What is a "Quiet Period"?

*Originally posted 11/10/2022

Here is the podcast episode on this same topic - give it a listen! Be sure to "Follow" the PRI Talk podcast as well!

I often talk about understanding and knowing recruiting rules for various levels or divisions. I think it's important to at least know and understand what is going on around you as you go through this process. I talked about this a lot during the pandemic as I would regularly hear from parents and athletes that they "couldn't talk to college coaches because of the dead period." This of course isn't true. Many athletes, though, had a misunderstanding of what was going on during the COVID dead period and it tended to have a negative impact on their recruiting process overall. It's not important to know every rule about every topic for the NCAA, but I think that knowing and understanding the recruiting calendar and what the words mean is important. Again, I tend to lean towards the notion that educating parents and athletes helps their process go smoother. Not everyone thinks that, but I do.

Quiet Period

"A quiet period is that period of time when it is permissible to make in-person recruiting contacts ONLY on the member institutions campus. No in-person, off-campus recruiting contacts or evaluations may be made during the quiet period."

First, know that a Quiet Period only impacts D1 college coaches. Second, notice that texting, emails or phone calls are NOT mentioned anywhere in here. During a quiet period athletes and college coaches are still allowed to communicate over the phone, through text messages and emails. A quiet period doesn't allow college coaches to go off campus to recruit. That's it. So if you are at an age where you can communicate with college coaches, please continue to do so. College coaches might even have visits during a quiet period.

December 1st Starts a Quiet Period that lasts until February 16th, 2024

May 1st starts a month long Quiet Period. You can take a look at the recruiting calendar at the link below.

D1 Volleyball Recruiting Calendar 2023-2024

Please keep in mind that D2, D3 and NAIA schools have no such restrictions during a Quiet Period. While D1 coaches aren't going to be able to watch you practice or come to a tournament, other coaches might be able to. Feel free to invite them!

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