Is participation in open events conducted on campus by prospective student-athletes considered tryouts?

Participation in open events conducted on campus by prospective student-athletes is indeed considered tryouts. In the context of NCAA regulations, these events are organized in a way that allows prospective student-athletes to showcase their skills to coaches and staff, aligning with the definition of a tryout.

When prospective student-athletes participate in such events, they are effectively being evaluated on their athletic abilities, which is the primary purpose of a tryout. This setting allows institutions to assess potential recruits in a controlled environment, which helps coaches make informed decisions regarding future recruitment. The involvement of coaches in observing these events reinforces their function as tryouts, as it provides a formal opportunity for evaluation.

In summary, because these events serve the purpose of assessing the abilities of prospective athletes in a competitive format, they fit within the criteria of tryouts as defined by NCAA guidelines.