The vast majority of high school student-athletes are not recruited to play intercollegiate athletics and even fewer actually receive an athletic scholarship. For those fortunate enough to be involved in the recruiting process, an additional level of rules and regulations is thrown into the mix as the student-athlete makes the transition from high school to college.
Recruiting regulations are varied and complex, and differ from NCAA Division I, Division II and Division III, NAIA and Junior Colleges. They can even differ from sport to sport within each Division of the NCAA. Recruiting regulations are also contingent on the academic year of the student-athlete being recruited. Please work closely with college compliance offices during the recruiting process. A list of helpful links recruiting links appears at the bottom of this page.
GUIDELINES FOR STUDENTS
- Recruiting regulations must be followed by college coaches and high school students.
- Know the recruiting periods listed in the Guide for the College-Bound Student-Athlete:
- Contact Period
- Evaluation Period
- You become a "Prospective Student-Athlete" when:
- You start 9th-grade classes, or:
- Before 9th-grade, a college gives you, a relative or your friends any financial aid or benefits not provided to students generally
- Keep parents/guardian and current coaches in the loop
- Schedule preferred times for contacts and campus visits so as not to interfere with your studies and school sports.
- Ask questions regarding academics as well as athletics.
- "Verbal Commitments" are not binding but should be thoroughly discussed and researched within your support group prior to making one to avoid awkward situations which might bring undue pressures.
- National Letter of Intent signing accompanied by a financial aid agreement is binding on both parties.
Campus Visits
GUIDELINES FOR COACHES
- Meet with student and parents to discuss role.
- Realistically outline for each family their child's ability and potential collegiate athletic level.
- Write a letter of recommendation for your athlete.
- When sending action tapes/DVDs, send copies; do not take a chance on originals being returned.
- Review with school administrators the legal protocols with respect to releasing a student's grades, test scores, and other confidential information.
GUIDELINES FOR PARENTS
- Work with your child to schedule contact times, campus visits, etc.
- Develop a list of questions for recruiters, from academic plans to athletic plans, and as the same ones of each.
- Help your child chart pros and cons of each school.
- Work closely with the high school coach regarding your child's intentions so there is no conflicting communication with recruiters. When changes and new developments occur, keep the school coach and recruiters informed.
RELATED LINKS