Is a member institution allowed to conduct a group workout or combine for prospective student-athletes?

The correct choice emphasizes that while a member institution is allowed to supervise workouts for prospective student-athletes, staff members cannot be directly involved in conducting or organizing the workouts. This ensures a clear boundary in the recruitment process, adhering to NCAA regulations designed to maintain fair play and integrity.

Staff supervision allows them to ensure safety and compliance with other regulations, but active involvement in conducting the workouts could give an institution an improper advantage during the recruiting process. The intent behind this rule is to keep the recruiting experience fair for all prospective student-athletes, regardless of their circumstances or backgrounds, and to minimize any coercive or undue influence from coaching staff.

The other options suggest scenarios where staff may be improperly involved or where the rules could be bent, which is contrary to NCAA policies. Thus, the rule serves to uphold the integrity of the recruitment process by restricting how member institutions can interact with and evaluate prospective student-athletes during workouts.