The Hog football team has been practicing across the street the past two weeks. There is an excitement that hasn’t been here in several years. We look forward to an exciting fall with some of the nation’s very best teams coming to Arkansas to play.

On a sobering note, a letter was recently distributed by Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics Jeff Long reaffirming the University’s commitment to the rules established by the National Collegiate Athletic Association concerning benefits and student-athletes.

I don’t know about you, but I wince whenever an announcement is made about a university and its athletic teams being investigated or placed on probation for violation of these rules. Often, the wording includes something about “alumni” involved in the violation. I know that it more often than not, it is not alumni who are culprits, but rather overzealous fans. So, providing due diligence, here are some very clear guidelines for all of us.

An “extra benefit” is a special arrangement by an institutional employee or representative of the institution’s athletic interest to provide a student-athlete (or a relative or friend of the athlete) a benefit that is not generally available to other students, their relatives or friends. These benefits can fall in several categories:

  • Special discounts, payment arrangements or credit on a purchase or service. It is a violation if the discount or credit is not available to the general public or student body.
  • Free or reduced cost services. Professional services for which a fee is normally charged cannot be waived or reduced. Again, the same rates must be available to the general student body.
  • Preferential treatment. Preferential treatment, benefits or services may not be offered based on the athlete’s reputation, skill or payback potential as a future professional athlete.
  • Promotional activities. It is not permissible to utilize a student-athlete in any promotions on behalf of a commercial entity even if the end result is for charitable purposes. Student athletes are permitted to be involved in a non-profit, charitable, education or institutional promotional activities.

Jon Fagg, Senior Associate Athletic Director for Compliance and Student-Athlete Services, would probably advise alumni to simply stand clear of any of these potential benefits.  He urges all alumni to contact him first if there is any question about anything involving student-athletes.

Pride in Razorback athletics is a common bond for generations of University of Arkansas alumni. Alumni have an obligation to assist the Athletic Department in keeping the Hogs violation free.

We look forward to seeing you on campus this fall as we cheer on the Hogs! (Don’t forget our Pre-Game Rallies! Look for the registration form in the summer issue of Arkansas magazine.)