Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC
The Firm
201-896-4100 info@sh-law.comFirm Insights
What Could Cause College Athletes to Lose Amateur Status?
Author: Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC
Date: March 19, 2014
Key Contacts
Back
NCAA Amateurism
Amateurism is one of the most important things to the NCAA. It is why they are so adamant against paying athletes because amateurs don’t receive compensation. College athletes that lose amateur status are no longer able to participate. The following are some situations that could lead to this distinction:
An amateur athlete will lose his or her status if:
- The student-athlete or a family member contacts an agent and comes to a written or oral agreement for representation. Even though representation will not commence until after the athlete leaves school, this is still a violation of NCAA rules.
- The student-athlete receives a salary, reimbursement of expenses or any other financial assistance from a professional sports organization for participating. For example, if an athlete is paid for playing in a professional league overseas, he or she may not be eligible.
- The student-athlete or a family member accepts any type of extra benefits from an agent who wants to represent him or her when they turn professional. This can include anything from money, to a car or an airplane ticket.
- The student-athlete signs a contract to play professional athletics, regardless of its legal enforceability. This also applies no matter if they participate in the league. Simply signing the contract removes the athletes amateur status.
The NCAA is strict with its rules, so there is little leeway when it comes to violating them, especially for amateur status. It seems as though there is at least one of these cases each year in the major sports and it will be interesting to see if anyone who challenges a ruling of the NCAA in the future is able to win.
- Industries: Entertainment & Media
- Locations: Red Bank, NJ, New York City, Little Falls, NJ
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Related Posts
See all
Supreme Court and Title VII: Implications for Reverse Discrimination
Earlier this month, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a decision in Ames v. Ohio Department of Youth Services vitiating the so-called “background circumstances” test required by half of federal circuit courts.1 The background circumstances test required majority group plaintiffs pleading discrimination under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act to meet a heightened pleading standard […]
Author: Matthew F. Mimnaugh
SPACs Are Back, What You Need to Know
Special purpose acquisition companies (better known as SPACs) appear to be making a comeback. SPAC offerings for 2025 have already nearly surpassed last year’s totals, with additional transactions in the pipeline. SPACs last experienced a boom between 2020–2021, with approximately 600 U.S. companies raising a record $163 billion in 2021. Notable companies that went public […]
Author: Dan Brecher
Short Form Merger: Streamlining the Process for Businesses
Merging two companies is a complex legal and business transaction. A short form merger, in which an acquiring company merges with a subsidiary corporation, offers a more streamlined process that involves important corporate governance considerations. A short form merger, in which an acquiring company merges with a subsidiary corporation, offers a more streamlined process. However, […]
Author: Dan Brecher
Tariff Response Options for Small Businesses Facing Financial Distress
The Trump Administration’s new tariffs are having an oversized impact on small businesses, which already tend to operate on razor thin margins. Many businesses have been forced to raise prices, find new suppliers, lay off staff, and delay growth plans. For businesses facing even more dire financial circumstances, there are additional tariff response options, including […]
Author: Brian D. Spector
Common Causes of Partnership Disputes and How to Resolve Them
Business partnerships, much like marriages, function exceptionally well when partners are aligned but can become challenging when disagreements arise. Partnership disputes often stem from conflicts over business strategy, financial management, and unclear role definitions among partners. Understanding Business Partnership Conflicts Partnership conflicts place significant stress on businesses, making proactive measures essential. Partnerships should establish detailed […]
Author: Christopher D. Warren
Businesses Are Facing Financial Headwinds—A Practical Guide
*** The original article was featured on Bloomberg Tax, April 28, 2025 — As a tax attorney who spends much of my time helping people and companies who have large, unresolved issues with the IRS or one or more state tax departments, it often occurs to me that the best service that I can provide […]
Author: Scott H. Novak
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Sign up to get the latest from our attorneys!
Explore What Matters Most to You.
Consider subscribing to our Firm Insights mailing list by clicking the button below so you can keep up to date with the firm`s latest articles covering various legal topics.
Stay informed and inspired with the latest updates, insights, and events from Scarinci Hollenbeck. Our resource library provides valuable content across a range of categories to keep you connected and ahead of the curve.