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How do Players Verbally Commit to Schools so Early in the Process?
Updated November 8, 2019
Understanding NCAA rules can help you get ahead in the recruiting world
In the past several years, players, parents and coaches have all witnessed a number of significant changes with how the recruiting process works throughout the world of junior golf. The most obvious change has been the timing of when some players commit to schools. Many Division I programs have at least one, if not all, of their commitments before the prospects complete their junior year in high school. While this is not true for all recruits or college golf programs, it has become common enough to explore further.
How does this happen and what is the earliest date a player can now commit to a Division I school? The answer is June 15, following the player’s sophomore year of high school. Let’s explore how this works.
Beginning June 15 after a prospect’s sophomore year of high school, recruits may receive letters and emails from coaches interested in recruiting them. This is the first opportunity for Division I coaches to initiate any contact with a prospect other than sending a one-time generic athletic questionnaire or a camp brochure. Phone calls and text messages from Division I coaches can also occur at the coach’s discretion beginning June 15 following a prospect’s sophomore year of high school. Coaches are no longer allowed to accept phone calls from prospects or their parents prior to this key date. This is the first date for any recruiting interaction. Although Division I coaches cannot initiate, accept or return calls prior to June 15 following a prospect’s sophomore year, prospects can send coaches introductory information early in the recruiting process to express their interest in a particular school and golf team. Prospects should do their homework first before sending this information to make sure they have the necessary academic and athletic qualifications to attend the school. Is this school and golf program a good fit?
NCAA rules allow prospects to visit campuses at their own expense anytime. These campus tours are referred to as unofficial visits and can occur even when the prospect is very young (eighth, ninth and 10th grades for example). The main benefit to a prospect making an unofficial visit is the opportunity to gather more information about a school and begin formulating ideas as to what they like or dislike in a college campus. Other than during Dead Periods, NCAA rules now allow Division I coaches to meet with prospects on campus during Official or Unofficial Visits, beginning August 1 prior to a prospect's junior year of high school. Official visits to Division I schools are paid for by the school and typically offered only to highly-recruited prospects. They can now occur during a prospect's junior or senior year of high school. These face-to-face meetings with coaches are a great way to learn more about the school and golf program, the coach, their interest in recruiting you and how the recruiting process will unfold. Keep in mind there are several “Dead Periods” in college golf recruiting where Division I coaches cannot meet with prospects or their parents during either official or unofficial campus visits. (See ncaa.org for more detail on these restrictions.)
Every prospect should ultimately visit the school(s) they are interested in attending. This cannot be over emphasized considering what they learn during these visits will influence and affect where they decide to spend four years of their life. Some scholarship and/or roster position offers are made during these early unofficial visits (junior year) but only in a verbal manner. Official National Letter of Intent signings can only occur beginning mid-November during the prospect’s senior year in high school. Always stay proactive by arranging unofficial visits, especially if letters, emails, calls or text messages are being received from the school (anytime following June 15 after the prospect’s sophomore year of high school) and the prospect has interest in that school.
While coaches may call non-family members, such as a high school coach or swing instructor, early on in the recruiting process to gather information relative to a prospect’s golf and academic resume, they are prohibited from sending messages to the prospect via these 3rd party individuals.
A word of caution for anyone who is interested in making an early verbal commitment: THINGS CAN CHANGE! While you may think a school is right for you, what will happen if the coach leaves or your golf game changes significantly to a different level? Be slow, deliberate and careful to make the right decision. Once you commit to a coach, make sure it is your final decision. You should expect the same level of commitment from the coach as well.
Play well!
Coach Brooks
Red
Numbers Golf®