Why Prospects and Families Get Hurt 101
in you beyond your helping them have a winning program and
thus keeping their jobs. These are harsh comments about some in
the coaching ranks, but it is sadly the truth. Be alert for them.
The following points can help you recognize sleazy recruit-
ing tactics and therefore, the coaches to avoid:
- A coach who has a “booster” contact you or tells you that
a “fan” will contact you about the program. The NCAA is
making a concerted effort to eliminate from the recruit-
ing process those persons who have “an interest” in the
program. Even if they offer you nothing, which is highly
unlikely, you are in violation of the NCAA guidelines.
Even though the NCAA often looks the other way on many
violations, to its credit it severely punishes those who vio-
late the “booster” rules. Even if you just talk to a “booster,”
you jeopardize your future with the NCAA. Refer to the
NCAA Guide for College-Bound Student-Athletes. - A coach who promises that your “best friend” can walk
on. This coach has no interest in you or your friend. He
is manipulating you by dangling a false hope in front of
your friend. - A coach who promises you a starting position your fresh-
man year. Or one who guarantees that you will be an
All-American, national champion, or have a professional
career in sports primarily because you compete for him/her.
(Remember, there is a difference between a guarantee and a
statement about your potential.) - Coaches who “trash, slam, or bum raps” other colleges,
programs, or coaches. If coaches can’t persuade you to join
their program because of its qualities and their coaching
abilities, you’d be a fool to enroll. Be especially alert for this
sleazy tactic.