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NCAA Recruiting Compliance

College coaches using SeeCruit are responsible for following NCAA contact rules. Rules vary by division, sport, and the athlete's class year. Review the guidelines below before contacting athletes.

Contact Rules by Division

Division I

  • Class of 2026 (current seniors): Unlimited contact permitted after June 15 before junior year.
  • Class of 2027 (current juniors): Phone calls, texts, and DMs allowed after June 15, 2026. In-person off-campus contact restricted until after completion of junior year.
  • Class of 2028 and beyond: No phone, text, or DM contact permitted until June 15 of sophomore year. Electronic correspondence (recruiting emails) allowed after September 1 of junior year for most sports.

Division II

  • Contact: Phone calls, texts, and DMs allowed beginning June 15 after sophomore year.
  • Off-campus contact: Permitted after completion of sophomore year.
  • Electronic correspondence: Allowed at any time.

Division III

  • Contact: No NCAA restrictions on when coaches may contact athletes. However, individual conferences and schools may impose their own rules.
  • Electronic correspondence: Allowed at any time.

Dead Periods, Quiet Periods, and Evaluation Periods

NCAA divides the recruiting calendar into specific periods with different contact rules. These periods vary by sport.

Dead Period

No in-person recruiting contact on or off campus. Phone calls, texts, and electronic correspondence may still be allowed depending on class year.

Quiet Period

On-campus contact permitted. Off-campus, in-person recruiting contact is not allowed, but phone calls and electronic correspondence are permitted.

Evaluation Period

Coaches may watch athletes compete or visit their schools, but cannot have off-campus contact with athletes or their families.

Contact Period

Coaches may have in-person, on-campus or off-campus contact with athletes and their families.

Sport-Specific Calendars

Each sport has its own recruiting calendar with designated dead periods, evaluation periods, and contact periods. For the current calendar for your sport:

Your Responsibility

SeeCruit provides tools to connect coaches and athletes, but does not enforce NCAA contact rules. You are responsible for:

  • Knowing the current NCAA rules for your division and sport.
  • Verifying an athlete's class year before initiating contact.
  • Respecting dead periods and contact restrictions.
  • Consulting your institution's compliance office when in doubt.

Violating NCAA recruiting rules can result in sanctions against your program. When in doubt, don't contact — ask your compliance staff first.

Last updated: September 2026. NCAA rules are subject to change. Always verify current rules with the NCAA and your institution's compliance office.