Parents and Message Boards

[cutter]

2ndandlong:

thanks for doing the legwork on this. tremendous help.

can we get clarification (perhaps, I am the only one clueless here) on whether this applies to all relatives of the recruit/prospect? if an uncle, cousin, sibling, etc shows up here, does this apply to them as well (I assume it does, but....)?
also, what about 'agents' of the recruit/prospect? we have had a couple of recent occurrences of non-relative individuals promoting kids-- is this allowed freely? I'm guessing this latter point is a subject of growing ncaa attention, and may not be fully addressed in current rules, but it would help to know where this issue stands.

finally, can someone isolate 2ndandlong's posting and create a sticky for future reference for everyone?

[2ndandlong]

2ndandlong:

thanks for doing the legwork on this. tremendous help.

can we get clarification (perhaps, I am the only one clueless here) on whether this applies to all relatives of the recruit/prospect? if an uncle, cousin, sibling, etc shows up here, does this apply to them as well (I assume it does, but....)?
also, what about 'agents' of the recruit/prospect? we have had a couple of recent occurrences of non-relative individuals promoting kids-- is this allowed freely? I'm guessing this latter point is a subject of growing ncaa attention, and may not be fully addressed in current rules, but it would help to know where this issue stands.

finally, can someone isolate 2ndandlong's posting and create a sticky for future reference for everyone?

I'll ask him to clarify on your above point, and see if he will draft a formal statement that I can get the mods to permanently house in recruiting.

[2ndandlong]

Cutter,

Here is the response from Kyle Conder:

Thank you for your message. The follow-up question is a good one.

As stated in the aforementioned bylaws, written correspondence between SMU fans, boosters, and supporters and a prospective student-athlete’s “relatives or legal guardians” is prohibited. I recognize that this language is rather expansive (e.g., presumably this prohibition would extend to a prospect’s second cousin). However, I will reiterate a sentiment that I expressed in my previous e-mail: If an individual has identified himself as the relative a prospect (e.g., sibling, aunt/uncle, cousin, etc.), it is incumbent on SMU supporters to refrain from corresponding with that individual.

Now, the author raises a valid point regarding a prospect’s “agent.” (I should note that NCAA rules on agents would trigger if a prospect were to hire an individual or agency to secure an athletics scholarship.) This is an issue of growing concern within the NCAA membership (i.e., the concept of individuals/agencies that represent prospects during the recruiting process). Nonetheless, it is permissible for a SMU supporter to have contact with an individual who has identified himself as a friend or acquaintance of a prospect. However, SMU supporters are not permitted to have contact with a prospect’s coach (see Bylaw 13.1.2.4 below).

Finally, I do not have a FAQ/Do’s and Don’ts document readily available to address permissible/impermissible communication between SMU supporters and prospects. However, any member of the SMU Athletics community is always welcome to contact me. (I have integrated my thoughts on this into my signature line below.)

Let me know if you have questions or need more information.

13.1.2.4 - Other Restrictions, Athletics Representatives.
The following are additional restrictions that apply to athletics representatives:
(a) Telephone Conversation. An athletics representative of a member institution may speak to a prospective student-athlete via the telephone only if the prospective student-athlete initiates the telephone conversation and the call is not for recruiting purposes. Under such circumstances, the representative must refer questions about the institution's athletics program to the athletics department staff;
(b) Observing Prospective Student-Athlete's Contest. An athletics representative may view a prospective student-athlete's athletics contest on his or her own initiative, subject to the understanding that the athletics representative may not contact the prospective student-athlete on such occasions;
(c) Evaluation of Prospective Student-Athlete. An athletics representative may not contact a prospective student-athlete's coach, principal or counselor in an attempt to evaluate the prospective student-athlete; and
(d) Visiting Prospective Student-Athlete's Institution. An athletics representative may not visit a prospective student-athlete's educational institution to pick up film/videotape or transcripts pertaining to the evaluation of the prospective student-athlete's academic eligibility or athletics ability.

[Junior]

Wow. That's a lot of words. But all-inclusive.

So no, you just need to stay clear of relatives.

[cutter]

2ndandlong,

thanks for the follow-up. great, useful info.
hopefully, we can get all that posted as a sticky for continued reference.
thanks, again. great work.

[2ndandlong]

Wow. That's a lot of words. But all-inclusive.

So no, you just need to stay clear of relatives.

I know. I should have posted each paragraph separately for count purposes.

[2ndandlong]

2ndandlong,

thanks for the follow-up. great, useful info.
hopefully, we can get all that posted as a sticky for continued reference.
thanks, again. great work.

I'm currently working with Kyle to develop a statement for the recruiting page that hopefully the mods will post long term. It says something to the effect of if you are a relative we Can't talk to you dont be offended.

But it will sound a lot more legal.

[cutter]

cool.

[Stallion]

Yes I think you can explain-don't be offended-and direct to SMU Football recruiting coordinator

[2ndandlong]

Yes I think you can explain-don't be offended-and direct to SMU Football recruiting coordinator

I don't think that would be out of bounds.

[cutter]

2ndandlong,

since we are again having relatives of recruits on the board, is there progress in getting that statement with guidelines written and posted as a sticky???
thanks for all your hard work.

[2ndandlong]

I posted the statement drafted by counsel, but I'm not sure it will ever go beyond us policing ourselves.

[cutter]

okay.
I'll start a thread for the mods to see if they might consider a sticky of the material you provided.

[PonyPride]

Is PonyFans considered affiliated with SMU? I didn't think it was.

No. PonyFans.com is independent of SMU and its athletic department.

Guidelines are posted at the top of the Recruiting board. Thanks

[cutter]

Guidelines are posted at the top of the Recruiting board. Thanks

cool beans.
thanks.