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Compliance Office
The Duke University Athletics Compliance Office is dedicated to upholding the standards and regulations governing collegiate athletics for Duke student-athletes, coaches, staff and supporters. Duke Athletics prioritizes adherence to NCAA, ACC and Duke University rules. Our commitment involves effective communication, education and ongoing oversight to ensure that everyone associated with Duke Athletics follows these guidelines.
While we trust that the Duke community always acts with the university's best interests in mind, it's essential to be aware that unintentional actions could potentially pose risks of violating NCAA regulations or impacting the eligibility of our student-athletes, both current and prospective. If you have any uncertainties about your role in supporting Duke Athletics or any questions regarding NCAA, ACC or Duke regulations, please don't hesitate to reach out to a member of our compliance staff. Together, we can uphold the highest standards of integrity within our athletics program.
Compliance Guidelines and Education
Our Compliance Office offers essential information pertinent to everyone involved with Duke Athletics. These resources provide valuable insights into NCAA rules, compliance guidelines and best practices:
Bylaw Briefs
"Bylaw Briefs" are emailed to staff and student-athletes throughout the year, offering reminders and updates on compliance rules, tips and events. These briefs are a crucial tool for staying informed about NCAA regulations and our department's policies. You can also find most of our Bylaw Briefs shared on our Twitter account.
Back to Basics
"Back to the Basics" is a monthly, one-page educational document that highlights and provides an overview of specific NCAA topics. The second page provides an overview of all sports’ recruiting calendars for the month.
2025
- January Back to Basics: Personnel
- February Back to Basics: Financial Aid & Rosters
- March Back to Basics: Eligibility
- April Back to Basics: Awards & Expenses
- May Back to Basics: Camps
- September Back to Basics: Recruiting 101
All agents, advisors and representatives must register with Duke University before engaging with Duke student-athletes or their associates concerning potential future representation. To initiate this process, please review the Duke University Policy Concerning Student-Athletes and Agent and then proceed to fill out the Duke University Agent Registration Form.
Additionally, please note that agents and their representatives are legally obligated to register with the North Carolina Secretary of State, as mandated by North Carolina state law. You can access the relevant information on the Secretary of State's website.
Forms
All essential coaching forms are accessible through the ARMS Workflow Launchpad. These forms are designed to streamline various coaching administrative tasks:
- Roster Change Form: For updating team rosters.
- Tryout Form: To manage and record tryout sessions.
- Camp/Clinic Form: For documenting camps and clinics.
- Official & Unofficial Visit Forms: To document and manage both official and unofficial recruit visits.
In addition to these forms, we also provide the "Cookies with Compliance" program. This initiative is designed to keep coaches updated on compliance-related matters in an informal setting:
- Monthly Meetings: Join us for monthly discussions on various compliance topics.
- Informal Q&A Sessions: A chance to ask questions and gain insights in a relaxed environment.
- Resource Distribution: Receive updated compliance materials and resources.
We encourage all coaches to take advantage of these resources to stay informed and compliant with NCAA regulations.
As a dedicated supporter of Duke Athletics, it is crucial to adhere to NCAA, ACC and Duke University rules and regulations. Our Compliance Office is here to provide guidance, answer your inquiries and ensure a comprehensive understanding of these rules. While this site offers a concise overview of the regulations, we encourage you always to "Ask Before You Act!"
If you have any questions or require clarification, please do not hesitate to contact a member of Duke's Compliance Staff.
Definition of a Booster
Per NCAA regulations, a Duke Representative of Athletics Interests, also known as a "Booster," encompasses any individual who has:
- Made contributions of any kind to the Duke Department of Athletics;
- Joined the Iron Dukes 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 Duke University;
- Had a child who has participated as a varsity student-athlete at Duke University; or
- Promoted the Duke athletics program in any way.
Please note that once an individual is identified as a booster, this designation is for life.
Permissible Activities for Boosters
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;
- Engage in permissible pre-enrollment activities with a prospect such as summer employment, provided the prospect has already signed a National Letter of Intent;
- Have a phone conversation with a prospect, but only if the call is initiated by the prospect and there is no recruiting conversation; and
- Provide an occassional 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 Duke'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 Boosters
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/legal guardians;
- Write or telephone a prospective student-athlete and/or his or her family members/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/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 a relatives or friends;
- Gifts of clothing or equipment;
- Co-signing of loans;
- Providing of 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 award to prospective student-athletes for outstanding athletics accomplishments.
Here at Duke Athletics, we take pride in maintaining a high level of excellence and integrity, both on and off the field. While NCAA rules govern the actions of our student-athlete, coaches, administrators, booster, and fans, your local business can play a large role in helping to maintain the integrity of our University. NCAA legislation is complex and can be overwhelming at times, so we offer you this overview of guidelines to help you navigate the rules and answer your questions. Thank you for your support of Duke Athletics and Go Duke!
NCAA rules permit student-athletes to accept payment for endorsing, promoting, or recommending a business or sale of products. Student-athletes are also allowed to receive remuneration for their autograph, name, or picture. However, student-athletes are still not permitted to sell any Duke-issued apparel or equipment they have received during their time at Duke (e.g., jerseys, apparel, awards, helmets, etc.). Even with Name, Image, & Likeness rules, student-athletes are not permitted to accept any free or reduced gifts, meals, etc. An “extra benefit” refers to any special gift or arrangement provided to a student-athlete or his/her friends or family that is not available to the public or student body as a whole. However, studentathletes are permitted to accept benefits in exchange of the use of their name, image, or likeness. All NIL arrangements must be quid pro quo and may not be “pay-for-play” (e.g., not 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 Duke 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’re required to do something to get the discount). Student-athletes are required to disclose all NIL activities to the Compliance Office.
If a recruit frequents my business, may I encourage them to attend Duke by offering them discounted or free services or products (e.g., free meal)?
No, you may not engage in any recruiting-related conversations with potential Duke student-athletes. Only Duke 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 or free products 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 (name, image, likeness). They are not permitted to wear Duke uniforms or logos during the signing event, due to trademark/licensing issues.
If I have an NIL deal with a student-athlete, can I give them a bonus for every goal/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 Duke NIL Policy restrictions on NIL activities?
Yes, all NIL arrangements must align with Duke University’s code of conduct and any contract between Duke and other third-party organizations. Studentathletes (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 a Duke uniform to advertise the promotion or product.
As a parent of a Duke University student-athlete, there are several NCAA, ACC and Duke rules and regulations to which you and your child must adhere. We are here to assist you throughout your child's career as a student-athlete by answering your questions and helping you understand the rules. While this site provides a brief overview of the rules and links to other helpful sources, we encourage you to always "Ask Before You Act!"
2024-25 Parent Education Newsletter: A Guide for NCAA Rules and Regulations
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact a member of Duke’s Compliance Staff.
The transition from high school to collegiate athletics is both exciting and challenging. To ensure your success throughout this process, it is important that you understand NCAA rule governing prospective student-athletes.
Am I a prospective student-athlete?
You are a prospective student-athlete if you are a high school student who has begun the ninth grade, regardless of whether you participate in athletics. In addition, you are considered a prospective student-athlete if an institution provided you or your family financial assistance or any other benefit that is not offered to other prospective student-athletes.
I want to be a collegiate athlete. What's next?
The NCAA maintains a document, known as the NCAA Guide for College-Bound Student-Athletes (linked below under "Helpful Links/Initial Eligibility") that outlines various steps of the recruiting and eligibility process.
Students should register with the NCAA Eligibility Center at the beginning of their junior year in 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 or II athletics. You may register online at the NCAA Eligibility Center link. 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. Additionally, students should have their SAT or ACT scores forwarded directly to the Eligibility Center (by using code "9999") whenever they take the exam.
A student may apply to Duke University early in their senior year. You can apply online at Duke Undergraduate Admissions.
As a student-athlete at Duke University, you embody both athleticism and academic excellence. Being a student-athlete is a rewarding but challenging journey, and understanding and adhering to NCAA, ACC, and Duke 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:
- Student-Athlete Employment Form
- Fee for Lesson Form
- Outside Competition Form
- Transfer Notification Form
Questions? Our Compliance Staff is always ready to assist you.
Locker Room Flyers
Stay informed with timely compliance reminders through our Locker Room Flyers, distributed throughout the academic year. These concise flyers offer quick updates and essential information to keep you on track with compliance.
