Thank you for your interest in George Mason University Athletics! We look forward to you becoming a part of Mason Nation! Below are a few basis NCAA Rules and Regulations that you as a prospective student-athlete should be aware of in your recruitment process to Mason.
IMPORTANT DEFINITIONS
Prospective Student-Athlete
You become a "prospective student-athlete" when you start ninth-grade classes. A student that has not started classes in the ninth grade becomes a prospective student-athlete if the institution gives you (or your relatives or friends) any financial assistance or other benefits that the institution does not provide to prospective students in general.
Recruited Student-Athlete
You become a "recruited prospective student-athlete" at a particular institution if any coach or representative of the college's athletics interests (booster or representative) approaches you (or any member of your family) about enrolling and participating in intercollegiate athletics. Activities by coaches or boosters that trigger recruitment status are:
- Providing you expenses during an on campus visit (known as an official visit)
- Placing more than one telephone call to you or any other member of your family for the purpose of recruiting you to come to their school.
- Arranging or initiating contact with you or members of your family in regards to your participation in athletics.
Official Visit
An official visit is one that is paid for (partially or fully) by the institution. A prospect may take up to 5 official visits, one per institution. Official visits can be no longer than 48 hours.
Unofficial Visit
A visit made to an institution's campus at the prospect's expense. The athletics department may provide free tickets to an on-campus athletics event in which the athletics team competes. Transportation to view off-campus practice or competition sites within 30-mile radius are also allowable. There is no limit on the number of unofficial visits a prospect can make.
* Depending on what sport you play, NCAA rules may prevent you from taking an unofficial visit until your junior year in high school. Visit the NCAA Recruiting Page for recruiting rules specific to your sport.
Recruiting Contact
Any face-to-face, off-campus encounter between a prospect, prospect's parents (or legal guardian) or relative and a institution staff employee or athletics representative; if the conversation is more than a casual greeting.
Recruiting Evaluation
Any off-campus activity designed to assess a prospect's academic qualifications or athletic ability. (reviewing transcripts on the high school campus or watching practices / games).
NCAA Resources
NCAA Eligibility Center
Eligibility Center Quick Reference Guide
NCAA.org
National Letter of Intent (NLI) FAQ
Guide for the College Bound Student-Athlete
NCAA Guide to International Academic Standards for Athletics Eligibility
ACT Exam Information
SAT Exam Information
Mason Resources
Mason Admissions
Mason Housing
About George Mason University
