My Northeast 2009 son, was set up to have 4 unofficial visits next week in NC. How important are these visits in regards to the recruiting process?
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I found them to be invaluable and definately well worth the time and money. It's an opportunity to tour the campus, sit down w/ the academic advisor, hopefully time to talk with some of the current players on the team to get a read on the coaches and the program. I felt I was also able to spend time with the coaching staff and had them answer several questions we had about their style, philosophy and their plans for our player. In addition to touring the campus you get to check out the player's facilities, dorms, player's club house and all the amenities that came with each program. It was a huge part in the final decision process for our's to make his final choice.
Unofficial visits are great ways to see campuses and compare---the more campuses you see the better the decision you can make
With the season getting under way I do not know how much luck you will have getting time with the baseball staff
With the season getting under way I do not know how much luck you will have getting time with the baseball staff
Every weekend we were at Clemson (for 3 years) to watch a series there was someone there on an unofficial visit and I know that the coaches spent time with the recruits. Just ask Jerseydad. 
They are a great way to get a feel for the campus and the surrounding area. The players get a chance to watch a practice or game and interact with some players. IMO they are a great experience and a big part of the recruiting process. Well worth the time.
TPM
They are not going to be there for a "series"---teams are getting ready to open the season---if they get to meet and talk with the coaching staff they will be lucky
Just my experience---especially if no preliminary considerations were made---the poster did not mention is arrangements have been made with the coaching staff---going in blind may not get you a meeting with the coaches
They are not going to be there for a "series"---teams are getting ready to open the season---if they get to meet and talk with the coaching staff they will be lucky
Just my experience---especially if no preliminary considerations were made---the poster did not mention is arrangements have been made with the coaching staff---going in blind may not get you a meeting with the coaches
TR,
I stated that every time WE were there fro a series we noticed or met new recruits.
Unofficial visit means you have made a prior arrangement to meet the coach, staff, players. It's a visit on your dime not theirs.
Dropping by is just a visit, and I agree may not get their attention. How you will be received also depends on whether they consider you a recruit or not.
However the poster stated the visits were "set up". Which means it's not a drive by, they are expected.
It's good to read through the entire post before responding, something I myself have not always adhered to.
I stated that every time WE were there fro a series we noticed or met new recruits.
Unofficial visit means you have made a prior arrangement to meet the coach, staff, players. It's a visit on your dime not theirs.
Dropping by is just a visit, and I agree may not get their attention. How you will be received also depends on whether they consider you a recruit or not.
However the poster stated the visits were "set up". Which means it's not a drive by, they are expected.
It's good to read through the entire post before responding, something I myself have not always adhered to.
TPM
An unofficial visit is ANY visit done where the program is not paying for it
When out team travels we advise to them simplydrive thru any of the campuses in the area just to see what the campous looks like---THAT IS AN UNOFFIIAL VISIT AS WELL.
An unofficial visit is ANY visit done where the program is not paying for it
When out team travels we advise to them simplydrive thru any of the campuses in the area just to see what the campous looks like---THAT IS AN UNOFFIIAL VISIT AS WELL.
Whatever, you are always right I apologize. 
Question
If my non student athlete goes to visit a school is this just a visit or is it an unofficial visit?
If my non student athlete goes to visit a school is this just a visit or is it an unofficial visit?
quote:Originally posted by TRhit:
TPM
An official visit is ANY visit done where the program is not paying for it
When out team travels we advise to them simplydrive thru any of the campuses in the area just to see what the campous looks like---THAT IS AN UNOFFIIAL VISIT AS WELL.
That first sentence, is that true? "An official visit is ANY visit done where the program is not paying for it."
typo.....unofficial is what I believe TR meant
FYI- We do ,in fact, have arrangements to meet with the coaches of the colleges. Since it's on our dime, we've understood it to be an unofficial visit. Thanks for all of your comments. Sounds like it's a wise plan 
quote:Originally posted by Bizzimom@BAT:
FYI- We do ,in fact, have arrangements to meet with the coaches of the colleges. Since it's on our dime, we've understood it to be an unofficial visit. Thanks for all of your comments. Sounds like it's a wise plan
No problem I read what you had written and sounded like an unofficial visit to me. Have a great time and welcome.
FWIW, unofficial and official are terms referred to in athletic recruiting (no non sport playing son or daughter can go on an unofficial baseball visit). There are similarities between an unofficial and official in recruiting. The PROSPECT or RECRUIT must pick up his own expenses on an unofficial visit yet may receive the similar benefits which would include meeting the baseball staff, admission to a game, practice, tour of facilities, locker room, meeting players, tour of campus and meet with the athletic advisor, visiting team within a 30 mile radius of campus and may also include lunch with the coaches on campus and paid by yourself. Unofficial visits cannot occur during a dead period.
That's quite a difference than taking a ride through campus.
Just wanted to make that clarification.
yes I do beleive that TR made a error.
Bizzimom,
We did an unofficial tour of five schools last year and it was probably the smartest thing we did.
As mentioned before we had a chance do do just about everything included in an a typical official visit. We also found that each coaching staff was more than willing to meet with us. Typically we would do the tour with the recruiting coordinator and pitching coach then we would meet with the head coach prior to the game during BP. The only difference between and official and unofficial visit that I noticed was that he didn't stay with a player and we had to pay for his trip.
Another bonus (for me) was that I was able to set up my own unofficial visits with a few HSBBW friends as well. (TPM, Coach May and SoutherN01)
Considering that my son couldn't take his official visits until the fall of his senior year, the unofficial visits prior to his junior season seemed to be a good fit and helped him to narrow down his choices long before it was time to make a final decision.
We did an unofficial tour of five schools last year and it was probably the smartest thing we did.
As mentioned before we had a chance do do just about everything included in an a typical official visit. We also found that each coaching staff was more than willing to meet with us. Typically we would do the tour with the recruiting coordinator and pitching coach then we would meet with the head coach prior to the game during BP. The only difference between and official and unofficial visit that I noticed was that he didn't stay with a player and we had to pay for his trip.
Another bonus (for me) was that I was able to set up my own unofficial visits with a few HSBBW friends as well. (TPM, Coach May and SoutherN01)
Considering that my son couldn't take his official visits until the fall of his senior year, the unofficial visits prior to his junior season seemed to be a good fit and helped him to narrow down his choices long before it was time to make a final decision.
I am pretty sure that one can stay with a player on an unofficial visit as long as it is off campus.
The one other thing missing is that a player must be given a set of rules prior to an official visit along with graduate rates from that school.
The one other thing missing is that a player must be given a set of rules prior to an official visit along with graduate rates from that school.
Jersey - when organizing your unoffical visits, it appears as though you reached out in advance to the schools. Why were the schools interested in your son at that point (I know he has done well for himself - just want to understand the process a little bit)? In other words, if 1,000 kids wanted to take unofficals, I would think the school could not accomodate all. What info was provided to the schools and how was it provided to make them want to spend the time meeting with your son?
Thanks!
Thanks!
Need a new keyboard