Are you a high school athlete who dreams of playing college sports? If so, you might have come across the term "Dead Period" and wondered what it means. In simple terms, the Dead Period is a time when college coaches are not allowed to communicate in person with prospective student-athletes or their families. It's important for high school athletes to understand this period so they can plan their recruiting process accordingly. In this blog post, we'll dive deeper into what the Dead Period is, when it happens, and how it affects high school athletes.
What is the Dead Period?
The Dead Period is a period of time that is set by the NCAA during which Division I and Division II college coaches are not allowed to have any in-person contact with prospective student-athletes or their families. During this time, coaches cannot visit a high school athlete's home or school, and athletes cannot take unofficial or official visits to college campuses. The Dead Period also prohibits coaches from watching athletes compete in person or from having any meetings with them on or off-campus. However, coaches can still communicate with athletes through letters, emails, texts, and phone calls.
When does the Dead Period happen?
The NCAA regularly updates their rules and regulations, so the dates for the Dead Period may vary from year to year. Currently, the Dead Period for Division I lasts from June 1st through June 30th and from December 16th through January 14th. For Division II, the Dead Period lasts from November 15th through January 14th and from June 1st through June 30th. These dates may change due to special circumstances or exceptions, so it's important for high school athletes to keep an eye on the NCAA's updates.
How does the Dead Period affect high school athletes?
The Dead Period can have a significant impact on high school athletes who are hoping to be recruited by college coaches. During this period, coaches cannot make in-person evaluations of an athlete's skills, which can impede their ability to make informed decisions about recruiting. Additionally, high school athletes cannot take official or unofficial visits to college campuses during the Dead Period, which can make it difficult for them to get a feel for the campus environment and make important decisions about their future. However, athletes can still communicate with coaches through email, phone or video calls, which can help them to build relationships even when in-person contact is prohibited.
How can high school athletes prepare for the Dead Period?
Preparing for the Dead Period requires careful planning and proactive communication. Athletes should work closely with their high school coach and guidance counselor to develop a recruiting timeline and identify the coaches and schools they are interested in. High school athletes can also use NCAA resources and attend camps and clinics to showcase their abilities during the Dead Period. Finally, athletes should use the time during the Dead Period to focus on academic and athletic development, and continue to communicate with coaches through letters, emails, texts, or phone calls.
The Dead Period is an important part of the college sports recruiting process that high school athletes should be aware of and plan for. Although it may have limitations on in-person meetings and visits during certain times of the year, high school athletes can still communicate with coaches and showcase their skills. By preparing early and keeping an open line of communication, high school athletes can take control of their recruiting process, and increase their chances of being recruited by top college programs.
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