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 your itinerary and you can ask for a detailed schedule to understand what activities are planned but just go with the flow and don’t worry if you don’t get one. Some of the best visits are less structured ones and just see what life is like as a student athlete at the school. Pack essentials and bring comfortable clothing, athletic gear (if needed), and necessary documents. Research the school and 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 so have them set up coach meetings. Many coaches like to meet parents as well so if you accompany them don’t be shy about saying hello and having a brief conversation. Player Connections are important so encourage your athlete to likely spend time with current team members to experience the team dynamic firsthand and what the team culture is like. Be supportive but 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. If you do accompany your child on an official visit try to 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.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 and avoid dominating conversations or making decisions for your athlete. Be available and offer advice and support without overshadowing their experience. Ask relevant questions and if you feel its appropriate 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 your boundries and avoid dominating conversations or making decisions for your athlete. Be available and offer advice and support without overshadowing their experience. Ask relevant questions and 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 make sure to tour facilities and 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 and discuss the highlights and talk about what they liked and didn’t like about the campus, team, and coaches. Help them review their notes and compare their experience to their priorities and other schools they’ve visited. Follow up and encourage your athlete to send thank-you notes to coaches and staff they met. This is must!
7. Understand the Importance of Compliance
Colleges are bound by strict recruiting regulations so adhere to rules and ensure you and your athlete understand and follow all guidelines. Be transparent and 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.