Volunteer Coaches

In sports other than football and basketball, it is permissible for a team to employ a volunteer coach.

Volunteer Coaches May NOT:

• Receive or place phone calls to prospective student-athletes.
• Write, e-mail, text or otherwise communicate with prospective student-athletes in writing.
• Receive any on- or off-campus meals during unofficial visits. A head or assistant coach may not purchase an otherwise impermissible meal for a volunteer coach on- or off-campus.
• Receive expenses for non-competition related travel, such as for conventions or professional development.
• Travel with an assistant or head coach who is evaluating and/or contacting prospective student-athletes.
• Coach or be involved in the same sport at a high school.
• Provide prospects or student-athletes any extra benefits, such as lodging, meals and/or transportation.
• Receive cash bonuses, stipends or gifts related to their volunteer coaching position from the athletic department, the head coach or any outside groups, including booster clubs.
• Own or be employed by sports camps that are not operated in compliance with NCAA rules and regulations.
• Provide lessons to prospective student-athletes, unless under a permissible NCAA tryout exception.
• Receive a complimentary meal in conjunction with a prospect's unofficial visit.
• Receive complimentary admission to a UM contest in a sport other than their own (for example, to attend a football game during a prospect's visit).

Volunteer Coaches May:

• Purchase additional game tickets at face value.
• Receive apparel that is incidental to coaching (i.e., shoes, shirts and/or jackets).
• Receive the same awards as student-athletes for participation in championship events.
• Receive parking expenses associated with practice and / or competition.
• Travel with the team and be reimbursed for necessary and actual expenses incurred while traveling with the team (i.e., meals, lodging).
• Assist the coaching staff with administrative duties.
• Assist the coaching staff with on-campus recruiting activities (i.e., touring facilities).
• Use an institutional vehicle for transporting prospective student-athletes to/from the bus or train station or nearest major airport for an official visit and/or the prospect's initial arrival at the institution to attend classes or orientation.