Navigating College Lacrosse Recruiting Rules with Athlete Pipeline

College lacrosse recruiting rules have evolved to create a more balanced process, especially to curb early recruitment. In 2017, the NCAA introduced new regulations, pushing back the timeline for when coaches could begin contacting athletes to September 1 of their junior year. This shift came after findings that lacrosse had the highest rate of early recruiting among NCAA men’s sports. The new rules aim to allow athletes more time to grow, focus on academics, and enjoy their high school experience without the pressure of early recruitment.

Key Points About NCAA Men’s Lacrosse Recruiting Rules

Recruiting Contact: College coaches can start contacting student-athletes on September 1 of their junior year. This includes communication through calls, texts, emails, verbal offers, and recruitment letters.

Why the Change?: A 2017 study revealed that 81% of lacrosse athletes were recruited before their junior year, leading USA Lacrosse, IWLCA, and IMLCA to advocate for changes. The aim was to relieve pressure on younger athletes and prevent hasty decisions.

Early Recruitment: While direct communication with coaches isn’t allowed until junior year, coaches can still evaluate athletes by viewing their profiles, watching highlight videos, and observing their performance in tournaments. Athlete Pipeline is a powerful tool for athletes to build their profile and gain exposure before direct communication begins.

Division-Specific Rules

• Division 1: The most restrictive, where coaches can only begin contacting athletes on September 1 of junior year. From this date, athletes can also start scheduling official visits and receiving scholarship offers.
• Division 2: Coaches may contact athletes earlier, beginning June 15 after the athlete’s sophomore year. Athletes can also schedule unofficial visits and receive scholarship offers from this time.
• Division 3: The most flexible, allowing coaches to contact athletes and send recruiting materials at any time, with off-campus communication permitted after sophomore year.
• NAIA: Has fewer restrictions, allowing coaches to contact athletes anytime during high school.

Lacrosse Recruiting Calendar Highlights

• Dead Periods: During these times, coaches cannot have in-person contact with athletes or their families, though digital communication is still permitted. Key examples include August 13-31, 2024, and May 23-27, 2025.
• Contact Periods: After June 15 of sophomore year, athletes and coaches may communicate freely, excluding dead or quiet periods.

Quiet Period

During a quiet period, coaches can only have in-person communication on the college campus, with visits to athletes’ homes or high schools not allowed. Quiet periods, such as December 2-23, 2024, and January 21 – February 28, 2025, offer a break from the more intensive recruiting activities.

Understanding these recruiting rules and timelines is crucial for student-athletes aiming to secure a college lacrosse position. By leveraging Athlete Pipeline to keep profiles updated and maintain visibility, athletes can stay on track and maximize their recruitment potential, ensuring they’re in the best position to succeed in collegiate lacrosse.