Dec. 25, 2004

The Notre Dame athletic department’s compliance office has been thrilled to be overwhelmed by recent calls from Monogram Club members and other representatives of athletics interest. Listed below are some of the questions and answers, from which we all can learn:

Q: May I contact high school coaches or guidance counselors directly regarding a prospective student-athlete?

A: No, such contact would constitute recruiting. Only Notre Dame coaches may contact high school coaches or guidance counselors regarding a prospect.

Q: May I attend a high school game where prospects are participating? May I speak with a prospects parent while at the game?

A: Yes, you may attend a high school game. However, it is not permissible to have contact with a prospect’s parent for the purposes of recruiting the prospect.

Q: What if I am a friend of the family, relative or neighbor of a prospect?

A: The rule does not prevent normal contact with friends, relatives or neighbors – but contact for the purpose of recruiting is not permissible.

Q: Can a Monogram Club member be involved in any way when a prospect is on an official or unofficial visit?

A: No, Monogram Club members may not be involved with a prospect while the prospect is on his/her visit to Notre Dame’s campus.

Q: Is it permissible for a Monogram Club member to provide summer employment for student-athletes?

A: Yes, it is permissible. Please remember that all employment must be arranged through the compliance department. Also, once employment begins, compensation must be paid only for work actually performed and at a rate commensurate with the going rate in that locality.

Q: Is it permissible for a Monogram Club member to reimburse the coach of a prospect for expenses incurred in transporting a prospect to visit the campus?

A: No, coaches may not be reimbursed or provided any benefit by Notre Dame or its boosters for bringing a prospect to campus.

Q: Is it permissible for a Monogram Club member to pay in whole or in part registration fees associated with sport camps?

A: No, any assistance by a Notre Dame employee or Monogram Club member would constitute an extra benefit and not permissible.

Q: Is it permissible for a Monogram Club member to provide enrolled student-athletes a home-cooked meal?

A: Yes, provided it is on an “occasional basis” and the meal is at the home not a restaurant. All requests must be received by compliance services prior to the event.

Q: Is Notre Dame’s athletics department responsible for the acts of the Monogram Club and other support groups?

A: Yes. Monogram Club members must follow the same rules and regulations as those placed on Notre Dame coaches and administration.

Q: Is it permissible for a Monogram Club member to provide gifts or awards to a student-athlete for his or her performances?

A: No, all awards must conform to NCAA awards legislation and must be approved by Notre Dame’s compliance department.

Q: As a Monogram Club member, may I call or write a prospect to let him or her know they would be a good fit for Notre Dame?

A: No, only Notre Dame’s coaches may call or write a prospect after specific dates established by the NCAA.

Q: What should I do if a prospect calls me about Notre Dame?

A: If that situation occurs, you may speak to the prospect about questions they may have about general university information. However, you may not answer any questions about athletics. Our recommendation is for you to inform the prospect to contact the coach of the sport in which they are interested in participating.

Q: Is it permissible for a Monogram Club member, independently or at the direction of a coach, to pick up a game film or transcript from the prospect’s high school?

A: No, only Notre Dame coaches may visit a prospect’s high school to obtain this information.

Q: Can a Monogram Club member arrange for a prospect to work with them after high school graduation?

A: Yes, once the prospect signs an NLI with Notre Dame and graduates from high school, the prospect may work for a Monogram Club member. Remember, first contact Notre Dame’s compliance department for approval. The prospect must receive pay for work actually performed and at a rate commensurate with the rate of that locality.

Q: Can a Monogram Club member provide anything to a prospect?

A: Outside of providing a coach’s name for the prospect to contact, NCAA rules prohibit Monogram Club members from providing any benefit to a prospect or the prospect’s family or legal guardian.

Q: Can a Monogram Club member provide transportation to a prospect to attend a home game on Notre Dame’s campus?

A: Yes, if and only if the prospect is an established friend or neighbor. You may not transport a prospect to campus for the sole purpose of bringing the prospect to a Notre Dame game.

Q: Can a Monogram Club member provide financial assistance to a prospect or student-athlete for educational or other expenses?

A: No, it is not permissible to directly or indirectly pay in whole or in part the costs of the prospect’s education or other expenses prior to enrollment or after he/she attends campus.

Q: Can a Monogram Club member donate or provide funding to benefit a high school’s athletic program?

A: Yes, provided:
1) The high school is located in the community in which the Monogram Club member resides;
2) The Monogram Club member acts independently of the University of Notre Dame;
3) The funds are distributed through established channels by the high school; and
4) The funds are not directed for a particular prospect.

Q: Can a Monogram Club member cosign a loan or loan money to a student-athlete?

A: No, this is an extra benefit and would not be permissible.

Q: Can a Monogram Club member provide discounts or credits to student-athletes?

A: No, student-athletes may not receive discounts or credits on a purchase or service from Monogram Club members.

Remember to contact the Athletics Compliance Office at (574) 631-8090 when questions arise!