Can anyone share some insight on what the difference is between an official vs.an unofficial scholarship offer? My son received an unofficial baseball scholarship offer for a DII college. I couldn't locate anything in the NCAA rules.
Thanks.
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Every offer is technically "unofficial" until the NLI is signed. Not sure exactly what you mean by "unofficial". If a coach makes an offer, I would consider it official...as it's an offer made by a coach to come play for him. Once you sign, the offer is "official" in terms of what the school is committed to doing....assuming your son qualifies with regard to academics.
The term "unofficial offer" is not generally in use, so I think it would merit a response asking (politely) what was meant.
Usually people refer to "verbal" offers or just to "commitments." These are basically gentlemen's agreements as to what the terms will be when NLI's go out in November of senior year, with the player promising to sign and return the paperwork on that basis. I suspect this is what was meant, but I have to say, I find the term confusing and even off-putting, raising enough of a question that the coach would be well advised to cease using it.
I had the understanding that a coach cannot put ANYTHING in writing until the NLI date. I assume that would mean that all "verbals" are in fact verbals and not in e-mail or text. Can anyone confirm? Did not understand this to be any different between DI and DII.
Don't think thats true 2017LHP. Both of our sons received 'offers,' more than once, in writing well before the NLI date. Basically just an email or letter outlining what they're 'offering.'
justbaseball is correct. Offers can be made in writing prior to the NLI signing date. For Division I, the offer can't be put in writing before August 1 of a prospect's senior year. There is no specific date for Division II. The key in both Divisions, however, is that prior to the NLI signing date, the prospect is not allowed to sign such an offer, or any other document, that would indicate the prospect's acceptance of an offer.
justbaseball is correct. Offers can be made in writing prior to the NLI signing date. For Division I, the offer can't be put in writing before August 1 of a prospect's senior year. There is no specific date for Division II. The key in both Divisions, however, is that prior to the NLI signing date, the prospect is not allowed to sign such an offer, or any other document, that would indicate the prospect's acceptance of an offer.
So he can say he accepts. Tweet he accepts. But can't write he accepts. Got to love the NCAA. 
