Editor’s note: One of three board members of USBC’s S.M.A.R.T. program is Dr. Steve Moehrle, a member of St. Louis USBC. Dr. Moehrle holds a Ph.D. in business from Indiana University and serves as the leadership council distinguished scholar in accounting at the University of Missouri-St. Louis. Before entering the academic profession, he was a member of the Ernst & Young audit staff and accounting policy officer at Citicorp Mortgage, Inc.
One reason for the policy review was related to the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) ruling earlier this year regarding USBC S.M.A.R.T. funds earned by student-athletes would make them ineligible for state-sanctioned competition. The IHSA board in September conducted meetings to resolve the issue in partnership with the USBC S.M.A.R.T. board.
By Jason Overstreet
USBC Communications
The SMART Bowling Scholarship Funding Corporation is revising its scholarship use policy to better protect student-athlete eligibility and ensure compliance with collegiate and state high school athletic associations' regulations.
Effective November 1, 2011, SMART scholarship funds may only be used for qualifying secondary education expenses. All funds disbursement, after final review and approval, will be paid directly to the educational institution. No policy exceptions for direct reimbursement of SMART funds to a student or parent will be allowed.
Qualifying expenses for SMART Scholarship funds include tuition/fees, textbooks, meal plans, housing plans, required class supplies and equipment necessary for the successful completion of a course or program at universities, colleges, business schools, technical schools, trade schools or vocational schools.
"A primary mission of SMART is to protect the eligibility of student-athletes," SMART Corporation Board Chairman Wally Hall said. "To protect their eligibility, SMART's policies must guarantee that scholarship funds are applied solely for secondary education and prevent any use of money that could be considered a cash prize or improper benefit."
Under the new policy, SMART scholarship funds may not be used for sport equipment or supplies; bowling and non-bowling sport camp, clinic or lessons; private tutors' fees; elementary or high school tuition/fees; costs related to computer repair; normal school supplies; transportation expenses (including parking permits); or clothing expenses.
A fully revised SMART policy manual is being developed and is scheduled to be finalized next year.
Go to BOWL.com/smart for information on the SMART program.
|
