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Statement from IWLCA President Alicia Groveston on Early Recruiting

By IWLCA Admin, 04/20/17, 2:45PM EDT

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April 20, 2017

Dear Members of the Lacrosse Community,

Last Friday, April 14, 2017 brought a major change in recruiting for our Division I men’s and women’s lacrosse coaches and prospective student-athletes (“PSAs”). The NCAA Division I Council passed a proposal that establishes September 1 of a prospect’s junior year as the date when all recruiting contact can begin between a Division I lacrosse coach and a PSA.

This new legislation became effective immediately. Initially, there was some confusion as to the date when this rule would begin. The NCAA confirmed quickly that the new rule was final on April 14, 2017 (not April 26 or August 1).

Many questions have come up about how this rule will apply in various situations. As we seek further interpretation from the NCAA, we can confirm the following points unequivocally:

  • Club and high school coaches may NOT be used to circumvent recruiting contact rules.
  • Direct messaging to PSAs [Prospective Student Athletes] through these third parties is NOT permissible.
  • Communication about verbal offers through these third parties is NOT permissible.

The IWLCA has been a leader in this effort to slow down early recruiting. The intent behind this legislation was to allow for PSAs to play the game longer and for coaches to evaluate them longer before engaging in the recruiting process. The vast majority of our coaches believe pushing back this process is better for the PSAs and for the sport in general.

I am excited that the NCAA heard our voices and allowed lacrosse to be a pilot program with this new rule. Change can be challenging, but change can also bring about tremendous growth and opportunity.

Special thanks to the IWLCA’s NCAA Division I Legislation Committee, the IMLCA, US Lacrosse and the members of the NCAA DI Council for their hard work, commitment to improving college lacrosse, and courage to follow this vision.                                                                                                   

Enjoy the game.

Alicia Groveston
President, IWLCA