Every team has a professional? Lol

The rule is that they can't be paid but they can play with professionals - example Harry Froling was a DP player in NBL, did not affect his eligibility.

^read which one, Sam hasn't yet but Harry did (SMU, Marquette)

With NCAA it appears to be more about interpretations than what actually is written in their rule book. The best is to contact them for a clarification but as long as the amateur status can be demonstrated, and yes limited reimbursement is allowed, the eligibility will not be affected. The best is to get clearance from NCAA before any playing arrangements are made.

I have referred to the NCAA rule books numerous times over the past few years and try to keep a good understanding of them. The rules around student-athletes' amateur status haven't changed much in that period. The key points covering the issues raised in this thread are:

- NCAA / NAIA / Juco have their own rules but their 'amateur' rules are all similar (all similar to the NCAA). For NAIA and Juco's players should read the rules or check with their coach;

- In NCAA D1 & D2, players will lose their amateur status if they are paid more than the prescribed expeneses - minor expenses related to travel, meals etc. If you are a college player, or intending to be one, then I recommend to not receive any payments whatsoever or be very carefull if you do;

- In NCAA D1 & D2, an unpaid student-athlete will lose their amateur status if they play on a 'professional' team. In the eyes of the NCAA, a 'professional' is any team with any player being paid above the prescribed expenses. In Victoria, a D2 student-athlete returning on College break would jeopardise their College if they played in SEABL and probably any BigV. They should stick with Youth League (or take a break!)

- Prospective NCAA D1 & D2 students, who have never enrolled in a full-time tertiary course, can play on a 'professional' team until they commence a full-time tertiary course. Students only become 'student-athletes' once they commence college and the rule above then applies;

- NCAA D1 student-athletes cannot play on their college break (unless it is for their college). No such restriction for D2 players.


Hopefully that sheds some clarity and helps prevent any mishaps. Maintaining a position on a college roster can be difficult if a (often new) coach wants a player off the roster to use the scholarship elsewhere. Unfortunately many coaches are ruthless and will use any excuse to withdraw a scholarship which means 'go home & no degree' for most student-athletes. I know of one such case atm, so players be careful, know the rules and dont give anyone an opportunity to end your college experience in a bad way.

Straining the memory a bit here, but I think that is why CJ Bruton went to a JC.
I do remember at the time that the Wildcats had to agree to terminate his contract.

- NCAA D1 student-athletes cannot play on their college break (unless it is for their college). No such restriction for D2 players.

Does that include a local domestic competition?

From Bear: Does that include a local domestic competition?

The short answer is 'Yes' - D1 players cannot play in any competition including domestic competitions.


The long answer looking at the 17/18 NCAA D1 handbook:

17.31.2 Outside Competition—Basketball.
A student-athlete who participates in any organized basketball competition except while representing the institution in intercollegiate competition in accordance with the permissible playing season specified in Bylaw 17.3 becomes ineligible for any further intercollegiate competition in basketball (see Bylaws 17.31.3 and 17.31.4 for exceptions and waivers).

17.31.2.1 Organized Basketball Competition.
Outside basketball competition, including competition involving teams with fewer than five players, shall be considered "organized" if any one of the following conditions exists:
(a) Teams are regularly formed or team rosters are predetermined;
(b) Competition is scheduled and publicized in advance;
(c) Official score is kept;
(d) Individual or team standings are maintained;
(e) Official timer or game officials are used;
(f) Team uniforms are used;
(g) Admission is charged;
(h) A team is privately or commercially sponsored; or
(i) Competition is either directly or indirectly sponsored, promoted or administered by an individual, an organization or any other agency.

Certainly all the Melbourne domestic competitions have uniforms or fixtures or ladders or scoring or umpires. I assume 99% of interstate comps will be the same. NB: a competition is 'organised' if it has any one of the above attributes. So if you are D1 then take a break.


I learn something every time I look these things up - it also includes 3x3 competitions!

There are a host of exceptions for National team comps, NCAA sanctioned comps etc but nothing I see that would be relevant for Aussie players on summer-break.

So are any of the exempt competitions outside of the USA?

That would seem to discriminate against "foreign" players, as A,erican players could access their local exempt competitions, whilst import student athletes could not.

It'd get very messy if a few student athletes challenged the exempt comp rules.

If I recall the rules correctly, there are very tight restrictions on US tournaments where students can play for teams other than their college. I don't believe there would be any meaningful discrimination or disadvantage against internationals.