Office of Athletic Compliance
The Southern Connecticut State University athletic compliance office is committed to assisting the department of athletics in taking institutional responsibility to abide by NCAA rules and regulations. Through the cooperation of administrators, coaches, faculty, student-athletes and representatives of the university's athletic interests, the University is dedicated to maintaining control of its athletic programs in a manner that is consistent with the standards set by the NCAA.
Early and frequent education is a key component of assuming the principle of institutional control.
If you have the need to inquire further, please do not hesitate to direct your questions to the Southern Connecticut State University compliance office.
Matthew Letkowski
Senior Associate Director of Athletics/Director of Compliance
203-392-6048
letkowskim1@southernct.edu
Compliance Structure, Responsibilities, and Duties
Southern Connecticut State University is committed to high quality co-curricular programs, including intercollegiate athletics. The opportunity to participate in intercollegiate athletics is an integral component of education at Southern Connecticut State University. The University is committed to excellence in athletics in a manner consistent with the aims of the University and the operating principles of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).
Operating Principles
As a member of the NCAA, participation in athletics at Southern Connecticut State University is guided by operating principles regarding amateurism, equity, nondiscrimination, academic integrity, student-athlete welfare, sportsmanship, ethical conduct, and related matters. These principles, adopted by the NCAA membership, serve as the standards by which all Division II athletic programs are judged. The University's commitment to these principles is underscored in the three-fold mission of intercollegiate athletics at Southern Connecticut State: To compete in a broad spectrum of sports at the highest competitive NCAA Division II levels attainable; To compete with integrity, and; To link athletics participation to all aspects of learning within the University Mission Statement.
Compliance Responsibilities and Institutional Control
In support of these operating principles, it is the University's responsibility to exercise institutional control in maintaining its athletics program in compliance with all rules and regulations established by the NCAA, by conferences of which Southern Connecticut State University is a member, and by the University, itself. Institutional control is defined by the NCAA as "administrative control or faculty control, or a combination of the two" (NCAA Manual). While compliance responsibilities are shared university-wide, ultimate responsibility and authority over athletics rests with the Board of Trustees and President, aided by the Faculty Athletics Representative, athletics administrators, and an administrative oversight system established to ensure compliance.
Rules education newsletters are regularly conducted for student-athletes, coaches, and athletics administrators, as well as for non-athletics administrators and staff who share athletics oversight responsibilities (admissions, registrar, financial aid). NCAA rules manuals are issued to coaches and administrative personnel with athletics-related duties for their personal reference. When questions regarding compliance arise, individuals should consult the manual or contact the University's Assistant Director of Athletics/Compliance, for interpretations or clarifications of rules and regulations. Southern Connecticut State University promotes full disclosure of all rules violations. Alleged violations of NCAA, conference, or University rules and regulations should be reported to the Compliance Coordinator or Faculty Athletics Representative for investigation. Actions taken in response to violations shall be consistent with NCAA, conference, and University policies and procedures. The NCAA governs the actions of our coaches and student-athletes, and has explicit guidelines that regulate the actions of our program. Hopefully this compliance site will further assist prospective student-athletes, current student-athletes, athletic representatives/boosters, and anyone else interested in intercollegiate athletics and Southern Connecticut State University.
Prospective Student-Athletes
Who Is A Prospective Student-Athlete?
A prospective student-athlete (prospect) is a student who has started classes for the ninth grade. In addition, a student who has started classes for the ninth grade becomes a prospective student-athlete if Southern Connecticut State University provides such an individual (or the individual's relatives or friends) any financial assistance or other benefits that Southern Connecticut State does not provide to prospective students generally.
An individual remains a prospective student-athlete until one of the following occurs (whichever is earlier):
A. The individual officially registers and enrolls in a minimum full-time program of studies and attends classes in any term
of a four-year collegiate institution's regular academic year (excluding summer) or:
B. The individual participates in a regular squad practice or competition at a four-year collegiate institution that occurs before
the beginning of any term. Actions by staff members or athletic representatives that cause a prospective student to become
a "recruited" student-athlete for SCSU include, but are not limited to the following:
1. Providing transportation to the prospect to visit SCSU
2. Entertaining the prospect in any way on campus, except SCSU may provide a complimentary admission to an athletic
event in which your team is competing when the prospect visits campus as a member of a group tour.
3. Initiating or arranging a telephone contact with the prospect, family member or guardian for the purpose of recruitment.
4. Visiting a prospect, family member or guardian for the purpose of recruitment, or
5. Entertaining family members or guardians of a prospect on our campus.
If at any time you have questions or concerns about any NCAA, Northeast-10 or Southern Connecticut State University rules or regulations, please contact the Compliance Office at (203)-392-6025.
Links for Prospective Student-Athletes
NCAA Eligibility Center
Initial Eligibility FAQ's
Guide to College Bound Student-Athletes
NCAA Banned Substance List
National Letter of Intent
Current Student-Athletes
Student-athletes are responsible for their own conduct both on and off the playing field, court or track. It is the responsibility of the student-athlete to adhere to all NCAA, Northeast-10 and institutional rules and regulations. Southern Connecticut State University's Department of Athletics is committed to strict adherence within these rules and regulations.
Although, the NCAA rules that govern student-athlete conduct may, at times, seem complicated, Southern Connecticut State University is committed to educating student-athletes on their expectations and responsibilities. This information can be found in the Student Handbook or within the Summary of NCAA Rules and Regulations. It is imperative that our student-athletes take time to understand all rules and regulations associated with the NCAA, NE-10 and University, because failing to do so, may jeopardize your eligibility.
If at any time you have questions or concerns about any NCAA, Northeast-10 or Southern Connecitcut State University rules or regulations, please contact the Compliance Office at (203) 392-6048.Student-athletes please remember that if there is any doubt "ask before you act."
Links for Current Student-Athletes
NCAA Drug Testing Program
NCAA Banned Substance List
Sports Wagering
SCSU Student-Athlete Advisory Committee
SCSU Champs/Life Skills
2019-20 Student-Athlete Handbook
Institutional Drug Testing Policy
Transfer Student-Athletes
If you transfer from a two-year or four-year college to an NCAA school, you must satisfy certain requirements before being eligible to participate in athletics at that college. If you have questions about transfer requirements, please contact the SCSU Compliance Office at (203) 392-6048.
Links for Transfer Student-Athletes
NCAA Student-Athlete Transfer Guide
Amateurism
In order to be eligible for intercollegiate athletics participation, all student-athletes must be certified as an Amateur. Amateurism is certified by the NCAA Eligibility Center prior to initial full-time enrollment.
An individual loses amateur status, and therefore is NOT ELIGIBLE for intercollegiate competition in a particular sport following initial full-time collegiate enrollment, if any of the following occur:
• Use your athletics skill (directly or indirectly) for pay in any form in that sport
• Accept a promise of pay even if such pay is to be received following completion of intercollegiate athletics participation
• Sign a contract or commitment of any kind to play professional athletics, regardless of its legal enforceability or any
consideration received
• Receive (directly or indirectly) a salary, reimbursement of expenses or any other form of financial assistance from a
professional sports organization based on athletics skill or participation, except as permitted by NCAA rules and regulations
• Compete on any professional athletics team, even if no pay or remuneration for expenses was received
• Enter into an agreement with an agent either prior to or following initial full-time collegiate enrollment
For more information regarding NCAA amateurism legislation, please access the links below. If you have any questions concerning your eligibility (either prior to enrollment or after full-time enrollment) at Southern Connecticut State University, please call the Compliance Office at (203) 392-6048.
Links for Amateurism Information
Amateurism
Pre and Post Enrollment Amateurism Issues
Agent and Amateurism
Boosters and Supporters
Who is a Representative of SCSU's Athletics Interest?
A representative of Southern Connecticut State Athletics interest (otherwise known as a "Booster") is an individual or company that is known by the Southern Connecticut State University Athletic Department to have participated in the following:
• Participated in or been a member of an organization promoting SCSU Athletics.
• Contributing financially to the SCSU Athletics Department or any individual SCSU Athletics team.
• Assisted SCSU in the recruitment of prospects.
• Purchased season tickets in any sport.
• Provided NCAA permissible benefits to enrolled Student-Athletes or their families.
Once identified as a "Booster", the status remains forever.
Frequently Asked Questions Concerning "Boosters"
Who is permitted to recruit for SCSU Athletics?
Only Southern Connecticut State University coaches and staff members may be involved in the recruiting process.
What is NOT considered an extra benefit?
Receipt of a benefit by a student-athlete or their relatives or friends is NOT a violation of NCAA legislation if it is demonstrated that the same benefit is generally available to the institution's students or their relatives or friends or to a particular segment of the SCSU student body (unrelated to athletics ability).
What CAN a Booster do for a Student-Athlete?
A Booster can provide an occasional family home meal to an individual or entire team, employ student-athletes during vacation periods, and display SCSU team posters in your business to show support. If you have any questions regarding what you can do to help SCSU Athletics, please contact the Compliance Office.
What are the employment rules governing Prospective Student-Athletes?
A representative of SCSU's athletic interests may discuss summer employment possibilities with a Prospective student-athlete AFTER he or she has signed a National Letter of Intent with Southern Connecticut State University.
May you employ currently enrolled Student-Athletes?
A booster is allowed to employ current Student-Athletes. Compensation must be based on work actually performed and at a rate commensurate with the going rate for services of like character. Earnings may not be based on publicity, reputation or fame the Student-Athlete has obtained because of athletic ability.
If you have any questions regarding the University's or NCAA's stance on boosters, please call the Compliance Office at (203) 392-6048.
