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My son is a sophomore this year.  He played in a prospect camp at a Major D1 school this past weekend.  After he pitched the Associate Head Coach/Pitching Coach came into the dugout from his spot behind home plate where the coaching staff had been watching the boys play.  He first asked my son what his grades were.  Then he asked, "Are you interested in our school?".  After my son replied, "Yes", the coach said, "Good, because we're interested in you too."  Then they talked pitching for a while. He's also gotten a little interest from another Major D1 that saw him pitch in a showcase tournament.  It was just a camp invite email, but the email addressed him by name, mentioned his performance in the tournament, and came from a coach's email address.  Also my son's friends in the tournament didn't get the same email, so it wasn't sent to all of the tournament participants.  Anyway,  I understand this early in the process, and as a dad going through this for the first time, it can be overwhelming.  I've tried to read up as much as I can about the whole process, and I've read a lot of great information on this website and the forum, so I thought I'd ask for a little guidance.  

 

I know the colleges aren't allowed to call/email/contact sophomores.  But what should my son do over this next year?  With the school where the pitching coach approached him, should he send a Thank You email for the camp and let them know he's interested in learning more about the program in the future?  Also, I've heard of players letting coaches know how their season is going throughout the season.  Should my son send them periodic updates this year of his progress?  And should he attend future camps at this school, perhaps in the coming Summer?  This won't be the only school he looks into, but it will definitely be among his top choices considering the program and the location.  

 

Also, what about the college that sent the camp invite via email.  He won't be able to go, but should he send the coach that emailed him a reply?  And this was a big prospect tournament, so I don't know if they sent out 5 of these emails or 105.  If it's a school he might be interested in down the road should he send them updates this season?

 

I know I'm asking a lot of questions, so any advice or suggestions are welcome.  I want to make sure I do what's best for my son throughout this whole process.

 

Thanks.

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Sounds like you are doing just fine so far.  Yes, your son should send a thank you email and keep in touch.  While they can't contact you , he can call them. 

 

You should be receiving a lot of camp invites now....a lot.  Chances are you have made an email list and will probably be inundated with them.  Chose wisely.  Sounds like your son has some talent.  Pick some camps that will have schools he is interested in...and do your homework.  Best of luck.

 

Originally Posted by BBALLFAN2012:

Definitely he should send a thank you email.  He should reiterate he is very interested in their program.  Somehow work a question into his email - so that they have the opportunity to open a conversation. Remember - they can't email you unless you've emailed first.   If they really liked your son I am sure you'll get a response. 

So if you email a coach and ask a question they're allowed to send a response email? I wasn't aware of that. Does that mean if you were to call and leave a message they could call you back?  I can see now how schools have such a hard time keeping records of all the emails and phone calls.

Baseball:

Calendar runs 08-01-13 through 07-31-14. Reference the definitions if needed.

08-01-13 thru 08-31-13Contact Period
09-01-13 thru 09-12-13Quiet Period
09-13-13 thru 11-10-13Contact Period
11-11-13 thru 11-14-13Dead Period
11-15-13 thru 02-28-14Quiet Period *with the following exception (i)
(i) 01-02-14 thru 01-06-14Dead Period
03-01-14 thru 07-31-14Contact Period *with the following exception (i)
(i) 04-14-14 thru 04-17-14Dead Period


As a Sophomore in high school:

Recruiting TacticAs a Sophomore
Recruiting Material*You may receive brochures for camps and questionnaires.
Telephone Calls*You can call the coach at your own expense. **Coach cannot call you.
Off-Campus Contact*Not Permitted
Official Visits*Not Permitted
Unofficial Visits*Unlimited


As a Junior in High School:

Recruiting TacticAs a Junior
Recruiting Material*You can begin to receive recruiting material and information from the coach on September 1st.
Telephone Calls*You can call the coach at your own expense. **You can receive one per week starting July 1st after your Junior year. ***Telephone calls are unlimited during contact periods.
Off-Campus Contact*Allowed July 1st after your Junior year.
Official Visits*Not Permitted
Unofficial Visits*Unlimited


As a Senior in high school:

Recruiting TacticAs a Senior
Recruiting Material*You can receive material and information from the coach
Telephone Calls*You can call the coach at your own expense. **Coach can call you once per week starting July 1st. ***Telephone calls are unlimited during contact periods.
Off-Campus Contact*Allowed but no more than 3 times.
Official Visits*You can start official visits on the opening day of your classes. ** You get one per college and a maximum of 5 visits to D1 and unlimited to D2, D3 and NAIA schools.
Unofficial visits*Unlimited


Other important information:

  • College coaches can evaluate and/or contact you no more than 7 times during your senior year.
  • During your senior year a college coach cannot contact you more than 3 times.

http://www.recruitlook.com/ind...c/ncaaRules#baseball

Originally Posted by geckoprof:
Originally Posted by BBALLFAN2012:

Definitely he should send a thank you email.  He should reiterate he is very interested in their program.  Somehow work a question into his email - so that they have the opportunity to open a conversation. Remember - they can't email you unless you've emailed first.   If they really liked your son I am sure you'll get a response. 

So if you email a coach and ask a question they're allowed to send a response email? I wasn't aware of that. Does that mean if you were to call and leave a message they could call you back?  I can see now how schools have such a hard time keeping records of all the emails and phone calls.

I don't think they can answer his e-mail, and I know they can't call back.  Don't think they can e-mail until Sept. 1 Jr. Year, and phone calls July 1 after Jr. Year.

This is a question for Greenlight regarding NCAA rules, particularly the rule about permitted contact by coaches during junior year--"You can begin to receive recruiting material and information from the coach on September 1st."

 

Can you please clarify what exactly constitutes "recruiting material"? Would these personal emails/letters sent from the coach to the HS player? What about emails that come from a recruiting coach but which are not personalized--that is, emails that are likely generic but sent out only to those students who make the cut academically? To be more specific: my 2015 son is interested is using his above-average (but not stellar) baseball abilities to leverage his way into an Ivy League or other highly selective college. He is an IB student; has a 4.1 (weighted) GPA; and, has scored a 32 on the ACT (but will retake). He received an email from an Ivy League coach that says, "You are receiving this b/c you expressed an interest in our program; I will be sending you recruiting tips over the course of the year, etc., etc., etc." It's obvious that the email was sent to more than just my son but we are uncertain whether or not email went out to every player who filled out online form on highly selective college's website. If anyone can enlighten me (us), I'd be most appreciative.

 

And, I agree, this young player should send a personalized, handwritten thank you note! Nothing is more impressive than a 16 year old who knows how to write in cursive!

Southwest, all the examples of possible recruiting materials that you mentioned are allowed...both personalized and generic messages....both from the head coach and/or recruiting coordinator

 

I know that Yale sends out wonderful email messages from Coach Frawley on a regular basis, maybe twice a month. (Coach Stotz of Stanford-fame type caliber) Kids who go to Yale Camp are definitely on this list. Don't know how other recipients are selected or if kids who solely filled out an online form receive it too.

 

Hope that helps a little

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