There are rules in every game for every player. These rules are common knowledge and expected in every game. There are refs there to make calls when the rules are violated.

There are also rules for Coaches, Parents, Physicians, Athletic Trainers and yes even Massage Therapists. These are not that well known. They are ethics and NCAA guidelines. There are no refs. There are people who will report you and there will be repercussions. Not just for the coach or the massage Therapists but, the athlete, even the team and the school.

The NCAA has many rules that govern what student-athletes may and may not do on and off the playing field. As relatives of student-athletes there are NCAA rules that pertain to you as well. It is often good intentions that get people into a jam with NCAA Compliance. Here are the three most important rules we all need to know.

1. NCAA BYLAW

12.1.2.1.6 Preferential Treatment, Benefits or Services.

Preferential treatment, benefits or services because of the individual’s athletics reputation or skill or pay-back potential as a professional athlete, unless such treatment, benefits or services are specifically permitted under NCAA legislation.

(Revised: 1/11/94)

2. NCAA BYLAW

10.1 UNETHICAL CONDUCT

Unethical conduct by a prospective or enrolled student-athlete or a current or former institutional staff member (e.g., coach, professor, tutor, teaching assistant, student manager, student trainer) may include, but is not limited to, the following:

(Revised: 1/10/90, 1/9/96, 2/22/01)

(c) Knowing involvement in offering or

providing a prospective or an enrolled

student-athlete an improper inducement

or extra benefit or improper financial aid;

(Revised: 1/9/96)

3. NCAA BYLAW 2.9 THE PRINCIPLE OF AMATEURISM

Student-athletes shall be amateurs in an intercollegiate sport, and their participation should be motivated primarily by education and by the physical, mental and social benefits to be derived. Student participation in intercollegiate athletics is an avocation, and student-athletes should be protected from exploitation by professional and commercial enterprises.

 

We are often told and even encouraged by people to “get that kid on your table!” or “just send them a gift certificate anonymously!”  This would be wrong and unethical. These rules are serious and this is why we cannot provide any free services for High School & Collegiate Athletes.

We also hear about how we have obviously not thought of getting a famous athlete we know and have had as a client to write us a testimonial or post pictures of us and some of the teams and athletes we have worked. That is correct we wouldn’t dream of it. See rule number 3!

As much as we would love to be nice and generous, support our local teams and reach out to provide a few free sessions for certain people it is really against the rules.  Here is the best, most updated content site for information about NCAA Eligibilty.  It is well worth any athlete’s and/or parents time to read this.

http://www.ncsasports.org/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/CBSA1.pdf