Official Visits For Basketball Recruits
Another questions and answers article for those interested in the recruiting process for basketball players. The article source may be somewhat out of date but the general informtion should still be helpful for basketball coaches or players looking into the college recruiting process and NCAA rules.
Can you tell me the difference between an official and an unofficial visit?
In its most basic form, a college may pay for a prospect's official visit while a prospect must pay nearly all expenses for an unofficial visit.
What type of expenses are provided by the college during an official visit?
Normally, a college would pay for your round-trip airfare between your home and campus, lodging at an off-campus hotel or in a dorm room, all of your meals and a guest pass to campus athletic events. In addition, a student host may be given up to $30 per day of your visit to pay for entertaining you (e.g., movie tickets, late-night snacks).
Student host? What is a student host?
A student host is normally a full-time student (and often a student athlete) whose responsibility is to be sure that your campus experience is positive. You can rely on this person to give you a tour of campus, introduce you to other students and entertain you on your visit. Sometimes, you will have more than one host to allow your primary host to handle his or her normal campus obligations (e.g., going to class).
When can I take an official visit?
Not before the first day of classes during your senior year of high school. Before you get on the plane, though, you need to be sure that you have received a written invitation from the college. In addition, you also need to send to the college your high school transcript and proof that you have taken the SAT or the ACT (or the PSAT of the PACT Plus). If these documents are not in place, you cannot take an official visit.
How do I get invited to take an official visit?
Normally, these visits are reserved for recruits for whom the coach has serious interest. Of course, there is no guarantee that being offered a visit means that you will also be offered a scholarship. Keep in mind that in Division I, a football program is allowed to provide only 56 total visits on a yearly basis. And a Division I basketball program is allowed to provide just 12 on an annual basis. If a school is recruiting you, but not offering a visit in either football or basketball, it could reflect how close it is to its numerical limits. But, in any case, do not hesitate to ask whether the coach will offer you a visit. If you do not promote yourself, no one is likely to do it for you.
What are the details of the visit?
Essentially, you will have 48 hours to spend in the community to get acquainted with campus life, the city in which the college is located, your potential professors and other students. Expect to be taken to dinner by the coach on at least one evening, and likewise plan on attending the team's practice or competition on that weekend. Accept any invitation to attend some classes, and be sure to speak with professors and other students. Remember that coaches come and go (despite their best efforts to convince recruits otherwise), so be sure you like the campus and its environment. If you base your decision solely on athletics reasons, you increase your likelihood of having less than a positive experience.
Where can I receive additional information about official visits?
The best source for more information is to contact the NCAA and ask for a copy of The Guide for the College-Bound Student Athlete. It can be a bit difficult to digest, but it contains ample information. Click on the NCAA logo on this page to travel directly to that site. Additionally, do not hesitate to contact the compliance coordinator of the college which wishes to provide you an official visit. Just ask the college coach for that person's name and phone number.
