Page 281 - 2019-20 NJCAA Handbook - May, 2020
P. 281
No. In this case, the individual had to win to receive the money. The $75 is prize money and Student-Athlete R can
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maintain their tennis eligibility since the prize was won and accepted prior to their 19 birthday or their initial full-time enrollment
in college.
Note: Prize money in the sport of tennis is researchable through the following websites: www.itftennis.com,
www.wtatennis.com and www.atpworltour.com.
Case 12
Declares for a Professional Draft
SITUATION:
Prospective Student-Athlete R declares for the NBA Draft, but does not get drafted by any NBA team. Is Student-Athlete R
eligible to participate within the NJCAA in the sport of basketball?
ANSWER:
No. Once a student-athlete declares their intent to participate in professional athletics, by signing a contract, hiring an
agent, participating professionally OR entering the professional draft, that student-athlete would no longer retain eligibility within
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the NJCAA in that sport provided the student enters the draft on or after his 19 birthday or after his initial full-time enrollment in
college (whichever comes first). Withdrawal from the draft prior to being drafted does not change the fact the individual
declared for the draft
Case 13
Amateur Status – Student-Athletes Tutoring vs. Teaching/Coaching
SITUATION:
Student-Athlete R is a tutor at Community College A during the academic year. Is this a violation of NJCAA bylaws?
ANSWER:
No. Tutoring is not considered the same as teaching a class. If Student-Athlete R was hired by the college to teach a
class or coach in any capacity at the college, the student-athlete would be in violation of this rule.
Case 14
College Arranging Employment for the Student-Athlete
SITUATION:
The men’s tennis coach at Community College A is employed outside of the college at a city owned tennis academy. In
the recruitment of Student-Athlete R to their Division I program, the coach promises employment at this tennis academy should
Student-Athlete R choose to sign with Community College A. Is this a violation of the Eligibility Rules?
ANSWER:
Yes. Community College A or a representative of their athletic interest may not arrange for, offer or guarantee a student-
athlete employment of any kind during the recruitment process, or at any time thereafter, on or off campus regardless of the
division of the sport.
Case 15
Playing Ability Test / PGA Apprentice Program
SITUATION:
May a student-athlete participate in golf at a member college if he/she has taken the PGA Playing Ability Test (PAT)?
ANSWER:
Yes. An NJCAA student-athlete may maintain his/her amateur status even if he/she has participated in a Playing Ability
Test. If the student-athlete enrolls in the PGA Apprentice Program on or after their 19 birthday or after their initial enrollment in
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college (whichever comes first), they are no longer eligible in golf in the NJCAA.
Case 16
Professional Sport Participation
SITUATION:
Student-Athlete R played professional soccer prior to initially enrolling as a full-time college student when he was 18 years
old. Does this participation preclude such a student-athlete from competing on Community College A’s soccer team?
ANSWER:
No. Student-Athlete R's amateur standing in the sport of soccer remains in place since the student’s participation in
professional soccer took place prior to his 19 birthday and prior to his initial enrollment as a full-time college student.
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Case 17
Professional Sport Participation
SITUATION:
Student-Athlete R played indoor professional soccer at the age of 20. Does this participation preclude such a student-
athlete from competing on Community College A’s soccer team?
ANSWER:
Yes. The individual participated in professional soccer beyond the age of 19 therefore has forfeited his NJCAA amateur
status in the sport of soccer. The fact that it was indoor soccer does not have a bearing since it was the same sport using the
same carryover skills just in a different format. The same would apply to volleyball / beach volleyball, arena football / football
etc.
Case 18
ITA Amateur Reimbursement Form and NJCAA Certification (Tennis)
SITUATION:
