Define amateurism in NCAA athletics and how it affects eligibility.

• A. Amateurism means athletes do not receive payment or professional status for playing their sport; maintaining amateurism safeguards eligibility.
• B. Amateurism allows athletes to earn professional contracts while still competing in NCAA events.
• C. Amateurism requires athletes to pay for their own equipment and travel costs.
• D. Amateurism is a term used to describe the academic major of student-athletes.

Answer: (A)

Amateurism centers on student-athletes competing without receiving pay or achieving professional status from their sport. This matters for eligibility because NCAA rules require athletes to maintain amateur status to participate in collegiate athletics; accepting payment for playing or pursuing professional opportunities typically makes them ineligible to compete in NCAA events. The idea isn’t about who pays for gear or travel, and it isn’t about the student’s academic major—the term specifically describes not being paid or turning pro in order to preserve eligibility.