Rule on recruiting

[redandblack63]

Due to the fact I feel that several are unfamiliar with the recruiting rule and what it states I have printed it below.

 

Article II Section 21

The use of undue influence on a student (with or without an athletic record), the parents, or guardians of a student by ANY PERSON connected or NOT CONNECTED with the school to secure or to retain a student for athletic purposes shall be a violation of the recruiting rule.

 

So what does this mean. It means that if a parent , player, coach, etc contacts a kid this is a violation. So when the coach tells a player to call or contact a kid to influence him to go to a school that is recruiting. When you have your players call a student zoned for another school on a daily basis that is recruiting. When you have a parent talk to a parent about sending their child to your school that is recruiting. Difficult to prove but never the less recruiting.

 

So for those of you who are constantly in denial about the fact that your school recruits you must be ignorant of the rule because I know that no one would be dishonest on this web site. If the shoe fits wear it.

[boorelly]

The rule speaks for itself. I can give my boy Stevens credit. ( He loses players every year to private and other schools; i.e. Inman of Webb lives off Linden Ave. exactly 1 block from AE high School) He says we'll be glad to have you but don't need you!

[topnight]

However because of the BA lawsuit the rule must be re-written.

[VolunteerGeneral]

Article II Section 21

The use of undue influence on a student (with or without an athletic record), the parents, or guardians of a student by ANY PERSON connected or NOT CONNECTED with the school to secure or to retain a student for athletic purposes shall be a violation of the recruiting rule.

 

 

The rule is too vague. It doesn`t say that you can`t contact a student(with or without an athletic record). It says you cannot use undue influence. Since you seem to profess to be an expert on this matter, would you mind explaining what undue influence is.

[ELA]

I thought I would give you the LATEST words from the TSSAA on this rule and the explanation of this rule DIRECTLY from the TSSAA 2003 HANDBOOK. MAYBE this will end the debate on HOW to understand the recruiting rule. It seems very clear to me, here it is.....

 

____________________________________________________________

 

Recruiting Rule

Section 21. The use of undue influence on a student (with or without an athletic record), the parents or guardians of a student by any person connected, or not connected, with the school to secure or to retain a student for athletic purposes shall be a violation of the recruiting rule.

 

2002-03 TSSAA Handbook

Page 43 July 28, 2002

Recruiting Rule

1. Q. How is undue influence interpreted in the recruiting rule?

A. A person or persons exceeding what is appropriate or normal and offering an incentive or inducement to a student with or without an athletic record.

2. Q. What is the penalty for violation of the recruiting rule?

A. Violation of the recruiting rule shall cause the student to be ineligible at the school in violation, and a penalty shall be placed against the school.

3. Q. Is it permissible for a coach to contact a student or his or her parents prior to his enrollment in the school?

A. No, a coach may not contact a student or his or her parents prior to his enrollment in the school. This shall apply to all students whether or not they have an athletic record.

 

4. Q. What are some of the guides used in determining whether there has been undue influence used which would result in a violation of the recruiting rule?

A. Some examples are, but not limited to:

1.Providing of transportation or other inducement to any prospective student/athlete to take a qualifying examination at a school, meet with school officials, etc.

2.Discussion of financial aid based on need with any prospective student/athlete by any member of the coaching staff until the student has enrolled in school (attended 3 days of school). All financial aid questions should be referred to the principal or the person in charge of financial aid. If the person in charge of financial aid is a coach, prior approval must be granted by the Executive

Director of TSSAA.

3.Any initial contact or prearranged contact by a member of the coaching staff or representative of the school and a prospective student/athlete enrolled in any member school except where there is

a definite feeder pattern.

4.Any initial contact or prearranged contact by a member of the coaching staff or representative of

the school and a prospective student/athlete in the seventh grade and above at any non-member school except where there is a definite feeder pattern involving the schools.

Public high schools may contact public feeder schools (elementary, middle school, junior high school) where there is a definite feeder pattern. Private or parochial schools may contact private schools (elementary, middle school, junior high school) where there is a definite feeder pattern. Private or parochial schools may not contact students enrolled at the public schools. Public schools

may not contact students enrolled at the private schools.

5.Any contact between a member of the coaching staff or representative of the school and prospective student/athletes prior to, during, or after contests at elementary schools, middle schools, and junior high schools except where there is a definite pattern.

6.A member school is prohibited from giving any item with school advertisement (shirts, pennants, caps, jackets, etc.)

7.Admitting students to athletic contests free of charge where there is an admission being charged at the contest except where there is a definite feeder pattern involved with the school.

5. Q. What is allowed by member schools in contacting prospective students?

A. A representative of the school may meet with students at a school that is defined as a feeder school or meet with students who are zoned to attend that school the following year. This visit must be cleared by the principals of both schools.

 

Guidelines For Understanding The "Recruiting Rule" and Understanding "What Is Undue

Influence?"

2002-03 TSSAA Handbook

1. The major theme of the "recruiting rule" is not "initial contact." The major theme is "exceeding what is normal and appropriate." Initial contact can be a violation, but is only one of many things that can exceed what is normal and appropriate.

2. One key is not treating "athletes" or "prospective athletes" any differently than students who are

not athletes.

3. Students should be seen as students and not singled out based on their potential athletic ability.

4. Pre-arranged contact is seen in the same manner as initial contact.

5. Any student or family or individual that contacts a coach about attending a school where he or she coaches should be informed that they need to contact the principal, admissions department, or guidance department if they have an interest.

6. Any meeting with coaches regarding athletes or prospective athletes or their families should be at the request of the family to the individual(s) responsible for admissions and should take place at the school.

7. High school athletics is not the same as colleges recruiting high school athletes for college

athletics. High school athletics exist for an entirely different reason. High school coaches should not view 12-, 13-, 14-year-old students in the same manner as college coaches view high school seniors.

8. Administrators and coaches must realize that they have more responsibilities than the general public to understand the purpose of high school athletics, the principles behind the TSSAA rules, etc., and to maintain a level of understanding and purpose when dealing with the general public and students.

[VolunteerGeneral]

Thanks ELA for posting that.

 

For interest I`m going to post what California says about undue influence.

 

510. UNDUE INFLUENCE

 

A.

 

 

 

The use of undue influence by any person or persons to secure or retain a student or to secure or retain one

or both parents or guardians of a student as residents may cause the student to be ineligible for high school athletics for a period of one year and shall jeopardize the standing of the high school in the California Interscholastic Federation.

NOTE: Undue influence is any act, gesture or communication (including accepting material or financial inducement to attend a CIF member school for the purpose of engaging in CIF competition regardless of the source) which is performed personally, or through another, which may be objectively seen as an inducement, or part of a process of inducing a student, or his or her parent or guardian, by or on behalf of, a member school, to enroll in, transfer to, or remain in, a particular school for athletic purposes.

B.

 

 

A student shall become ineligible for CIF competition in their respective sport and shall be penalized according to Bylaw 400 for accepting material or financial inducement to attend a CIF member school for the purpose of engaging in CIF competition, regardless of the source.

C.

 

 

 

 

All transfer students shall submit a completed CIF Pre-enrollment Contract Affidavit (CIF Form 510) with the appropriate transfer application(s) as required by their respective CIF Section under Bylaw 214C.3.a or 212.

NOTE: CIF Form 510 is available through your local CIF Section office.

(Revised May 2002 Federated Council)

[VolunteerGeneral]

Here is what Florida`s rulebook says. Please note section D. This is what I was trying to say in another thread that schools should be able to do in Tennessee.

 

Policy on Recruiting

 

The FHSAA Board of Directors has established the following policy with regard to the illegal recruitment of student-athletes by member schools:

 

A. GENERAL PRINCIPLES

1. Recruiting is the use of undue influence and/or special inducement by anyone associated with a school in an attempt to encourage a prospective student to attend or remain at that school for the purpose of participating in interscholastic athletics.

2. Recruitment of students or attempted recruitment of students for athletic purposes, regardless of their residence, is a gross violation of the spirit and philosophy of the Bylaws of the Florida High School Activities Association and is expressly forbidden (FHSAA Bylaw 7.6.1).

3. Member schools are responsible for any violation committed by any person associated with the school, including principals, assistant principals, athletic directors, coaches, teachers, any other staff members or employees, students, parents or any organization, such as booster clubs, having connection to the school. Member schools also are responsible for any violation committed by any person acting at the direction of the school or anyone associated with the school.

4. Member schools each year will be required to submit to the FHSAA Office with their Membership Application form a Certification of Compliance with the FHSAA Recruiting Policy. The principal, athletic director and head coach in each varsity sport offered by the school will be required to sign a form provided by the FHSAA Office certifying that they have reviewed this policy and will comply with all provisions of this policy, and that they will review the provisions of this policy with other individuals or groups associated with the school such as athletic booster clubs.

5. Effective with the 1997-98 school year and thereafter, participation by a student in non-school competition (i.e. AAU, American Legion, club settings, etc.) as a member of a team that is affiliated with any school other than the school which the student attends, followed by a transfer by that student to that school, shall be considered prima facie evidence that the student was recruited by the school to which he/she transferred. Unless this prima facie evidence of recruiting is disproved by the school and student to the satisfaction of the Commissioner, the student shall be ineligible to represent that school in the interscholastic athletic competition for a period of 365 consecutive days from the date of his/her enrollment in that school. A team affiliated with a school is one that is organized by and/or coached by any member of the coaching staff at, or any other person affiliated with, that school; and/or on which the majority of the members of the team (participants in practice and/or competition) are students who attend that school.

 

B. UNDUE INFLUENCE

1. The use of undue influence, which is the use of direct or indirect communication by anyone associated with a school with a prospective student-athlete in an attempt to solicit or encourage the enrollment of a prospective student-athlete in that school, is prohibited. Additionally, no one associated with a school may request any third party to solicit or encourage the enrollment of a prospective student-athlete in that school, for in that case the third party also becomes associated with that school.

2. Undue influence includes, but is not limited to:

(a) Initiating or arranging telephone, telegram or other written contact such as questionnaires, cards or letters, with a prospective student-athlete or member of his/her family for the purpose and intent of soliciting or encouraging the enrollment of the student in a school.

( Visiting or entertaining a prospective student-athlete or member of his/her family for the purpose and intent of soliciting or encouraging the enrollment of the student in a school.

© Providing transportation to a prospective student-athlete or member his/her family to visit a school or to meet with anyone associated with a school for the purpose and intent of soliciting or encouraging the enrollment of the student in that school.

(d) Attending grade school, junior high or middle school games for the purpose of evaluating and recruiting specific prospective student-athletes.

(e) Requesting booster club members, students, parents or alumni from a school to discuss the merits of the school˜s athletic program with a prospective student-athlete or member of his/her family by phone, in person or through letters or other written communication.

(f) Any other contact with a prospective student-athlete or member of his/her family for the purpose and intent of soliciting or encouraging the enrollment of the student in a school.

3. No member school and no one acting on behalf of any member school may give any speech or give any slide, film or tape presentation or distribute any written material, including advertisements in newspapers, magazines or other publications, which states or implies that a member school˜s athletic program is better than the athletic program of any other member school or that it would be more advantageous for any prospective student-athlete to participate in athletics at that member school as opposed to any other school.

4. When a student at a junior high, middle school or other high school, or the parent(s) or guardian(s) of that student contacts a coach about attending the coach˜s school, the coach must immediately refer the student, parent(s) or guardian(s) to the principal or other appropriate school personnel, who have the responsibility of seeking and processing prospective students.

5. It is not considered a violation for a coach to have normal community contact with a student who attends a junior high or middle school of the same system which is a feeder to the high school at which the coach is employed.

 

C. SPECIAL INDUCEMENT

1. A student-athlete may not receive or be offered any remunerations of any kind or receive or be offered any special inducement of any kind which is not made available to all students who enroll in or apply to a school.

2. Special inducements include, but are not be limited to:

(a) Offer or acceptance of money or other valuable consideration such as free or reduced tuition during the regular school year or summer school by any person associated with a school.

( Offer or acceptance of room, board, textbooks or clothing, or financial allotment for textbooks or clothing.

© Offer or acceptance of pay for work that is not performed or that is in excess of the amount regularly paid for such service.

(d) Offer or acceptance of free transportation by any person associated with a school.

(e) Offer or acceptance of a residence with any person associated with a school.

(f) Offer or acceptance of any privilege not afforded to non-athletes.

(g) Offer or acceptance of free or reduced rent for parents or guardians.

(h) Offer or acceptance of payment of moving expenses of parents or guardians or assistance with the moving of parents or guardians.

(i) Offer or acceptance of employment of parent(s) or guardian(s) in order to entice the family to move to a certain community if any person associated with the school makes the offer.

(j) Offer or acceptance of help in securing a college athletic scholarship.

 

D. ACADEMIC RECRUITMENT PROGRAMS

1. This policy is not intended to prevent a member school from conducting academic recruitment programs or recruitment programs designed to attract students based upon the school˜s overall educational and extracurricular programs. However, such recruitment programs must be designed to present the overall educational and extracurricular programs of the school and not be used as a subterfuge for recruiting students for athletic purposes. Such general recruitment programs permissible under this article must be carried out under the following guidelines:

(a) With the permission of the principal, member schools may present speeches, slides, film, tape or other similar programs to students at elementary, junior high or middle schools with grades below the ninth from which the member school can normally expect enrollment.

( Member schools may present speeches, slides, film, tape or other similar programs to students at elementary, junior high or middle schools with grades below the ninth from which the member school can normally expect enrollment so long as said speeches, slides, film, tape or other presentations are designed to attract students to attend the member school and are based upon the overall educational programs and not presented solely for the purpose of recruiting prospective athletes. Any mention of athletics in said speeches, films, slides, films, tapes or other such presentations or in any written material handed out at such presentations must be limited to listing the various interscholastic athletic programs in which that school participates and to a description of the athletic facilities available at said school. No information can be distributed through such programs by the the use of speech, slides, films, tapes or written material which in any way implies that the member school˜s athletic program is better than any other member school˜s athletic program or that it would be more advantageous for a prospective student-athlete if he/she participated at that member school as opposed to any other member school.

© Recruiting programs of any kind cannot be conducted by coaches or any member of the school˜s athletic staff.

(d) Member schools may conduct open house, but information presented at said open houses or in advertisements for said open houses concerning the school˜s athletic program must be limited to a listing of the sports in which that school participates in interscholastic athletics and to a description of the school˜s athletic facilities. No information distributed at a school˜s open house through any speech, slide, film, tape or written material can imply that the school˜s athletic program is better than any other member school˜s athletic program or that it would be more advantageous for a prospective student-athlete if he/she participated at that member school as opposed to any other member school.

[bigred11]

what would you say if an athlete left school A and went to school B, where he already had a number of friends, and cited his friends going to school B as an influence on his choice? i know of a couple of cases that this has happened and the athletes were standouts in their respective sports. is this a violation? i know that these rules are mostly applied to coaches, teachers, and school officials, but the rulebook also says representative of the school. aren't students representatives of the school? during my high school days, we were always told "you are not only representing yourself and your family, but also this school." if a school sees a student as a representative, wouldn't TSSAA also see him as one?

[redandblack63]

Good point and that was what I was inferring in the original post. Knox. Central is using these methods and the coaches are saying I haven't contacted the kid. They are having players and parents contact these prospective athletes by phone. In some cases they will have 5 or more players call a prospective athlete each night. The problem is it is very difficult to prove and it is often dismissed as hear say. I say do away with the recruiting rule and may the best recruiters win. Rules are only effective if they are followed and enforced. The TSSAA or any other state athletic association for that matter can not enforce them and many coaches think the only way they can win is to cheat or find a loop pole in the rules.

[shooter41]

I have a question about recruiting. Several counties have more than one school system. Gibson Co. has five and Obion Co. has two. My question is this. Can a high school coach go to a grade school in the same system and work with the grade school coach and talk with the players?

[illpete23]

you aren't talking about colleges recruiting high school seniors are you?

[VolunteerGeneral]

redrage..I have given you a good mark!

 

You see the truth in all of this. You more or less have to place trust in each high school to follow the rules. Private schools, magnet schools and other NUMEROUS schools around the state have a slight advantage in that they can get kids from outside their natural zone. For the most part, we just have to trust that the coaches, parent`s, boosters, students or whoever don`t use "undue" inluence or whatever that is to entice a kid to attend for athletic reasons.

 

Now here`s the inflamatory part. Public schools are using their power from numbers to eliminate competition. Are they saying that Knox. Central coaches are more trustworthy than private school coaches? Does Tyner run a more ethical program than Jackson Christian? Bottom line is the public schools are being HYPOCRITES!!!!!!!!!! I say that with all sincerity as I have said that before. Anyone who says that there should be a split is nothing but a hypocrite!!! There, I have said it again. You can`t take any private school in Div.I and make an argument that can not include a public school. I DARE ANYONE TO TRY!!!!!!

 

Hypocrites!

 

Whine all you want my fellow public school supporters, but you can`t come up with a logical support for a split. Your just sore losers. My son plays for a public school and I would welcome any competition for his team from anywhere in the state. I want my son to play the best whether it be private or public. I want him to know what it takes to acheive. I want him to feel defeat and rise to the competition.

 

If you support a split, then you are no better than those who would support blacks not playing against whites. As long as Div.I privates are following the rules that are layed forth then you have no complaints. All you have are conspiracy theories. How can you stand there and say private schools can`t be trusted and other public schools can? Is it because you are a hypocrite? Name any private school in Div. I that has broken rules. If they are constantly breaking rules, then surely someone of your like would come forward and say that they approached them in breach of rules. There are so many of you out there that surely a private school has contacted your son or daughter illegally. Turn them in!!!! They will be punished.

 

But I say again...for any of you to think that these so called "advantages" don`t apply to a lot of public schools around the state as well, then you simply have your head in the sand or are turning it the other way. You just want to say that a coach at a private school is not as trustworthy as a coach at a public school. I`ll say it again..HYPOCRITES!!!

 

Had to get that off my chest. Sorry to be so inflamatory, but that`s how I see it. I`m just really upset at the leadership of our public schools and that includes the one I support. It`s like this..."Ok, you are beating us at our rules, now let`s change the rules" That`s sad. Let`s work to make our public schools better. Not just in sports but in all areas. Let`s don`t dummy down the competition, let`s RISE to it!! If we get beat, then let`s accept it. We`ll get the opportunity to improve next year. Let`s mold acheivers!!!! We are doing nothing but saying we are losers! I`ll say this again....if you support a split, then you are a loser!!!(and a sore loser at that)

 

VG

 

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