The NCAA rules for governing high school basketball recruiting practices are extremely strict. These guidelines were put in place to protect both student-athletes and schools. Under these rules, the incentives schools can offer prospective athletes and their families are limited, which keeps the athletes from being inappropriately manipulated or coerced. If these rules are violated, the penalties for the colleges, coaches and athletes are severe.

High school basketball recruiting rules are strictest during an athlete's sophomore year and relax somewhat by the time he or she becomes a senior. For example, during her sophomore year, a female basketball player can only call a coach at her own expense; the coach is not allowed to call her. However, by the August 1 prior to her senior year, the same high school basketball player can receive one phone call per week per coach.

Bypass Strict High School Basketball Recruiting Rules with PrepChamps

These same recruiting rules govern official visits to schools, which are defined as visits paid for by the colleges in question. Both male and female high school basketball players are barred from these visits during their sophomore and junior years (they can, however, pay for their own, unofficial visits), but they are granted one official visit per school for as many as five colleges during their senior years.

Luckily, there's a better way to be seen by college recruiting officers and coaches than buying plane tickets or spending money on long-distance calls. When you create a free profile on PrepChamps, you can upload your stats, photos, and any video clips of your best plays. It's easier than writing individual letters to dozens of coaches and more dynamic than the best verbal description of your high school basketball prowess.