How does the NCAA classify a communication that is neither a phone call nor a text message?

The NCAA classifies a communication that is neither a phone call nor a text message as an evaluation. Evaluations are defined by the NCAA as activities where a coach observes a prospective student-athlete during their participation in a practice or competition. This can also include situations where in-person interactions take place without the formalities of a phone call or text communication, focusing more on the observer's ability to assess the student-athlete's talents and skills in a less structured setting.

This classification is crucial because it allows coaches to gather insights and experiences about potential recruits within the framework of NCAA rules, which emphasize the importance of evaluating talent through various means while maintaining specific boundaries on direct communication. Other options, such as permissible contact and informal chat, do not perfectly encapsulate the nature of the communication described in the question as they imply a level of engagement that does not align with the evaluative purpose. Additionally, labeling the communication as a violation of recruiting rules does not apply here if the action occurs legitimately within the permissible guidelines set by the NCAA.