Not only must high school student-athletes be certified academically to
    participate in Division I or II intercollegiate athletics, they must also be
    certified as an amateur.  Just as high school transcripts and test scores
    are required to be submitted to the Eligibility Center, high school student-
    athletes are required to complete a questionnaire regarding their
    amateurism status in order to be certified as eligible by the Eligibility
    Center.  High school student-athletes can begin completing the
    questionnaire at the end of their junior year or the beginning of their
    senior year when they register with the Eligibility Center.  Answers to the
    questions will determine one’s amateurism eligibility status.  Issues that
    can jeopardize amateurism eligibility status include:

  • Entering into either an oral or written agreement with an agent;
  • Receiving benefits from an agent (or a “runner” – someone who
    works for an agent);
  • Entering into a contract with a professional team;
  • Receiving expenses from a professional team;
  • Competing on a team with professionals;
  • Accepting prize money beyond actual and necessary expenses;
    (NOTE: Prize money can only be accepted for participation in open
    events.  Prize money may not be accepted for participation in non-
    open events.)
  • Accepting a salary for participation in the student-athletes’ sport.

    It should be noted that the above-referenced issues are treated differently
    by Division I and II regulations.  Division I regulations are more
    restrictive with regard to issues that can jeopardize amateurism status
    than those of Division II.  Nonetheless, high school student-athletes
    should answer the questions honestly when completing the
    questionnaire.  Below is a sample of some of the types of questions that
    high school student-athletes must answer:

  • In any sport, have you ever authorized anyone (other than your
    parent, legal guardian or coach) to market your athletics skill or
    reputation?  

  • In any sport, have you ever accepted any benefits from an agent (or
    other individual who has marketed any individual’s athletics skill)?

  • Before ever attending classes full time at any college, in the sport of
    _________ have you ever competed in an event and accepted prize
    money?

  • Was the prize money you received more than the amount you spent
    to participate in the event?

  • Before ever attending classes full time at any college, in the sport of
    __________ have you ever competed in an event where any part of
    your expenses were paid for by anyone other than your family, your
    team or the sponsor of the event?

  • Before ever attending classes full time at any college, in the sport of
    __________ have you ever been paid to compete?

    The questionnaire can be updated online until the high school student-
    athlete submits his or her final authorization signature.
Amateurism
Eligibility
Certification for Amateurism Eligibility
Quiz Question #6
Sources:  NCAA 2007-08 Guide for the College Bound Student-Athlete and www1.ncaa.org/membership/ach/sample_amateurism_questions/.
    Which of the following can jeopardize
    the amateurism status of a high
    school student-athlete?

    Entering a professional sports
    draft

    Entering into an oral agreement
    with an agent

    Accepting prize money that
    doesn't exceed actual and
    necessary expenses for
    participation in an open event

    Trying out with a professional
    sports team before initial
    collegiate enrollment