The Difference Between Official and Unofficial Visits
As the recruiting process becomes more serious and both the recruit and college coach share a vested interest, it is time to take a visit. Here are the general differences between official and unofficial visits and what to expect.
Unofficial Visits
Unofficial visits are visits to colleges that are completely funded by the visiting recruit and family. With the new NCAA legislation, unofficial visits cannot occur before September 1st of junior year of high school. However, they can be taken as often as the athlete desires as there is no limit to unofficial visits. A freshman or sophomore may schedule an academic visit to an institution, but they are not allowed to engage in conversation with the coaching staff while on campus. Unofficial visits are being de-emphasized in today’s recruiting world, but generally, you can expect to see coaches lay out itineraries for the day and show you everything they can about their program and campus.
A college coach will invite you to pay a visit to campus where you will be able to evaluate the college and see if it is a right fit for you. On unofficial visits, you will meet the coaching staff, athletic trainers, strength and conditioning coaches, players, and other faculty. You will tour athletic facilities, classes, dorms, library, cafeteria, and other campus amenities. You may also meet with a faculty member of your intended area of study where you will be given general guidelines of the coursework required for your potential major.
Prepare for these visits by coming on campus with questions for the coaching staff and players regarding the volleyball program, academics, and college lifestyle. Another factor to be prepared for is honesty by the coaching staff as they will be up-front about where they see you fitting into their program. Whether they offer you a full-ride scholarship or walk-on offer, do not feel pressured to commit while on campus. Take a few days to weigh your options before giving the program your decision.
Official Visits
Official visits are different from unofficial visits as the university pays for all visit expenses (i.e. travel, meals, hotel). Unlike unofficial visits, official visits are restricted to 5 official visits to NCAA DI and DII schools combined per athlete, with only 1 visit per school. NCAA DIII and NAIA schools are allotted unlimited official visits, but still sanctioned to 1 per school. Official visits can be taken after September 1st of junior year of high school.
Official visits are reserved for top recruits or commitments. With the new proposals by NCAA, more emphasis is being placed on official visits in an attempt to end early recruiting ages and commitments. In regards to what to expect on official visits, the information is going to be the same as your unofficial visit as the two visits do not differ much in content.
Overall, visits are the time to relax and enjoy the recruiting process! This will be your chance to get the “red carpet” treatment and a taste of what college life and volleyball will be like at the next level. Take notes while on and immediately following your visit to specify your likes and dislikes so you can refer back and refresh your memory while making your final college decision.
