Compliance in the news

Recently, the media asked whether it is permissible for a student-athlete to receive a game ball as a result of his or her performance in a particular contest. Under current legislation, awards for specialized performances in a single contest may only be provided by the conference and an outside organization (e.g., local business) and must be a certifi cate, medal or plaque limited to $80 in value. However, a November 27, 1996 NCAA staff interpretation states it is not permissible to provide a game ball to recognize a student-athlete as a "player of the game" or "player of the week", but permits the institution to provide a game ball to recognize an extraordinary achievement such as setting an institutional record or another career achievement. The NCAA has concluded that this interpretation is no longer pertinent because institutions should have the discretion to decide whether to provide an award of nominal value such as a game ball (e.g., football, basketball, softball, baseball etc.) based on performance or achievement in a single contest or for a limited time period, not just to recognize an extraordinary achievement. As a result, the NCAA Academic and Membership Affairs staff will recommend to the NCAA Division Legislative Review and Interpretations Committee that the November 27, 1996 staff interpretation be archived immediately.

Syracuse University Athletics

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