A noncoaching staff member with sports-specific responsibilities may attend an off-campus athletics event only if what condition is met?

The condition under which a noncoaching staff member with sports-specific responsibilities may attend an off-campus athletics event is that they are a family member of a participant. This stipulation is in place to ensure that the attendance of noncoaching staff at such events does not compromise the integrity of the recruiting process or create an unfair advantage. Family connections allow for personal attendance without the implication of professional obligations or recruiting intentions.

While other options suggest scenarios that may seem plausible for attendance, they do not align with the NCAA's regulations governing noncoaching staff. For example, having a job at the event, being invited by the coach, or being present to evaluate prospective student-athletes could raise issues related to recruitment and bias, which the NCAA seeks to avoid by limiting attendance based on familial relationships. Thus, the focus on familial ties serves to keep noncoaching personnel's influence at designated events clear and compliant with NCAA regulations.