Visiting college campuses is an exciting step in the volleyball recruiting process! It allows you to get a feel for the school, meet the coaching staff, and envision your life as a student-athlete. We’ve had many Six Pack volleyball athletes commit soon after their official visits because they’ve fallen in love with the school. However, there are rules under the NCAA guidelines that may restrict your ability to visit.
Here are some key things to note when considering visiting NCAA campuses across the U.S.
June 15th vs. August 1st
Understanding the timeline is essential. June 15th of your grade 10 year marks the beginning when NCAA coaches can start interacting with you or your parents. This interaction can include calls, texts, and emails, helping to build initial relationships and interest. However, when it comes to official campus visits, you need to wait until August 1st going into Grade 11. This date is important because official visits allow for a more immersive experience, funded by the college, which can significantly influence your decision-making process.
Official Visits vs. Unofficial Visits
It’s also important to know the difference between official and unofficial visits.
Official visits are financed by the college and include travel, meals, and accommodations for the athlete (sorry parents!). The former rules stated that you were allowed up to five official visits across different schools. However, those rules have changed and volleyball athletes are now not limited to the number of official campus visits. That being said, it’s not wise to go on 20 different official visits. These tours offer a comprehensive look at what the program and school have to offer.
Unofficial visits, on the other hand, are paid for by you and your family. These visits are more flexible and can be done at any time, offering a chance to explore the campus on your terms. Both types of visits provide valuable insights, but official visits tend to be more structured and informative. You are not restricted by any dates in which you can unofficially visit a campus, but the date in which you visit may affect potential communication with coaching staff.
Speaking to Coaches During Visits
Communication with coaches during visits depends on the timing. Prior to August 1st going into your grade 11 year, you are not allowed to have direct conversations with coaches during your visits. After this date, you can speak with coaches, but the nature of these conversations can vary. During official visits, discussions can be more detailed and focused on your fit within the team and the program’s expectations. On unofficial visits, conversations might be more general and less formal. Understanding these regulations can help you navigate your interactions and make the most of your visits.
Keep in mind, these rules are specific the visiting NCAA Division 1 college campuses. The rules vary across Division 2 and Division 3 colleges. If you are a volleyball athlete looking to play these divisions, have someone on your side who knows the ins and outs of these rules.
So take advantage of the summer holidays! Preparing for college volleyball campus visits may take some planning on both your end and the coaches end. Keep these points in mind when planning. Be patient in the process and have fun with this! This is a very exciting time for you to explore where you will be studying and playing for the next 4 years.
Interested in playing NCAA Division 1 volleyball? Check out our article A Day in the Life of an NCAA Division 1 Volleyball Athlete to better prepare yourself!
