Which scenario permits a coach to communicate with a prospective student-athlete?

The scenario that permits a coach to communicate with a prospective student-athlete is when the coach is providing non-recruiting information. This is important because the NCAA has established strict rules regarding recruiting communication to ensure fairness and adherence to guidelines designed to protect the welfare of prospective student-athletes.

Non-recruiting information might include discussing general topics such as school events, academic programs, or campus life—essentially anything that does not involve the recruitment process directly. This allows coaches to build a rapport and share information with potential recruits without violating NCAA recruiting regulations.

In contexts where coaches might wish to discuss personal matters or academic matters specifically within a recruiting context, those communications could potentially breach NCAA rules if they are perceived as part of the recruitment process. Thus, the focus on non-recruiting information is critical to ensure compliance with regulations while still maintaining open lines of communication.