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- What are NCAA rules regarding bowl gifts?
- Is it unfair that student-athletes not in the postseason don’t receive an additional award?
- Can student-athletes receive cash?
- What are the limits on gifts student-athletes can receive?
- Is merchandise other than trophies, rings, etc. allowed, including electronics?
- May any award be sold or traded?
- Can student-athletes receive incidental expenses while traveling for bowl games?
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Postseason football
What are NCAA rules regarding bowl gifts?
NCAA members feel it is important to allow mementos or other awards to honor the hard work of student-athletes to achieve athletics success, from regular-season participation through a national championship.
To not allow this would mean national champions could not receive a ring, Heisman winners could not receive a trophy, or seniors could not receive a keepsake honoring years of hard work. Allowing these awards with reasonable limits is well within the confines of amateurism.
The limits are meant to level the playing field. NCAA members don’t want a large, profitable program or event to be able to provide more valuable gifts than less-profitable schools or events. The limits allow a reasonable award while helping to ensure that everybody participates on an equal footing.
For detailed information, see Bylaw 16.1 in the Division I manual.
