Is it permissible for a prospective student-athlete to visit campus AND meet with the institution's coaching staff during a family vacation?

The correct answer indicates that it is not permissible for a prospective student-athlete to visit campus and meet with the institution's coaching staff during a family vacation. NCAA rules are designed to maintain fair recruiting practices and ensure that all prospective student-athletes are treated equally.

When it comes to recruiting visits, there are specific guidelines regarding when and how a prospective student-athlete can interact with coaches and visit the campus. Visits must be classified as official or unofficial visits according to NCAA regulations. During a vacation, if the prospective student-athlete is not adhering to these guidelines, that interaction cannot be considered a formal recruitment opportunity. The underlying principle here is to avoid any undue influences that could arise from casual encounters during personal travel, thereby ensuring that all recruiting activities are conducted within the established rules and timelines.

This prohibition helps maintain the integrity of the recruiting process by ensuring that all athletes are afforded the same opportunities to showcase their talent without any outside factors influencing their decision-making.