The local Lions Club wants to recognize the Ocean State University Men’s and Women’s Tennis Teams for their community service efforts this year. These Orcas put in over 600 hours collectively this year to help keep the city parks clean. Is it permissible for the Lions Club to provide the student-athletes with a small plaque?
Yes with conditions. NCAA Bylaw 16.1.4.4 states that a local civic organization (e.g., Rotary Club, Touchdown Club) may provide awards to a member institution’s team(s), provided such awards are approved by the institution and are counted in the institution’s limit for institutional awards.
