The Department of Athletics is very proud to have the loyal support of its alumni and friends. These “boosters”, referred to as “representatives of athletics interests” by the NCAA, are an important part of our athletics program. A booster, as defined below by the NCAA, is any individual who:

Is known (or who should have been known) by a member of the institution’s executive or athletics administration to:

1. Have participated in or to be a member of an agency or organization, including corporate entities (e.g., apparel and equipment companies), promoting the institution’s intercollegiate athletics program;

2. Have made financial contributions to the athletics department or to an athletics booster organization of that institution;

3. Be assisting or to have been requested (by the athletics department staff) to assist in the recruitment of prospective student-athletes;

4. Be assisting or to have assisted in providing benefits to enrolled student-athletes or their families; or

5. Have been involved otherwise in promoting the institution’s athletics program.

Once an individual is identified as such a representative, the person retains that identity indefinitely.

According to the NCAA, the control and conduct of WJU’s intercollegiate athletic program shall include being held accountable for the acts of all individuals that have been identified as “boosters”. Extra benefits to student-athletes or their family members from athletics representatives are specifically prohibited. 

This information should be considered only as a guide to a general understanding of the NCAA legislation which might result in the loss of an individual’s eligibility or disciplinary action against WJU. We strongly suggest that if you are not absolutely certain about an NCAA rule, contact the Department of Athletics at 304-243-2365 before proceeding.

A booster MAY NOT:

1. Give student-athlete cash or loans in any amount.

2. Sign or co-sign a note with an outside agency to arrange a loan.

3. Give student-athletes gifts or free services (e.g. laundry, haircuts, dry cleaning) of any kind.

4. Provide special discounts for goods or services.

5. Provide use of an automobile.

6. Provide a benefit connected with off campus housing (e.g., television sets, stereo equipment, specialized recreational facilities, room furnishings or appointments of extra quality and/or quantity).

7. Provide student-athletes transportation within or outside of the campus area.

8. Entertain or contact a prospect or prospect’s family on or off campus.

9. Provide tickets to an athletic, institutional or community event.

10. Provide rent free, reduced rent or a benefit connected with on or off campus housing.

11. Provide guarantee of a bond.

12. Provide promise of financial aid for post-graduate education or employment after college education.

13. Allow a student-athlete, his/her friends or relatives use of their telephone to make free long distance calls.

14. Give any kind of tangible or financial benefit to a student-athlete, a prospective student-athlete, or family members of either.