The dead period is the most restrictive time period in college recruiting when it comes to communicating with potential future coaches…but just how much contact can a coach have with a potential recruit? And when should an athlete expect to hear from a coach? Let's break it all down.
1. What is the dead period?
Despite the somewhat dramatic name, recruiting isn't actually “dead” during this time. However, there are more restrictions when it comes to how a potential recruit or a recruit's parents can be contacted. During the NCAA Dead Period, a coach is not allowed to have any in-person contact. The coach also can't watch an athlete compete or visit the potential recruit's school.
Related: Recruiting Horror Story™: Visit Scheduled During Dead Period
2. When is the dead period?
Dead periods vary from sport to sport and can occur more than once throughout the year. Some dead periods last only a few days while others can span up to a month. The NCAA outlines each sport's specific dead periods for Division I and Division II schools here. It is important to note that these designations do not apply to Division III schools, since they don't have specific dead periods.
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3. What's the purpose of the dead period?
The dead period gives both recruits and coaches a break from the in-person recruiting process. This can give the athlete some time to weigh their options and decide which school, coach or team they feel is the best fit for them.
Related: 3 Email Tips For Recruits (and an Example Email to College Coaches)
4. So what kind of contact can an athlete have with a coach during the dead period?
The dead period applies specifically to in-person or face-to-face contact between coaches and student athletes or their parents, so other forms of contact are fair game. Coaches are allowed to write, email or call a recruit during this time. They're also allowed to reach out to an athlete on social media platforms.
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* Originally published on May 22, 2023, by Alyssa Hodenfield
