No. 2016-53 RECRUITING -- CAMPS AND CLINICS -- EMPLOYMENT AT CAMP OR CLINIC -- NONINSTITUTIONAL, PRIVATELY OWNED CAMPS/CLINICS DURING QUIET PERIOD -- SPORTS OTHER THAN BASEBALL, BASKETBALL AND WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL
Intent: In sports other than baseball, basketball, football and women's volleyball, to specify that during a quiet period, an institution's coach or noncoaching staff member with sport-specific responsibilities may be employed (either on salaried or a volunteer basis) only at his or her institution's camps or clinics.
Rationale: The recruiting process has become overly burdensome for both prospective student-athletes and coaches. The culture of early recruiting has significantly intensified and soliciting recruits to verbally commit as early as possible is being orchestrated despite rules that prohibit most recruiting activities until the junior year of high school in most sports. Through club and nonscholastic coaches, camps and clinics, correspondence, social media and phone calls, access to prospective student-athletes has altered the timeline for recruiting and exacerbated it in ways that are not beneficial for prospective student-athletes or coaches. The purpose of this proposal, and others submitted by the sponsor, is to close loopholes in recruiting legislation that are making it possible for institutional staff members/coaches to develop relationships with prospective student-athletes (and their families) for the purpose of recruitment prior to the first permissible date to initiate communication with them. In an attempt to preserve the integrity of the recruiting process/landscape, these loopholes (third party communication, calls initiated by the prospective student-athlete, unlimited unofficial visits, etc.) must be regulated to further the Division I commitment to responsible recruiting standards.
Effective Date: August 1, 2017