Do: Know the rules

·       NCAA doesn’t give you any leniency for ignorance. You need to do your homework and the best place to start is to learn the NCAA rules. If you are uncertain of something you can always contact the NCAA for more information. 

Don’t: Be obnoxious or over-attentive

·       Coaching is a full-time job. There is a difference between contacting, showing interest, and the other side, which is being a little obnoxious and overbearing.

·       NCAA has a rule that coaches can only contact you once a week

·       Once you’re a freshman in high school you can be recruited. Everything you do from then on has an effect on you being eligible. What you’re doing at freshman year and what you’re doing at senior year has an effect.

·       If you contact a coach more than once a week you’re starting to overbear.

·       Easiest way to contact a coach is through e-mail (you don’t want coaches to start avoiding your calls)

 Don’t: Be under attentive

·       Every 10 days, maybe twice a month contacting. If you want to have a relationship with the coach, then have a relationship with the coach. Make personal contact (don’t make mom or dad call). Follow up on the season; ask about experiences with the team. Doing this shows real interest.

Don’t: Send a fill-in-the-blank mass e-mail

·       Make sure you introduce yourself even if it is through a letter. Seeing a face makes you easier to identify and is more personal. You have to remember the coaches will identify the players they want.

Do: Let them know why you want to be there

·       Let them know why you want to attend the school (e.g. coaching style, academics… this is why I think I would be a good fit for the team…)

·       Talk about why you personally would be a great addition and what you would bring to the team