NCAA Contact Periods Explained
NCAA rules define when and how college coaches can communicate with recruits. These rules restrict coaches, not athletes — you can reach out to coaches at any time.
Contact periods vary by sport, division, and time of year. OfferSecured tracks the current period for every D1 and D2 program so you always know where things stand. D3, NAIA, and JUCO programs generally have fewer restrictions.
What coaches CAN do
- Call, text, or email you directly
- Make in-person, off-campus contact (e.g., visit your high school)
- Host you for official and unofficial visits
- Watch you compete in person
What this means for you
This is the most open period. Coaches can reach out freely, and so can you. If you've been waiting to hear back, this is when it's most likely to happen.
What coaches CAN do
- Watch you compete or practice in person
- Visit your high school (but cannot have off-campus contact)
- Send you written correspondence (letters, emails)
What coaches CANNOT do
- Call you (with limited sport-specific exceptions)
- Have in-person, off-campus contact with you or your family
What this means for you
Coaches are actively scouting. They may be at your games or meets even if they haven't told you. Keep competing — they're watching. You can still email and message coaches during this period.
What coaches CAN do
- Have in-person contact only on their campus (official/unofficial visits)
- Call, text, and email you
- Send you written correspondence
What coaches CANNOT do
- Visit your school, home, or competition site for in-person contact
- Have off-campus, in-person contact with you or your family
What this means for you
You can still communicate with coaches by phone, email, text, and social media. You can also visit campuses. Coaches just can't come to you. This is a great time to schedule campus visits and keep conversations going.
What coaches CAN do
- Send you written correspondence (letters, emails)
- Call and text you (in most sports)
What coaches CANNOT do
- Have any in-person contact with you — on or off campus
- Host official or unofficial visits
- Watch you compete in person
What this means for you
No visits, no in-person meetings — but you can still email, call, and message coaches. Use this time to keep building relationships remotely. Many athletes use dead periods to send updates on their season or academics.
Remember: These rules restrict coaches, not you.
Athletes can email, call, text, and message coaches at any time during any period. The recruiting calendar only limits what coaches can initiate. Don't wait for a contact period to start a conversation — the best time to reach out is now.