Definition Recruited Athlete

scout1

5-Year Member
Joined
Mar 5, 2010
Messages
5
I have read with great interest over the past month the various topics on this forum and one in particular, Recruited Athlete. Since this is my area of expertise I wanted to clarify some of the myths regarding a recruited ahtlete.

NCAA definition of a recruited athlete which every coach must abide by.

Recruited Prospective Student-Athlete

Actions by staff members or athletic representatives that cause a prospect to become a recruited prospect at that institution are:

A. Providing the prospect with an official visit.
B. Having an arranged, in-person, off-campus encounter with the prospect or the prospect's parents or legal guardians for the purpose of recruitment;and
C. Initiating or arranging a telephone contact with the prospect, the prospects relatives or legal guardians on more than one occassion for the purpose of recruitment and
D. Issuing a National Letter of Intent or the institution written offer of athletic related financial aid to the prospect (excluding summer term awards prior to inital full-time enrollment).

Now before anyone jumps I am aware that WP does not do a National Letter of intent.

Some clairifications: Just because a coach or assistant coach sends you infornmation by mail or emails you, requesting information does not mean you are a recruited athlete. If you are invited to a prospect camp, it does not mean you are a recruited student athlete. It means the coachs run their camps to make money. Do they sometime find a potential student athlete they want to recruit, yes. But you are not a recruited athlete until they make more than one call to you, your parents or legal guardians for recruiting purposes or until they invite you for an official visit.

In my experience and dealing with WP coachs they make their own decisions and are very honest and direct individuals. Someone posted that a potential candidate was a soft recruit. There is no definition for a soft recruit, you are either recruited or you are not. When player's make early comittments it is called a soft verval (maybe that's what whomever wrote that, meant) and that can be to any institution. There were over 150 plus soft verbals this year where player's changed their mind, so they mean very little.

One last point, Athletes as well as their parents should know coachs are hired to do one thing and that is win. I am sure someone will come on and take a different view especially about WP but that is what they are hired to do. They look at hundreds of players no matter what sport (some more than others) and they do what is best for their program. I have seen coachs change their mind about a recruit days before signing. Thats the reality of college sports. Anyone wishing additional information on this subject may PM me.
 
Scout1, If your trying to make yourself feel better by saying i am not a recruited athlete then have a great time. My file is being handled by MAJ Childers. If you did any kind of research you would know he is THE regional director for RECRUITED ATHLETES. haha i think its funny how many people try to tell me i'm not a recruited athlete. have fun talking sh!t about people you dont even know! :biggrin:
 
First of all son, this was not directed at you, as you are not the only one that had questions about being a recruited athlete. Personally, I do not care if you are a recruited athlete or not. This was informational material to clear up some myths about recruited athletes and the real NCAA rules. No where in my post did I mention you, or intimate that you were not a recruit.

Next, posting that type of reply with that type of language shows immaturity and is not in keeping with the WP respect for people.
 
If you plan on going to the military I suggest you get used to it.
 
Scout's post was in fact directed at me. He does make some good points.
However allow me to clairfy -

West Point is extremely careful to follow all the NCAA rules and regulations. They often exceed those rules and prefer to err on the side of caution. This included the rules about contact which is why West Point uses Maj Childers.
I noticed you did not mention "boosters" and the role they play.
There are NCAA terms and then there are common venacular.
Some terms commonly used are blue-chip recruit, soft recruit and self recruit. A blue chip is a recruit the coach aggressively pursues and will be able to reserve a spot for in admissions.
Commonly one refers to a soft recruit as a candidate who the coach would like to see on the team but he doesn't have room for as a blue chip.

Coaches at the academies only have a limited number of candidates they can present to admissions and all of these need to be fully qualfied in every way, of course. These numbers often won't fill the roster on many teams.
This is why a candidate will sometimes have a coach say - I would love to have you if you get admitted - or they will say come visit but I can't bring you here.

West Point is so careful that if a candidate or potential candidate ever mentions to a MALO they received a letter from the coach - the MALO will cease the conversation about athletics and often about admissions. Once a coach or regional admissions officer determines a candidate is being "recruited" (West Point's definition) they will transfer the file to the officer who handles recruited athletes.
Once that file is transferred - regardless of where in the process - there generally won't be an interview by a MALO. I have heard the Naval Academy BGO's will not interview football, male or female basketball players. Some do get "recruited" after their interview.

Candidates do get recruited late in the process. Sometimes they are recruited so late they can't be offered admission but are offered an AOG scholarship and brought in the next year. This happened to a Cadet who I personally know who first made contact with a coach in February (or March) of his senior year.

In BobbyJ's case - I would say that since his file was transferred to Maj Childer's he is indeed a recruit - at least in the eyes of West Point admissions. Does this mean he is getting an appointment - no.

Finally - about recruiting, gettign recruited in any way will not guarantee you a place on the team. It is possible to get cut and it does happen. Conversely the athlete is free to quit the team at any time.
 
Scout1: thank you for that post. You had some great information for our future athletes.
Two weeks ago I was in Annapolis for the swim/dive championships for the patriot league. At our hotel were a ton of USNA football recruits and their parents. They were picked up in a USNA bus and shown a great time. Significant schmoozing going on. On the other hand, the swim/dive parents and I sat in the lobby chatting about how that was not our experience (most of our kids were flown up to WP for recruiting visits); we didn't have that level of schmoozing because swim/dive does not generate $ like football does. You may have all the criteria Scout1 posted, or just some of it...but if you are recruited, you will know...usually the coach says something like, "I want you to come to USXA to play for us!"
 
Bobby J, just curious, are you planning on taking that attitude with you to West Point? I believe that people on this forum and others that have posted on the numerous threads that you have either started or added to are just trying to offer you some seemingly good advice.

I would imagine that the first time that you used the same type response to anyone at WP be it a cadre, fellow cadet, or yes even football coach, your issue of being a "recruited" athlete would be the least of your worries!

One of the cornerstones of the West Point philosophy is respect. Respect for yourself and others around you. Rather than getting so "caught up" in the athlete hype, perhaps your time might be better spent enjoying the last moments of your high school experience. What will happen with WP will happen and your fretting or continual "venting" will not speed up, or change the process.

Please realize that every "recruited" athlete does not get into nor go to WP. Things happen. Have a good back-up plan just in case. And while you are hopefully a little more "patiently" waiting for your news, how about trying out some old-fashioned courtesy and respect. Believe me, in any military enviroment you become a part of, not only will it be expected but required.

Most people on this boards, are seeking and sharing information and are supportive of all those who are doing the same. I sincerely doubt that anyone is attempting to purposely accuse you or anyone else of anything. You are getting ready to enter a very grown-up and serious world. I suggest using your time a little more wisely.

Here's the best of luck to you in your future endeavors ( hopefully at WP)
 
This is the time of year that cadets with a little free time start reading these boards and often are able to figure out who someone is...they give them special attention at beast. A little special attention fixes things, most of the time. :biggrin: My son gets to be beast cadre this summer...I can't wait to hear the stories!
 
Bobby I do not beleive you read my post completely or you would know I am not getting ready to go WP as I am about 30 years to late. Take some advice from House 06, who provided a great post with excellent advice. Mom 3 boys, great post. Just a Mom. My post was not aimed at you or anyone. It was factually information given while trying to be of assistance and in response to several different threads. Recruiting and working with college coaches is my business so I know a little bit about what I speak. However I did learn something from this one time experience, do not do it again.
 
Just a Mom. My post was not aimed at you or anyone.
okay. thought parts of it were because you mentioned "soft recruit".

I never meant to convey the impression (if I did so) that "being recruited" meant you would win an appointment. If anyone misunderstood this - my apologies.

mom3boys - yes, nice post. Yep - football is highly competitive with a large budget to boot.
bobby J - chillax and take heed from the good advice offered here to you.
 
Scout1: you obviously know of what you speak...I hope you will continue to post here; this board needs your expertise.
 
Scout1 is very accurate with his description of a recruited athlete and the NCAA rules regarding recruited athletes which is the governing body. The one thing Scout1 neglected to mention was the clearing house rule which is another critera which I won't go into as I am sure everyone knows what that is.

I was contacted by several schools with letters and emails (over30) but I did not consider them to have recruited me until I actually visited the school and met with the coach. I made 14 unofficial visits over the summer and three of the five official visits allowed.

My reason for telling this is I could say I was recruited by over 30 schools, and while 30 schools had some interest, I was actually recruited by 14 schools. Folks you can spin recruited athlete anyway you want, but until the coach looks you in the eye and say's we want you to play for us, its all moot. And at WP once they say they want you then the real work begins. I am proud to be attending WP in June, class of 2014. Great post Scout1 and everyone else.
 
Great post Scout1. I just got back in town and was reading some of the most recent post and evidently you do know what you were talikg about. As Mom3Boys said, hope you come back on with more post. Racer1 what sport will you be playing at WP.
 
Scout1, If your trying to make yourself feel better by saying i am not a recruited athlete then have a great time. My file is being handled by MAJ Childers. If you did any kind of research you would know he is THE regional director for RECRUITED ATHLETES. haha i think its funny how many people try to tell me i'm not a recruited athlete. have fun talking sh!t about people you dont even know! :biggrin:

Bobby J

First - I am so glad that you are considering serving our nation as a commissioned officer - no matter what path leads you to your goal.

That being said - and re-reading your post above - may I encourage you to think carefully every time you communicate your thoughts/feelings to others - especially in an open format like this one?

Words yelled out in public fade away with the wind. Words typed on-line...last forever.

I wish you well.

Fuji
 
If you plan on going to the military I suggest you get used to it.

Hmm...

Let's see....

You're a high school student.

I'm a, wait, let me check...yes, that's correct: a senior officer with 27 years of service so far.

I think I'd advise you to NOT get used to it. There are times for "barracks language" and there are times that it is wholly inappropriate. Take a hint: this is one of those times.

I have formally reprimanded military members for their language in mixed company, and I have been known to make "old Marine's" blush on occasion. The key is to know when it is appropriate, and when it is not.

This forum: it's not.

You would do well to take the constructive criticism here as its intended: not a personal "slam" but rather as good advice. It can only bode well for your future success!

Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83
 
Scout's post was in fact directed at me. He does make some good points.
However allow me to clairfy -

West Point is extremely careful to follow all the NCAA rules and regulations. They often exceed those rules and prefer to err on the side of caution. This included the rules about contact which is why West Point uses Maj Childers.
I noticed you did not mention "boosters" and the role they play.
There are NCAA terms and then there are common venacular.
Some terms commonly used are blue-chip recruit, soft recruit and self recruit. A blue chip is a recruit the coach aggressively pursues and will be able to reserve a spot for in admissions.
Commonly one refers to a soft recruit as a candidate who the coach would like to see on the team but he doesn't have room for as a blue chip.

Coaches at the academies only have a limited number of candidates they can present to admissions and all of these need to be fully qualfied in every way, of course. These numbers often won't fill the roster on many teams.
This is why a candidate will sometimes have a coach say - I would love to have you if you get admitted - or they will say come visit but I can't bring you here.

West Point is so careful that if a candidate or potential candidate ever mentions to a MALO they received a letter from the coach - the MALO will cease the conversation about athletics and often about admissions. Once a coach or regional admissions officer determines a candidate is being "recruited" (West Point's definition) they will transfer the file to the officer who handles recruited athletes.
Once that file is transferred - regardless of where in the process - there generally won't be an interview by a MALO. I have heard the Naval Academy BGO's will not interview football, male or female basketball players. Some do get "recruited" after their interview.

Candidates do get recruited late in the process. Sometimes they are recruited so late they can't be offered admission but are offered an AOG scholarship and brought in the next year. This happened to a Cadet who I personally know who first made contact with a coach in February (or March) of his senior year.

In BobbyJ's case - I would say that since his file was transferred to Maj Childer's he is indeed a recruit - at least in the eyes of West Point admissions. Does this mean he is getting an appointment - no.

Finally - about recruiting, gettign recruited in any way will not guarantee you a place on the team. It is possible to get cut and it does happen. Conversely the athlete is free to quit the team at any time.

To "piggyback" on JAM's comments...this is exactly the same we do at USAFA (yes, I know this is the USMA forum, but I learn a lot from everyone and it's good!!)

When we ALO's (think MALO) work with a recruited athlete we must by HYPER careful NOT to cross the NCAA line of recruiting. Sometimes I think it'd be MUCH nicer to do it the USMA way: have a dedicate officer that can work recruited athletes and not worry about the NCAA recruiting rules.

Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83
 
To "piggyback" on JAM's comments...this is exactly the same we do at USAFA (yes, I know this is the USMA forum, but I learn a lot from everyone and it's good!!)

When we ALO's (think MALO) work with a recruited athlete we must by HYPER careful NOT to cross the NCAA line of recruiting. Sometimes I think it'd be MUCH nicer to do it the USMA way: have a dedicate officer that can work recruited athletes and not worry about the NCAA recruiting rules.

Steve
USAFA ALO
USAFA '83



When my son was recruited this year,he experienced what you are talking about! When he mentioned to the MALO and BGO that the coaches were calling him, he was told that they would not discuss recruiting with him.

Also, the coaches brought him up for an official visit and would call him once a week. I am not sure what the defines a recruited athlete, but he got tons of letters, emails , even phone calls......... but only 7 schools offered him an official visit.

Scout1 thank you for the information!
Not being from a military background, I am learning tons by reading this forum! Thank you to Just a mom and all others too!
 
When my son was recruited this year,he experienced what you are talking about! When he mentioned to the MALO and BGO that the coaches were calling him, he was told that they would not discuss recruiting with him.

Also, the coaches brought him up for an official visit and would call him once a week. I am not sure what the defines a recruited athlete, but he got tons of letters, emails , even phone calls......... but only 7 schools offered him an official visit.

Scout1 thank you for the information!
Not being from a military background, I am learning tons by reading this forum! Thank you to Just a mom and all others too!

What an exciting time this must be for your family. I wish your son the best of luck in his future!
 
Scout1,
I sincerely apologize for my words. I understand you were just helping others on the forum and not aiming anything at me. I know this is no excuse, but, I was very frustrated because many people on this forum would message me telling me I was not recruited and other things. Once again I apologize to you and to everyone else on this forum for choosing such words and acting in such a vulgar manner. As a hopeful future officer I should have conducted myself better. It will not happen again and even when someone actually directs an attack towards me I will keep my composure and act more mature.

Very Respectfully,
Bobby_J
:thumb:
 
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