Before committing, can a coach correspond with a prospective student-athlete regarding a visit?

The correct answer indicates that a coach cannot correspond with a prospective student-athlete regarding a visit before the athlete has made a commitment. This aligns with NCAA recruiting rules, which are designed to maintain fairness and integrity in the recruiting process.

Before a student-athlete officially commits, NCAA regulations restrict coaches from directly communicating about visits or any related arrangements to ensure that the recruitment process is equitable and to prevent undue influence or pressure. It places importance on the autonomy of the prospective student-athlete in their decision-making process and aims to create a level playing field among various programs.

Choices that suggest communication can occur under certain conditions, such as when an athlete is on campus or if expenses are paid, reflect misunderstandings of the specific regulations in place regarding the timing and nature of communication between coaches and recruits. These provisions focus instead on allowed interactions once a commitment is made or under certain conditions, which do not apply here. Hence, the emphasis on a prohibition of correspondence before a commitment reflects the NCAA's effort to standardize recruiting practices and avoid any appearance of impropriety.