Introduction

Article Eighteen, Spider Athletic Fund, is part of the University of Richmond Intercollegiate Athletic Policies and Procedures Manual. The purpose of this article is to provide athletic coaches, athletic staff members, student-athletes, members of the University community, and athletic boosters a concise basic reference on matters about the Spider Athletic Fund (SAF), Booster Organizations, and Fundraising.

The materials and information presented here are a condensation of several policies, procedures, and references about the SAF, Booster Organizations, and Fundraising. Please make a note of any information in the manual that conflicts with existing University, NCAA, or conference policies, procedures, or legislation. Submit noted conflicts or recommended changes and comments that may improve the manual to the Director of Athletic Marketing and Alumni Programs, Robins Center, University of Richmond, VA 23173. Key information submitted to the specific page, paragraph and line of text. Provide reasons for each comment to insure understanding and complete evaluation. Each page of this manual is numbered and dated to aid in revisions and additions.

The Spider Athletic Fund (SAF) was created by the Board of Trustees in 1985, the same year the Spider Club gave up its role as an independent booster club and became an official organization of the University. The SAF was created with the primary purpose of supporting the total intercollegiate athletic program in three particular areas: (a.) scholarship endowment, (b.) annual scholarships, and (c.) budget relief. Donors contributing to the SAF are Spider Club members by virtue of that gift, and receive the corresponding benefits at the level of their gift. The SAF contributors and the Spider Club members are one and the same.

In addition, the University created the staff position Director of the Spider Athletic Fund and Programs to serve as the liaison between the University and the Spider Club and between the Department of Athletics and the Development/University Relations Office. This position changed in 1991 to include athletic marketing responsibilities, and part of the fundraising responsibilities were shared with the Development/University Relations Office. This staff member, now titled the Director of Athletic Marketing and Alumni Programs, serves as a member on the Department of Athletics' Management Group and has lines of coordination with the Development/University Relations Office.

Section 1. General Information

1. It is the responsibility of the Director of Athletic Marketing and Alumni Programs to develop and administer athletic fundraising activities in conjunction with the Director of the Annual Fund in the University Development Office. Athletic marketing responsibilities include promotional efforts to generate ticket revenue, attendance, and corporate sponsorship solicitation.
   
   
2. The Director of Athletic Marketing and Alumni Programs will, in conjunction with the Director of Athletics, the Associate Director of Athletics for External Affairs, and the Development/University Relations Office, coordinate and direct all fundraising and promotional activities.
   
   
3. The Director of Athletic Marketing and Alumni Programs' additional responsibilities are listed under Duties and Responsibilities of Athletics Administrators, Article 4, page 4-13.

Section 2. Fundraising

1. The Director of Athletic Marketing and Alumni Programs will be responsible for establishing all procedures and guidelines pertaining to solicitations of athletic gifts and promotional activities sponsored by the Department of Athletics.
   
   
2. The Director of Athletic Marketing and Alumni Programs will actively solicit donations to the SAF on a year-round basis. The year for benefit purposes will be from July 1 through June 30. Donors who contribute at a time other than during the annual campaign will receive all donor benefits for one year from the date of contribution.

Section 3. Purchasing/Budget

1. The Director of Athletic Marketing and Alumni Programs is responsible for developing and submitting the Spider Club annual budget request to the Associate Director of Athletics for Business and Finance. The annual operational budget is approved by the University.
   
   
2. The Director of Athletic Marketing and Alumni Programs is responsible for the maintenance, deployment, and administration of the Spider Club annual operational budget.

Section 4. Coordination of Special Events

The Director of Athletic Marketing and Alumni Programs will coordinate selected special event activities as directed by the Associate Director of Athletics for External Affairs. These are the types of events to be coordinated:

1. Annual Senior Awards Banquet
2. Special Student-Athletes' Fundraisings
3. Other areas as assigned by the Director of Athletics

Section 5. Booster Rules

The Director of Athletic Marketing and Alumni Programs ensures that those with University athletic interests (boosters) know the rules regarding student-athletes. This information is disseminated at booster meetings, at Spider Club Board meetings, in the Spider Pride and in other mail-outs. A collection of Booster Rules is listed in Appendix A. Appendix B is a Guide for Family and Friends of UR Athletics that is distributed to those with University athletic interests.