DEFINITIONS & TERMS
Prospective Student-Athlete (PSA) – You become a prospective student-athlete when a student starts classes for the ninth grade. In addition, a student who has not started the ninth grade becomes a prospective student-athlete if an institution gives a student any financial aid or benefits that the institution does not provide to prospective students generally.
Recruited Student-Athlete – You become a recruited student-athlete when a coach or representative of athletics interest approaches you (or your relatives or legal guardian) about enrolling or participating in athletics at a college. Activities by a coach or athletics representative that cause you to become a recruited student-athlete are:
Having an official visit.
Having an arranged, in-person, off-campus visit with you or a family member.
Placing more than one phone call to you or your family member.
Issuing a National Letter of Intent or a written offer of athletically financial aid.
Official Visit - A visit to a college campus paid in whole or in part by the college. Official visits can be no longer than 48 hours. A prospective student-athlete is limited to 5 official visits. (one per university)
The following documents are required by the PSA prior to an official visit:
- copy of transcript and test scores
- register with the NCAA Initial Eligibility Center
- submit valid physical to participate in try-outs
Unofficial Visit - A visit made to a college campus at the prospect's expense. The college may provide complimentary tickets to an athletics event in which the college team competes. Transportation to view off-campus practice or competition sites is allowable only if accompanied by an institution staff member. There is no limit on the number of unofficial visits a prospect can make.
Recruiting Contact - Any face-to-face, off-campus encounter between a prospect, prospect's parents (or legal guardian) or relatives and a college staff employee or athletics representative; if the conversation goes beyond a greeting.
Recruiting Evaluation - Any off-campus activity designed to assess a prospect's academic qualifications or athletic ability. (reviewing transcripts on the high school campus or watching practices and games).