The term “recruiting” refers to the process by which the staff of a university team seeks and creates contacts with prospective student-athletes (PSAs).

Recruiting can begin at any point in an athlete’s career, but some leagues, and in particular the NCAA, have very precise rules about when and how a staff member of a school can contact or respond to a PSA. Those who manage the recruiting of university teams must take an exam and then make annual updates on recruiting procedures and regulations.

The procedures for recruiting an athlete are quite similar for all sports, although the rules may vary depending on the league to which the college team belongs.

There are differences in the “modus operandi” of large schools that in some sports, such as women’s volleyball, begin the recruiting process very early, already in the first or second year of high school.