Ocean State University(OSU) women’s golf team participated in the NCAA championships. One of the student-athlete’s parents lives in the locale of where the regional was conducted, so the team stayed at the parent’s house. As a thank you for their hospitality, the coaches would like to send an edible fruit basket to the parents. Is this permissible?
Yes. NCAA Staff Interpretation- 7/11/90- Providing a gift to parents of a student-athlete for services rendered – states that in regard to a member institution that wishes to give the parents of a student-athlete a gift for providing the team lodging at their home during an away-from-home contest; determined that such an arrangement would not be considered an extra benefit, provided the gift is of nominal value (e.g., a meal, flowers) and is in exchange for services the parents rendered.
