Notification of Early Decision

At this point you have nothing to tell him. You have not been accepted.

However, once you are accepted, I believe that you are committed both contractually and morally.

No reason to explain any ED applications. As ilvbb explains, you're not admitted yet.

My son applied ED to his school. There is no contract with the school when you've been notified of admission. Your commitment is only as good as your word.

Are coaches able to find out if you applied Early Decision to other schools?

Not unless there is a mole in the admissions office in another school. The ED admission process is operated by the admissions office, not athletics. To my knowledge these processes aren't standardized across schools that are often competing for the same students.

More information on Early Decision:

http://www.nacac.com/p&s_steps_0902edea.html

I would not feel comfortable going on a visit to one school after I applied early to another, without first telling the coach at the school I am going to visit. Also, when I get calls from coaches and they ask me where their school is on my list and/or if I have made any decisions, I feel obligated to tell them I have applied early elsewhere. Finally, to those coaches that were recruiting me most heavily I want to let them know that a decision has been made and that if I do not get into the ED school I will be back in touch with them to see if they still have a need for me.

quote:

I would not feel comfortable going on a visit to one school after I applied early to another

Well, OK. You sound convicted to your position. Was your conviction this strong when you asked the original question? My perspective is that I would not choose to limit my opportunities by making a public commitment to a school that has not officially accepted me for admission.

Best of luck. I trust that this will all work out well for you.