bangor catasauqua northern lehigh notre dame palisades palmerton saucon valley southern lehigh...

BANGOR

CATASAUQUA

NORTHERN LEHIGH

NOTRE DAME

PALISADES

PALMERTON

SAUCON VALLEY

SOUTHERN LEHIGH

WILSON

ASSOCIATE MEMBERS

MORAVIAN ACADEMY

PEN ARGYL

NORTHWESTERN LEHIGH

NOTRE DAME OF E. STROUDSBURG

SALISBURY

COLLEGE ATHLETIC RECRUITING:Terminology, Perspectives, Resources

CREATED BY

MR. DWIGHT REPSHER

ATHLETIC DIRECTOR

PEN ARGYL AREA HIGH SCHOOL(updated 9/07)

MESSAGE FROM THE COLONIAL LEAGUE

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

to the student-athletes and parents of our member institutions. College athletic recruiting is complex and ever-changing. In view of this, we

encourage you to use this information in coordination with the resources cited in order to be the most informed consumer(s) possible. We hope that you find this helpful as you embark on

your journey through the college athletic recruiting process.

CLICK TO PROCEED

TABLE OF CONTENTSCollege Recruiting Quiz

NCAA Updates for 2007-08Qualifiers / Non-qualifiers

Most Common MisconceptionsWhat College Coaches Look For

NCAA Eligibility Center;registration, home-schooled students, amateurism, GPA//Entrance Score sliding scale, amateurism

DIVISION I Sliding Scale and Core CoursesNational Letter of Intent

Financial Aid (Scholarships)Recruiting Behind-a-Player

Official / Unofficial VisitsRecruiting Definitions

The Recruiting Process: Divisions I & IIThe Recruiting Process: Division III

Approaching “The Process”Evaluating Opportunities

Recruiting FactsNAIA Regulations

Governing OrganizationsAcademic, Financial, Recruiting Websites

Related NCAA Publications

CLICK on the topic of interest to “go to” a specific section.Hyperlinks following each section will return you to the Table of Contents.

COLLEGE RECRUITING QUIZ

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

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

A: No. The NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics) and the NJCAA (The National Junior College Athletic Association) also act as governing bodies over their member institutions.

CLICK TO REVEAL ANSWERS


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

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

Notes: Division I football coaches are allowed one telephone call to potential prospects during the month of May of the prospect’s junior year, then not again until after September 1. Division I basketball 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 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 rules for Division I women’s coaches are different yet.)

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


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

Q: When can a prospect begin making unofficial visits?A: They can be made at any time. Q: What is an “unofficial visit?A: Any visit by a student-athlete and their parents paid for by the student-athlete

and/or their parents.

Q: What can the institution pay for during an unofficial visit?A: Three complimentary tickets to a home athletic contest only. Actual costs must be

paid for all meals.


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

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

Q: What can a prospect do during an unofficial visit?A: Have a tour of the campus, meet with counselors, meet with coaches, etc.. The only

time a student athlete cannot meet with a coach is during a “dead period”.

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


Q: If a student-athlete is being recruited by a given institution in more than one sport, can the student-athlete make one “official visit” for each sport for which they are being recruited?

A: No. They are allowed only one “official visit” per school (total of 5 to Division I & II schools) regardless of the number of sports in which they are involved.

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

housing, and admission to athletic and alumni events.

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


Q: What NCAA office takes the place of the “Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse” as of November, 2007?

A: The “NCAA Eligibility Center”.

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

A: Divisions I & II.

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

A: No. The combined reading and math sections of the SAT, both of which are scored on a 200-800 scale, will continue to comprise the score used on the sliding scale determining initial-eligibility. At this time, the writing component is not being included in making this determination. The ACT is also adding an optional writing component to its testing format. Since this component is optional, it will not be used in determining academic eligibility.

CLICK to return to the Table of Contents

NCAA UPDATES FOR 2007-08

Official Visits

Prior to awarding a “official visit” , an institution must have test scores (PSAT, SAT or ACT) for the prospective student-athletes as well as a high school (or college in the case of transfer) transcript. The prospective student-athlete must also be registered with the NCAA Eligibility Center and their name must appear on the institution’s IRS (Institutional Request List)..

NCAA Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse and Amateurism Clearinghouse

Beginning in November, 2007, the “Clearinghouses “ will be replaced by the “NCAA Eligibility Center”. This combines the responsibilities for initial-eligibility certification, amateurism certification, PSA (prospective student-athlete) review, high school review, core course review, initial-eligibility waivers and customer service under the “umbrella” of one office.

UPDATES CONTINUED

Initial-Eligibility Waiver:

This is a “pilot program” which allows the prospective student-athlete to obtain final eligibility certification prior to the end of their senior year, if one of the following criteria is met:

1- They achieve a score equal to or greater than 1100 on the SAT or 95 on the ACT entrance exams. OR

2- Their registration with the Eligibility Center reports that they havecompleted a minimum of 12 core courses with a minimum

GPA of 3.0 in these courses and entrance exam scores equal to or greater than 1000 on the SAT or 85 on the ACT.

CLICK to return to Initial-Eligibility Requirements

UPDATES CONTINUED

NOTE: Students are not allowed to send information to the Eligibility Center. Their guidance department must forward academic transcripts. However, they can have their test scores sent directly by entering the center’s code (9999) as a designated recipient.

Core Courses & High School Graduation:

Division I:

Beginning with prospective student-athletes who enroll in college in 2008 or later, 16 core courses will be required for initial-eligibility certification.

UPDATES CONTINUED

In the past, prospective student-athletes were required to complete their core-curriculum requirements by their high school graduation date. New legislation allows prospective student-athletes who graduate by their projected graduation date (within eight semesters of their enrollment in 9th grade) to use one core course, if completed within one academic year of their graduation date, towards their initial-eligibility certification. (Note: Independent study, internet and correspondence courses are acceptable if they meet requirements set forth by the Eligibility Center.)

Division II:

All core courses completed prior to full-time enrollment at the institution of higher learning can be used toward their core-curriculum requirements.

CLICK to return to Table of Contents

QUALIFIERS

In order to qualify for initial-eligibility certification prospective student-athletes must earn a combined grade point in the core –curriculum courses and SAT or ACT test scores as indicated on the sliding scale.

If academic eligibility is maintained year to year, they can practice, compete and receive athletic scholarships during their first year of enrollment.

They can play 4 seasons.

NON-QUALIFIERS

They cannot practice, compete or receive athletic scholarships during their first year of enrollment.

If academic eligibility is maintained year to year, they can practice, compete and receive athletic scholarships after their first year of enrollment.

They can play 3 seasons, if they maintain their academic eligibility.They can earn a fourth season of eligibility, if they complete 80% of the requirements towards their degree by the end of their 4th year of enrollment.


MOST COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS

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

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

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

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

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


WHAT COLLEGE COACHES LOOK FOR

PERSONAL INTEGRITY

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

Trends in Character Assessment:

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

• Requesting counselors to assess a student’s motivations.• Inquiring about the attitudes of the people in a student’s life towards education.• Asking opposing coaches to assess a player’s character.• Observing and assessing interactions and relationships with family members.• Asking high school support personnel to assess a player’s character.• Asking student-athlete hosts to assess character. How easily are recruits swayed?• Requiring criminal background checks.

HOW THINGS HAVE CHANGED

ACADEMICS

Academic reforms are making certain that student-athletes are ready for college level courses.

ATHLETICS

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

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

ATHLETIC TRAITS

College Coaches Look For:

• -Players who fill team needs.

• -Athletic ability (i.e. skills, size, strength, speed, quickness, agility).

• -Sport-specific skills.

• -Potential to grow and mature (not potential to grow up and be mature).

• -Team players, not players whose personal goals supercede team goals.

• -Competitiveness and physical/mental toughness.

• -Personal traits.

THE IMPORTANCE OF ACADEMICS

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

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

ACADEMICS WILL: -determine the schools into which the student-athlete will be admitted.- determine the schools at which the student-athlete can succeed.-determine eligibility through the “NCAA Eligibility Center”.-determine whether the student-athlete will remain in school as

well as his/her future success.


THE NCAA ELIGIBILITY CENTER

Replaces the “NCAA Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse” and places all responsibilities and services related to initial-eligibility (including high school validation and review of irregularities in prospective student-athlete credentials) under the “umbrella” of this one office.

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

Prospective student-athletes must:

1) register with the “Eligibility Center” prior to making “official visits” to colleges and universities. 2) register with the “Eligibility Center” in order to practice, compete and receive scholarships / financial aid in their 1st year of enrollment.

-

-

ELIGIBILTY CENTER REGISTRATION PROCESS

Prospective student-athletes:

- are encouraged to register at the end of their junior year in high school, but may do so as early as the beginning of their junior year.

- must complete the “Student Release Form (SRF)” and remit the required fee (domestic students $50, foreign students $75).

- are encouraged to register on-line @ www.ncaaclearinghouse.net (although the location and name of the office has changed, the e- mail address remains unchanged), but can obtain a hard copy of the registration for by obtaining a copy of the “Guide for the

College Bound Student-Athlete” @ View/Download Free PDF Version

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INITIAL-ELIGIBILITYREQUIREMENTS

Initial-eligibility requirements have changed:

Student-athletes entering Division I and II NCAA institutions in 2008 and after, 16 core courses will be required for initial-eligibility certification. (CLICK to forward to 14 Core Courses for 2007)

Notes: Initial Eligibility is based on the completion of the required core courses and a sliding scale of Grade Point Average and SAT (or ACT) scores. (CLICK to forward to Sliding Scale)

Final Certification can be obtained prior to graduation. (CLICK to go back to “Updates”)

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

HOME-SCHOOLED STUDENTS AND THE ELIGIBILITY CENTER

Home-schooled Students must also register with the Eligibility Center.

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

Register with the center on-line at www.ncaaclearinghouse.net. From there, click on "Prospective Student-Athletes," then "Domestic Student Release Form" and follow the prompts.

AMATEURISM AND THE ELIGIBILITY CENTER

The NCAA Eligibility Center also replaces the Amateurism Certification Clearinghouse as the office with which prospective student-athletes (domestic, international and transfer students) must register while seeking initial eligibility at an NCAA Division I or II institution.

Prospective student-athletes must complete the amateurism questionnaire when they register with the NCAA Eligibility Center. Early registration with the center provides institutions with preliminary information regarding the prospect’s amateur status. The questionnaire requires them to divulge information regarding their sports participation history.

Final certification will occur 2 or 3 months prior to attending their chosen institution of higher learning (an April time frame). The applicant will be required, at that time, to confirm or revise the information on the amateurism questionnaire for use in the final initial-eligibility certification.

AMATEURISM AND THE ELIGIBILITY CENTER

Note: Amateurism at the Division III level is determined by each individual institution.

Information and application @ www.ncaa.org under the “Useful Resources” portion of the Academics and

Athletes - “Eligibility & Recruiting” section.)


DIVISION I CORE GPA and TEST SCORE SLIDING SCALE

GPA SAT ACT3.550 & above 400 373.525 410 383.500 420 393.475 430 403.450 440 413.425 450 413.400 460 423.375 470 423.350 480 433.325 490 443.300 500 443.275 510 453.250 520 463.225 530 46

SLIDING SCALE CONTINUED

3.200 540 473.175 550 473.150 560 483.125 570 493.100 580 493.075 590 503.050 600 503.025 610 513.000 620 522.975 630 522.950 640 532.925 650 532.900 660 54

SLIDING SCALE

2.875 670 552.850 680 562.825 690 562.800 700 572.775 710 58

CLICK to return to Initial-Eligibility Requirements

CORE COURSES

14 required core courses for initial-eligibility:- 4 years of English- 2 years of math (algebra 1 or higher)- 2 years of natural or physical science (including one year of lab

science if offered by your high school)- 1 extra year of English, math or natural or physical science- 2 years of social science- 3 years of extra core courses (from any category above, or foreign language, nondoctrinal religion or philosophy).

Note: Computer science courses can be used as core courses only if your high school grants graduation credit in math or natural or physical science for them, and if the courses appear on your high school's core-course list as math or science courses.

CLICK to return to Initial-Eligibility RequirementsCLICK to return to Table of Contents

NATIONAL LETTER OF INTENT

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

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

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

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

BREACH OF THE NATIONAL LETTER OF INTENT

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

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 sports) at the latter institution.

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


FINANCIAL AID (SCHOLARSHIPS)

Financial Aid (Scholarships) at Division I and II Institutions, 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 more than one academic year.

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

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

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


PRIORITY LISTS: RECRUITING “BEHIND A PLAYER”

Bob James / Family Valley State1. Valley State 1. Adam Miller2. College of Idaho 2. Jesse Smith3. Belmont University 3. Bill Sampson4. College of Montana 4. Bob James5. Eastern College 5. 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.

THE FUTURE OFBOB JAMES

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

1- He starts at point guard his freshman year, but the coaching staff determines that he is not the quality player needed to help take the program where it needs to go. So the coach recruits a better player at that position the following year. (He recruits a player “Behind Him”.)

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

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 more competitive.

4- 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 be offered a scholarship at a later time.

5- 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, 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.

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!


OFFICIAL VISITS

Definition: An official visit is any visit to a college campus by a prospective student-athlete which is paid for by the institution.

Official Visits:

-are not allowed during a prospective student-athlete’s sophomore or junior years. They may not be taken until the opening day of classes in the senior year.

-are limited to one per institution and five overall (to Division I and II colleges and universities) no matter how many sports in which the student-

athlete is involved.-cannot last more than 48 hours.

Prior to making an “official visit”, prospective student-athletes must:

- be registered with the NCAA Eligibility Center. - have test scores (PSAT, SAT or ACT) forwarded to the college or university

of interest. - have transcripts (high school or college in the case of transfer) forwarded to

the college or university of interest.

OFFICIAL VISITS

Prior to having a prospective student-athlete make an “official” visit, the college must:

1- have the prospect’s name appear on it’s IRS (Institutional Request List)..

Restrictions on institutional expenditures during “official” visits:

Air travel: Limited to commercial flights, coach class onlyGround transportation: No specialty or luxury vehicles.Meals: No extravagant meals (3 per day, plus a snack)Lodging: No luxury hotels.Student Hosts: Must be student-athletes from the same sport.Recruiting Aids: Bans articles such as personalized jerseys, audio or visual scoreboard presentations.Recreation: Reasonable entertainment expenses, including 3

complimentary admissions to a home athletic contest.

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

UNOFFICIAL VISITS

Definition: An “unofficial visit” is a visit by the prospective student-athlete and members of the family which is paid for by the prospective student- athlete and/or their family. A prospective student-athlete is allowed to make an unlimited number of “unofficial visits” during their sophomore, junior and senior years in high school.

During an unofficial visit, the only expense the institution can provide is three complimentary admissions to a home athletic event. (Note: Actual costs must be paid for all meals.)

During an unofficial visit the prospective student-athlete can:- have a tour of the campus.- meet with counselors.- meet with coaches. Notes: Athletic Department personnel may arrange academic interviews and meetings during an unofficial visit.

The only time a student athlete cannot meet with a coach is during a “dead period”. (CLICK to go to “Recruiting Definitions”)


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 the “Useful Resources” portion of the Academics and Athletes - “Eligibility & Recruiting” section.)

CLICK to return to Unofficial VisitsCLICK to return to Table of Contents

THE RECRUITING PROCESS:DIVISIONS I & II

Phase I

Recruiting 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.

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 II

Coaches 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 III

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


Phase IV

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

Phase V

Decision on whether or not to offer a scholarship.


THE RECRUITING PROCESS:DIVISION III

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

Student-athletes aspiring to participate at this level are not required tosubmit applications to the NCAA Eligibility Center, and they are not bound by the National Letter of Intent. However, these institutions setvery high standards for their students and determine amateur status at theinstitutional level.


The biggest difference between scholarship and non-scholarshipinstitutions is:

Division I & II Institutions try to sell their programs, with the climax beingthe decision to offer a scholarship. Given that Division III schools are not working with scholarship money (everyone who qualifies is offered afinancial aid package), the process is driven by alternating demonstrationsof interest. (Hopefully, this statement will become more easily understood as we proceed through the phases.)

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 at any other!


Phase I

Initial Contact: This typically comes in the form of a questionnaire.

Note: There are no restrictions as to when initial telephone calls can be made. However, in-person, off-campus contacts can’t be made with prospects, parents, legal guardians or relatives until the completion of the prospect’s junior year.

PHASE II

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-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 or “top priority” recruits first. Assistant coaches tend to see lesser known players first.


PHASE III

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 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 admissions. Coaches will often invite higher profile recruits for overnight visits. Coaches hope that by this point, an application for admission has already been submitted.

PHASE IV

Financial Aid Package: Packages typically consist of grant, loan and work study monies. THIS IS WHERE ACADEMICS REALLY MATTER!


Phase IV (cont.)

The attractiveness of the financial aid package which a student receives is prettymuch dependent upon how well the student fits the profile of the school. (Noticethat I did not use the term “student-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 be based toany 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 package. Thelesser degree to which the student fits the profile of the school, the lessgrant money and more loan and work study money is included. Nobodylikes to pay money back, so students who don’t meet the profile/standards of theschool (although they could or probably would be admitted if no other applicantswere better qualified) are actually discouraged from enrolling by the configurationof the financial aid package. Conversely, everybody likes free money. Thus,those students who are academically attractive to the institution receive the mostgrant money, thus are most encouraged to enroll.


PHASE V

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 home visit in an effort to show the prospective student-athlete the high degree to which they are interested.


APPROACHING “THE PROCESS”

1- 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 or unrealistic.)-Which level has shown the most interest?

2- Make unofficial visits.

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

3- Prioritize schools.

-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 you adequate information for prioritizing purposes.


4- 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, etc.

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 program, and returning players at your position in particular.

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

Who is returning and at what positions?What are your chances of playing right away?What does the coach see your role on the team being?Where are you on his list of recruits?What is the coach’s reputation of recruiting behind players?What are the chances of earning a scholarship as a “walk-on:?


6- Determine the short-term vs. long-term advantages of being a part of each program. Are student-athletes in your individual sport expected to stay on campus

during the summer months?What type of career (or level of success) is possible, if not likely, at each

school?What’s the school’s Federal Graduation Rate? (general student population) as

compared to the NCAA Graduation Success Rate (overall athletic population which enrolled 6 years ago)?

What’s your individual sport’s NCAA Graduation Success Rate (looks at the graduation rate of those team members who enrolled 6 years

ago).What’s the school’s NCAA Academic Progress Rate (paints a picture of

the academic progress which the individuals on the current team are making towards graduation)?What types of academic help are available?


What are the institution or conference rules regarding eligibility and the retention of scholarships? For example, at some schools and in

some conferences, a player can be academically ineligible and still receive their scholarship. At others, they can’t.

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

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

7- Consider the financial aid package or scholarship offer.

8- Make your decision.


EVALUATING OPPORTUNITIES:IMPORTANT INFORMATION TO KNOW

How well you fill their needs.

How badly they need someone at your position.

Whether you are the player they really want.

The coach’s history of bringing in players as a necessity and then recruiting behind them.

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

The coach’s history of reneging on scholarships.


RECRUITING FACTS

1- It’s extremely important to determine the appropriate level of collegiate competition for the prospective student-athlete.2- 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.3- Recruiters like players with good attitudes. They like players who play

hard. Fail to “compete” when they are around and they will most likely not come back. (So play hard every game.)

4- 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.

RECRUITING FACTS

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

6- Colleges control the recruiting process, not the high school students or their families.7- 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. 8- 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!)

RECRUITING FACTS

9- 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”10- 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 than the high school game. If you’re not prepared, be prepared to struggle in both areas.

THERE IS LIFE AFTER ATHLETICS! BE PREPARED!CLICK to return to Table of Contents

NAIA REGULATIONS

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

The NAIA:

1- has fewer recruiting restrictions.2- requires that student-athletes meet 2 of the following 3 requirements for initial-eligibility:

-Minimum of 18 on the ACT or 860 on the SAT. -Minimum of a 2.0 GPA. -Graduate in the top half of his/her high school class. 3- offers flexibility to transfer without penalty. 4- -no clearinghouse/eligibility center to establish initial-eligibility.

CLICK to return to Table of Contests

GOVERNING ORGANIZATIONS

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

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

GOVERNING ORGANIZATIONS

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

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

• CLICK to return to Table of Contents

ACADEMIC, FINANCIAL, RECRUITING WEBSITES

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

www.collegeboundplayers.com

www.collegeboard.com – General information and CSS/Profile financial aid on-line application and registration.

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

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


• www.collegeispossible.org – Preparing for college, both academically and financially.

• www.ed.gov – General information on federal student aid from U.S. Department of Education.

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

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

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

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

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


www.wiredscholar.com – Scholarship leads, loan information.• www.patap.org – Pennsylvania Tuition Account Program (TAP) information on

saving for college.• www.savingforcollege.com – General information on college savings plans (IRS

Section 529 plans).• www.ustreas.gov – Information on U.S. Savings Bonds• www.irs.ustreas.gov – Information on federal tax credits and deductions related

to education.• www.ifap.ed.gov – Explains U.S. Department of Education’s federal student aid

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


RELATED NCAA PUBLICATIONS @ www.ncaa.org

• NCAA General Information Brochure One copy free by calling 800/638-3731 View/Download

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

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

• NCAA CHAMPS/Life Skills ProgramView/Download

RELATED NCAA PUBLICATIONS @ www.ncaa.org

NCAA Bylaws:

(Division I) View/Download

(Division II) View/Download

(Division III) View/Download


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