November 2009
TIP OF THE MONTH
For Coaches
Occasional Meals
Occasional meals review:
*Each member institution determines their guidelines regarding the frequency of
occasional meals.
*The Ivy League has offered the suggestion of three occasional meals per semester.
*If a booster is providing the meal, it must be at their home, not a restaurant.
*Reasonable transportation may be provided to the site of the occasional meal.
*Occasional meals may be catered.
*Test your occasional meals IQ below!
Occasional Meals Quiz
1) If a team participates in an institutional fundraiser may they receive a meal in
conjunction with their participation?
Yes, receipt of the meal would be considered a benefit incidental to the student-athlete's
participation. This does not count as an official “occasional meal.”
2) May a coaching staff member invite the team to a meal at his house on a Saturday
evening, if classes do not begin until a Monday? Since they have not attended class
yet, may the freshmen attend or would they be considered PSA’s?
This is permissible (even for freshmen) after the student-athlete's initial arrival at the
institution for orientation and to attend classes, and with the intent to remain at the
institution.
3) Do occasional meals have to occur during the playing season of each sport?
No, occasional meals may also occur during the preseason, and do not necessarily have to
occur during the academic year.
4) May student-athletes take home leftovers from an occasional meal?
Yes, they may take home leftovers from the meal.
5) May we have an occasional meal with the whole team during on official visit?
No, you may have a meal at the house of a staff member, but not in a restaurant and not at
the home of a representative of athletic interest.
6) May ineligible players receive an occasional meal?
Yes, ineligible players may receive an occasional meal, and my also be provided with
transportation to that meal.