AMATEUR
127-2-11 Amateur.
11.1 A student who represents a school in an
interscholastic sport shall be an amateur in that sport. An amateur athlete is one who
engages in athletic competition solely for the physical, mental, social, and pleasure
benefits derived therefrom. An athlete forfeits amateur status in a sport by
(a) competing for money or other monetary
compensation (allowable travel, meals and lodging expenses may be accepted);
(b) receiving any award or prize of
monetary value which has not been approved by the student's state association;
(c) capitalizing on athletic fame by
receiving money or gifts of monetary value (scholarships to institutions of higher
learning are specifically exempted);
(d) signing a professional playing contract
in that sport.
11.2 Accepting a nominal, standard fee or salary for
instructing, supervising or officiating in organized youth sports program or recreation,
playground or camp activities shall not jeopardize amateur status. "Organized youth
sports program" includes both school and non-school programs. Compensation for giving
private lessons is permissible if approved by the West Virginia Secondary School
Activities Commission office.
11.3 A high school student who loses amateur status may
apply to the West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission for reinstatement in the
interscholastic program after a waiting period of one complete high school season
(starting practice date to state tournament) for that sport.
11.4 A senior student may participate in a professional
tryout either during or after the season of that sport provided
(a) that it does not occur on the day of a
school contest of that sport or
(b) that it meets with student's coach's
approval. |
