The dates limit the college, not your athlete
NCAA contact rules restrict what a college may send and when. Athletes can generally email a coach, complete a questionnaire or send film at any age. Before a date, a coach may read and watch but may be limited in replying with recruiting messages.
Three kinds of contact, different thresholds
In Division I, communication, calls and off-campus contact can each be tied to a different age or school-calendar threshold, and they differ by sport. Where a threshold depends on a school calendar, such as the first day of classes, we do not guess a date.
Wrestling for men needs the first-college-enrollment timing, so the calculator asks for it.
Before the date, coaches may talk to your coach
A college coach may be able to speak with a high school or club coach about an athlete before contacting the family. A reference from your own coach can help programs learn about an athlete early.
Division II and III
Division II and III communication has no age-based threshold, but off-campus contact has separate rules. Division II also has recruiting-calendar restrictions; Division III has competition-site and other restrictions. Check each division's current guide linked above.
Assumptions and limits
Dates assume a normal U.S. progression through high school. Ask college compliance about nontraditional calendars, transfers, signed aid, and early or delayed enrollment. NAIA and NJCAA are outside the scope of this tool and set their own rules. Cleared is not affiliated with the NCAA.
Questions families ask
Can a college coach text a sophomore?
It depends on the division, the sport and the date. Use the calculator for a Division I projection, then confirm with the program's compliance office.
Can my athlete call a coach before the date?
Division I limits calls the college places and, in many sports, calls the coach may receive from an athlete or family. Ask the program's compliance office before arranging a call.
A coach contacted us early. Are we in trouble?
The rules bind colleges and their staff. Keep the message and ask the college's compliance office if you are unsure.
Do these dates apply to NAIA and junior colleges?
No. NAIA and NJCAA are outside NCAA rules and outside this tool. Check each association directly.
Does the rule stop coaches watching games?
Not generally, though calendars, dead periods and quiet periods can limit when coaches attend events. Confirm current rules for the sport.