During the recruiting process, I’m often asked by clients why they may-or-may not be hearing from college coaches. Many times, it’s just a matter of where things are within the NCAA recruiting calendar.
Here is a look at several terms you need to remember about the different stages of the process.
DEAD PERIOD – While some look at the word “DEAD” and think it means everything comes to a stop, it only means the following. College coaches may not have “ANY” face-to-face contact with a prospect or their parents. This includes visiting their high school or attending an event to watch them compete. It also means the potential student-athlete may not visit a college campus and visit with staff members. During this time, college coaches may call, write or message a prospect or their parents.
QUIET PERIOD – Much like the Dead Period, the quiet period has some of the same rules. This is one of the many reasons many get confused with the recruiting process. Biggest difference is during the quiet, prospects and parents may visit a college campus. These visits can include official visits but usually are unofficial visits during the spring and summer.
EVALUATION PERIOD – One of the most important times for a prospect is the evaluation period. During this time, college coaches may watch a prospect compete/train and visit their high school along with the ability write, call or message prospects and their parents. However, no off-campus face-to-face contact can happen. One of bigger periods where scholarship offers are extended.
CONTACT PERIOD – Like it says, contact period allows a college coach to have face-to-face contact with prospects and their parents, watch the prospect compete and visit their school. They can also call, write or message athletes and parents during this time. Location of these visits does not matter and in-person contact can happen up to once per week.