Questions to ask on Campus Visit

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Originally posted by wayback:
Here's the real deal, coaches are veterans at the recruiting game. They've been doing it for years, and usually know what you're going to ask before the words are out of your mouth. They know every answer to every question because they've been asked them over and over. So, feel free to ask.

I wish I had not been afraid to ask some questions that I now have the answers to. Heck, I didn't even know I had a question...but I sure got the answer.

Every coach has trends regarding playing time (let's face it, that is the number one question on most recruits minds even though they don't ask and wouldn't get an answer other than a.) it is earned on the field...mostly true, and/or b.) your my guy....maybe true, maybe not). The answer to whether freshmen have real playing time is generally found in the roster and stat pages.

Look at the roster. Of the 35 roster guys, how many are true four year players, red-shirts, transfers from 4 year schools, and transfer from Juco.

Then look at stats, who is getting the bulk of at-bats and/or innings pitched? Which group do they come from (4 year guys, red shirts, transfers, Juco)? Is it balanced?

Look at recent games. What does batting order look like. Freshmen representation?

Does he do a lot of late game substituting? Does it corrospond to opposing pitcher's being lefty/righty? Some coaches sprinkle lefty hitters throughout lineup, then pinch hit late in game if lefty pitcher comes in (or vice versa). Personally, I find it to be over coaching, but, heck, if they're succesful at it...who am I? lol Does the starting lineup change day to day for the same reason (lefty/right matchups)?

Do you see players with lower batting averages entrenched in the lineup compared to another same-position player with fewer at-bats and higher batting average and other stats? That may be an indicator of the coach's preference of lefty/righty matchups (among other things...defensive ability, other tools, etc)

Looking more at the recent games. Is the lineup full of transfers? In other words, is he developing (or not) his own four year players? This will change moving forward.

A coach who leans heavily on transfers/Jucos does so at the expense of developing freshmen. It's OK for a freshman to sit a year, but if the Juco influx means that guy is ahead of you for two years, then you've lost developmental time for two years, making you vulnerable to another Juco transfer who has spent the last two years getting 350-400 at-bats.

This could go on forever, but this points you in the right direction.

We had really studied Wayback Jr's eventual selection roster. We checked who was leaving. We checked who was coming in (based on pretty sound rumors..NLI lists and so on). We weighed it out and moved forward. We didn't anticipate five Juco transfers coming in during the summer. In retrospect, knowing that now, I still wonder would I have had the cajones to ask him about that possibility. You still have to win the job on the field. But, it seems like the leash for a Juco kid is a heck of a lot longer than a freshmen player. Admittedly, he's earned that right. But, it's tough waiting for your chance watching "slumps" last half a season. Can't wait for Jr to be an upper classman. Each at-bat won't be as internally grinding as they are now.

In the end, the money offer is a good indicator of what the opportunity is, and how long the leash will be.

Your son will get time with the team. Have him ask the players about the above situations and their impression of the program. After all, he'll be in their shoes in another year.

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Originally posted by Homerun04:
I just noticed that this years NCAA College Bound Student Athlete did not have the questions to ask as the previous years did, so here was last years:

Questions to Ask as You Consider Colleges

You may want to ask your prospective college coaches the following questions as you consider colleges.

Athletics
1. What positions will I play on your team? It is not always obvious. Most coaches want to be flexible, so you might not receive a definite answer.

2. What other players may be competing at the same position? The response could give you an idea of when you can expect to be a starter.

3. Will I be redshirted my first year? The school's policy on redshirting may impact you both athletically and academically.

4. What expectations do you have for training and conditioning? This will reveal the institution's commitment to a training and conditioning program.

5. How would you best describe your coaching style?
Every coach has a particular style that involves different motivational techniques and discipline. You need to know if a coach's teaching style matches your learning style.

6. When does the head coach's contract end? How long does the coach intend to stay? The answer could be helpful. Do not make any assumptions about how long a coach will be at a school. If the coach leaves, does this change your mind about the school/program?

7. What are preferred, invited and uninvited walk-on situations? How many do you expect to compete? How many earn a scholarship? Situations vary from school to school.

8. Who else are you recruiting for my position? Coaches may consider other student-athletes for every position.

9. Is medical insurance required for my participation? Is it provided by the college? You may be required to provide proof of insurance.

10. If I am seriously injured while competing, who is responsible for my medical expenses? Different colleges have different policies.

11. What happens if I want to transfer to another school?
You may not transfer without the permission of your current school's athletics administration. Ask how often coaches grant this privilege and ask for an example of a situation in which permission was not granted.

12. What other factors should I consider when choosing a college? Be realistic about your athletics ability and the type of athletics experience you would enjoy. Some student-athletes want to be part of a particular athletics program, even if that means little or no playing time. Other considerations include coaching staff and style. Of course, the ideal is to choose a college or university that will provide you with both the educational and athletics opportunities you want.

Academics
1. How good is the department in my major? How many students are in the department? What credentials do faculty members hold? What are graduates of the program doing after school?

2. What percentage of players on scholarship graduate? The response will suggest the school's commitment to academics.

You might want to ask two follow-up questions:
a. What percentage of incoming students eventually graduate?
b. What is the current team's grade-point average?

3. What academic support programs are available to student-athletes? Look for a college that will help you become a better student.

4. If I have a diagnosed and documented disability, what kind of academic services are available? Special academic services may help you achieve your academic goals.

5. How many credit hours should I take in season and out of season? It is important to determine how many credit hours are required for your degree and what pace you will follow to obtain that degree.

6. Are there restrictions in scheduling classes around practice? NCAA rules prevent you from missing class for practice.

7. Is summer school available? If I need to take summer school, will it be paid for by the college? You may need to take summer school to meet academic and/or graduation requirements.

College Life
1. What is a typical day for a student-athlete? The answer will give you a good idea of how much time is spent in class, practice, study and travel. It also will give you a good indication of what coaches expect.

2. What are the residence halls like? The response should give you a hint of how comfortable you would be in your room, study areas, community bathrooms and at the laundry facilities. Also ask about the number of students in a room, co-ed dorms and the rules governing life in the residence halls.

3. Must student-athletes live on campus? If “yes,” ask about exceptions.

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Originally posted by Homerun04:
Hopefully you have found the first series questions that you should ask during the recruiting process, if not we can point you to the other threads.

Once you get through those and you want to get into the next phase of questions, you would be surprised of some of the benefits of being a student/athlete at some programs, here are some that you may want to consider when sending a talented player to a entrusted program that will mold the player for the future that could impact your decision if the program is a good fit, if others would like to contribute to questions you would like to ask but may want to think twice before doing so but could be important, that would be great:

How many years is each of the coaches under contract for?
How often are the coaches replaced?
What considerations are given when firing a coach, just in effective coaching or win/lose record?

How many players do you bring in during the fall season?
How many players do you cut, when are they cut?
How do you let them know, are the cut list posted or is there a face to face discussion?
How many players do you have to kick off due to grades?
How many players are kicked off due to drugs, alcohol, or other crimes?
How many players have been out due to Jail?
How many players have been suspended or kicked off due to cheating?

Are you guaranteed a roster spot?
If you’re ERA goes over 5.0 will that effect playing time or your scholarship?
If your batting average stays below the Mendoza line will that effect the playing time?
If you average 3-4 errors per game or inning will that effect the playing time?
Will scholarships go up if you do well?
Do you cut or reduce scholarships after one year?
What other paid jobs are available to athletes?

If you get hurt, does the school cover all medical cost?
What type of medical treatment is provided?
If you get hurt, are you cut from the team?
Does the team have dedicated trainers at practices and games?
Does the school provide a full array of trainers that the athletes go to year round?

When you travel a long distance, do you fly or drive.
What is the cut off of driving or flying?
When you fly, do you fly charter or commercial?
Do you travel the day of or the day before games on long trips?
Do you stay over at night or travel the day after the last game on long trips?
When you drive, do you take cars, vans, bus, or charter bus, do the buses have TV’s and rest rooms?
What types of hotels do you stay at on the road, at Hyatts or Motel 6’s?
How many players are in the room?
Does each player have a bed or do they share?

Do you have pre and post game meals for the players?
Does the school provide all meals on the road?
If the school does not provide all the meals, what are the meal allowances on the road?
Does the team provide meals on home game days?
How many tickets are we given for family at home games and away games?

Does the team provide laundry service for the players for practice uniforms?
Does the team provide laundry service for the players for game uniforms at home and on the road?
How many sets of uniforms does the team provide?
Does the school provide travel clothes?
Do the players have to pay for any uniforms, cleats, gloves, bats, catcher gear, etc?
What make of bats are provided, how often are the replaced?
What make of gloves are provided, how many do you get of you play multiple positions?

What summer leagues do you send your players to?
Does the player have a choice in determining where you play in the summer?
Does the player pay for housing, board, and transportation to and from, as well as, when there and on the road to away games?
Does the player pay for meals while there and on the road?
If summer school is required, does the school pay for that?

What type of academic support does the school provide?
Does the school pay for all the tutoring needed for athletes?
Does the school provide for early class registration for athletes?
Does the school provide academic counseling to athletes that inform what are the athlete friendly teachers and classes?
Does the school provide lap top computers to athletes?
Does the school provide wifi on the computers?
What provisions are given to athletes on taking class notes when on the road?
What provisions are given to athletes on taking test when on the road?

What other special considerations are given to athletes?

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On another subject hope to see some wonderful news today...