Western Michigan athletics have continued to enjoy tremendous success over the years and much of that success can be directly attributed to the student-athletes, coaches and administrators whose goals are to make Western Michigan University a model athletics program both on and off the field. However, another key ingredient in the Broncos' success is the support of alumni, boosters and friends of Western Michigan Athletics. WMU appreciates the fantastic fan support, which encourages our student-athletes and energizes our entire department. However, we must be cautious not to let our enthusiasm for our athletes or programs interfere with the rules and regulations of the University, the Mid-American Conference (MAC), the National Collegiate Hockey Association (NCHC) and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).
The Athletics Compliance Office is dedicated to enforcing adherence to the rules and regulations by our student-athletes, coaches, administrators and supporters. The goal of our office is to provide the assistance, education and support that our student-athletes, coaches, administrators and supporters need to make the right decisions and comply with the rules. It is important that policies and procedures are followed to deter violations, and not merely to discover the existence of a violation after it has taken place. Like every aspect of Bronco athletics, we strive to do our best.
The following information has been compiled to help all supporters of Bronco Athletics better understand the rules and regulations that govern our conferences and university. When unsure of a particular situation, please remember to ask before you act, by calling the Compliance Office at (269) 387-2042.
You are a representative of athletics interests, commonly known as a "booster," if you meet any of the following criteria:
- You have been or are a member of any agency, organization or booster club that promotes WMU athletics.
- You have made a financial contribution to WMU athletics or its booster organizations (Fast Break Club, Blue Line Club, etc.).
- You are or have been a season-ticket holder in any sport.
- You have provided benefits (jobs, occasional meals) to enrolled student-athletes or their families.
- You have ever, in any way, promoted the athletics program at WMU.
- Once you become a booster, you are a booster indefinitely.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Is Western Michigan responsible for the actions of its representatives and their support groups?
YES! WMU is subject to penalties for all violations committed by any athletic representative or support organization.
Can a booster contact prospective student-athletes or his/her parent(s)/legal guardians?
NO, any such contact (electronically, in person or in writing) may make the prospective student-athlete ineligible to participate in athletics at WMU. Furthermore, a prospective student-athlete is still a prospect until they enroll in classes at the institution, even if they have signed a National Letter of Intent, so contact is still prohibited.
What is a prospective student-athlete?
A prospective student-athlete, also referred to as a recruit or prospect, is anyone who has started the ninth grade, regardless of if they are an athlete. In addition, a student who has not started the ninth grade becomes a prospect if the institution provides the individual with a benefit that the institution does not provide to all prospective students.
Can a booster assist the WMU coaches in recruiting, evaluating, contacting or observing prospective student-athletes on their behalf?
NO. A booster may attend a prospect's contest on his/her own initiative, provided no contact is made with the prospect or his/her family. Additionally, this "evaluation" may not take place at the request or discretion of a WMU coaching staff member. You may forward information about prospects to the appropriate coaching staff members.
What is considered recruiting?
Recruiting is any solicitation of a prospect or the prospect's family (or guardian) by an institutional staff member or by a representative of athletics interests for the purpose of securing that prospect's enrollment and ultimate participation in the institution's intercollegiate athletics program.
May a prospect call a booster?
YES. A booster may have a telephone conversation with a prospect ONLY if the prospect initiates the call. An institutional staff member may not prearrange such a call and the booster may NOT have a recruiting conversation. All athletically related questions must be referred to an athletic department staff member.
Are boosters allowed to help finance a prospect or current student-athlete to attend WMU?
Athletics representatives may NOT provide any financial services to a prospect or current student-athlete. However, a booster may contribute to the WMU Mike Gary Athletic Fund.
Can a booster directly provide gifts or awards to a prospect, enrolled student-athlete or his/her relatives?
NO, all gifts or awards must be first approved by the athletics director or director of compliance and meet all NCAA, MAC, CCHA and WMU rules and regulations.
What are some examples of inducements that are prohibited for prospects, their relatives or friends?
Includes but not limited to the following:
- cash or loans;
- promise of employment after college graduation;
- special discounts or payment arrangements on loans;
- employment of relatives or friends of prospects;
- arrangement for free or reduced charges for professional or personal services;
- use of an automobile;
- providing transportation to and from summer job or any other site;
- co-signing a loan;
- the loan or gift of money or other tangible item (clothes, cars, jewelry);
- free or reduced-cost housing arrangements;
- entertainment cost on or off-campus;
- educational expenses (typing costs, course supplies, use of copying machine) including registration for summer sport camps.
May I employ a student-athlete?
It is permissible for a booster or alumni to employ a current student-athlete. Compensation must be based upon work actually performed and at a rate commensurate with services of like character in that locality. Compensation may not be based upon the student-athlete’s reputation, fame, publicity or athletic success. The student-athlete may not receive any benefits not provided to other employees and may not be used to advertise, promote or endorse the employer or product.
May a student-athlete make a public appearance at a business establishment for purposes of signing autographs?
NO. It should be noted that student-athletes may make appearances at schools, hospitals or other non-profit charitable organizations, provided they do not receive compensation and such activities are authorized by the athletic department.
