I'm sure this situation I'm facing has come up for somebody else:
I'm trying to help an Ethiopian athlete come to the USA to run in some races. What is unique about his situation is that although he is coming to race, he plans to decline prize money to retain future NCAA eligibility.
He's running the races to get times and experience.
However to get here and run he has to get a P1 visa, the visa normally given to elite athletes. Consequently the embassy requires documents typical for elite athletes running for money: in particular a contract from the race organizer.
My question: does it nullify his amateur status if he signs a contract? Even if he later declines the prize money?
In other words, as long as no money changes hands does his amateur status remain intact? Or, does just competing under the 'terms' of a professional athlete mean his amateur status is void?
Any help greatly appreciated. Thanks,
-Garrett