An Unofficial On-Campus Visit is when a prospective student-athlete meets institution representatives where some or all of the visit occurs within the physical boundaries of the university campus or buildings controlled by the athletic department, but receives no financial assistance of any kind
An Official On-Campus Visit is when a prospective student-athlete is invited to an institution and receives financial assistance for the visit by an institutional representative. An institution may fund, in whole or in part, a prospective student athlete’s visit once every 365 days to a maximum of two visits in the prospective student-athlete’s lifetime. An official visit cannot exceed 72 hours from the time of arrival on campus until the time of departure from campus. Institutionally funded attendance at formal ID camps, evaluation camps and/or individual evaluation sessions (organized by an institution is considered to be an official on campus visit. Institutions are bound by the following regulations regarding official visits:
a) Institutions may fund the prospective student-athletes transportation costs with receipts provided the route used is as direct as possible from the student-athlete’s originating location to the institution. Ground transportation can be reimbursed up to the maximum institutional mileage rate.
b) Funding of transportation and/or accommodation (unless shared with the student- athlete) for parents, relatives, legal guardians or the student-athlete’s coaches is not allowed.
c) Institutions may for the duration of the official visit, cover shared accommodation and up to nine meals that have been submitted for expense with official receipts, for each of the prospective student-athlete and their parents or legal guardian(s).
d) Institutions may provide up to three complimentary event tickets for a campus sponsored event such as inter-university sport event or music department concert.
e) Institutions may provide reasonable entertainment and/or services for the prospective student-athlete and their parents or legal guardian during the official visit at an institution-sponsored event or at an institution facility. The cumulative value (paid or in-kind) of such entertainment products and/or services not to exceed a retail value of $100 (CDN). This $100 is limited to entertainment and/or services and is not to include other charges (i.e.: apparel, university application fees, etc.).
It is imperative that institution representatives properly supervise under age prospective student-athletes during the official visit.
Institution representatives must inform and educate prospective student-athletes of U SPORTS Recruiting Regulations and are required to inform them that the prospective student-athlete will be responsible for any violation of those regulations. Prospective student-athletes are responsible for their involvement in any violation of those regulations.
An institution may fund, in whole or in part, a prospective student athlete’s visit once every 365 days to a maximum of two visits in the prospective student-athlete’s lifetime. An official visit cannot exceed 72 hours from the time of arrival on campus until the time of departure from campus. *For soccer programs, this is a rule but is very unlikely considering many of the schools budgets. The bigger funded sports like football and basketball may be able to accomodate this rule.
On an official visit, the institution may pay for the prospective student-athlete’s transportation to the institution, shared accommodation and up to 6 meals a day (which can include meals for parents or guardians) The institution may further provide reasonable entertainment, up to three complimentary event tickets (sport or other campus sponsored event) up to a maximum of $100CDN
The institution may not pay for transportation or accommodation for parents, relatives, legal guardians or the student-athlete’s coaches.
Give the coach adequate notice you are looking to come on an unofficial visit. Three weeks would be ideal. Start by connecting with the coach to talk about a visit. You should ask about best dates that could work for them to potentially meet up while you are there.
The best way to learn about a college or university is to visit it. While on campus you can get a feel for the school. Try to visit while school is in session. If you visit over the summer, keep in mind many colleges do offer summer programs, therefore the students you see on campus may not be full-time students.
While on campus, why not schedule a little time to visit with the soccer coach? Meeting with a coach is a great opportunity to ask questions about the school and the soccer program. It may also help you decide if you like the coach. It is also a great time to market yourself to the coach. You should plan to take a photocopy of your transcript so the coach can see what kind of student you are. Also bring your athletic resume if the coach does not have it on file. Bring a parent— they may ask questions you won’t. Most importantly, try to establish an open dialogue with the coach. It is also important for college coaches to be honest with you.
Here are some things you should do in advance of a visit:
