A Parent’s Guide to Official Recruiting Visits
A Parent’s Guide to Official Recruiting Visits
Official recruiting visits are a significant step in the college search process for student-athletes. These visits, funded by the college, provide a structured opportunity to experience campus life, meet the team, and connect with coaches. For parents, it’s important to understand the rules, expectations, and how to support their athlete during this time. Here’s what to know about official visits:
1. Understanding the Rules of Official Visits
Each athletic division has specific rules governing official visits:
Duration: Visits are typically limited to 48 hours from the time the athlete arrives on campus.
Expenses Covered: Colleges can pay for travel, meals, lodging, and tickets to athletic events for the athlete (and sometimes parents).
Prohibited Gifts: Athletes and parents cannot receive gifts or merchandise.
Division-Specific Rules: NCAA Divisions I, II, III, NAIA, and junior colleges each have their own guidelines for official visits. Be sure to review the rules for the division your athlete is considering.
2. Preparing for the Visit
Help your athlete make the most of their visit by planning ahead:
Review Itinerary: Ask for a detailed schedule to understand what activities are planned.
Pack Essentials: Bring comfortable clothing, athletic gear (if needed), and necessary documents.
Research the School: Familiarize yourself with the college’s programs, campus layout, and athletic facilities.
3. Meeting Coaches and Team Members
Interactions with the coaching staff and players are key:
Coach Meetings: Many coaches like to meet parents briefly to answer questions and share their vision for the program.
Player Connections: Your athlete will likely spend time with current team members to experience the team dynamic firsthand.
Be Supportive: Allow your athlete to take the lead in these conversations while you observe and ask occasional questions.
4. Navigating Parent Involvement
Striking the right balance as a parent is crucial:
Stay on the Periphery: In most official visits, parents often stay in the background. While they may travel with their athlete to the campus, parents typically allow the athlete to engage fully with the team and coaches.
Coach Meetings: Many coaches like to meet parents briefly to answer questions and share their vision for the program. If appropriate, use this opportunity to connect but keep the focus on your athlete.
Don’t Overstep: Avoid dominating conversations or making decisions for your athlete.
Be Available: Offer advice and support without overshadowing their experience.
Ask Relevant Questions: Inquire about academic support, team culture, and expectations, but let your athlete discuss athletic specifics.
Striking the right balance as a parent is crucial:
Don’t Overstep: Avoid dominating conversations or making decisions for your athlete.
Be Available: Offer advice and support without overshadowing their experience.
Ask Relevant Questions: Inquire about academic support, team culture, and expectations, but let your athlete discuss athletic specifics.
5. Assessing Campus Life
The visit is an opportunity to evaluate the broader college experience:
Tour Facilities: Explore dorms, dining halls, libraries, and athletic facilities.
Attend Classes: If possible, have your athlete sit in on a class to gauge the academic environment.
Experience the Atmosphere: Observe campus culture and community interactions to see if it feels like a good fit.
6. Reflecting on the Visit
After the visit, help your athlete process their impressions:
Discuss Highlights: Talk about what they liked and didn’t like about the campus, team, and coaches.
Review Notes: Compare their experience to their priorities and other schools they’ve visited.
Follow Up: Encourage your athlete to send thank-you notes to coaches and staff they met.
7. Understand the Importance of Compliance
Colleges are bound by strict recruiting regulations:
Adhere to Rules: Ensure you and your athlete understand and follow all guidelines.
Be Transparent: Avoid any actions that could jeopardize your athlete’s eligibility.
Ask for Clarification: If you’re unsure about what’s allowed, ask the coaching staff for guidance.
Final Thoughts
Official visits are an exciting and pivotal part of the college recruiting process. For parents, the key is to support your athlete while allowing them to take ownership of the experience. By understanding the rules, staying involved without overstepping, and helping your athlete reflect on their visit, you can guide them toward making an informed and confident decision about their future.