Chiefs FC have devised a series of sample letters that can be used by prospective college athletes to help in the communication process. Player contact with the college coaches is a vital part of the recruitment process. These letters include the important information necessary for players to include in their communications along with the basic outline of when to send them.
Chiefs FC helps facilitate summer camp trips to College/University campuses where summer soccer camps take place. This is usually with a team that does not have players who are currently in the college recruitment process, this is to provide a first look at what a college soccer experience may be like for our athletes.
College coaches are restricted from contacting recruits during certain periods of the year. In contrast, the NCAA's rules for recruits contacting coaches are not as strict. Therefore, it is important for athletes to directly contact coaches early and often to promote interest and form relationships.
Remember that coaches are being contacted by 100s of prospects. Be persistent and creative in how you reach out to coaches. Start contacting coaches early and follow-up.
NCAA Rules That Every Recruit Should Know
Coaches can send you non-recruiting material (e.g. camp brochures and questionnaires) during your freshmen and sophomore year. Recruiting material may be sent September 1 of your junior year. Coaches can call you starting
July 1 going into your senior year and can contact you by phone once per week thereafter.
Q2. When can I reach out to a college coach with an email or a phone call?
Prospects can call and email coaches without restriction.
Q3. Can I use social media to enhance my recruiting efforts?
You can reach out to college coaches through social media, ask to be friended, but college coaches cannot reach out to you and send friend requests.
Q4. When can a recruit make an on-campus visit?
A recruit can make unofficial visits to campuses at anytime and there is no limit to unofficial visits . Official visits, visits in which all or a portion of the travel expenses (including airfare, food, and lodging) are paid by the college/university, are allowed after the first day of school in your senior year. Prospects can make one official visit to each school and a total of five official visits prior to graduation.
Q5. What makes me a recruited athlete?
You are classified a recruited athlete if a college initiates a telephone conversation more than one time.
Q6. How many times can a coach come and watch me play?
A college coach is allowed seven interactions (e.g., evaluations and contacts) per prospect during the course a prospect's high school academic calendar. Evaluations are unlimited during summer and winter breaks.
Q7. When can I receive notification of the scholarship offer?
Coaches are allowed to offer scholarships in writingstarting the first school day of your senior year. Scholarships may be verbally offered at anytime.
Q8. Can I and or my parents talk with the coach before and/or after the event that the coach has just observed?
During the day(s) of competition, the coach cannot contact you prior to the game in which you are participating or after the game until you are released by your coach and departed the facility.