The University of Akron Athletics
What can a Zips Booster do?Â
What can a Zips booster do to assist the UA Athletics program?
NCAA regulations strictly limit what a Representative of Athletics Interests (i.e., booster) can do regarding the recruitment of a prospective student-athlete (i.e., prospect). NCAA regulations also limit a booster's interaction with a current Akron student-athlete. Below are a few reminders of what a Zips Booster can and cannot do to assist the UA program:
- A Zips Booster may NEVER get involved in the recruitment of a prospect. Only NCAA certified Akron coaches and UA Department of Athletics staff members may be involved in the recruiting process.
- A Zips Booster may NEVER provide gifts, money, entertainment or any other form of inducement to a prospect (or to a member of his/her family) or to a current UA student-athlete (or to a member of his/her family).
- A Zips Booster may NEVER contact a prospect or a member of his/her family via any written or electronic form of communication.
- A Zips Booster CAN forward information to the appropriate coaching staff about a prospect who he/she believes would be a good addition to the program.
- A Zips Booster CAN view a prospect's contest provided that he/she does not contact the prospect (or the prospect's family/friends) on such occasions.
- A Zips Booster CAN provide employment opportunities for a current Akron student-athlete.
- A Zips Booster CAN provide an occasional family home meal to a current Akron student-athlete or to an entire team – with the approval of the UA Head Coach.
- A Zips Booster CAN display Akron team posters in his/her place of business or home to show his/her support of the program.
- A Zips Booster CAN participate in various Zips fundraising activities.
- A Zips Booster CAN continue an established (i.e., pre-existing) relationship with a prospect and his/her family provided the relationship predates the student's status as a prospect or the student's status achieved as a result of his/her athletics ability or reputation.
NOTE: If an item/activity is not specifically listed above, more than likely it would be considered an NCAA violation. Please direct any questions that you may have to the UA Compliance Office at 330.972.2694. Thank you.
Donation Requests
The University of Akron receives many requests for memorabilia from organizations each year. Please know that all requests are given serious consideration, however, due to the high volume of requests we receive, the following guidelines must be followed to assure fairness.
- Due to NCAA regulations, we are unable to fulfill requests that would benefit students in grades 9-12. This includes all high school auctions, raffles, fundraisers, and requests for prizes.
- Requests for operating expenses and other monetary donations cannot be honored.
- Requests for items to be autographed by student-athletes cannot be honored.
