Amateurism and pro competition

The information below summarizes the NCAA language previously cited by ABVC regarding amateur participation in professional beach volleyball events.

ABVC’s prior note states that the NCAA Eligibility Center confirmed that competing in two-person professional sand volleyball tournaments did not affect amateurism status when the student-athlete received no payment. It also noted that a partner could be a professional, provided that person was not being paid by a professional team or league to compete as a member of that team.

• 12.2.3.1 Competition against Professionals
  An amateur may compete individually or as part of an amateur team against professional athletes or teams.
• 12.2.3.2 Competition with Professionals
  The cited rule included an exception for two-person sand volleyball when the individual receives no payment.
• 12.2.3.2.1 Competition before initial full-time collegiate enrollment
  The cited language allowed certain competition before enrollment when compensation did not exceed actual and necessary expenses.
• 12.2.3.2.2 Professional player as team member
  The cited language allowed participation with a professional when that professional was not being paid by a professional team or league to play as a member of that team.