Which constitutes an impermissible benefit for a student-athlete?

• A. Discount on textbooks available to all students.
• B. Free housing provided by the school to all students.
• C. Cash provided by a booster to the athlete.
• D. Academic tutoring services funded by the university for all students.

Answer: (C)

Student-athlete benefits are tightly regulated: anything of value tied to athletic participation or provided by a third party outside the school that isn’t available to all students is generally impermissible. Cash given by a booster to the athlete fits this rule because it comes from a non-school source and can create improper influence or pay-for-play expectations, which is prohibited. In contrast, a textbook discount available to all students, or free housing provided by the school to all students as part of standard housing, or university-funded academic tutoring for all students are normal, allowed supports that aren’t targeted as extra perks for athletes or tied to booster involvement.