AMATEURISM
To ensure an equitable playing field for all student-athletes, the NCAA says that professional athletes may not compete in collegiate competition. This means that you are ineligible to play once you lose "amateur status". A student-athlete loses his/her amateur status the minute the individual:
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Negotiates, signs or enters into any written or oral agreement with an agent.
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Accepts or receives any extra benefits (including family members) from an agent or anyone who wishes to represent the student-athlete.
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Uses their athletic skills for pay, or promise of pay.
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Competes with a professional sports team or receives any compensation from a professional sports team.
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Receives an extra benefit that is not available to the general student population.Â
An extra benefit can include, but is not limited to: Transportation, meals, clothes, entertainment, preferential loan terms, and cash. (NCAA Bylaws 12.1, 12.2 & 12.3)