What does the term 'amateurism' mean for recruits, and how is it protected?

• A. Recruits are not paid for playing and are not required to surrender amateur status in exchange for scholarships; the NCAA certifies amateur status; scholarships should not be contingent on signs of professional status.
• B. The NCAA does not regulate amateur status.
• C. Recruits are paid for playing and must surrender amateur status.
• D. Amateur status is not recognized by the NCAA.

Answer: (A)

Amateurism means student-athletes compete without being paid to play and maintain amateur status in order to be eligible for NCAA competition. For recruits, this is protected because the NCAA certifies amateur status, verifying that a recruit hasn’t engaged in professional play or accepted compensation that would jeopardize eligibility. Scholarships are awarded to support education and athletic participation, not as payment for playing, and they should not be contingent on whether a recruit might turn professional. This framework keeps the playing field level, protects recruits from being pressured by professional opportunities, and preserves the boundary between education and athletics.