The NCAA’s Academic and Membership Affairs staff released an interpretation today reconfirming that prior to August 1 of a prospective student-athlete’s senior year in high school, it is not permissible for a Division I institution to indirectly (e.g., through relatives, friends, high school, preparatory school, two-year college coach or any other individual responsible for teaching or directing an activity in which a prospective student-athlete is involved) provide a written offer of athletically related financial aid or indicate in writing to the prospective student-athlete that an athletically related grant-in-aid will be offered by the institution.
The bylaw (13.9.2.2) (Written Offer of Aid Before Signing Date) went into effect this past August. On or after August 1 of a prospect's senior year in high school, an institution may indicate in writing to a prospect that an athletically related grant-in-aid will be offered by the institution; however, the institution may not permit the prospect to sign a form indicating his or her acceptance of such an award before the initial signing date in that sport in the National Letter of Intent program.
