college athletic recruiting: terminology, perspectives, resources

COLLEGE ATHLETIC COLLEGE ATHLETIC RECRUITING:RECRUITING:

Terminology, Perspectives, ResourcesTerminology, Perspectives, Resources CREATED BY CREATED BY

MR. DWIGHT REPSHER, ATHLETIC DIRECTORMR. DWIGHT REPSHER, ATHLETIC DIRECTOR

PEN ARGYL AREA HIGH SCHOOLPEN ARGYL AREA HIGH SCHOOL(updated 8/06)(updated 8/06)

MESSAGE FROM THE MESSAGE FROM THE COLONIAL LEAGUECOLONIAL LEAGUE

The information in this presentation has The information in this presentation has been accumulated and organized as a been accumulated and organized as a

public service to the student-athletes and public service to the student-athletes and parents of our member institutions. parents of our member institutions.

College athletic recruiting is complex and College athletic recruiting is complex and ever-changing. In view of this, we ever-changing. In view of this, we

encourage you to use this information in encourage you to use this information in coordination with the resources cited in coordination with the resources cited in

order to be the most informed order to be the most informed consumer(s) possible. We hope that you consumer(s) possible. We hope that you find this helpful as you embark on your find this helpful as you embark on your

journey through the college athletic journey through the college athletic recruiting process.recruiting process.

CLICK TO PROCEED

TABLE OF CONTENTSTABLE OF CONTENTSCOLLEGE RECRUITING QUIZCOLLEGE RECRUITING QUIZ

MOST COMMON MISCONCEPTIONSMOST COMMON MISCONCEPTIONSWHAT ARE COLLEGE COACHES LOOKING FORWHAT ARE COLLEGE COACHES LOOKING FOR

RECRUITING ESSENTIALS:RECRUITING ESSENTIALS:Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse, Home-schooled Students And The ClearinghouseInitial-Eligibility Clearinghouse, Home-schooled Students And The Clearinghouse

Amateurism Certification Clearinghouse, National Letter of IntentAmateurism Certification Clearinghouse, National Letter of IntentBreach of the National Letter of Intent, Financial Aid (Scholarships), Recruiting Behind-a-PlayerBreach of the National Letter of Intent, Financial Aid (Scholarships), Recruiting Behind-a-Player

DIVISION I: OFFICIAL VISITS (rule changes)DIVISION I: OFFICIAL VISITS (rule changes)RECRUITING DEFINITIONSRECRUITING DEFINITIONS

THE RECRUITING PROCESS: DIVISIONS I & IITHE RECRUITING PROCESS: DIVISIONS I & IITHE RECRUITING PROCESS: DIVISION IIITHE RECRUITING PROCESS: DIVISION III

APPROACHING “THE PROCESS”APPROACHING “THE PROCESS”EVALUATING OPPORTUNITIESEVALUATING OPPORTUNITIES

POINTS OF EMPHASIS AND ADVICEPOINTS OF EMPHASIS AND ADVICENAIA REGULATIONSNAIA REGULATIONS

GOVERNING ORGANIZATIONSGOVERNING ORGANIZATIONSACADEMIC & ATHLETIC WEBSITESACADEMIC & ATHLETIC WEBSITES

RELATED NCAA PUBLICATIONSRELATED NCAA PUBLICATIONS

SLIDES / SECTIONS CAN BE BY-PASSED, OR THE VIEWER CAN PROCEED TO ANY PART OF SLIDES / SECTIONS CAN BE BY-PASSED, OR THE VIEWER CAN PROCEED TO ANY PART OF THE PRESENTATION BY RIGHT-CLICKING AY ANY TIME, SELECTING “GO”, SELECTING THE PRESENTATION BY RIGHT-CLICKING AY ANY TIME, SELECTING “GO”, SELECTING

“BY TITLE” AND FINALLY CLICKING ON THE DESIRED SLIDE.“BY TITLE” AND FINALLY CLICKING ON THE DESIRED SLIDE.

COLLEGE RECRUITING QUIZCOLLEGE RECRUITING QUIZ

Q:Q: How many divisions does the NCAA sponsor?How many divisions does the NCAA sponsor?A:A: Three: Divisions I, II, IIIThree: Divisions I, II, III

Q:Q: Is the NCAA the only organization which Is the NCAA the only organization which governs collegiate athletics?governs collegiate athletics?

A:A: No. The NAIA (National Association of No. The NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics) and the NJCAA (The Intercollegiate Athletics) and the NJCAA (The National Junior College Athletic Association) also National Junior College Athletic Association) also

act as governing bodies over their member act as governing bodies over their member institutions.institutions.

CLICK TO REVEAL ANSWERSCLICK TO REVEAL ANSWERS


Q: Q: When can colleges send recruiting materials to prospects?When can colleges send recruiting materials to prospects?A: A: Divisions I & II:Divisions I & II: On or after September 1 of the prospect’s junior On or after September 1 of the prospect’s junior

year. year.

A:A: Division III:Division III: Are not governed by these NCAA rules, but typically Are not governed by these NCAA rules, but typically make contact during the spring of the prospect’s junior year.make contact during the spring of the prospect’s junior year.

Notes: Division I football coaches are allowed one telephone call to Notes: Division I football coaches are allowed one telephone call to potential prospects during the month of May of the prospect’s junior potential prospects during the month of May of the prospect’s junior year, then not again until after September 1. Division I basketball year, then not again until after September 1. Division I basketball coaches may make one telephone call per month on or after June 15 coaches may make one telephone call per month on or after June 15 of the prospect’s sophomore year through July 31 of his/her junior of the prospect’s sophomore year through July 31 of his/her junior year. Other Division I coaches may make one telephone call in year. Other Division I coaches may make one telephone call in March of the prospect’s junior year, then not again until July 1. (The March of the prospect’s junior year, then not again until July 1. (The rules for Division I women’s coaches are different yet.) rules for Division I women’s coaches are different yet.)

AS YOU CAN SEE, THE PROCESS IS ACTUALLY QUITE COMPLICATED!AS YOU CAN SEE, THE PROCESS IS ACTUALLY QUITE COMPLICATED!


Q: How long can an official visit last?Q: How long can an official visit last?A: No longer than 48 hours.A: No longer than 48 hours.

Q: When can a prospect begin making unofficial visits?Q: When can a prospect begin making unofficial visits?A: They can be made at any time.A: They can be made at any time. Q: What can the institution pay for during an unofficial visit?Q: What can the institution pay for during an unofficial visit?A: Nothing.A: Nothing. Q: What can a prospect do during an unofficial visit?Q: What can a prospect do during an unofficial visit?A: Have a tour of the campus, meet with counselors, etc., but A: Have a tour of the campus, meet with counselors, etc., but

nothing can be paid for.nothing can be paid for.

COLLEGE RECRUITING QUIZCOLLEGE RECRUITING QUIZQ: How many times can a prospect visit a campus?Q: How many times can a prospect visit a campus?A: An unlimited number of unofficial visits.A: An unlimited number of unofficial visits.

Q: Institutions can make scholarship offers to prospects during the Q: Institutions can make scholarship offers to prospects during the recruiting process, that is grants-in-aid to attend said institution. recruiting process, that is grants-in-aid to attend said institution. What are some examples of prohibited financial offers?What are some examples of prohibited financial offers?

A: Cash, the cosigning of loans, loans to a prospect’s friends or A: Cash, the cosigning of loans, loans to a prospect’s friends or relatives, and employment arrangements for a prospect’s relatives, and employment arrangements for a prospect’s relatives.relatives.

Q: What types of benefits can colleges offer to prospects?Q: What types of benefits can colleges offer to prospects?A: Job arrangements, assistance in obtaining educational loans, A: Job arrangements, assistance in obtaining educational loans,

summer housing, and admission to athletic and alumni events. summer housing, and admission to athletic and alumni events.

Note: Summer jobs may not begin prior to the end of the Note: Summer jobs may not begin prior to the end of the prospect’s senior year.prospect’s senior year.


Q: Given that SAT testing now consists of 3 components Q: Given that SAT testing now consists of 3 components (critical reading, math and writing), does the NCAA include (critical reading, math and writing), does the NCAA include the writing component in the standards used to determine the writing component in the standards used to determine initial-eligibility? initial-eligibility?

A: No. The combined reading and math sections of the SAT, A: No. The combined reading and math sections of the SAT, both of which are scored on a 200-800 scale, will continue both of which are scored on a 200-800 scale, will continue to comprise the score used on the sliding scale determining to comprise the score used on the sliding scale determining initial-eligibility. At this time, the writing component is not initial-eligibility. At this time, the writing component is not being included in making this determination. being included in making this determination.

Note: The ACT is also adding an optional writing Note: The ACT is also adding an optional writing component to its testing format. Since this component is component to its testing format. Since this component is optional, it will not be used in determining academic optional, it will not be used in determining academic eligibility. eligibility.


Q: What is the function of the “Initial-Eligibility Q: What is the function of the “Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse”?Clearinghouse”?

A: It determines the initial eligibility of student-athletes by A: It determines the initial eligibility of student-athletes by reviewing a combination of their completed high school reviewing a combination of their completed high school curriculum and college entrance examination scores.curriculum and college entrance examination scores.

Q: Which divisions of NCAA competition require clearance Q: Which divisions of NCAA competition require clearance from the NCAA Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse prior to from the NCAA Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse prior to participation?participation?

A: Divisions I & II.A: Divisions I & II.

MOST COMMON MOST COMMON MISCONCEPTIONSMISCONCEPTIONS

• Student-athletes don’t need to challenge themselves Student-athletes don’t need to challenge themselves academically in high school.academically in high school.

• Academics and good citizenship are overrated when it Academics and good citizenship are overrated when it comes to athletic recruiting.comes to athletic recruiting.

• Parental involvement plays no role in whether or not an Parental involvement plays no role in whether or not an institution pursues a given student-athlete.institution pursues a given student-athlete.

• The difference between Divisions I, II & III is skill.The difference between Divisions I, II & III is skill.(It’s size and speed!)(It’s size and speed!)

• Division III is where players go who can’t play.Division III is where players go who can’t play.

WHAT ARE COLLEGE WHAT ARE COLLEGE COACHES LOOKING FOR?COACHES LOOKING FOR?

PERSONAL INTEGRITYPERSONAL INTEGRITY

Heightened publicity over student-athletes who disgrace their schools has made Heightened publicity over student-athletes who disgrace their schools has made character assessment increasingly important.character assessment increasingly important.

Trends in Character Assessment:Trends in Character Assessment:

• Asking counselors about criminal behavioral, arrests, negative behavior in class, Asking counselors about criminal behavioral, arrests, negative behavior in class, involvement in fights, anger problems, etc.involvement in fights, anger problems, etc.

• Requesting counselors to assess a student’s motivations.Requesting counselors to assess a student’s motivations.

• Inquiring about the attitudes of the people in a student’s life towards education.Inquiring about the attitudes of the people in a student’s life towards education.

• Asking opposing coaches to assess a player’s character.Asking opposing coaches to assess a player’s character.

• Observing and assessing interactions and relationships with family members.Observing and assessing interactions and relationships with family members.

• Asking high school support personnel to assess a player’s character.Asking high school support personnel to assess a player’s character. • Asking student-athlete hosts to assess character. How easily are recruits swayed?Asking student-athlete hosts to assess character. How easily are recruits swayed?

• Requiring criminal background checks.Requiring criminal background checks.

HOW THINGS HAVE CHANGEDHOW THINGS HAVE CHANGED

ACADEMICSACADEMICSAcademic reforms are making certain that student-athletes Academic reforms are making certain that student-athletes

are ready for college level courses.are ready for college level courses.

ATHLETICSATHLETICS

In the past, the ultimate question has been: “Can the In the past, the ultimate question has been: “Can the student-athlete in question play for us?”student-athlete in question play for us?”

Now the question is: “Can the student-athlete Now the question is: “Can the student-athlete graduate on time and project a positive image for graduate on time and project a positive image for the college while playing for us?”the college while playing for us?”

THE IMPORTANCE OF THE IMPORTANCE OF ACADEMICSACADEMICS

Too many student-athletes think that they don’t need to challenge Too many student-athletes think that they don’t need to challenge themselves academically in high school.themselves academically in high school.

Academics and good citizenship are far more important than most Academics and good citizenship are far more important than most people think.people think.

ACADEMICS -will determine the schools into which the student-ACADEMICS -will determine the schools into which the student-athlete will athlete will be admitted.be admitted.

- will determine the schools at which the student-- will determine the schools at which the student-athlete can athlete can succeed.succeed.

-will determine eligibility through the “NCAA -will determine eligibility through the “NCAA Initial-Eligibility Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse”.Clearinghouse”.

-will determine whether the student-athlete will -will determine whether the student-athlete will remain in remain in school as well as his/her future success.school as well as his/her future success.

ATHLETIC TRAITSATHLETIC TRAITS

College Coaches Look For:College Coaches Look For:

• Players who fill team needs.Players who fill team needs.• Athletic ability (i.e. skills, size, strength, speed, quickness, Athletic ability (i.e. skills, size, strength, speed, quickness,

agility).agility).• Sport-specific skills.Sport-specific skills.• Potential to grow and maturePotential to grow and mature

(not potential to grow up and be mature).(not potential to grow up and be mature).• Team players, not players whose personal goals supercede Team players, not players whose personal goals supercede

team team goals.goals.• Competitiveness and physical/mental toughness. Competitiveness and physical/mental toughness. • Personal traits. Personal traits.

THE NCAA INITIAL-ELIGIBILITY THE NCAA INITIAL-ELIGIBILITY CLEARINGHOUSECLEARINGHOUSE

All student-athletes who have aspirations to play at the NCAA Division I or Division II All student-athletes who have aspirations to play at the NCAA Division I or Division II levels must register with the Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse. This will determine levels must register with the Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse. This will determine whether the prospective student-athlete has taken the appropriate high school whether the prospective student-athlete has taken the appropriate high school courses in order to be eligible as a college freshman.courses in order to be eligible as a college freshman.

-The Division I and Division II initial-eligibility requirements have changed:-The Division I and Division II initial-eligibility requirements have changed:

Student-athletes entering Division I and II NCAA institutions in 2006 and Student-athletes entering Division I and II NCAA institutions in 2006 and 2007 must have 14 core courses (instead of the 13 required prior to 2005) 2007 must have 14 core courses (instead of the 13 required prior to 2005) to be eligible to practice, play and receive financial aid.to be eligible to practice, play and receive financial aid.For the class of 2008, 16 core courses will be required when entering a For the class of 2008, 16 core courses will be required when entering a Division I institution.Division I institution.

Note that Initial Eligibility is based on a sliding scale of Grade Point Average and SAT Note that Initial Eligibility is based on a sliding scale of Grade Point Average and SAT (or ACT) scores.(or ACT) scores.

(Additional information can be found @ (Additional information can be found @ www.ncaa.orgwww.ncaa.org under the “Useful Resources” under the “Useful Resources” portion of the Academics and Athletesportion of the Academics and Athletes - “Eligibility & Recruiting” section.) - “Eligibility & Recruiting” section.)

Note: The application fee has recently been raised from $30 to $50.Note: The application fee has recently been raised from $30 to $50.

HOME-SCHOOLED STUDENTS HOME-SCHOOLED STUDENTS AND THE CLEARINGHOUSEAND THE CLEARINGHOUSE

Home-schooled Students must also register with Home-schooled Students must also register with the Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse.the Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse.

Students who were home-schooled for any part of high school Students who were home-schooled for any part of high school (grades nine through 12) must now register with the NCAA Initial-(grades nine through 12) must now register with the NCAA Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse. The clearinghouse will determine Eligibility Clearinghouse. The clearinghouse will determine whether they will be eligible for practice, competition and whether they will be eligible for practice, competition and institutional financial aid at an NCAA Division I or Division II institutional financial aid at an NCAA Division I or Division II institution during their freshman year. institution during their freshman year.

Register with the clearinghouse by visiting the clearinghouse Web Register with the clearinghouse by visiting the clearinghouse Web site at site at www.ncaaclearinghouse.net.www.ncaaclearinghouse.net. From there, click on From there, click on "Prospective Student-Athletes," then "Domestic Student Release "Prospective Student-Athletes," then "Domestic Student Release Form" and follow the prompts. Form" and follow the prompts.

NCAA AMATEURISM NCAA AMATEURISM CERTIFICATION CLEARINGHOUSECERTIFICATION CLEARINGHOUSE

Incoming freshmen (both domestic and international) as well as Incoming freshmen (both domestic and international) as well as transfer students seeking initial eligibility at an NCAA Division I or transfer students seeking initial eligibility at an NCAA Division I or II institution must register with the NCAA Amateurism Certification II institution must register with the NCAA Amateurism Certification Clearinghouse in order to determine/verify their amateur status. Clearinghouse in order to determine/verify their amateur status.

Registration may be made via the internet. Registration may be made via the internet.

Registration for prospective student-athletes seeking certification Registration for prospective student-athletes seeking certification for the 2007-08 academic year and future classes may be made as for the 2007-08 academic year and future classes may be made as of the beginning of their junior year in high school. of the beginning of their junior year in high school.

Final certification will occur 2 or 3 months prior to attending their Final certification will occur 2 or 3 months prior to attending their chosen institution of higher learning.chosen institution of higher learning.

Information and application @ www.ncaa.org under the “Useful Information and application @ www.ncaa.org under the “Useful Resources” portion of the Resources” portion of the Academics and AthletesAcademics and Athletes - “Eligibility & - “Eligibility &

Recruiting” section.)Recruiting” section.)

NATIONAL LETTER OF NATIONAL LETTER OF INTENTINTENT

The National Letter of Intent (NLI) is a binding agreement The National Letter of Intent (NLI) is a binding agreement between a prospective student-athlete and an institution. between a prospective student-athlete and an institution.

The student-athlete agrees to attend the institution for at The student-athlete agrees to attend the institution for at least one academic year. least one academic year.

The institution agrees to provide the student-athlete with The institution agrees to provide the student-athlete with financial aid for one academic year. financial aid for one academic year.

All colleges and universities which participate in the All colleges and universities which participate in the National Letter of Intent program agree to cease recruiting National Letter of Intent program agree to cease recruiting any prospective student-athlete once they have signed a any prospective student-athlete once they have signed a Letter of Intent with another institution. Letter of Intent with another institution. http://www.national-letter.orghttp://www.national-letter.org

BREACH OF THE BREACH OF THE NATIONAL LETTER OF INTENTNATIONAL LETTER OF INTENT

Should the student-athlete fail to attend the signing institution Should the student-athlete fail to attend the signing institution (or attend that institution for less than one academic year) and (or attend that institution for less than one academic year) and then enroll in another college that participates in the National then enroll in another college that participates in the National Letter of Intent program, a loss of eligibility may result. Letter of Intent program, a loss of eligibility may result.

The penalty for not adhering to the terms of a signed NLI may The penalty for not adhering to the terms of a signed NLI may result in as much as a two years of athletic ineligibility (in all result in as much as a two years of athletic ineligibility (in all sports) at the latter institution.sports) at the latter institution.

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Special Note: Most Division I & II institutions employ one or Special Note: Most Division I & II institutions employ one or more “Compliance Officers”. These professionals are experts more “Compliance Officers”. These professionals are experts who deal with NCAA regulations on a daily basis. In the event who deal with NCAA regulations on a daily basis. In the event you have questions concerning the recruiting practices of a you have questions concerning the recruiting practices of a given institution, need to inquire about the appropriateness of a given institution, need to inquire about the appropriateness of a given practice, or NCAA rules in general, contact the Compliance given practice, or NCAA rules in general, contact the Compliance Office at the institution(s) with which you are involved.Office at the institution(s) with which you are involved.

FINANCIAL AID FINANCIAL AID (SCHOLARSHIPS)(SCHOLARSHIPS)

Financial Aid (Scholarships) at Division I and II Institutions, Financial Aid (Scholarships) at Division I and II Institutions, which is based in some degree on athletic ability, can be which is based in some degree on athletic ability, can be awarded on a term-by-term or year-by-year basis, but not for awarded on a term-by-term or year-by-year basis, but not for more than one academic year. more than one academic year.

It may be either reduced or canceled prior to the end of the It may be either reduced or canceled prior to the end of the period for which it has been awarded under certain period for which it has been awarded under certain circumstances (such as the misrepresentation of information, circumstances (such as the misrepresentation of information, serious misconduct, failure to participate, etc.). serious misconduct, failure to participate, etc.).

It may not be reduced or canceled prior to the end of the It may not be reduced or canceled prior to the end of the period for which it has been awarded based on athletic period for which it has been awarded based on athletic performance, failure to participate due to injury, or for any performance, failure to participate due to injury, or for any other athletic reason.other athletic reason.

Each year the financial aid authority of the institution must Each year the financial aid authority of the institution must inform the student-athlete in writing on or before July 1 as to inform the student-athlete in writing on or before July 1 as to whether financial aid has been awarded for the upcoming whether financial aid has been awarded for the upcoming academic year.academic year.

PRIORITY LISTS:PRIORITY LISTS:RECRUITING “BEHIND A PLAYER”RECRUITING “BEHIND A PLAYER”

Bob James / FamilyBob James / Family Valley StateValley State1. Valley State1. Valley State 1. Adam Miller1. Adam Miller2. College of Idaho2. College of Idaho 2. Jesse Smith2. Jesse Smith3. Belmont University3. Belmont University 3. Bill Sampson3. Bill Sampson4. College of Montana4. College of Montana 4. Bob James4. Bob James5. Eastern College5. Eastern College 5. Walt Johnson5. Walt Johnson

It is extremely important to know where you stand on the college coach’s list of preferred players. As we can see in the example, Bob James has narrowed down and ranked his list of preferred institutions. He’s quite aware that HE would like to attend and play for Valley State. However, he hasn’t given any consideration as to where he stands on Valley State’s list of preferred players. (Probably because he believes that he can certainly play there!).

What happens to Bob James when the Valley State coach fails to successfully “land” any of his top 3 recruits? He offers Bob James a scholarship.

WHAT BECOMES OF WHAT BECOMES OF BOB JAMESBOB JAMES

Of all the things that can happen to Bob James at Valley State, they are all negative.Of all the things that can happen to Bob James at Valley State, they are all negative.

1-1- He starts at point guard his freshman year. Although he keeps his scholarship for 4 years, He starts at point guard his freshman year. Although he keeps his scholarship for 4 years, he is a seldom used reserve for the remainder of his career. Why? Knowing that Bob is not he is a seldom used reserve for the remainder of his career. Why? Knowing that Bob is not the quality of player needed at that position in order to be competitive, the coach recruits the quality of player needed at that position in order to be competitive, the coach recruits a better player at that position the following year. (He recruits a player “Behind Him”.)a better player at that position the following year. (He recruits a player “Behind Him”.)

2-2- The coach reneges on Bob’s scholarship. Bob remains at the school, but his playing career The coach reneges on Bob’s scholarship. Bob remains at the school, but his playing career is over.is over.

3-3- The coach decides not to renew his scholarship and recruits a player “Behind Him” because he needs a higher quality player at that position in order to be competitive.

4-4- He transfers and makes the team at the new school. He loses a year of eligibility, but He transfers and makes the team at the new school. He loses a year of eligibility, but makes the team the following year as a walk-on (with no scholarship). He may or may not makes the team the following year as a walk-on (with no scholarship). He may or may not be offered a scholarship at a later time.be offered a scholarship at a later time.

5- 5- He transfers to a lower level school, can play right away and has a successful career at that He transfers to a lower level school, can play right away and has a successful career at that level. However, it’s a school which either does not or can not give scholarships. Plus, level. However, it’s a school which either does not or can not give scholarships. Plus, some of his credits don’t transfer so he is forced to attend the school for an extra some of his credits don’t transfer so he is forced to attend the school for an extra semester/year at his and his family’s expense.semester/year at his and his family’s expense.

KNOW WHERE YOU STAND ON THE COACH’S PREFERRED LIST!

DON’T HESITATE TO ASK WHERE AND HOW YOU FIT INTO THE COACH’S PLANS!

DIVISION I: DIVISION I: RULE CHANGES REGARDING RULE CHANGES REGARDING

OFFICIAL VISITSOFFICIAL VISITS• Air travel: Limited to commercial flights, coach class only.Air travel: Limited to commercial flights, coach class only.

• Ground transportation: No specialty or luxury vehicles.Ground transportation: No specialty or luxury vehicles.

• Meals: No extravagant meals.Meals: No extravagant meals.

• Lodging: No luxury hotels.Lodging: No luxury hotels.

• Student Hosts: Must be student-athletes from the same sport.Student Hosts: Must be student-athletes from the same sport.

• Recruiting Aids: Bans articles such as personalized jerseys, audio or visual Recruiting Aids: Bans articles such as personalized jerseys, audio or visual scoreboardscoreboard

presentations.presentations.

• Institutional policies and procedures: Must be in writing. Must include the Institutional policies and procedures: Must be in writing. Must include the prohibition of drinking/drug use/gambling/strippers.prohibition of drinking/drug use/gambling/strippers.

RECRUITING DEFINITIONS

Contact period: Permissible for authorized athletic department staff members to make in-person, off-campus recruiting contacts and evaluations.

Dead period: Not permissible to make in-person recruiting contacts or evaluations on- or off-

campus or permit official or unofficial visits.

Evaluation period: Permissible for authorized athletics department staff

to be involved in off-campus activities to assess academic qualifications and playing abilities. No

in- person, off-campus recruiting contacts with a prospect are permitted.

Quiet period: Permissible to make in-person recruiting contacts only on the member institution's campus.

Detailed information about recruiting is available in the online edition of the NCAA Guide for the College-Bound Student-Athlete @ www.ncaa.org under @ www.ncaa.org under the “Useful Resources” portion of the the “Useful Resources” portion of the Academics and AthletesAcademics and Athletes - “Eligibility - “Eligibility

& Recruiting” section.)& Recruiting” section.)

THE RECRUITING PROCESS:THE RECRUITING PROCESS:DIVISIONS I & IIDIVISIONS I & II

Phase IRecruiting letters begin the recruiting process.

Colleges can send out recruiting letters after the prospect has started his/her junior year. Hand written notes are a sign of genuine interest.

Once Division I & II schools are allowed to make telephone calls on a regular basis (which is dictated by the rules governing the specific sport), one phone call / week is permitted. Division III schools are unrestricted in this area.

Note: Any prearranged electronically transmitted correspondence between an authorized institutional staff member and one or more prospects, or the use of a pager to contact a prospect (and leave a message longer than a greeting) is considered a telephone call.


Phase IICoaches come to evaluate. In-person, off-campus recruiting “contacts” are not permitted during an evaluation period. (Recruiting calendars and terminology can be found at www.ncaa.org under the heading “General Information” under “Recruiting” in the “Eligibility & Recruiting” section of “Academics and Athletes”..

Phase IIIThe home visit. (Most often used by Division I coaches.) Should you get to this point, it is an indication of very serious interest.


Phase IVOfficial campus visit. Schools are limited by association affiliation (NCAA, NAIA, etc.) or money allotted to that sport by the institution. Prospective student-athletes are allowed 5 official campus visits.

Phase VDecision on whether or not to offer a scholarship.

THE RECRUITING PROCESS:THE RECRUITING PROCESS:DIVISION IIIDIVISION III

The NCAA does not regulate the recruiting practices of Division III Institutions The NCAA does not regulate the recruiting practices of Division III Institutions to the degree that it regulates those of Division I & II Institutions. In spite of to the degree that it regulates those of Division I & II Institutions. In spite of this, the phases of the recruiting process remain very similar, but with this, the phases of the recruiting process remain very similar, but with variations with respect to their order of occurrence. variations with respect to their order of occurrence.

Student-athletes aspiring to participate at this level are not required to Student-athletes aspiring to participate at this level are not required to submit applications to the Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse or the Amateurism submit applications to the Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse or the Amateurism Certification Clearinghouse, and they are not bound by the National Letter of Certification Clearinghouse, and they are not bound by the National Letter of Intent. However, these institutions set very high standards for their students Intent. However, these institutions set very high standards for their students and determine amateur status at the institutional level.and determine amateur status at the institutional level.

The biggest difference between scholarship and non-scholarship institutions The biggest difference between scholarship and non-scholarship institutions is: Division I & II Institutions try to sell their programs, with the climax being is: Division I & II Institutions try to sell their programs, with the climax being the decision to offer a scholarship. Given that Division III schools are not the decision to offer a scholarship. Given that Division III schools are not working with scholarship money (everyone who qualifies is offered a financial working with scholarship money (everyone who qualifies is offered a financial aid package), the process is driven by alternating demonstrations of interest. aid package), the process is driven by alternating demonstrations of interest. (Hopefully, this statement will become more easily understood as we proceed (Hopefully, this statement will become more easily understood as we proceed through the phases.)through the phases.)

Note: Greater explanation is given to this level of college athletics because a Note: Greater explanation is given to this level of college athletics because a greater number of high school athletes are recruited to play at this level than greater number of high school athletes are recruited to play at this level than at any other!at any other!


PHASE IPHASE I

Initial Contact: This typically comes in the form of a questionnaire. Initial Contact: This typically comes in the form of a questionnaire. Note: There are no restrictions as to when initial telephone calls can be Note: There are no restrictions as to when initial telephone calls can be

made. Although made. Although in-person, off-campus contacts can’t be made with prospects, in-person, off-campus contacts can’t be made with prospects, parents, legal guardians or parents, legal guardians or relatives until the completion of the prospect’s junior relatives until the completion of the prospect’s junior year. year.

PHASE IIPHASE II

Evaluation: If the student-athlete returns the initial questionnaire, many coaches will Evaluation: If the student-athlete returns the initial questionnaire, many coaches will make telephone contact and (if the prospect appears to be interested) attend a regular-make telephone contact and (if the prospect appears to be interested) attend a regular-season game in order to evaluate whether this level of play is appropriate given the season game in order to evaluate whether this level of play is appropriate given the student-athlete’s abilities. Head coaches tend to see players who are known quantities, student-athlete’s abilities. Head coaches tend to see players who are known quantities, or “top priority” recruits first. Assistant coaches tend to see lesser known players first.or “top priority” recruits first. Assistant coaches tend to see lesser known players first.

PHASE IIIPHASE III

Campus Visit / Application: Once the coaching staff has attended a couple of games, Campus Visit / Application: Once the coaching staff has attended a couple of games, (The more they want you, the more they’ll see you.), they will make a serious attempt (The more they want you, the more they’ll see you.), they will make a serious attempt to get the student-athlete onto campus for a visit. The visit typically consists of a tour, to get the student-athlete onto campus for a visit. The visit typically consists of a tour, lunch, a meeting with the head coach, and a meeting with a representative from lunch, a meeting with the head coach, and a meeting with a representative from admissions. Coaches will often invite higher profile recruits for overnight visits. admissions. Coaches will often invite higher profile recruits for overnight visits. Coaches hope that by this point, an application for admission has already been Coaches hope that by this point, an application for admission has already been submitted.submitted.

PHASE IVPHASE IV


PHASE IVPHASE IV

Financial Aid Package: Packages typically consist of grant, loan and work study Financial Aid Package: Packages typically consist of grant, loan and work study monies. THIS IS WHERE ACADEMICS REALLY MATTER! The attractiveness of the monies. THIS IS WHERE ACADEMICS REALLY MATTER! The attractiveness of the package which a student receives is pretty much dependent upon how well the package which a student receives is pretty much dependent upon how well the student fits the profile of the school. (Notice that I did not use the term “student-student fits the profile of the school. (Notice that I did not use the term “student-athlete” in this section. By NCAA rules, students at the Division III level are not to athlete” in this section. By NCAA rules, students at the Division III level are not to even be designated as “prospective student-athletes” because financial aid is not to even be designated as “prospective student-athletes” because financial aid is not to be based to any degree on athletics.) The better a student fits the profile of the be based to any degree on athletics.) The better a student fits the profile of the school, the more grant money, and less loan and work study money is included in the school, the more grant money, and less loan and work study money is included in the package. The lesser degree to which the student fits the profile of the school, the less package. The lesser degree to which the student fits the profile of the school, the less grant money and more loan and work study money is included. Nobody likes to pay grant money and more loan and work study money is included. Nobody likes to pay money back, so students who don’t meet the profile/standards of the school (although money back, so students who don’t meet the profile/standards of the school (although they could or probably would be admitted if no other applicants were better qualified) they could or probably would be admitted if no other applicants were better qualified) are actually discouraged from enrolling by the configuration of the financial aid are actually discouraged from enrolling by the configuration of the financial aid package. Conversely, everybody likes free money. Thus, those students who are package. Conversely, everybody likes free money. Thus, those students who are academically attractive to the institution receive the most grant money, thus are most academically attractive to the institution receive the most grant money, thus are most encouraged to enroll.encouraged to enroll.

PHASE VPHASE V

If the coaching staff regards you as a top recruit and believes you are “on the fence” If the coaching staff regards you as a top recruit and believes you are “on the fence” in terms of enrolling, the head coach (and possibly a top assistant) will conduct a in terms of enrolling, the head coach (and possibly a top assistant) will conduct a home visit in an effort to show the prospective student-athlete the high degree to home visit in an effort to show the prospective student-athlete the high degree to which they are interested.which they are interested.

APPROACHING “THE PROCESS”APPROACHING “THE PROCESS”

1-1- Determine the player’s ability and appropriate level of play.Determine the player’s ability and appropriate level of play.

-Ask coaches of opponent schools in your area. (Your coach may be a bit too biased -Ask coaches of opponent schools in your area. (Your coach may be a bit too biased or unrealistic.)or unrealistic.)

-Which level has shown the most interest?-Which level has shown the most interest?

2-2- Make unofficial visits.Make unofficial visits.

-Take unannounced trips and visit the campuses of schools which have made contact -Take unannounced trips and visit the campuses of schools which have made contact and in which you might have an interest.and in which you might have an interest.

-Ask acquaintances or the high school guidance department whether they know of -Ask acquaintances or the high school guidance department whether they know of anyone who attends the institution. Talk to these students. Don’t be shy. They’ll be anyone who attends the institution. Talk to these students. Don’t be shy. They’ll be happy to talk to you about their schools.happy to talk to you about their schools.

3-3- Prioritize schools.Prioritize schools.

-Contacts by coaches, your impressions of the schools based on visits/reputation, the -Contacts by coaches, your impressions of the schools based on visits/reputation, the interviewing of students from your area who attend the institution, etc. should give interviewing of students from your area who attend the institution, etc. should give you adequate information for prioritizing purposes.you adequate information for prioritizing purposes.


4-4- Make official visits. You get 5. Use them wisely. You won’t really know until you get on Make official visits. You get 5. Use them wisely. You won’t really know until you get on campus and talk to your host student-athlete, the coach, admissions, eat in the dining hall, campus and talk to your host student-athlete, the coach, admissions, eat in the dining hall, etc. etc.

5- Determine your role on the team in each program.5- Determine your role on the team in each program.

-Play in pick-up games with team members to see how you stack up to players in the -Play in pick-up games with team members to see how you stack up to players in the program, and returning players at your position in particular.program, and returning players at your position in particular.

-Ask the coach and student-athlete host the right questions:-Ask the coach and student-athlete host the right questions:

-Who is returning and at what positions?-Who is returning and at what positions?

-What are your chances of playing right away?-What are your chances of playing right away?

-What does the coach see your role on the team being?-What does the coach see your role on the team being?

-Where are you on his list of recruits?-Where are you on his list of recruits?

-What is the coach’s reputation of recruiting behind players?-What is the coach’s reputation of recruiting behind players?


6- Determine the short-term vs. long-term advantages of being a part of each program.6- Determine the short-term vs. long-term advantages of being a part of each program. -What type of career (or level of success) is possible, if not likely, at each school?-What type of career (or level of success) is possible, if not likely, at each school?

-What’s the school’s graduation rate?-What’s the school’s graduation rate?

-What types of academic help are available?-What types of academic help are available?

-What kind of placement record does the school have in a given major?-What kind of placement record does the school have in a given major?

-What is the school’s overall placement record in the event that you change majors?-What is the school’s overall placement record in the event that you change majors?

-What is the coaches reputation for helping players with employment opportunities?-What is the coaches reputation for helping players with employment opportunities?

7-7- Consider the financial aid package or scholarship offer.Consider the financial aid package or scholarship offer.

8-8- Make your decision.Make your decision.

EVALUATING EVALUATING OPPORTUNITIES:OPPORTUNITIES:

IMPORTANT INFORMATION TO KNOWIMPORTANT INFORMATION TO KNOW

• How well you fill their needs. How well you fill their needs.

• How badly they need someone at your position. How badly they need someone at your position.

• Whether you are the player they really want. Whether you are the player they really want.

• The coaches history of bringing in players as a necessity The coaches history of bringing in players as a necessity and then recruiting behind them. and then recruiting behind them.

• How you fit into the program, into their future plans. How How you fit into the program, into their future plans. How their needs may change over time. their needs may change over time.

• The coach’s history of reneging on scholarships. The coach’s history of reneging on scholarships.

POINTS OF EMPHASIS AND POINTS OF EMPHASIS AND ADVICEADVICE

•Colleges control the recruiting process, not the high school students or their families.

•College coaches are professional recruiters. Parents are often going through the process for the first time. This is part of the reason the recruiters control the process.

•Parents are often in awe of the process, confused by what is going on, and naïve about the business of college athletics. (The more you can learn, the better off you’ll be!)

•Be objective about your son’s/daughter’s abilities. Although this is often difficult, failure to do so can be extremely detrimental to them in the long run. If the appropriate level of play is not accurately determined, they will be much less likely to choose the program which will best satisfy their educational and athletic needs. The issue here is to find the right fit, to help your son / daughter meet their goals and prepare them for adult life.


•Marketing high school players is to no avail, if the appropriate level of collegiate competition is not correctly determined.

•Recruiters like effort. You never know who’s watching.

•It’s downright stupid for a player (or the parents for that matter) to be at odds with the high school coach. A college coach’s first contact is the high school coach.

•Ask your high school coach, or a high school coach in your area, what level of college athletics will be most appropriate.

•Ask the college recruiter how they see you fitting into their program.

•The 3rd or 4th question recruiters ask is: “What kind of a student is he/she?” IT’S A MAJOR CONCERN! Coaches don’t want players who will be academically ineligible. They need players who are going to play.


•Character is also an issue. Coaches don’t want players who will either be a distraction/problem to the team/coaching staff because he/she is incapable of behaving outside of athletics. Remember, the

definition of “character” is: “WHO YOU ARE WHEN NO ONE’S AROUND”•The more prepared you are for college, both academically and athletically, the better off you’ll be.

•College athletics is much more demanding in terms of both physical and time commitments. If you’re not prepared, be prepared to struggle in both areas.

•THERE IS LIFE AFTER ATHLETICS! BE PREPARED!

NAIA REGULATIONSNAIA REGULATIONS

NAIA recruiting rules and initial-eligibility requirements differ NAIA recruiting rules and initial-eligibility requirements differ from those of the NCAA.from those of the NCAA.

The NAIA:The NAIA:

1- Has fewer recruiting restrictions.1- Has fewer recruiting restrictions.

2- Requires that student-athletes meet 2 of the following 3 2- Requires that student-athletes meet 2 of the following 3 requirements for initial-eligibility.requirements for initial-eligibility.

-Minimum of 18 on the ACT or 860 on the SAT.-Minimum of 18 on the ACT or 860 on the SAT.

-Minimum of a 2.0 GPA.-Minimum of a 2.0 GPA.

-Graduate in the top half of his/her high school class.-Graduate in the top half of his/her high school class.

3- Offers flexibility to transfer without penalty.3- Offers flexibility to transfer without penalty.

4- No Clearinghouse to establish initial eligibility.4- No Clearinghouse to establish initial eligibility.

GOVERNING ORGANIZATIONSGOVERNING ORGANIZATIONS• NCAA – The National Collegiate Athletic Association NCAA – The National Collegiate Athletic Association

6201 College Blvd.6201 College Blvd.Overland Park, Kansas 66211-2422Overland Park, Kansas 66211-2422phone: 913-339-1906phone: 913-339-1906NCAA HOTLINE: 1-800-638-3731NCAA HOTLINE: 1-800-638-3731General Information / Publications website: General Information / Publications website: www.ncaa.orgwww.ncaa.orgGraduation Rates: Graduation Rates: www.ncaa.orgwww.ncaa.org in the Academics and Athletes in the Academics and Athletes - - “Eligibility & Recruiting” section under “Helpful Links”.“Eligibility & Recruiting” section under “Helpful Links”.Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse: www.ncaaclearinghouse.netInitial-Eligibility Clearinghouse: www.ncaaclearinghouse.netAcademic Question, e-mail address: [email protected] Question, e-mail address: [email protected]

• NAIA – The National Association of Intercollegiate AthleticsNAIA – The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics6120 South Yale Suite 14506120 South Yale Suite 1450Tulsa, Oklahoma 74136Tulsa, Oklahoma 74136phone: 918-494-8828phone: 918-494-8828Information website: Information website: www.naia.orgwww.naia.org

GOVERNING ORGANIZATIONSGOVERNING ORGANIZATIONS

• NJCAA - National Junior College Athletic AssociationNJCAA - National Junior College Athletic AssociationP.O. Box 7305P.O. Box 7305Colorado Springs, Colorado 80933Colorado Springs, Colorado 80933phone: 719-590-9788phone: 719-590-9788Information website: www.njcaa.orgInformation website: www.njcaa.org

• www.national-letter.org – National Letter of Intent website.www.national-letter.org – National Letter of Intent website.

ACADEMIC, FINANCIAL, RECRUITING ACADEMIC, FINANCIAL, RECRUITING WEBSITESWEBSITES

• The National Directory of College AthleticsThe National Directory of College Athleticsc/o Collegiate Directories, Inc.c/o Collegiate Directories, Inc.P.O. Box 450640P.O. Box 450640Cleveland, Ohio 44145Cleveland, Ohio 44145phone: 1-800-426-2232phone: 1-800-426-2232Information website: Information website: www.collegiatedirectories.comwww.collegiatedirectories.com

• College Recruiting Services: College Recruiting Services: www.CollegeRecruiting.comwww.CollegeRecruiting.com

www.collegeboundplayers.comwww.collegeboundplayers.com

• www.collegeboard.comwww.collegeboard.com – General information and CSS/Profile – General information and CSS/Profile financial aid financial aid online application and registration.online application and registration.

• www.dynamitesports.com – Educational programs, professional www.dynamitesports.com – Educational programs, professional development seminars, recruiting highlight tapes, etc.development seminars, recruiting highlight tapes, etc.

• www.varsityedge.com – Recruiting information and resources.www.varsityedge.com – Recruiting information and resources.

MORE WEBSITESMORE WEBSITES• www.collegeispossible.org – Preparing for college, both www.collegeispossible.org – Preparing for college, both

academically and financially.academically and financially.• www.ed.gov – General information on federal student aid from www.ed.gov – General information on federal student aid from

U.S. Department of Education.U.S. Department of Education.

• www.fafsa.ed.govwww.fafsa.ed.gov – Free Application for Federal Student Aid. – Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Apply and submit online.Apply and submit online.

• www.pheaa.orgwww.pheaa.org – Information for parents and students from – Information for parents and students from Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency.Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency.

• www.fastweb.comwww.fastweb.com – Free scholarship search from extensive – Free scholarship search from extensive database of scholarship information.database of scholarship information.

• www.finaid.orgwww.finaid.org – The Financial Aid Information Page providing – The Financial Aid Information Page providing free, comprehensive, independent, and objective information to free, comprehensive, independent, and objective information to student financial aid.student financial aid.

• www.nasfaa.orgwww.nasfaa.org – The National Association of Financial Aid – The National Association of Financial Aid Administrators includes a wealth of information to help with Administrators includes a wealth of information to help with planning to invest in a college education.planning to invest in a college education.

MORE WEBSITESMORE WEBSITES

• www.wiredscholar.com – Scholarship leads, loan www.wiredscholar.com – Scholarship leads, loan information.information.

• www.patap.orgwww.patap.org – Pennsylvania Tuition Account Program (TAP) – Pennsylvania Tuition Account Program (TAP) information on saving for college.information on saving for college.

• www.savingforcollege.comwww.savingforcollege.com – General information on college – General information on college savings plans (IRS Section 529 plans).savings plans (IRS Section 529 plans).

• www.ustreas.govwww.ustreas.gov – Information on U.S. Savings Bonds – Information on U.S. Savings Bonds• www.irs.ustreas.govwww.irs.ustreas.gov – Information on federal tax credits and – Information on federal tax credits and

deductions related to education.deductions related to education.• www.ifap.ed.govwww.ifap.ed.gov – Explains U.S. Department of Education’s – Explains U.S. Department of Education’s

federal student aid programs, encourages “at risk” students to federal student aid programs, encourages “at risk” students to continue their education beyond high school, provides guidance in continue their education beyond high school, provides guidance in completing FAFSA, lists websites and publications about financial completing FAFSA, lists websites and publications about financial aid.aid.

RELATED NCAA PUBLICATIONS RELATED NCAA PUBLICATIONS

@ @ www.ncaa.orgwww.ncaa.org • NCAA General Information Brochure NCAA General Information Brochure

One copy free by calling 800/638-3731 One copy free by calling 800/638-3731 View/Download View/Download

• 2005-06 Guide for the College-Bound Student-Athlete2005-06 Guide for the College-Bound Student-AthleteOne copy free by calling 800/638-3731 One copy free by calling 800/638-3731 View/Download View/Download

• NCAA Transfer GuideNCAA Transfer GuideOne copy free by calling 800/638-3731One copy free by calling 800/638-3731 View/Download View/Download

• CHAMPS/Life Skills ProgramCHAMPS/Life Skills ProgramView/DownloadView/Download

MORE PUBLICATIONS MORE PUBLICATIONS @ www.ncaa.org.@ www.ncaa.org.

NCAA Bylaws:NCAA Bylaws:

(Division I) (Division I) View/Download View/Download

(Division II) (Division II) View/Download View/Download

(Division III)(Division III) View/Download View/Download

college athletic recruiting: terminology, perspectives, resources

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