In April of 2018 the NCAA changed the rules on when D-1 softball coaches could begin talking to prospective student-athletes and pushing the first contact date to September 1 of the junior year of high school.
Largely, it’s been thought to have been a good change because it eliminates the problems that came with athletes feeling pressured at too young of an age, perhaps of being compelled to verbally commit, getting physically or emotionally burned out or fears of disappointing others if they continue to improve or develop.
Others, however, like the rule as it was and felt it didn’t need to be implemented.
We asked our parent panel to weigh in on the pros and cons of the recruiting rule change and each of them has a unique perspective because the change took place in the midst of either their daughters either being talked to by coaches or having verbal offers being made.
The parent panel consists of families from different club programs—all with unique experiences—and includes, for this article:
- Parents: Damian & Leigh Ann Frederick
- Athlete: Lilly Vallimont, No. 1 catcher in the 2022 Extra Elite 100, a Michigan commit and member of the Lady Dukes program.
- Parent: Jamie Strott
- Athlete: Kiley Strott, Top 40 ranking in the 2023 Extra Elite 100, a Central Florida commit and member of the Tennessee Mojo organization.
- Parent: Anonymous
- Athlete: a top-ranked player from the Northeast, committed to a Top 25 DI program.
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Was your daughter impacted by the NCAA changing the date when players could be contacted? If so, how?
Damian Frederick: I do believe Lilly was impacted negatively by the rule change.  Even though she committed when she was in 8th grade, she already started to build a relationship with the coaching staff.  They would have phone calls where she could learn about them and their style.  This was also the same in reverse where the coaching staff could learn more about Lilly’s personality.
Then, all of a sudden, there could be no more communication.   I wish the girls were able to have a little more communication with the coaches before their Junior year. Opening up a line of communication beforehand would be beneficial so they could build a relationship with the coaches, knowing it’s the right fit for them. However, I understand why there is a rule, because where do you draw the line on what can and can’t be discussed?
James Strott: What the rule change happened, at first we were a little disappointed, but it honestly worked out in our daughter’s favor and I’m glad the rule change happened!
Kiley hit her growth spurt later in life, so it gave her time to get bigger, stronger and better. Back then, she was a small catcher and probably would have been overlooked due to her size. But she grew and worked her butt off on the field and in lessons and with her trainer, because she realized what it was going to take to play at that next level.
So, for us, the rule change was a good thing.
Anonymous: She was not really impacted by the rule change as at the time of the change (Spring 2018) as she was in 8th grade and did not have clear convictions about playing softball in college let alone where she might play.
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Do you agree with the Sept 1st junior year date?  Why or why not?
Damian Frederick: I do agree with the Sept. 1 date of their Junior year for committing.  However, I believe that coaches and prospects should be allowed to talk and communicate with each other prior to that date so they can learn if that school’s program is a great fit for one another.
James Strott: I agree with the change to September 1st of the Junior year. By then, some girls realize softball isn’t for them and they want to focus on other things. It gives them time to mature and to choose the right school that fits them academically and athletically.
I will say that, when September 1st came around for Kiley, it was one of the most exciting days for her and for us. All the hard work she put in paid off and watching her face when the phone started ringing at 12:01 am was awesome!
Anonymous: I agree with the Sept 1 junior year because it gives kids more time to develop and more time to understand their needs and priorities, such as level of program intensity, major they would study, fit culturally with school and coaches. The current date allows for more thoughtful and mature decisions by the prospective student-athlete.
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If you could change any rules about the recruiting process, what would it be and why?
Damian Frederick: The rule that I would change is that there can be no contact prior to Sept. 1 of the prospects Junior year. Â You are asking a 15- or 16-year-old to make a huge decision in their life by trying to build a relationship with, sometimes, multiple coaches to see which school is a better fit in a short period of time.
James Strott: I wish the girls were able to have a little more communication with the coaches before their Junior year. Opening up a line of communication beforehand would be beneficial so they could build a relationship with the coaches, knowing it’s the right fit for them. However, I understand why there is a rule, because where do you draw the line on what can and can’t be discussed?
Anonymous: It would be nice to see a period of time where prospective student-athletes can talk to coaches and visit schools; like, for example, two months in advance of when the school can offer and the prospect accept. This would help eliminate players and coaches from rushing into a decision without really have meaningful connections and it would potentially eliminate pressure to accept an early offer.
Extra Inning Correspondent
