What is a Verbal Commitment in College Sports?

When high school athletes start thinking about their options for college sports, they may come across the phrase "verbal commitment." This term can be both exciting and confusing. It’s natural for athletes to have questions about what a verbal commitment is and how it works in the college sports world. In this blog post, we’ll explain what verbal commitment means in the context of college sports, how it differs from a signed commitment, and what you should consider before making a verbal commitment.

First, let's define what a verbal commitment is: It's a non-binding agreement between a coach and an athlete. When an athlete verbally commits, they agree to attend a particular college or university in exchange for being able to participate in that school's sports program. The athlete agrees to attend the school for at least one year and intends to sign a National Letter of Intent (NLI), which is a binding agreement between the athlete and the college.

It’s important to understand that a verbal commitment is not legally binding on either side. This means that a verbal commitment is only as good as the word it was given, and either party can break the verbal commitment at any time without legal repercussions. Verbal commitments are important, however, because they allow college coaches to plan and staff their teams, and they can help athletes secure scholarship funds.

It’s important to remember that a verbal commitment is not a signed contract. While some college coaches will require a verbal commitment before offering an official scholarship, it’s always best to wait for official scholarship offers in writing. Similarly, if you’re an athlete who has verbally committed, it can be tempting to sit back and relax, but it's essential to keep performing, training, and improving, both academically and athletically. You should keep attending showcases and other events, building relationships with other college coaches, and remaining open to new opportunities.

Before making a verbal commitment, athletes should do their research. You'll want to check out the college's location, size, majors, and athletics programs thoroughly. Make sure the school offers the program you’re interested in and that you’re comfortable with the coach and team. Finally, remember that you don't have to make a verbal commitment. It’s okay to take your time, research multiple schools, keep your options open, and wait until you're confident about your choice.

A verbal commitment is a non-binding agreement between a college coach and a high school athlete. It's essential to remember that this isn't a legally binding contract. Before making a verbal commitment, athletes need to research the college thoroughly to ensure they’re comfortable with the location, size, majors, and athletics program. Athletes should also keep training, attending events, and keeping their options open until they're sure about their decision. Remember, a verbal commitment is not a signed contract, but it is a significant step towards securing a spot on a college sports team. Verbal commitments are exciting, but they should be considered thoughtfully and with an eye towards the future.