If you have an experienced friend to help guide you through the recruiting process, consider yourself lucky. Personally, I felt like a deer in headlights during the high school recruiting phase. Yes, the schools were recruiting my daughter, not me, but I was involved.  Am I an added value or will I have a negative impact on my daughter’s “chances?”

This is an area where Varsity Parents across the country feel they have limited access to helpful resources. One parent told me he was convinced the only way to successfully navigate the college recruiting process was to hire a consultant.  There are a fair number of books about college recruiting, but they might not have the concrete information you need for your particular situation. Another parent could not afford the consultant fees and started doing her own research. One other family leaned on the high school coach to guide the process. All in all, parents are looking for information and need to be involved.

The NCAA can be a resource for parents of high school student athletes. Its membership services team is thoroughly trained to answer parent’s questions. I found this out first hand when I made a call to a team member. I asked Tom (not his real name) if the NCAA had any resources for parents to help them better understand their role with the coaches who are recruiting their teens. They do not have any publications specifically geared to this topic, but are equipped to answer questions. Bottom line – He tells parents: “Don’t let the recruiting process intimidate you.”

Here are 3 questions he often gets asked:

1 – Can I trust what the recruiting coach is telling my child?

2 – How can I find out what money is available for my child?

3 – Can I talk to the recruiting coach? Am I allowed to talk to the recruiting coach?

The  NCAA team member  I spoke with had the added experience of being a former Division I coach. Tom’s take away message was – ask the coach when you have a question. Yes, not all coaches follow through on their promises, but student-athletes also make promises and break them. Coaches also move around. If you want to know more about the coach as a person, check around. Ask to speak to parents of current students. Call the Athletic Director. Pay attention to how the coach interacts with you and your child. Are you afraid of the coach, feel like you are a bother or just the opposite? Maybe it’s just common sense. Your child will spend 4 years with this person. Do you think it’s a good fit?

When it comes to scholarship money, the coaches may not know exactly what money is available at the time of your question. It is more than ok to ask.  The coach may be able to provide some guidelines based on previous years. If retaining a scholarship is critical to attending the University, it is very important to get this information, sooner than later. ”Free  rides” , where everything for 4 years is paid for, are rare.  Make sure you understand the limitations of the athletic scholarships. And remember, Division III schools cannot offer athletic scholarships.

And, again, e-mail, phone, or text the coach when you have a question. Your child will not be penalized for having parents who ask appropriate questions. It’s in the best interest of your child and the school.