As we all know the NCAA is known for its crazy rules and changing them as they please, and recruiting rules are no exception. If you're in the recruiting process, it can be overwhelming to keep up with it all. But no matter what, be sure you have these three recruiting rules in your memory bank.

Rule #1: No Communication with a Coach until June 15 of the sophomore year

This rule prohibits any communication between a coach and, not only an athlete, but the athlete's parent/ guardian. Communication can be determined as phone calls, texts, and/ or emails. In the past if an athlete called a coach it was acceptable, just the coach couldn't call the athlete. Now both of those methods are prohibited, zero communication is allowed before June 15th of the athlete's sophomore year.

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Rule #2: No Official or Unofficial visits until August 1 of the junior year

Official visits by an athlete or their parents/ guardians is considered an official visit. Visits paid by the athlete or parent/ guardian are considered unofficial. This is to ensure that all athletes have equal opportunity to be offered scholarships and other offers.

Rule #3: No “Recruiting Conversations” or Verbal Offers until June 15 of the sophomore year

Recruiting conversations can be identified as a verbal offer, a hint at a scholarship, or help with admissions and other forms of financial aid. Coaches are restricted from having these convos with athletes and parents, but also with high school coaches and club coaches. In the future, college coaches will be able to discuss an athlete with a club coach, but only if they are looking to recruit them. College coaches also can't discuss financial aid, admissions, or make unofficial offers to club coaches.

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It's also an unspoken rule of the recruiting process that you should make sure your academics are in order, search for colleges, and make sure you have film (depending on sport) before you even start. These things need to be done ASAP, college coaches look at athlete's starting from freshman year, even though they can't communicate with them. So cover your bases and remember the NCAA's timelines and you'll be all set!

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* Originally published on January 12, 2023, by 2aDays Staff