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Steve Robertello

Cougar Chats presented by:

Chat with Associate Director of Athletics, NCAA Compliance Steve Robertello Wednesday, Feb. 25 at 11 a.m.

Moderator: Good morning Cougar fans and thank you for visiting wsucougars.com and today's online chat with Associate Director of Athletics for NCAA Compliance Steve Robertello. Steve, thank you for joining us this morning. We have a lot of questions submitted so without further delay let's get started.

Todd (Selah): Hearing you speak at the WIAA Coaches Convention for the past couple of summers, i was always intrigued as to what education sessions you provide to coaches, staff and student-athletes at WSU, can you please provide some examples?

Steve Robertello: Todd, we have multiple educational opportunities available for our coaches, student-athletes, and staff. In regards to student-athletes, we conduct team compliance meetings each semester to review the necessary NCAA rules, along with sending out a monthly Coug Note, which is a monthly student-athlete compliance newsletter. For coaches, we have monthly head and assistant coaches meetings to discuss compliance-related issues. For staff, we have compliance presentations at departmental meetings, along with conducting rules education sessions with our various department units.

Sampson - LA: what is your opinion with the grade of propects being dropped down from 9th to 7th grade?? what do you see as the positives and challenges?

Steve Robertello: I agree with the new rule put in place for men's basketball. It's scary that a rule of this nature had to be developed to limit the recruiting of junior high kids but it's the world that we live in. The positives would be helping to control the recruitment of kids not ready to be in that environment yet. The challenges would be, as with any NCAA rule, monitoring the rule.

Moderator: Steve, can you give an explanation of the rule?

Steve Robertello: It lowers the age of a prospective student-athlete for men's basketball from ninth grade to seventh grade. Previously, the recruiting rules did not apply for a seventh- or eighth-grader. This rule changes that.

Jim - Pullman, WA: Throughout your years working with NCAA rules, do you see the rules as getting stricter or looser for coaches, staff, boosters, student-athletes or prospects?

Steve Robertello: Unfortunately, with the ever-changing rules, they continue to become more strict.

Bill (Seattle): I realize the coaches have you and your staff as a resource to fall back on if they are unsure about something. My question is what should us supporters do if we have a question? For instance, if I am unsure about whether I can do something for an athlete or be in contact with a recruit, who can I ask?

Steve Robertello: Bill, the compliance staff is always available to ask any and all questions from supporters of Cougar Athletics and encourages those questions be asked. You can reach the compliance office at our general number at 509-335-2006, or e-mail at compintern@wsu.edu. You may also contact any of the compliance staff members listed under the staff directory on our website, wsucougars.com.

Goldie - Tonasket: How many violations does WSU report in comparision with other Pac-10 schools?

Steve Robertello: Goldie, we do not have specific numbers from the other Pac-10 institutions, but in talking with my colleagues, we are very similar in reporting 20-30 secondary violations per year.

Charles- Missoula: How did you first get involved in Compliance? And what is your dream job, if you didnt work in Compliance?

Steve Robertello: Charles, I first started working in compliance while working on my master's degree at West Virginia University. I enjoy the ever-changing dynamic of the NCAA rules and working specifically with the student-athletes and coaches; I have continued in that role at other institutions and here at WSU. As for my dream job: Pac-10 basketball official.

Elly- Redmond: If youre a student-athlete intersted in coming to WSU and playing a sport, what are the appropriate steps to take to make sure my daughter is on track?

Steve Robertello: Elly, any potential student-athlete interested playing in college athletics should go to the NCAA eligibility center website (ncaaclearinghouse.net) to gain specific information on the NCAA eligibility requirements. I would also encourage you to contact your high school counselor to make sure the student is on track with the appropriate eligibility requirements.

Jerry - Montesano: As a fan there are times when we will have casual contact with athletes or their family. An example is when they may be passing through the RV parking lot on their way to a practice or their car. Can the booster offer a can of pop or carry on a conversation to either the athlete or their family?

Steve Robertello: Jerry, it is always fine for a booster or supporter of Cougar Athletics to chat with any of our student-athletes or their families. Unfortunately, the NCAA rules do not allow boosters to provide anything of tangible value to a student-athlete, no matter how small, including a can of soda.

Rick, Caldwell, Idaho: High school recruits are bombarded with text messages, e-mails, letters, phone calls, visits, etc. Would you favor increased limitations on such activities?

Steve Robertello: Rick, the rules as they are in this area I believe are substantial and appropriate. Keep in mind that the NCAA recently implemented a rule to disallow text messaging to prospective student-athletes. With technology changing this is definitely one area that has been difficult for the NCAA to get its arms around and protect a prospective student-athlete.

Monica (pullman): What kind of educational experience do you need to have a career in NCAA Compliance?

Steve Robertello: Monica, there is not a field of study specifically related to compliance. My background is a master's in athletic administration. There are compliance individuals who have a background in law; however, my personal opinion is that a law degree is not required or necessary, but it can be helpful.

Robert - Las Vegas: With the recent appeal being granted to that baseball player that used an agent, how do you think it will effect future mlb prospects?

Steve Robertello: Robert, it's hard to know how this case will affect future cases with agents given that all cases are handled separately by the NCAA. However, I do believe that this will potentially open up some flexibility with student-athletes who have made a mistake with an agent.

Moderator: Time for one more question.

Jerry, Spokane: Steve, I think I saw you at the golf show in Spokane on Saturday. What did you buy and what kind of game do you have? Go Cougs!

Steve Robertello: Jerry, I was at the golf show this past weekend. I purchased a $5 wedge and a fairway hybrid. As for my golf game, I've been known to use a foot wedge at times to help my score. Just kidding, I always follow the rules!

Moderator: Thank you Steve for joining us today.

Steve Robertello: Thank you. I appreciate all of the Cougar supporters and their commitment to follow the NCAA rules.

Moderator: Remember, to get all the information about WSU Athletics, go no further than wsucougars.com, the official website of Cougar Athletics. Please check back to wsucougars.com for future online chats.