Question about amateur eligibility.

[bluedigger]

I was just reading a local story about a HS nordic ski meet in Maine where they gave away gift certificates as prizes instead of medals, etc...

"Members of the top three teams were presented with Dunkin' Donuts gift cards."
http://www.sunjournal.com/news/local-sports/2014/01/04/nordic-skiing-leavitt-mt-blue-mix-it-telstar-relay/1473799

I know it's a relatively insignificant prize, but I would be nervous about my NCAA eligibility if I accepted such an award, as they are sticklers for the rules. Am I over analyzing this?

[hughee99]

1. I'd recommend contacting the NCAA beforehand

They seem to be wildly inconsistent on such things.

[bluedigger]

2. Maybe they did.

You're right, it's pretty hard to guess how they would rule on something seemingly so trivial.

[Goblinmonger]

3. My son is wrestling D2 next year.

Going through the NCAA eligibility site was tedious at best. He had to declare every singlet he received from a club and how much we had to pay for membership in the club and if he received any prizes. As said above, I'd call them. And then get their response in writing.

[bluedigger]

4. Interesting.

I was also thinking about t shirts given away in amateur road races and the like. I don't have any skin in this game - just a story I came across that provoked the question. I think I'd just refuse the gift certificate if it were me. More trouble than it's worth.

[Goblinmonger]

5. That would be my recommendation.

Though I have some memory of whether he got a trophy/plaque that worth more than a certain amount. So it may be the cash value involved.

[joeybee12]

6. You'd be disqualified for accepting, unless...

You went to an SEC school...