To assist you in making educated decisions, please review the list of Frequently Asked Questions below and the booster guide at the end of the page.

Who is a prospective student-athlete?

A prospective student-athlete is any student who has started classes for the ninth grade. A student who has not yet started ninth grade may become a prospect if UAF or a booster provided the student, their relatives or friends, with financial assistance or benefits not generally provided to other students. In addition, student-athletes enrolled in preparatory school or two-year colleges, or those who have officially withdrawn from a four-year school, are considered prospects. A prospective student-athlete remains a prospect even after he/she signs a National Letter of Intent or accepts an offer of admission or financial aid to attend UAF. A prospect becomes a current student-athlete only when he/she reports for preseason practice or the first day of classes, whichever occurs first.

Who is a current student-athlete?

A student-athlete is any UAF student who is a member of a varsity athletics team, who is receiving athletically related financial aid, or who has completed his/her eligibility but is still enrolled in the institution. NCAA regulations apply to all student-athletes, not just those student-athletes who were recruited or who receive an athletics scholarship.

Who is a Representative of Athletics Interests?

You are a Representative of Athletics Interests if you:
• Have ever participated in or are a member of any organization promoting UAF's athletics program (Tip Off Club, Hoop Club, Face Off Club, Spike Club, etc...).
• Have ever made a donation of money, gifts or services to any of UAF's athletic programs.
• Have ever helped arrange employment for prospective or current student-athletes.
• Have been involved in promoting UAF Athletics in any way.
• Have ever been a varsity team member at UAF.
• Are the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) of an enrolled or former student-athlete.

According to NCAA rules, once an individual has been identified as an institutional "representative of athletics interests" the individual retains the title for life.

The University of Alaska Fairbanks is ultimately responsible for the actions of its athletics representatives in regard to NCAA rules and regulations. If you are aware of any infractions of NCAA and/or GNAC rules please report it to the Compliance Coordinator immediately. Even if a violation is unintentional, the eligibility of a prospect or enrolled student-athlete could be in jeopardy.

What is an extra benefit?

Members of the athletics department staff and representatives of athletics interests are prohibited from providing extra benefits to prospective or current student-athletes. An extra benefit is any gift or arrangement provided to a prospective or current student-athlete or their relative or friend, that the NCAA does not expressly permit.

What may boosters do?

Permissible activities with prospective student-athletes:
• You may continue to have contact with an established family friend or neighbor who is a prospect as long as such contact is not for recruiting purposes and is not initiated by a UAF coaching staff member.
• You may bring outstanding prospects to the attention of the UAF coaching staff by sending the coach newspaper clippings and other information about the individual.
• You may assist a prospective student-athlete who has signed a National Letter of Intent with securing employment the summer before he/she enrolls in UAF. All arrangements of employment must be made through the Compliance Coordinator.

Permissible activities with currently enrolled student-athletes:
• You may have contact with enrolled student-athletes on campus.
• You may invite a student-athlete(s) or the entire team for a meal at your home and provide transportation to the event. The meal, which may be catered, should be limited to infrequent or special occasions (holidays, birthday, etc.) Please seek permission from the Compliance Coordinator.
• You may invite an entire team for a meal when they are visiting your city for an away from home athletic event. When the team is on the road, this meal may take place at the booster's home or at a restaurant, but must include the entire team.
• You may assist a student-athlete with securing summer and post graduation employment. All arrangements of employment must be made through the Compliance Coordinator.
• You may contribute to the Nanook club. This fund helps subsidize the University's commitment to providing a quality athletic experience to more than 100 student-athletes annually.

What is recruiting?

Recruiting is any solicitation of a prospect or the prospect's parent/legal guardian by a UAF staff member for the purpose of securing the prospect's enrollment at UAF and participation in UAF's athletics program. Recruiting activities include correspondence, e-mail, faxes, telephone conversations and in-person contacts (on and off campus).

Who may recruit?

Only UAF's coaches who successfully complete the NCAA Recruiting Rules Examination on an annual basis may recruit off campus for the athletics program. Representatives of athletics interests are prohibited from engaging in any recruiting activities either on or off-campus. An alumnus of the institution may receive phone calls from prospects to discuss the University in general, but may not discuss athletics.

The following brochure was developed to assist you in understanding the NCAA rules regarding athletic boosters.

2006-07 Booster Guide (pdf)

If you have any questions about the information contained in this brochure or questions about your actions as a booster, please contact Pamm Hubbard, Assistant Athletic Director for Compliance.

The best way to be a supporter of Nanook athletics is to join the Nanook Fund. For additional information on the Nanook Fund, contact Patrick Lee, Associate Athletic Director for External Affairs.

 

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