What is a Booster?

[Helpinghand]

OSU says:

OSU to explain rules for anyone who might be a booster
Saturday, March 05, 2005
Kathy Lynn Gray
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH


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Nearly everyone involved with Ohio State University athletics — even those who just see a game — soon will learn how to be a proper booster.

The university has begun passing out detailed brochures about NCAA rules governing boosters to a wide variety of people: season-ticket holders, OSU Alumni Association members, those who register for a summer athletic camp, anyone who employs a student-athlete and anyone who buys a ticket to an athletic function.

"The scope is huge," athletics director Andy Geiger told the OSU Board of Trustees in a report yesterday. "It’s a very comprehensive program."

The effort comes from a committee Geiger set up to study ways to educate boosters about what they can and can’t do for OSU athletes.

The NCAA is investigating the OSU men’s football and basketball programs in part over charges of illegal benefits boosters provided to athletes. Quarterback Troy Smith had to sit out the Alamo Bowl in December because a booster gave him an undisclosed amount of cash in 2004.

Geiger said that people with extensive exposure to OSU athletics, such as those with seat licenses, will get a 20-page brochure that includes examples of illegal giving, what a booster can and can’t do for an athlete, recruiting rules and definitions of a booster and a prospect.

Individuals with less contact, such as single-ticket buyers, will get a short brochure with abbreviated information. Those also will be passed out where Buckeye merchandise is sold, he said.

Sports programs, alumni magazines and athletics Web sites will carry similar information. In addition, all car dealerships will get an annual letter as well as the longer brochure about NCAA rules, and OSU compliance officers will speak to athletic booster groups about the rules.

Two other committees set up to clamp down on student-athlete problems also announced changes.

Provost Barbara Snyder, head of the committee reorganizing advising for student-athletes, said all academic advising now will be under the Office of Academic Affairs. Currently, advisers for athletes are under a separate office.

Those advisers will operate much like other academic advisers at the university. Current athletic advisers will be allowed to apply for those jobs, Snyder said.

OSU attorney Chris Culley said the committee reviewing OSU’s compliance program is suggesting increased monitoring and investigation of athletics; tying compliance into coaches’ contracts; continuing evaluations of compliance by the OSU legal department; and an evaluation of enforcement options for boosters who break NCAA rules.



kgray@dispatch.com


Are you a booster ?
Ohio State considers you an athletic booster if you:

• Have ever been a member of a booster organization that supports Ohio State athletics.

• Have made any financial contributions to any area of Ohio State.

• Have made any annual or lifetime membership commitment to a booster organization.

• Have ever been involved with the recruitment of a prospect.

• Have provided benefits to enrolled student-athletes or their relatives or friends.

• Have otherwise been involved in promoting Ohio State’s athletic program.

• Provide or have helped to arrange employment for student-athletes.

• Are the parent or legal guardian of an enrolled student-athlete.

• Have ever been a season-ticket holder. Source: Ohio State University Athletic Compliance Office brochure

[MililaniBuckeye]

So, since I'm a new member of the local chapter of the OSU Amulni Association here (even though I'm not an alum, never attended any classes there, and in fact have never set foot in the city of Columbus), makes me a booster and thus if I know a neighbor kid who plays football for Mililani High School, I can't suggest to him that he consider playing for Ohio State? If so, that's absolute total bull[censored].

['68Flask]

Originally Posted by MililaniBuckeye

So, since I'm a new member of the local chapter of the OSU Amulni Association here (even though I'm not an alum, never attended any classes there, and in fact have never set foot in the city of Columbus), makes me a booster and thus if I know a neighbor kid who plays football for Mililani High School, I can't suggest to him that he consider playing for Ohio State? If so, that's absolute total bull[censored].

ESPiN camera crew arriving shortly....

[methomps]

Originally Posted by MililaniBuckeye

So, since I'm a new member of the local chapter of the OSU Amulni Association here (even though I'm not an alum, never attended any classes there, and in fact have never set foot in the city of Columbus), makes me a booster and thus if I know a neighbor kid who plays football for Mililani High School, I can't suggest to him that he consider playing for Ohio State? If so, that's absolute total bull[censored].

From the USC website:

Q: The son or daughter of an old friend is being actively recruited by a USC coach. Do I have to stop having any contact with the prospect and his or her parents?

A: No, you may continue to enjoy the same relationship with the family that you had before. You may not, however, use your relationship to urge that the son or daughter chooses USC, and you may not allow a coach to enlist you in the recruitment process.

Edit: also...

What May Boosters Do?

You may continue to have contact with an established family friend or neighbor who is a prospect. However, such contact may not be for recruiting purposes and may not be initiated by a USC coaching staff member.

You may bring outstanding prospects to the attention of the USC coaching staff by sending them newspaper clippings or other information about prospects. However, you may not be involved in the actual evaluation of talent. All evaluations and contacts are the sole responsibility of the USC coaching staff.

You may offer assistance to members of USC's coaching staff who are recruiting in your community.

Recruiting and Boosters

[jimotis4heisman]

the key is "established" the way the system works is crazy. if you were "friends" with them befoe they became 'famous' relations and realtionships and whatever help may have been given may continue.

[Steve19]

Mili, my understanding is that if young Archie Griffin is your next door neighbor and you have a pre-existing relationship (your kid and he were friends, you've spoken to him over the fence ever since he was 3 years old, etc) and if he asks you where you think he should go to college, then there is no problem.

I think the key is that we don't become involved in the recruiting process and use personal relationships to unduly influence. Telling young Archie, "Listen, you have to make your own decision. Look at all the offers on the table and choose what's best for you. I think that Ohio State is a great place because..." is not a violation. Calling Tressel on the phone, saying that the kid next door really relies on your opinion and you're going to steer him to OSU is. Meeting an OSU recruiter and agreeing to influence young Archie is.

Alumni Association members are supposed to share information about OSU with potential students. As I understand it, the line is crossed with young student-athletes when undue influence is used in an attempt to deprive them of their ability to act in their own self interest or inappropriately influence them to attend OSU.

[ohiobuck94]

And you have to take off your Buckeye gear when in the presence of a recruit so you don't influence him or her. (just kidding)
Mili, don't let your speaking to a recruit go any further than your post. Friend from ESpin may be coming to interview you to see if you are one of those "such and such" people.

[BuckeyeBaiter]

My mom got her ticket application Friday and enclosed was the ncaa compliance booklet. I thought it strange and a total waste of money

[ScarletArrow]

Originally Posted by BuckeyeBaiter

My mom got her ticket application Friday and enclosed was the ncaa compliance booklet. I thought it strange and a total waste of money

I'm sure Geiger thinks it's a bargain compared to the thought of shelling out untold sums of money defending the athletic department against a rogue booster and/or a vindictive media outlet.