Recruiting Playbook · Recruiting Periods

What is the NCAA quiet period?

The quiet period is the campus-only window: coaches can meet you face to face, but only if you come to them. Here is exactly what is allowed, and the smart moves to keep your recruiting going.

The quiet period, defined

During a quiet period, a college coach may have in-person contact with you or your parents only on the college's campus. Coaches cannot watch you compete or visit your high school, and there is no in-person contact at off-campus locations. They can, however, still write, call, email, and message you. In short: the quiet period is the campus-only period.

✓ What coaches CAN do

  • Meet you face to face on their own campus (great time to visit)
  • Call, write, email, text, and message you
  • Host you for an unofficial or official visit
  • Continue building the relationship remotely

✕ What coaches CANNOT do

  • Have in-person contact with you off campus
  • Visit your high school to see you
  • Watch you compete at games or events
  • Meet you in person at any off-campus location
Scout Tip

The quiet period is the perfect time for an unofficial visit, since on-campus contact is allowed. Use the quieter stretch to network with coaches, refresh your film, and lock in academically. Get evaluated and plan your next move →

Watch: the quiet period explained

Video: understanding the NCAA quiet period

How to make the most of a quiet period

Coaches are limited, but your recruiting does not have to slow down. This is a great stretch to get ahead.

Take an unofficial visit

On-campus contact is allowed, so visit campuses and meet coaches in person.

Keep communicating

You can always initiate contact. Keep calls and emails with coaches going.

Upgrade your film

Refresh your highlight and skills video so it is ready when contact opens back up.

Research & grades

Dig into target schools and keep your grades and test scores climbing.

Use the quiet period to get ahead

The recruits who use slow stretches wisely come out in front. Get a free NSR evaluation and a clear plan for your next steps.

When is the quiet period for your sport?

Quiet-period dates are set each year and differ by sport and division. Because the exact dates change annually, confirm the current windows from the official source.

Official NCAA recruiting calendars

The authoritative, current Division I and II recruiting calendars by sport, including quiet-period dates.

View the official NCAA calendars →

Quiet period FAQ

What is the NCAA quiet period?
The quiet period is the phase of the NCAA recruiting calendar when a college coach can have in-person contact with a recruit or their parents only on the college campus. During a quiet period, coaches cannot watch you compete, visit your high school, or meet you in person anywhere off campus. They can still call, write, email, and message you.
Can coaches contact me during a quiet period?
Yes, but with limits. Coaches can call, write, email, text, and message you during a quiet period, and they can meet you face to face if you visit their campus. What they cannot do is have in-person contact off campus, including at your school, your games, or your home.
What is the difference between a quiet period and a dead period?
During a quiet period, coaches can still have in-person contact with you on their own campus, so a campus visit is a great move. During a dead period, no in-person contact is allowed anywhere, on or off campus, though calls and messages continue. Quiet means campus-only; dead means no in-person contact at all.
What should I do during a quiet period?
A quiet period is a great time to take an unofficial visit to a campus (where in-person contact is allowed), keep your communication with coaches going by phone and email, update your highlight film, research target schools, and focus on grades and training. Use the quieter stretch to get ahead.

Keep your recruiting moving

Quiet period or not, the work never stops. Get an honest NSR evaluation and a plan that keeps you progressing year-round. Start free.