The Recruiting Process

What is the recruiting process?

When a player is gaining the interest of and/or is contacted by a college coach, that is the start of the recruiting process. Typically college coaches find players to recruit through: scouting (AAU tournaments), showcases, high school coaches, video (social media, Hudl, Field Level), word of mouth. The recruiting process may begin at different times for each player. Potentially, the recruiting process can begin as early as 8th grade.

 

What is the difference between an unofficial visit and an official visit?

Unofficial visits are completely paid for by the prospective student-athlete or their family. Examples would be: going to a campus to watch a college game or  going to a college campus to visit their family/friend at college.

Official visits are any trips made to college campuses by a prospective student-athlete which is paid for by the college they’re visiting. An example would be: an overnight visit with a school you are interested in attending where they pay for your stay on campus, food and in some cases the transportation fees. 

 

What are the “Recruiting Periods?”

There are designated periods which college coaches and college staff members can or cannot contact/evaluate players and/or individuals affiliated with players. 

Evaluation Period

• The “Evaluation Period” is when college coaches/staff are allowed off-campus to assess players’ academic qualifications and playing ability. No contact is allowed to be made with the prospective player at this time.

Contact Period

• The “Contact Period”  is when college coaches/staff are allowed to make off-campus and in-person contact and/or evaluation. 

Dead Period

• The “Dead Period” is the time when the following is not permitted: communication, evaluation, visits. The recruiting process is paused during this time.

Quiet Period

• The “Quiet Period” is then time when only on-campus contact is allowed. All other communication and off-campus visits are not allowed. 

For all other dates and information refer to the NCAA Division 1 Recruiting Calendar: https://ncaaorg.s3.amazonaws.com/compliance/recruiting/calendar/2021-22/2021-22D1Rec_WBBRecruitingCalendar.pdf

 

College Eligibility

Once enrolled in a college or university, a player has five years to play four years. 

Redshirting is when a player officially sits out a season during their college career. A player is only allowed to redshirt for one season. When redshirting the player is still able to practice if they are not injured.  Players may decide to redshirt for the following reasons: due to injury, to mature/develop, to improve grades,  or to take time to adjust into college. 

 

  

 

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