Coaches certification exam

Question 1

When is Coaches Certification required for all coaches?

Answer 1

Prior to August 1.

Question 2

What must a student-athlete do to enter the transfer portal?

Answer 2

Must wait for the transfer window to open

Question 3

Can a student-athlete enter the transfer portal after it closes?

Answer 3

No, except for grad students who are exempted.

Question 4

What is the prerequisite before contacting a transfer?

Answer 4

The athlete must be in the transfer portal.

Question 5

Once in the transfer portal, which bylaw applies?

Answer 5

Bylaw 13

Question 6

What does a green status indicate in recruiting periods?

Answer 6

Go (permissible to contact).

Question 7

What does a red status indicate in recruiting periods?

Answer 7

No (not permissible to contact).

Question 8

What is a contact period?

Answer 8

A time when free game to any type of recruiting, including in-person, off-campus recruiting, and evaluations, are permitted.

Question 9

What is an evaluation period?

Answer 9

Focuses more on academic qualifications and athletic ability, with no off-campus contacts allowed.

Question 10

What is a quiet period?

Answer 10

On-campus contacts only; no off-campus recruiting or evaluations.

Question 11

What is a dead period?

Answer 11

No recruiting activities allowed; “no fly zone.”

Question 12

When can recruiting materials be sent?

Answer 12

Beginning June 15 after the athlete’s sophomore year.

Question 13

What types of electronic communications are allowed?

Answer 13

Text, instant message, Facebook/X, GIFs, videos, and audio transmissions (not personalized or made by outsiders).

Question 14

What items are restricted from being sent as recruiting materials?

Answer 14

Tangible benefits like posters, media guides, schedule magnets, and written offers before August 1 prior to senior year.

Question 15

Can group messages be sent to prospects?

Answer 15

True

Question 16

Can posts on social media walls or @-mentions occur before the permissible date?

Answer 16

False

Question 17

Are tap-backs considered permissible before the first date?

Answer 17

False

Question 18

When can camp brochures and NCAA educational materials be sent?

Answer 18

Any time.

Question 19

Can recruiting materials be sent with brochures?

Answer 19

False

Question 20

Can you respond to an athlete’s request for recruiting materials?

Answer 20

False

Question 21

When can unlimited phone calls begin?

Answer 21

After June 15 following the athlete’s sophomore year.

Question 22

When can phone calls be made in football and basketball?

Answer 22

Answer anytime.

Question 23

When can baseball, softball, and hockey athletes be contacted by phone?

Answer 23

Baseball and hockey: January 1 of sophomore year; softball: September 1 of junior year;

Question 24

Who can call prospects?

Answer 24

Countable coaches, athletic department and university staff.

Question 25

Who cannot make calls?

Answer 25

Former student-athletes/reps of athletic interest and during contests until they conclude.

Question 26

What is an official visit?

Answer 26

A campus visit financed wholly or partly by the institution.

Question 27

Can transportation be paid for during official visits?

Answer 27

Yes, for the athlete and two family members, and for return transportation.

Question 28

What is an unofficial visit?

Answer 28

A campus visit financed by the athlete.

Question 29

When can unofficial visits occur?

Answer 29

Most sports: August 1 before junior year; specific dates vary per sport.

Question 30

How many official visits are allowed?

Answer 30

Unlimited, with some restrictions on duration.

Question 31

How long can an official visit last?

Answer 31

2 days

Question 32

Can transportation be provided for off-campus visits?

Answer 32

Yes, within one mile of campus using institutional, coach’s, or team vehicles.

Question 33

Are meals paid for during visits?

Answer 33

Yes, actual cost; no free or vouchers.

Question 34

How many complimentary admissions are allowed for entertainment?

Answer 34

Max of 3 (5 for non-traditional families).

Question 35

How many family members can stay in lodging?

Answer 35

Up to four in addition to the athlete.

Question 36

How many meals can be provided?

Answer 36

Three meals daily plus snacks for athlete and family.

Question 37

What is a “bump”?

Answer 37

contact prior to permissible time—NO such thing as a permissible bump.

Question 38

Are face-to-face encounters allowed before the permissible time?

Answer 38

No, unless unavoidable incidental contact.

Question 39

What counts as an evaluation?

Answer 39

Any off-campus activity assessing academic or athletic ability, including observing participation.

Question 40

How many evaluations are permitted during the academic year?

Answer 40

Usually seven total (contacts + evaluations), with restrictions on off-campus contacts.

Question 41

Do summer evaluations count?

Answer 41

No, they do not count.

Question 42

What activities are included in CARA?

Answer 42

Film review, chalk talk, strategy meetings, on-field practices, competition, strength and conditioning.

Question 43

Do administrative or study hall meetings count?

Answer 43

No, unless voluntary and meeting specific requirements.

Question 44

What are the weekly hour limits for CARA in-season?

Answer 44

20 hours/week and 4 hours/day, with competition always counting as 3 hours.

Question 45

Are there hour limits for preseason or out-of-season activities?

Answer 45

No hour limit preseason; out-of-season is 8 hours/week with up to 4 hours of skill instruction