An extra benefit is anything a student-athlete receives that is not available to the general public or anything a student-athlete receives based on their status as a student-athlete at Mercer University. Accepting extra benefits jeopardizes a student-athlete's eligibility.Â
A student-athlete may not receive a special discount, payment arrangement or credit on a purchase (e.g., airline tickets, clothing) or a service (e.g., laundry, dry cleaning) from an institutional employee or a representative of its athletics interests.
A student-athlete may not accept athletics equipment, supplies or clothing (e.g., tennis racquets, golf clubs, balls, shirts) from a manufacturer or commercial business.
Free or Reduced Cost Services
An athletics representative may not provide a student-athlete with professional services (for which a fee normally would be charged, e.g., legal, medical, dental) without charge or at a reduced cost. Professional services provided at less than the normal rate or at no expense to a student-athlete are considered an extra benefit unless they are available on the same basis to the general student body
Other Prohibited Benefits
An institutional employee or representative of the institution's athletics interests may not provide a student-athlete with extra benefits or services, including, but not limited to:
- A loan of money
- A guarantee of bond
- The use of an automobile
- Signing or cosigning a note with an outside agency to arrange a loan
