NCAA Eligibility Center

I found some of the questions ambiguous and hard to answer.  They asked about whether equipment, travel, accommodations, or food was provided.  We weren't sure whether to answer yes or no.  My son has played on teams that provided some or all of those things to the team, but those things were paid for out of the team budget, which was funded by team fees, so it wasn't like our son was given them for free.  I realize there are kids on teams, and even some whole teams, that play for free.  I assume that was what the NCAA was trying to get at, but I'm really not sure.

Because there is a limit to what the player can receive and there is also the rules that your son cannot benefit to a lot greater extent than other players on the same team for certain things.  I have read it but do not know exactly what those are.  We had a long discussion on it when son joined Royals Scout Team where they paid for motels, equipment, meals, and provided coaches and trainers and use of facilities at no cost.  The catch was all players received the same benefits at no cost to the player.  They are trying to determine if you have ever been a paid player in any aspect of the rule, not just money.  There are things they are allowed to do and things they are not allowed to do.

So it's better to say that you paid a lot? 

Francis7 posted:

So it's better to say that you paid a lot? 

Probably best just to try to be as accurate as possible. My guess is that it's just a simple equation for them. How much did you pay? How much were you reimbursed? How much was the value of what you received? 

If reimbursements - payments > value received, then you are a professional.