Arkansas State University

As a student-athlete at Arkansas State University, you embody both athleticism and academic excellence. Being a student-athlete is a rewarding but challenging journey, and understanding and adhering to NCAA, Sun Belt and Arkansas State rules is crucial for your eligibility and success.

Remember: Always "Ask Before You Act!" Our Compliance Office is here to help you navigate the rules and support your journey. This site offers an overview of key regulations and is your go-to resource for compliance forms and guidance.

Access all necessary forms for student-athletes at the ARMS Workflow Launchpad, including:

• Notification of Outside Competition
• Student-Athlete Employment Registration
• Third-Party NIL Disclosure Form
• Required Course Materials Reimbursement Form

Questions? Our Compliance Staff is always ready to assist you.

The move from high school sports to college athletics is an exciting milestone that brings new opportunities and responsibilities. To help you navigate this transition successfully, it is essential to understand the NCAA rules and regulations that apply to prospective student-athletes.

Am I a prospective student-athlete?

In general, you are a prospective student-athlete if you have started classes in ninth grade, regardless of whether you participate in athletics. In addition, you are considered a prospective student-athlete if an institution has provided you or  your family with any benefit that is not offered to other prospective student-athletes.

I want to be a collegiate athlete. What’s next?

Students should register with the NCAA Eligibility Center at the beginning of their  junior year of high school. The NCAA Eligibility Center will certify the academic and amateur credentials of all college-bound student-athletes who wish to compete in NCAA Division I athletics. You may register online at the NCAA  Eligibility Center. We recommend that all students register for an Academic and Athletics Certification Account. At the end of the student's junior year, a transcript, including six semesters of grades, should be sent to the Eligibility Center directly from the high school. Upon high school graduation, a transcript with proof of graduation should be sent to the Eligibility Center directly from the high school.

A student may apply to Arkansas State University early in their senior year. You can apply online at Arkansas State University admissions.

As the parent of an Arkansas State University student-athlete, you play an important role in supporting your child throughout their collegiate experience. NCAA, Sun Belt Conference, and Arkansas State regulations apply to both student-athletes and their families, and understanding these requirements is essential to maintaining eligibility. Our staff is committed to helping you navigate these rules by answering questions and providing guidance. While this website offers a general overview and links to additional resources, we encourage you to always "Ask Before You Act!"

Questions? Our Compliance Staff is always ready to assist you. 

As a valued supporter of Arkansas State Athletics, your commitment to NCAA, Sun Belt Conference, and Arkansas State policies helps protect the integrity of our programs and the eligibility of our student-athletes. The Compliance Office is available to answer questions, provide guidance, and help you navigate these regulations. While this website offers an overview of key rules and resources, we encourage you to always "Ask Before You Act!"

Questions? Our Compliance Staff is always ready to assist you.

Definition of a Booster

Per NCAA regulations, an Arkansas State Representative of Athletics Interests, also known as a “Booster,” encompasses any individual who has:

• Made contributions of any kind to the Arkansas State Department of Athletics;
• Joined the Red Wolves Foundation or any sport-specific support group;
• Provided benefits to prospective or enrolled student-athletes or their families;
• Assisted in any capacity with the recruitment of prospective student-athletes;
• Participated as a varsity student-athlete at Arkansas State University;
• Had a child who has participated as a varsity student-athlete at Arkansas State University; or
• Promoted the Arkansas State athletics program in any way.

Please note that once an individual is identified as a booster, this designation is for life.

Permissible Activities for a Booster

A Representative of Athletics Interests/Booster is permitted to:

• Notify our coaches about prospects in their area;
• Attend high school or two-year college athletic contests or other events where prospects may compete, but cannot contact the prospect, the prospect's relatives or coach;
• Continue existing friendships with families of prospects, but cannot attempt to recruit the prospect, and;
• Provide an occasional meal to a student-athlete or an entire team on special occasions, subject to specific conditions:
  • Such meals must be hosted in the booster's home, on Arkansas State's campus or at a facility regularly used for home competition;
  • The meal may be catered;
  • The booster may offer reasonable, local transportation to student-athletes to attend the meal, but this is only permitted if the meal takes place at the booster's home;
  • The Compliance Office must be informed in advance of these meals, and the Booster-Provided Occasional Meals Form must be completed by the booster for each meal provided.
     

Impermissible Activities for a Booster

A Representative of Athletics Interests/Booster is not permitted to:

• Make in-person on- or off-campus recruiting contact with a prospective student-athlete and/or his or her parents or legal guardians;
• Write or telephone a prospective student-athlete and/or his or her family members or legal guardians; or
• Contact a prospective student-athlete's coach, principal or counselor in an attempt to recruit or evaluate the prospect.

Extra Benefits and Recruiting Inducements

NCAA rules prohibit boosters from providing enrolled student-athlete “extra benefits.” The NCAA classifies any special discounts or arrangements that are not available to the general public or the student body as extra benefits, and such benefits can jeopardize the student-athlete's eligibility.

Offering these benefits to prospective student-athletes or their family and friends is also prohibited, as it constitutes a “recruiting inducement.”

Examples of extra benefits and recruiting inducements include, but are not limited to:

• Arrangement of employment for relatives or friends;
• Gifts of clothing or equipment;
• Co-signing of loans;
• Providing loans to relatives or friends;
• Cash or like items;
• Any tangible items, including merchandise;
• Free or reduced-cost services, rentals or purchases of any type;
• Free or reduced-cost housing;
• Use of athletics equipment;
• Sponsorship of, or arrangement for, an awards banquet for prospective student-athletes; and
• Presentation of an award to prospective student-athletes for outstanding athletics accomplishments.
   

At Arkansas State Athletics, we are dedicated to fostering a culture of excellence, accountability, and integrity. NCAA rules impact all stakeholders of collegiate athletics, and local businesses play a valuable role in helping uphold those standards. Because NCAA regulations can be complex, we have provided this overview to help explain key guidelines and address common questions. Thank you for your continued support of Arkansas State University and Red Wolves Athletics.

Under NCAA Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) legislation, student-athletes may be compensated for promoting or endorsing businesses, products, or services, as well as for the use of their name, image, autograph, or likeness. However, student-athletes may not sell Arkansas State-issued equipment or apparel received through their participation in athletics, including uniforms, team-issued clothing, awards, or protective equipment.

While NIL opportunities allow student-athletes to earn compensation, NCAA rules continue to prohibit them from receiving free or discounted gifts, meals, services, or other benefits simply because they are student-athletes. These impermissible benefits, known as "extra benefits," include special arrangements or advantages not generally available to the general public or the student body.

All NIL agreements must be quid pro quo and cannot be used as a substitute for compensation based on athletic participation or performance. NIL compensation may not be contingent on athletic performances or achievements, such as points scored. Athletic performance may enhance a student-athlete's NIL value but may not be considered for NIL compensation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay a student-athlete to promote my business by providing them with a discounted or free meal?

• Yes, provided Arkansas State logos, trademarks and facilities are not used. A student-athlete may be paid, including in-kind compensation, to promote your business. Student-athletes may not receive payment for work not performed; they are required to do something to get the discount. Student-athletes are required to disclose all NIL activities to the Compliance Office. All athletes’ promotion of their business activity may include a reference to their involvement in intercollegiate athletics and refer to our university, but may not include Arkansas State University logos, trademarks, or use of institutional facilities. University logos, trademarks, or use of any intellectual property (IP) must be previously approved by Red Wolves Sports Properties. For the avoidance of doubt, student-athletes are permitted to identify themselves as “Current A-State Student-Athlete.” With any questions regarding the use of IP, please contact: colton.anderson@learfield.com
   

If a recruit frequents my business, may I encourage them to attend Arkansas State by offering them discounted or free services or products, such as a free meal?

• No, you may not engage in any recruiting-related conversations with potential Arkansas State student-athletes. Only Arkansas State coaches are permitted to assist in the recruiting process. You are also not allowed to provide a recruit any preferential treatment, including discounts. Offering discounts, free products, or extra benefits would be considered a recruiting inducement and could jeopardize their collegiate eligibility.
   

Can I hire a student-athlete or team to sign autographs at my place of business?

• Yes, student-athletes can be compensated for the use of their NIL. They are not permitted to wear Arkansas State uniforms or logos during the signing event, due to trademark and licensing issues. All athletes’ promotion of their business activity may include a reference to their involvement in intercollegiate athletics and refer to our university, but may not include Arkansas State University logos, trademarks, or use of institutional facilities. University logos, trademarks, or use of any intellectual property (IP) must be previously approved by Red Wolves Sports Properties. For the avoidance of doubt, student-athletes are permitted to identify themselves as “Current A-State Student-Athlete.” With any questions regarding the use of IP, please contact: colton.anderson@learfield.com.
   

If I have an NIL deal with a student-athlete, can I give them a bonus for every goal or point they score?

• No, NIL deals may not be contingent on specific athletic performance or achievement. Athletic performance may enhance a student-athlete's NIL value but may not be considered for compensation.
   

Are there other Arkansas State NIL policy restrictions on NIL activities?

• Yes, all NIL arrangements must align with Arkansas State University's code of conduct, NIL policy, and any contract between Arkansas State and other third-party organizations. Student-athletes, or your business, are not permitted to use university marks, logos or phrases without proper licensing permission. This includes using a picture of a student-athlete in an Arkansas State uniform to advertise the promotion or product. For the avoidance of doubt, student-athletes are permitted to identify themselves as “Current A-State Student-Athlete.” With any questions regarding the use of IP, please contact: colton.anderson@learfield.com.

Wanting to inquire about NIL? Please complete the Business Inquiry Form, opens in new tab.

All agents, advisors and representatives must register with Arkansas State University before engaging with Arkansas State student-athletes or their associates concerning potential future representation. 

Additionally, please note that agents and their representatives are legally obligated to register with the Arkansas Secretary of State, as mandated by Arkansas state law. You can access the relevant information on the Secretary of State's website, opens in new tab.

Wanting to inquire about NIL? Please complete the Business Inquiry Form, opens in new tab.