Misleading College Showcase Invites

quote:

Originally posted by jbddad:
Without naming schools, it is somewhat offensive to see that some colleges send misleading invitations to high school players to attend their "prospect" or "recruiting" camps. ...........The problem is that many players and parents are not well informed and end up spending the money to send their sons to these camps thinking the colleges are really interested in them. ..... Shouldn't they be more selective as to who they invite? Please don't tell me that "you never know what may catch their eye".

jbdad,

I hear your plight, yet respectfully have a different view point.

a. A few years back the NCAA has strict guidelines forbidding 'selective' invites to camps on D1 campuses.

b. It makes sense if your child thinks he may want to attend that specific college.

c. Not well informed? - Maybe
Leading on the camper? - Debatable
Offensive? - Disagree
Misleading Invitation? - Disagree
False expectations? - Disagree
Financial Cost? - Agree
Emotional Cost? - Debatable

d. Camps on College Campuses for prospective HS student-athletes was one of the better ideas approved by the NCAA, (after many years of being in violation.)

I believe a HS student attending a camp at a college where he has interests in obtaining a four year degree is beneficial for the HS student than the coaches.

Regards
Bear

quote:

Originally posted by Bear:
[QUOTE]Originally posted by AParent:
I can see it now, the truly non-misleading letter.

"I need to raise money for our program. I am holding a camp for this purpose.

To be truthful, I probably won't recruit you if you attend, but occassionally a talented player comes along and I do.

You can either come to the camp or just send money. Either way works for me."

AP: lol

After decades of directing Baseball Tourney's, here are similar (yet not misleading) rousing thoughts:

- I am holding a showcase... for your child, (not me).

- I do not need to raise money for the events.
(My credit is my real job.)

- I want to recruit your son to play
(and occassionally a talented player comes along.)

- Kid has talent
(yet is a Non-Qual to be admitted to that four year college.)

- Please don't send small bills.
(very very large paper only please.)

----------------------------------------

and in the near mortal words of SNL:

"I am Bear,
(and your not)."

Regards
Bear

quote:

A few years back the NCAA has strict guidelines forbidding 'selective' invites to camps on D1 campuses.

Bear, could you expound on that please?

Thanks,
Fungo

I think it was Orlando who posted:

quote:

Do they so quickly believe that they've "already won" when the Publisher's Clearing House envelope arrives?

Though there are some people out there who might, most of us are skeptical when it comes to everyday marketing material and will read the fine print. But when it comes to camp solicitations, recruiting letters, etc. where is that same skepticism? College baseball is a business and businesses use marketing techniques to find customers. It is standard MO. But because this is an emotional time for us parents, there is a tendency to see more than what is actually there. I think that's all we're trying to say here. This camp invitation may have been no more deceptive than a typical TV commercial that promises instant popularity if you use their product. It doesn't make it right or easier to take, but that's what we are here on the board to hopefully explain.

by rhparent
"But because this is an emotional time for us parents, there is a tendency to see more than what is actually there . . . . . . . but that's what we are here on the board"



great summary, be sure to pass along the info you find here to parents in your circle who don't visit this board