NCAA D-I men’s basketball expands key definition

NCAA D-I men’s basketball has expanded a key recruiting rule.

Effective August 1 of this year, more people will be included in the group of individuals connected to NCAA D-I men’s basketball prospects.  Previously, only parents, guardians, coaches and family members were considered within that circle.  The updated rule, however, throws a net over anyone perceived to have significant influence over prospects.  In the end, the NCAA wants to reduce, if not stop, abuses in the recruiting process.

NCAA D-I men’s basketball under scrutiny

Basketball recruiting, particularly on the Division I level, is a thorn in the side of the NCAA.  Frequent rules violations create a multitude of headaches for the Association.  Therefore, it is not unexpected that this rule comes under scrutiny.

Travel basketball opens the door to more and more people who come into contact with NCAA D-I men’s basketball prospects.  Youngsters, basking in the spotlight, are vulnerable.  Parents, too.  None, for the most part, having previously gone through the recruiting process, so they are inundated with outside noise.  Some are helpful, to be sure.  Some, though, is inaccurate and harmful.  The NCAA wants to eliminate the latter.

A problem rooted in greed

Legitimate NCAA D-I men’s basketball prospects are in a class by themselves.  As a result, all sorts of people on the periphery attempt to get close to the prospects  They do this by any means possible. Their purpose?  Greed.  They are looking to catch the wave of a young player’s success for their own benefit.  Their outward goal: to show parents that they have pull with college coaches. In reality, personal greed is their motivation.

That said, some outsiders are certainly well-intended.  They sincerely want the best for the kids.  These good-hearted folks spend hours of their own time doing right by the prospects and families.  From carrying prospects to and from practices and tournaments to keeping ne’er-do-wells at arm’s length, they genuinely help families.  In fact, without their assistance, many families flounder.

Others, however, are no more than hangers-on.  Therein lies the problem.  It is often hard for families to recognize the greedy ones.  They smile and show a good face.  They say what families want to hear.  But, typically standing in the background, their hidden agendas are camouflaged.  And when families let them in, trouble soon follows.  Throwing caution to the wind, they step over the line and carelessly violate NCAA recruiting rules.

The solution – a new rule

Most NCAA D-I men’s basketball prospects carry baggage.  Some good.  Some bad.  The NCAA knows this and wants to help prospects and their families eliminate the bad.  Hence, this year the Association takes a definitive, strategic step.  Now, basically, everyone attached to the prospect is accountable for their actions on behalf of the prospect.

This makes it harder for those behind the scenes to make undetectable contacts with coaching staffs without the family’s permission.  Moreover, families can better select who they allow into their inner circle.  In other words, parents and prospects have more control.  In turn, so does the NCAA.

The rule

Here is the new NCAA D-I men’s basketball rule (abridged):  Individual Associated with a Prospect — Basketball. An individual associated with a prospect is any person who maintains (or directs others to maintain) contact with the prospect, the prospect’s relatives or legal guardians.  Included, anyone who coaches the prospect at any point during his participation in basketball, and whose contact is directly or indirectly related to either the prospect’s athletic skills and abilities or the prospect’s recruitment by or enrollment in a NCAA institution. This definition includes, but is not limited to, parents, legal guardians, handlers, personal trainers, and coaches. An individual who meets this definition retains such status during the enrollment of the prospect at the institution.

Editor’s Note:  Alan Parham is a 14-year-veteran high school scout with National Scouting Report.  His current position is NCAA and NAIA compliance officer. He writes two blogs each week for the company.