recruiting questionnaire wants SSN. Why?

Just leave that part blank.  They don't need it, and there's no assurance that they'll safeguard the information.  I believe that the request for SSN is a holdover from yesteryear, before the advent of identity theft.

It still may be used for indexing..  But really not needed until a scholarship offer is signed.  In some cases, part of the scholarship amount (above tuition and fees) can be taxed by the IRS.  

Same question but on MLB club questionnaire.
Found it odd and wandered if it was necessary.  I know the wife hates giving it out but we don't want to throw up a red flag.
Is it necessary?

MLB questionnaire is a job application.    They will be paying you.  Again not necessary until the contract occurs, but it helps the MLB club to have it avail when that day comes, because they draw up the contract the day you are drafted.   They are required to keep it private like any other other employer.   I know, just went thru it this weekend..   

"Again not necessary until the contract occurs"   You can leave anything blank on the questionnaire.   Its mainly used to start a file on your son. and you will probably be filling a new one yearly (hopefully 31 times ea yr) as long as he's a prospect.

 

Perhaps any scouts can chime in, but the initial questionnaires for scout paperwork.  I would image they'd use SSN as a "INDEX"  (identifying unique number)

 

Thank you.