expense to a student-athlete are considered an extra benefit unless they are available and advertised on the same basis to the general student body or public.
- Preferential Treatment: A student-athlete may not receive preferential treatment, benefits or services for his or her athletics reputation or skill or payback potential as a future professional athlete.
While other institutions may have faced consequences from similar actions, we view this as an opportunity to proactively educate local businesses and Mercyhurst supporters on the importance of adhering to NCAA rules. Mercyhurst University’s success is built on the continued support of individuals who remain mindful, cautious, and knowledgeable about NCAA regulations. If you have any questions regarding this information, please feel free to contact our Athletic Compliance department at (814) 824-3101. Thank you for your time, attention, and continued support of Mercyhurst Athletics.
