What are the restrictions of a player at an NAIA school talking to coaches from D1 or D2 schools??
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For D1, see 13.1.1.3 of the Manual. For D2, see 13.1.1.2.
The rules are the same for both divisions:
" An athletics staff member or other representative of the institution’s athletics interests shall not make contact with the student-athlete of an NCAA or NAIA four-year collegiate institution, directly or indirectly, without first obtaining the written permission of the first institution’s athletics director (or an athletics administrator designated by the athletics director) to do so, regardless of who makes the initial contact. If permission is not granted, the second institution shall not encourage the transfer and shall not provide athletically related financial assistance to the student-athlete until the student-athlete has attended the second institution for one academic year. If permission is granted to contact the student-athlete, all applicable NCAA recruiting rules apply."
There is also an appeal procedure if the first school refuses to allow the transfer, but I don't understand how it could be enforced against a NAIA school.
I don't know for sure, but I believe that a violation of this rule would be an instance of an institutional violation, but wouldn't affect an athlete's eligibility. It probably would eliminate the possibility of financial aid during the first year.
NCAA Manuals
The rules are the same for both divisions:
" An athletics staff member or other representative of the institution’s athletics interests shall not make contact with the student-athlete of an NCAA or NAIA four-year collegiate institution, directly or indirectly, without first obtaining the written permission of the first institution’s athletics director (or an athletics administrator designated by the athletics director) to do so, regardless of who makes the initial contact. If permission is not granted, the second institution shall not encourage the transfer and shall not provide athletically related financial assistance to the student-athlete until the student-athlete has attended the second institution for one academic year. If permission is granted to contact the student-athlete, all applicable NCAA recruiting rules apply."
There is also an appeal procedure if the first school refuses to allow the transfer, but I don't understand how it could be enforced against a NAIA school.
I don't know for sure, but I believe that a violation of this rule would be an instance of an institutional violation, but wouldn't affect an athlete's eligibility. It probably would eliminate the possibility of financial aid during the first year.
NCAA Manuals
So there really isnt a way to look into potential options for transfer without my current coach knowing about it?
Actually there are ways to examine potential options. First, "contact" means a face to face encounter between you (or your parents or guardian) and the athletic staff. (13.02.3) A telephone call or email or snail mail is not contact! A face to face encounter between your old travel or high school coach is not contact. So you could gauge interest and options while staying completely inside the rules.
There is also nothing to prevent you from visiting a school your are interested in, and getting team members to show you around.
Finally, the chances of you personally getting into trouble if you do have contact without permission are probably quite low. And I think you'll find that most athletic departments, and compliance officers, aren't aware that a potential transfer from a NAIA school would need permission. A compliance guide of one (unnamed) D1 school only lists a need for permission for a D1 to D1 transfer. That guide runs 70 pages, so they probably think they are covering the bases, and from a practical point of view, they probably are.
There is also nothing to prevent you from visiting a school your are interested in, and getting team members to show you around.
Finally, the chances of you personally getting into trouble if you do have contact without permission are probably quite low. And I think you'll find that most athletic departments, and compliance officers, aren't aware that a potential transfer from a NAIA school would need permission. A compliance guide of one (unnamed) D1 school only lists a need for permission for a D1 to D1 transfer. That guide runs 70 pages, so they probably think they are covering the bases, and from a practical point of view, they probably are.
Ohh, alright that makes me feel better that I can talk to coaches via email or phone before I jump into a situation without knowing if there will be a spot for me or not.
I would contact the NCAA hefore relying on the advice given. They have BB reps who will give you the proper advice. I would also talk to the NAIA aswell. Making a mistake can be a costly mistake. I am sure there are lots of breaches of the contact rules but it is your neck on the chopping block.