Recruiting Question of the Week (9/28)
Recruiting Question of the Week (9/28)
Each week we take a question from a softball player, parent or coach and pass on to our long-time contributor, Cathi Aradi, one of the most knowledgeable pe
Each week we take a question from a softball player, parent or coach and pass on to our long-time contributor, Cathi Aradi, one of the most knowledgeable people in softball when it comes to the recruiting process.
If you’d like to ask Cathi a question, e-mail us at brentt.eads@flosports.tv and we’ll pass it along.
Today, Cathi explains when it's OK--and not--to talk to coaches at events…
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Recruiting Question: I’m confused on all the recruiting rules and when I can or can’t talk in-person to a coach I see at an event. My team is playing in some pretty high-profile tournaments this fall and I know college coaches will be at my games (we have several of my teammates being looked at too). Am I allowed to go up and talk to them this fall, like in October and November? What can and can’t I do… don’t want to get anyone in trouble. --- Ashley, infielder, Cerritos, Calif.
Cathi’s Answer: Here again, I suggest families refer to my book, or as an alternative consult the NCAA's Eligibility Center website. You can download the Guide for the College Bound Student Athlete for free in PDF format. It will spell out exactly what you can and cannot do.
But the bottom line is that coaches generally cannot talk to players at tournaments until the tournament has ended. On top of this, there are specific dates when Div. I, Div. II and Div. III coaches can talk to players at the end of a tournament...and each one is different.
Div. I coaches definitely can't talk to you until July 1 following your junior year. For Div. II and III there are also specific contact dates beginning at the end of the sophomore year. Div. II and III coaches don't have restrictions on the number of contacts they can have (once you've passed the start date), but Div. I coaches are limited to three off-campus contacts (once you've passed the start date.)
Finally, and equally important, I generally recommend players do not approach coaches at tournaments (once the games are over) unless the coach has specifically asked to meet with you. This is particularly true for Div. I coaches who are limited to three off-campus contacts (beginning July 1 following the junior year).
Most coaches will tell you if they'd like to meet you and/or your parents, and it can be awkward for them if you approach them when they're not in a "meet and greet" frame of mind.
You're very smart to ask about the rules, but they are now rather complex, so be sure you read and understand them...and then do your best to follow them! Coaches don't want you to jeopardize your eligibility because when the time is right, they will need to be able to meet you face to face!
— Cathi Aradi
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Catharine Aradi is the author of Preparing to Play Softball at the Collegiate Level, published by the National Fastpitch Coaches Assoc. (www.nfca.org). She has over 20 years of experience working as a recruiting consultant with athletes and colleges around the U.S and Canada.
If you would like knowledgeable, one-on-one guidance through the often bewildering labyrinth of recruiting, Ms. Aradi’s company, Collegiate Softball Connection, offers “concierge” recruiting services. Unlike corporate websites that rely upon mass marketing of hundreds and hundreds of athletes, Ms. Aradi works with the individual player and her family to ensure a successful college search.
She works individually with athletes to guide them through the recruiting journey and also offers Skype workshops on the college search process for groups of all sizes.
Detailed information is available on her website www.fastpitchrecruiting.com. Cathi can be reached by e-mail at info@fastpitchrecruiting.com or by calling 415-456-6449. Remember: if you use the code “fullcountsoftball” when signing up with CSC, you will be entitled to a $100 discount off her Fast Track or Elite options!
Follow Us on Twitter @FloSoftball.
If you’d like to ask Cathi a question, e-mail us at brentt.eads@flosports.tv and we’ll pass it along.
Today, Cathi explains when it's OK--and not--to talk to coaches at events…
***
Recruiting Question: I’m confused on all the recruiting rules and when I can or can’t talk in-person to a coach I see at an event. My team is playing in some pretty high-profile tournaments this fall and I know college coaches will be at my games (we have several of my teammates being looked at too). Am I allowed to go up and talk to them this fall, like in October and November? What can and can’t I do… don’t want to get anyone in trouble. --- Ashley, infielder, Cerritos, Calif.
Cathi’s Answer: Here again, I suggest families refer to my book, or as an alternative consult the NCAA's Eligibility Center website. You can download the Guide for the College Bound Student Athlete for free in PDF format. It will spell out exactly what you can and cannot do.
But the bottom line is that coaches generally cannot talk to players at tournaments until the tournament has ended. On top of this, there are specific dates when Div. I, Div. II and Div. III coaches can talk to players at the end of a tournament...and each one is different.
Div. I coaches definitely can't talk to you until July 1 following your junior year. For Div. II and III there are also specific contact dates beginning at the end of the sophomore year. Div. II and III coaches don't have restrictions on the number of contacts they can have (once you've passed the start date), but Div. I coaches are limited to three off-campus contacts (once you've passed the start date.)
Finally, and equally important, I generally recommend players do not approach coaches at tournaments (once the games are over) unless the coach has specifically asked to meet with you. This is particularly true for Div. I coaches who are limited to three off-campus contacts (beginning July 1 following the junior year).
Most coaches will tell you if they'd like to meet you and/or your parents, and it can be awkward for them if you approach them when they're not in a "meet and greet" frame of mind.
You're very smart to ask about the rules, but they are now rather complex, so be sure you read and understand them...and then do your best to follow them! Coaches don't want you to jeopardize your eligibility because when the time is right, they will need to be able to meet you face to face!
— Cathi Aradi
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Catharine Aradi is the author of Preparing to Play Softball at the Collegiate Level, published by the National Fastpitch Coaches Assoc. (www.nfca.org). She has over 20 years of experience working as a recruiting consultant with athletes and colleges around the U.S and Canada.
If you would like knowledgeable, one-on-one guidance through the often bewildering labyrinth of recruiting, Ms. Aradi’s company, Collegiate Softball Connection, offers “concierge” recruiting services. Unlike corporate websites that rely upon mass marketing of hundreds and hundreds of athletes, Ms. Aradi works with the individual player and her family to ensure a successful college search.
She works individually with athletes to guide them through the recruiting journey and also offers Skype workshops on the college search process for groups of all sizes.
Detailed information is available on her website www.fastpitchrecruiting.com. Cathi can be reached by e-mail at info@fastpitchrecruiting.com or by calling 415-456-6449. Remember: if you use the code “fullcountsoftball” when signing up with CSC, you will be entitled to a $100 discount off her Fast Track or Elite options!
Follow Us on Twitter @FloSoftball.