By John Nestor

Indianapolis, IN

The NCAA Division I Board of Directors was extremely busy at its meeting.

Among several new rules and changes to procedures adopted, the board approved regulations that will allow coaches to send text messages to recruits and will permit college-paid campus visits for recruits and their parents/legal guardians beginning during a prospect's junior year.

Also, the summer evaluation period will be limited to three 4 1/2-day periods and an April evaluation period will be created.

The NCAA hopes the changes allow coaches to begin building relationships directly with recruits earlier so that the players are able to make informed choices.

"It was one of the most aggressive and fullest agendas the board has ever faced," NCAA President Mark Emmert said. "They moved with dispatch on it, and I think they're taking positive steps for schools and student-athletes."

Beginning Jan. 1 of their junior year, recruits can take official visits paid for by colleges. That is moved from the start of their senior year of high school. Schools can also pay travel expenses for two parents/legal guardians, which they previously could not do.

Other changes include:

College coaches being allowed to conduct on-court evaluations during official visits, which they previously could not do.

The July recruiting period will be shortened from two 10-day periods to three four-day periods. Beginning this spring, college coaches also will be allowed to evaluate players during two weekends in April, which they previously could not do.

There will be no restrictions on phone calls, text messaging or contacting recruits via social media messengers following June 15 of a prospect's sophomore year.

Contacting recruits by public social media like Twitter or Facebook is still prohibited.

 

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NCAA Hoops Coaches Allowed Unlimited Calls and Texts to Juniors And Seniors