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How will text messaging ban change recruiting?

by Alex Bozich in Recruiting | July 8th, 2007

text-message.jpgIn another effort in their mission to control the world, the NCAA Division I Board of Directors approved in April a ban on text messages to recruits. The ban, which will go into effect on August 1, prevents the following:

NCAA Proposal No. 2006-40 was adopted in April “to specify that electronically transmitted correspondence that may be sent to a prospective student-athlete is limited to electronic mail and facsimiles.”

In simple terms for those not versed in legal jargon: No text messaging.

With August rapidly approaching and the July recruiting evaluation period in full swing, the topic is being discussed and debated in gyms across the United States.

Xavier coach Sean Miller, in today’s Cincinnati Enquirer, talked about why he is against the ban:

“Calling somebody at home these days is almost impossible because everybody is on the go,” he said. “But if you call them on their cell phone, you don’t know where they are. They could be in the middle of something. So sending a text message is a great, non-invasive way to communicate.”

I agree with Miller on all points except for one. Text messaging is certainly not a “non-invasive” way to communicate. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. Imagine a high school kid getting upwards of 10 messages per day, all from different coaches. That sure seems like a lot to keep up with. And in most cases, major recruits are getting a lot more than 10 messages per day.

I’m not saying that the kids don’t like the attention they’re getting. They certainly do and most kids enjoy text messaging. But come on, Coach Miller, it’s hardly “non-invasive.”

So what do you think about the ban on text messages? Are you for it or against it? How will it change recruiting? We’re interested in hearing YOUR thoughts.

  • bootsie white
    Coaches will find ways around the rules. They always have and always will.

    can't make more than one phone call per week?

    Set up an 800-number and have kids call you.

    Can't text message. Give a kid your cell phone number and he can text you.

    How about e-mails? Trust me, the kid that are the best recruits are still going to get bombarded every day in every way.
  • One thing to consider here is that, as next-generation smartphones become more the norm and not the exception, emailing people is basically the same as text-messaging. If email is outlawed, they will get on chat services like Google Talk or AIM or whatever. One way or another, coaches are going to be able to ping recruits on their cell phones -- outlawing text messaging seems like a pretty shortsighted way of dealing with the "problem," if you want to call it that.
  • Zach
    As the two above me have pointed out, there's always going to be a loophole. Banning text messages will do nothing, and I'm not sure how they plan on policing something like this.
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