It's been a while since this subject has been covered, but by judging most of the inquiries I've had lately - this is a subject that parents, fans, coaches, and players alike have an interest in......especially around this time of year.
Most of the volleyball players who have an interest at playing volleyball at the collegiate level are now playing at club volleyball tournaments where college recruiters seem to converge upon them (sometimes three deep - while standing 'stealth-like' or pretending to be invisible while sitting courtside) and briefly acknowledging other coaches - all the time, evaluating and inputting information on as many of their prospects' files as their Blackberries will allow them.....all, at one location! And why not? There are hundreds of the top players in their respective age groups who have been groomed and consolidated and are now competing against some of the top level players from all over the country. Undoubtedly, there are skilled athletes who are probably vying for some of the same positions at the same colleges. Not only will they be competing against each other during this tournament, but they may be facing each other for the next 7 years, or so! And what's at stake? Ultimately of course, a scholarship for a deserving candidate who wants to pursue a higher education at the university of "her choice", while also fitting within the recruiters' parameters as an academically-qualified, athletically-skilled, and well-adjusted team member.
A protocol has been established by the NCAA in a fair, safe, equitable and sportsmanlike manner that advises high-school student-athletes on what they need to do to be eligible to compete in their first year in college, as well as guidelines that coaches and prospects must follow during the recruiting process. Please note that there may be slight differences in guidelines between each of the NCAA divisions (Div I, Div II, Div III), but each has a manual containing its own set of rules (bylaws).
Below is a brief summary from the NCAA's Guide for the College Bound Athlete, which is available on their website link (below):
Sophomore Year
• You may receive general brochures for camps and questionnaires from a university.
• You may make phone calls (e-mails) to the university’s coach or staff.
• The university’s coach or staff may not contact you personally.
• No off-campus contact allowed by the university’s coach or staff.
• No “official” visits to the college allowed. An official visit is any visit to a college paid for by the college.
• Unlimited number of “unofficial” visits paid for by the parents or player. The university can provided up to three tickets to a sporting event during these visits.
Junior Year
• You are eligible to receive formal recruiting materials after September 1.
• You may make phone calls to the university’s coach or staff.
• The university’s coach or staff may make one phone call to you during the month of March of your junior year.
• The university’s coach or staff may make a maximum of one phone call a week to you after July 1 of your junior year.
• The university’s coach or staff may meet with you once at your school during April of your junior year.
• The university’s coach or staff may meet with you at any venue starting July 1 of your junior year.
• No official visits are allowed.
• Unlimited number of unofficial visits paid for by the parents or player. The university can provided up to three tickets to a sporting event during these visits.
Senior Year
• You are eligible to receive formal recruiting materials at any time.
• You may make phone calls to the university’s coach or staff.
• The university’s coach or staff may make one phone call to you per week.
• The university’s coach or staff may meet with you at any place or time.
• Official visits to a college are allowed beginning the date school opens.
• Official visits are limited to five universities total per athlete.
• Unlimited number of unofficial visits paid for by the parents or player. The university can provided up to three tickets to a sporting event during these visits.
• The university may come to your high school competitions and evaluate your play a maximum of seven times your senior year.
• The university may make personal contact with you a maximum of three times during your senior year.
Hope this answers some questions or clears up some confusion on some issues. You may also want to re-visit a post here on this blogsite called: Recruiting Guidelines Information (on the right, click on Archives, dated 8/13/06) for additional reading, or click on any of the website links below:
Guide for the College-Bound Student-Athlete
info on National Letters of Intent Dates and rules. The section on Frequently Asked Questions is very informative.
NCAA Clearinghouse Register at the end of your junior year.
NCAA
rec.sport.volleyball Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ
