Can an institution publish advertising to solicit the enrollment of prospective student-athletes?

The ability of an institution to publish advertising to solicit the enrollment of prospective student-athletes is highly regulated by NCAA rules. The correct answer is that it is prohibited for institutions to engage in such advertising aimed at recruiting prospective student-athletes.

The rationale behind this prohibition is to ensure that the recruitment process remains fair and that all prospective student-athletes are treated equitably. The NCAA seeks to maintain a level playing field among institutions, preventing those with more resources from gaining an unfair advantage through extensive advertising and marketing campaigns aimed specifically at attracting recruits. This regulation helps minimize the commercialization of college athletics and supports the overarching principle of amateurism in college sports.

Additionally, there are specific guidelines and regulations in place regarding how institutions can communicate with potential recruits, emphasizing direct communication rather than public advertising as a way to maintain the integrity of the recruiting process.