<p>HELP! I don't know anything about the college recruiting process. My son plays soccer and there are colleges calling him. Univ. of Michigan told him they want him to come up for an unofficial visit to tour the school, stay at the dorm and watch a home game. I realize that I have to pay everything for this trip. I understand that an official visit is when the college pays but I was told (not by the college) that official visits can only happen when the student is a senior in high school. Is this true? Also, how sound is a verbal commitment? I have been hearing about junior year being the most important year in that they can get a verbal commitment and not have to worry anymore. If anyone knows the answer please let me know asap because I have to call the coach tonight . I have to make arrangements for this weekend. Thanks!</p>
<p>Under the College Admissions forum there is a subforum for Athletics and Recruiting. You might want to search there.</p>
<p>You should check out the athletic forum… </p>
<p>[Athletic</a> Recruits - College Confidential](<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/athletic-recruits/]Athletic”>Athletic Recruits - College Confidential Forums)</p>
<p>but to answer your key question, he is not making it up - official visits can only happen in the senior year. </p>
<p>Verbal commitments are a big deal - and very rarely broken. </p>
<p>You should also read this publication from the NCAA:</p>
<p><a href=“http://www.ncaapublications.com/Uploads/PDF/2008-09%20CBSA9c29e699-00f6-48ba-98a9-6456c9b98957.pdf[/url]”>http://www.ncaapublications.com/Uploads/PDF/2008-09%20CBSA9c29e699-00f6-48ba-98a9-6456c9b98957.pdf</a></p>
<p>Most of all relax and enjoy - recruiting can be a really fun ride!!!</p>
<p>Your son’s soccer coach – either high school or club – should be able to help you naviagate the recruiting maze. The NCAA recruiting rules are very specific about what can happen when … phone calls, visits, what kind of visits, who pays for what etc.</p>
<p>It’s a very different college admissions process … and a very different college experience compared to the non recruited athlete. Hang on for the wild ride!</p>
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<p>From the NCAA guide:</p>
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<p>I think each program handles its verbal commitments differently. But there is nothing to stop them from giving “your spot” to a superior player who materializes in the interim…other than a concern for their reputation.</p>
<p>Re Verbal Commitments:</p>
<p>Not sure about Soccer - but in Baseball (which my DS plays) - I am only aware of two verbal commitments that have been broken in more than 200 commitments (DS played for a nationally known travel program which tracked these things). In one case, the player had a career ending injury and in the other, the kid got arrested for dealing large quantities of pot and is looking at jail time.</p>
<p>While the NCAA can’t enforce a verbal contract, reputation is king…</p>
<p>Your son needs to register with the NCAA Clearinghouse.</p>
<p>What dadx said.</p>
<p>As a recruit, you need to fully understand what the coach is saying regarding “commitment” and not get too hung up on the excitement and prestige. And you need to know the reputation of the program. I have known verbal commitments to vanish. I’ve also known them to be very solid. </p>
<p>Remember, only admissions can admit. Focus on the academics as well as the athletics.</p>
<p>visit ncaa.org and get the toll free number. You can call them and ask them anything. They are very nice and will answer all of your questions or direct you to the proper resource. Since your son’s eligibility depends on following the rules, go straight to the source for confirmation. Good luck!</p>
<p>Also, you can download and print the entire NCAA Handbook for student athletes. It’s very handy to have a hard copy at your fingertips as the drama develops. </p>
<p>And ditto what cnp55 says: “Only admissions can admit. Focus on the academics as well…” This should be the recruit’s mantra.</p>
<p>Thank you to everyone who took the time to answer my post. You were very helpful.</p>