Prospective Student-Athlete (Recruit) and Parent Information

• Important Terms and Definitions for Prospective Student-Athletes
• Helpful Links
• Forms

Prospective Student-Athlete or Prospect

Any student who has started classes for the ninth grade.

Official Visit

A visit to a university campus paid in whole or in part by the university. Official visits can be no longer than 48 hours. A prospective student-athlete is limited to five (5) official visits (no more than one per university). A prospect may only make an official visit to a university campus after the start of his/her senior year of high school.

• Men’s Basketball Exception: In the case of men’s basketball, a prospect may not make an official visit before January 1st of his junior year in high school. Additionally, no official visits are permitted during the summer between the prospect’s junior and senior years in high school.

Unofficial Visit

A visit made to a university campus at the prospect's expense. The university may provide transportation to view off-campus practice or competition sites within 30-mile radius. Unlike official visits, a prospect may make an unofficial visit to a university campus anytime during their high school career and there is no limit on the number of unofficial visits a prospect can make.

National Letter of Intent

The National Letter of Intent (NLI) is an official document used by universities to establish a prospective student-athlete’s commitment to attend a certain university.

Recruiting Contact

Any face-to-face, off-campus encounter between a prospect, prospect's parents (or legal guardian) or relative and a university staff employee or athletics representative; if the conversation goes beyond a greeting.

• Please note that coaches are NOT allowed to return your call until after July 1 (except football and basketball) prior to your senior year in high school. However, you may call the coach at your expense anytime. A coach may not write or e-mail you until September 1 of your junior year in high school, but you may write them at anytime.

Recruiting Evaluation

Any off-campus activity designed to assess a prospect's academic qualifications or athletic ability. Examples of an evaluation include reviewing transcripts on the high school campus or watching practices and/or games. Helpful Links

• The NCAA Guide for the College-Bound Student-Athlete:
  • This website is a great tool for all high school students who wish to participate in collegiate athletics! It will answer your questions regarding academic eligibility standards, financial aid, recruiting guidelines and many other topics.
• National Letter of Intent (NLI):
  • This website will provide information that all prospective student-athletes should know before signing the National Letter of Intent (NLI).
• NCAA Clearinghouse:
  • All high school students who wish to participate in collegiate athletics at the Division I or Division II level must certify their eligibility through the NCAA Clearinghouse. When you are ready to register with the NCAA Clearinghouse, this website will guide you through the process.

• International Student-Athlete Statement