This website has been set up to help educate prospective student-athletes about what they need to do and what they need to refrain from doing before they can be eligible to compete for Mercer University. This information may not cover every question that arises. It is designed to give a general description and hopefully to answer some specific questions.
Important Terms & Definitions
Prospective Student-Athlete – Any student who has started classes for the 9th grade
Recruiting - Any solicitation of a prospect or a prospects relatives (or legal guardians) by an institutional staff member or athletics booster for the purpose of securing the prospect's enrollment and ultimate participation in the institution's intercollegiate athletics program.
Official Visit - A visit to a college campus paid in whole or in part by the college. Official visits can be no longer than 48 hours. A prospective student-athlete is limited to 5 official visits (one per university).
Unofficial Visit - A visit made to a college campus at the prospect's expense. The college may provide free tickets to an on-campus athletics event in which the college team competes. Transportation to view off-campus practice and competition sites or a home contest within 30-mile radius are also allowable. There is no limit on the number of unofficial visits a prospect can make.
Recruiting Contact - Any face-to-face, off-campus encounter between a prospect, prospect's parents (or legal guardian) or relative and a college staff employee or athletics representative; if the conversation goes beyond a greeting.
Recruiting Evaluation - Any off-campus activity designed to assess a prospect's academic qualifications or athletic ability. (reviewing transcripts on the high school campus or watching practices / games)
NCAA Guide to the College Bound Student-Athlete - The following link will provide you and your parents valuable information that will help you during your recruiting process. NCAA Guide to the College Bound Student-Athlete