University of North Carolina
Department of Athletics
Recruiting Handbook
Effective 12/1/04
The University of North Carolina Athletics Mission Statement
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Department of Athletics’ mission is to sponsor a broad-based
athletics program that provides educational and athletics opportunities to allow young men and women to grow,
develop, and serve the interests of the University by complementing and enhancing its diversity and quality of
life. Coaches, as educators, are fundamental to this process. In keeping with the University’s efforts to offer
programs of regional and national acclaim, the Department’s athletics programs strive for competitive
excellence within the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and with other similar institutions. Through its athletics
programs, the University seeks to unite students, faculty, staff, and alumni in a common and shared
experience. The Department seeks to contribute to the diversity of the University by offering opportunities for
enhanced racial, ethnic, cultural, and geographic representation.
The University of North Carolina Recruiting Philosophy
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) is committed to providing prospective student-athletes
meaningful opportunities to make informed decisions whether to pursue their academic and athletics futures at
UNC. Recruiting visits bring prospective student-athletes to campus as part of their decision-making processes
on where to enroll. These visits are to be a mutual exploration by prospective student-athletes and institutional
officials, especially athletics personnel, regarding whether the institution and the prospective student-athletes
are a good fit for each other. This philosophy is based on the concept that the prospective student-athletes are
making decisions about where to pursue their academic and athletics futures, while, concurrently, the institution
is evaluating prospective student-athletes’ abilities to contribute to the University and athletics programs.
The primary consideration in selecting activities for these visits, therefore, should be to provide information that
will assist prospective student-athletes and their families in making these decisions. Appropriate behavior is
expected of all prospective student-athletes who visit the campus.
Athletics department personnel are expected to provide an educational experience in an environment that
conforms to University and NCAA policies and missions. Student-athlete hosts are expected to adhere to these
policies, as well as to provide all prospective student-athletes with safe and insightful student experiences at
UNC. Finally, prospective student-athletes should behave in a manner consistent with the expectations of all
UNC student-athletes, adhering to all ACC and NCAA regulations, as well as all State and federal laws.
Violations of the guidelines will be reported to the Director of Athletics. All suspected violations will be
investigated thoroughly and dealt with seriously. Any infraction(s) found to be in violation of any of the
guidelines will be reported to the Faculty Athletics Representative, Chancellor, ACC, and NCAA.
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Development of Recruiting Policies
The Committee on Recruiting for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill began collecting information
and meeting in early 2004. Through its diverse membership from both the Department of Athletics and the
campus community, the committee gathered and reviewed information on all aspects of the University’s oncampus recruiting processes. The Board of Trustees was also informed of the thorough review of the recruiting
processes.
Information was obtained from the Committee, the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, coaches groups,
conversations with the ACC, and other universities. The Committee established a subcommittee to analysis the
information collected.
The subcommittee developed this recruiting handbook that includes a recruiting philosophy statement,
guidelines and concepts, and updated recruiting forms. It also establishes procedures for athletics
administrators, head coaches, student hosts, and prospective student-athletes.
After consultation with faculty, student-athletes, and coaches regarding both the collection of receipts from
student-athlete hosts and prospects (for student host money) as well as the establishment of a
curfew/regulation of unstructured time, the subcommittee decided not to institute department-wide policies
enacting these regulations. Instead, these decisions will be left to the discretion of each sport’s head coach.
The subcommittee believes the guidelines currently in place will create the “safe and insightful student
experiences” the institution strives to provide to prospective student-athletes.
The handbook was reviewed by the Committee on Recruiting, the Faculty Committee on Athletics, and the
Chancellor. The final copy will be on file with the Faculty Athletics Representative, the Chancellor, and the
ACC office. It will also be distributed to head coaches, athletics administrators, and student hosts. In the event
that changes to the recruiting policy are deemed necessary, the above individuals will be given the opportunity
to comment on the proposed changes. Once changes are finalized, the Chancellor and Director of Athletics will
formally approve the changes, and an approved version (along with the signatures of these two individuals) will
be submitted to the ACC office.
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GUIDELINES FOR ATHLETICS DEPARTMENT STAFF
The goal of campus recruiting visits is to provide prospective student-athletes with the opportunities to make
informed decisions about their future academic and athletics careers at the collegiate level. These guidelines are
intended to provide institutional staff members with the information necessary to provide these opportunities in a
manner consistent with the regulations set forth by the NCAA.
Recruiting is a vital component for the success of our athletics program. Our goal is to attract not only great
student-athletes, but also great people, who will enhance the overall University environment in a positive fashion. It
is our responsibility to make sure all prospective student-athletes have positive and safe visits.
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In preparation for the official visit, coaches will send a letter to prospective student-athletes, outlining
expectations and describing available opportunities for the visit.
If air transportation is provided to prospective student-athletes to and from an official campus visit, the
flights must be via a commercial airline at coach class airfare with no upgrades. Prospective studentathletes may be picked up at the airport by any member of the athletics department.
If prospective student-athletes drive to campus by personal or rental cars, mileage reimbursement may
be provided at the rate used by UNC for institutional staff members. It is not permissible to cover the
cost of prospective student-athletes’ rental cars.
Student hosts must be either current student-athletes or students who are part of the institution’s
regular program for providing campus tours to prospective students. Student host regulations will be
discussed at team eligibility meetings, and all student hosts will receive a copy of the recruiting
handbook.
Head coaches (or their representatives) will meet with the student hosts and prospective studentathletes to set expectations for behavior and review the guidelines and forms.
Student hosts and prospective student-athletes must abide by all local, State, and federal laws, along
with UNC, ACC, and NCAA regulations. Upon arrival, prospective student-athletes and their student
hosts must sign forms (Guidelines for Prospective Student-Athletes, Student-Athlete Host
Entertainment Form) indicating that they will not engage in inappropriate behavior (e.g., drinking, use of
drugs, gambling). By signing these forms, prospective student-athletes and student hosts will affirm
their understanding of the guidelines. At the conclusion of the visit, prospective student-athletes must
sign a form (Prospect Official Visitation Form) affirming their visits’ conformity to all UNC, ACC, and
NCAA regulations.
When transporting prospective student-athletes around campus during official visits, coaches must use
their personal vehicles or institutional vehicles generally used by personnel to transport prospective
students on campus tours. Student hosts may also use their personal vehicles. Prospective studentathletes may not be provided with cars to use during their visit.
Prospective student-athletes (and prospective student-athletes’ parents or legal guardians) must be
housed either on campus with student hosts or in standard lodging. Specifically, rooms may not be
suites or include special accessories, such as Jacuzzis, unless those amenities are available to all
patrons at that specific establishment. It is not permissible to decorate, in any degree, prospects’
rooms of lodging, regardless of their location (e.g., hotel, dormitory, etc.).
The meals provided to prospective student-athletes and their parents or legal guardians on official visits
should be comparable to those meals given to student-athletes during the academic year. Each day,
the institution may provide 3 meals and a reasonable snack (e.g., pizza, hamburger). On unofficial
visits, meals cannot be purchased for prospective student-athletes or their parents or legal guardians.
Personalized recruiting aids (e.g., personalized jerseys, lockers, audio/video scoreboard presentations)
and simulated game-day activities during prospective student-athletes’ visits are prohibited.
Prospective student-athletes may be present in the locker room before or after a competition. During
the competition, however, prospective student-athletes must be seated in the regular seating areas. It
is not permissible to publicize prospective student-athletes’ visits in any way.
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During campus visits, prospective student-athletes, student hosts, and coaches are prohibited from
participating in activities involving the consumption of alcohol, drug use, or any violations of criminal
law.
Gambling, of any type, during visits is prohibited.
Harassment, of any type, is impermissible. This includes, but is not limited to, racial, sexual, or religious
harassment. Providing or purchasing sexual favors, purchasing or viewing pornography, or any other
involvement with sexually-explicit material is inappropriate and strictly prohibited.
Campus visits should include meetings with Academic Support Program staff (e.g., team’s academic
counselor, Director of Student-Athlete Development), along with other campus personnel, if possible
(e.g., meeting with faculty, attending class). At a minimum, the coach should review the academic
packet, which is provided by the academic counselor, with the prospective student-athletes.
During official and unofficial visits, 3 complimentary admissions to campus athletics contests may be
provided to prospective student-athletes and anyone accompanying them on the visit. The names of
the prospective student-athletes and their relatives or friends must be placed on a pass list.
Prospective student-athletes and their relatives or friends must sign the pass list and show
identification to be admitted. No hard tickets may be issued.
Application of these guidelines will be monitored by the Compliance Office and designated coaches.
Your compliance with these guidelines is absolutely necessary and greatly appreciated. Appropriate disciplinary
actions will be in accordance with University policy.
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University Alcohol Policy
The University has a detailed policy concerning the use of alcohol by students. The
following is a summary of the University Alcohol Policy. Students are responsible for
knowing the full content of the policy. A complete copy of the policy may be obtained at
http://deanofstudents.unc.edu/policies/sub.policies.alcohol.html or from the Student
Affairs Office (966-4042).
Students under the age of 21 may not buy, possess, or consume alcoholic beverages.
Students 21 and older may possess and consume alcohol in residence hall rooms, but
may not sell or give alcohol to anyone under 21. Common source containers of alcohol
(e.g., kegs) are not permitted on campus. Possession or consumption of alcohol is not
permitted at any campus athletics event or performance or at any outdoor campus
location. No student activities fees or other funds of a recognized student group may be
used to buy alcohol.
If you are found to be in violation of the University Alcohol Policy you may:

be referred for counseling, assessment, and/or alcohol education

have your housing contract terminated

be placed on housing contract probation
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receive a written reprimand
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be required to make restitution

be referred to the Student Judicial System
As a member of the Community, you may:

lose your driver’s license

be convicted of a felony or a misdemeanor

obtain a criminal record, accrue fines, and possibly serve jail time
This is the University’s Alcohol
Policy. Both Student Hosts and
Prospective Student-Athletes are
required to abide by this policy.
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Department of Athletics’ Alcohol Policy
The Department of Athletics’ policy regarding the use of alcohol at departmental events is as
follows:
a. Alcohol may not be purchased or consumed during team travel.
b. Alcohol may not be served or consumed during team functions.
c. Alcohol may not be purchased by administrators or coaches for consumption by studentathletes.
Departmental events including prospective student-athletes and enrolled student-athletes may
not involve the use of alcohol. In regard to prospective student-athletes, administrators and
head coaches must require that the entertainment of prospective student-athletes not involve
the use of alcohol. In regard to enrolled student-athletes, alcohol may not be served at
gatherings held after athletics contests.
This is the Department of Athletics’
Alcohol Policy. Head Coaches,
Administrators, Student Hosts, and
Prospective Student-Athletes are
required to abide by this policy.
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Key Points to Hosting a Recruit
1. When you know you are hosting a prospective student-athlete, plan ahead. Plan an itinerary with
your coach and teammates. Make planning and hosting a team effort.
2. Establish a relationship with the prospective student-athlete based on trust and sincerity.
3. If you have a prior engagement (e.g., meeting with professor, study table) and it is not feasible for
you to take your guest with you, you MUST make arrangements with a reliable teammate to stay
with your guest for the time that you are away.
4. Treat the prospective student-athlete in the manner which typifies our athletics program. Give
them a taste of the distinctive environment which makes UNC unique.
5. Be aware that your impression of the prospective student-athlete will be of interest to your coaches
and teammates.
6. In the case of an EMERGENCY, notify the proper authorities immediately.
7. Keep in touch with the prospective student-athlete after the visit. Give him or her your email
address or instant messaging screen name, so that he or she can contact you with any follow-up
questions after the visit.
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Hosting Checklist
_____ Get as much information as possible from your coach about the prospective student-athlete.
_____ Have the prospective student-athlete complete the questionnaire.
_____ Check your schedule. Do you have any tests, projects, or homework assignments that you
will need time to work on while the prospective student-athlete is visiting?
_____ Plan your hosting duties with teammates to allow for studying, if necessary.
_____ Determine the classes the prospective student-athlete will attend. Have him or her attend
some classes in his or her potential major.
_____ Notify your dorm RA that you are having a guest (if applicable).
_____ Meet with your coach and the prospective student-athlete.
_____ Sign the Student-Athlete Host Entertainment Form.
_____ Get the meal card from your coach.
_____ Get to know the prospective student-athlete. Find out his or her interests. What does he or
she like to do with friends? Does he or she have any questions about UNC that you can
answer?
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Host Card
Recruit’s Full Name___________________________________________
Recruit’s Emergency Contact Name______________________________
Recruit’s Emergency Contact #__________________________________
Coaches #
______________________________________________
Important Times/Meetings:
Mtg w/ (academic counselor) @ _________
Mtg w/ ______________ @ _________
Breakfast @ _____________
Host Card
Recruit’s Full Name___________________________________________
Recruit’s Emergency Contact Name______________________________
Recruit’s Emergency Contact #__________________________________
Coaches #
______________________________________________
Important Times/Meetings:
Mtg w/ (academic counselor) @ _________
Mtg w/ ______________ @ _________
Breakfast @ _____________
Recruit’s Card
Host’s Full Name___________________________________________
Host’s Phone (home & cell)___________________________________
Host’s Address/Dorm________________________________________
Host’s email_______________________________________________
Captain’s/Senior’s Name_____________________________________
Captain’s/Senior’s Phone #___________________________________
Coach’s Name & Phone #____________________________________
Important Times/Meetings:
Mtg w/ (academic counselor) @ _________
Mtg w/ ______________ @ _________
Breakfast @ _____________
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THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA
Student-Athlete Host Entertainment Form
Prospect
_________________________________________
Sport _________________________
Student-Athlete Host
_________________________________________
SSN _________________________
Date(s) of Official Visit ________________________
Student Host Instructions (per NCAA Rules and Regulations):
These guidelines have been established to ensure that each prospect’s visit to our campus is an enriching one. Serving as a
student host is an important service to UNC and the Department of Athletics. Appropriate conduct is required of you by
UNC, ACC, and NCAA standards:
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You must be enrolled full-time at UNC.
You will be provided money with which to entertain only the prospect and his/her parents, legal guardians, or
spouse. This money may not exceed $30/day, with an additional $15/day for each additional prospect that you
entertain.
3. You may not give the prospect cash, nor may you use the entertainment funds to purchase or provide the prospect
with alcohol, drugs, or gifts of value (e.g. souvenirs or clothing items).
4. You may not transport the prospect or anyone accompanying him/her more than 30 miles from campus.
5. No UNC institutional staff member or athletics booster may provide or arrange for you an automobile to use to
transport the prospect or anyone accompanying him/her.
6. You should not allow the prospect to have a recruiting conversation, either on or off campus, with former studentathletes, alumni, or boosters of the athletics program. If an unplanned meeting occurs, only an exchange of
greetings is permissible.
7. You may allow the prospect to participate in a workout or recreational activity during his/her visit, provided the
activity is not organized or observed by members of the coaching staff and is not designed to test the athletics ability
of the prospect.
8. You may receive a complimentary admission to a campus athletics event, provided you are accompanying a
prospect to that event.
9. You may not allow the prospect to use alcohol or drugs during the visit. Underage drinking (below 21) is illegal in
the State of North Carolina. In addition, you may not engage in any activity that violates criminal law.
10. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill will not tolerate harassment of any kind (e.g., racial, sexual,
religious) by anyone associated with our athletics teams. You, as a student host, must be aware of the University’s
position on this type of activity and work to ensure that prospects you are hosting conduct themselves appropriately.
Providing or purchasing sexual favors, purchasing or viewing pornography, or involving yourselves with any other
sexually-explicit material is inappropriate and strictly prohibited.
11. You, along with prospects, must adhere to ACC and NCAA bylaws, as well as all State and federal laws, prohibiting
gambling.
Your compliance with these guidelines is absolutely necessary and greatly appreciated. Failure to agree with and adhere to
all guidelines may result in one or more of the following disciplinary actions: reprimand, probation, suspension, termination
of grant-in-aid, cancellation of eligibility, or dismissal from the athletics program. You may also be subject to any penalties
set forth by the University.
My signature below indicates that
 I have read and understand the above rules governing my role as a student host.
 I will use the $______ provided me to host the prospect(s) named above in a manner consistent with the above
regulations.
 I will return any unused funds to my head coach.
Host Signature
_____________________________________________
Date ____________________
Head Coach Signature _____________________________________________
Date ____________________
APPROVED:
Office of Compliance Signature _______________________________________
Date ____________________
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THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA
Guidelines for Prospective Student-Athletes
We are pleased that you are visiting the University of North Carolina on an official recruiting visit. The
NCAA and the University have developed rules and regulations regarding official visits. We have listed
them below so that you may be aware of our policies.
1. A prospect may take no more than 5 expense-paid visits to Division I or II institutions, and only
1 of these may be taken to UNC.
2. The length of an official visit may not exceed 48 hours. This period begins when the prospect
first arrives on the UNC campus.
3. UNC may pay round-trip expenses for the prospect (e.g. mileage reimbursement, coach airfare).
No one associated with UNC may provide a car for the prospect to use during the official visit.
4. UNC may pay the prospect's actual costs for reasonable expenses (e.g. meals, lodging) incurred
while traveling to and from campus on an official visit.
5. Entertainment may only be provided to the prospect, his/her parents or guardians, and his/her
spouse, and must occur within 30 miles of campus. Entertainment funds may not be used to
purchase alcohol, drugs, or gifts of value (e.g. souvenirs or clothing).
6. Cash, gifts, or athletics gear may not be given to the prospect.
7. A prospect, along with two people accompanying him/her, may receive complimentary
admission to a campus athletics event, but such seating must be in the general seating area of the
facility.
8. At no point is it permissible for a prospect to have a recruiting conversation with former studentathletes, alumni, or boosters of the athletics program at UNC.
9. The use of alcohol or drugs during official visits is not allowed. Underage drinking (below 21) is
illegal in the State of North Carolina. In addition, you may not engage in any activity that
violates criminal law.
10. A prospect must adhere to ACC and NCAA bylaws, as well as all State and federal laws,
prohibiting gambling.
11. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill will not tolerate harassment of any kind (e.g.,
racial, sexual, religious) by anyone associated with our athletics teams. Student hosts must be
aware of the University’s position on this type of activity, and work to ensure that the prospects
they host conduct themselves appropriately. Providing or purchasing sexual favors, purchasing
or viewing pornography, or involving yourselves with any other sexually-explicit material is
inappropriate and strictly prohibited.
12. If you have any concern about conduct during your visit, you are encouraged to talk to the head
coach or an athletics administrator.
Your cooperation and adherence to these guidelines is absolutely necessary and greatly appreciated.
Appropriate behavior is expected of our current student-athletes, as well. This is a great chance to
experience the impressive opportunities available to student-athletes on the UNC campus. We hope you
enjoy your visit!
Prospect’s Signature: ____________________________________________ Date: _______________
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THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA
Prospect Official Visitation Form
I, ________________________________, affirm that during my official visit to The University of
North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the following rules and procedures were followed:
 I received only those round-trip transportation costs incurred on a direct route between my home (or
site of athletics competition or educational institution) and UNC.
 I did not receive cash for entertainment purposes, nor did I receive athletics gear free or at a reduced
price.
 No souvenirs (e.g. t-shirts or UNC mementos) were purchased for or given to me by a student,
booster, or other individual entertaining me on my visit.
 My student host did not purchase alcohol or drugs for me, nor did we, during my visit, engage in any
activity that violates criminal law.
 No one associated with UNC provided my student host or me with an automobile to use during my
visit.
 All entertainment was within a 30-mile radius of UNC.
 I did not receive hard tickets to any athletics contest, nor did I receive complimentary or reducedcost admission from UNC to attend an ACC or NCAA Championship or post-season event.
 If I remained at UNC after the 48-hour visit expired, I did not receive payment for expenses
associated with my return trip home.
 The reimbursement of my travel expenses (automobile mileage, air fare, parking, meals, or lodging)
to and from campus was not excessive in nature.
 At no point did I have a recruiting conversation with any former UNC student-athletes, alumni, or
athletics boosters.
 I did not participate in a physical workout or a recreational activity that was organized or observed
by any member(s) of UNC's coaching staff.
 I have no knowledge that my friends or relatives received reimbursements for travel expenses. This
does not include mileage reimbursement for my parents/legal guardians if I rode with them to the
visit.
ARRIVAL
Date:_____________ Time: _____________
DEPARTURE
Date: _____________ Time:_____________
Prospect's Signature ___________________________________ Date _____________________
Head Coach's Signature ________________________________ Date _____________________
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Dear
Congratulations on selecting the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill as one of your official visits. You will be
stepping onto 729 acres of one of America's most beautiful campuses and visiting one of the nation's top public
universities (ranked 5th in the nation), as stated by U.S. News and World Report magazine's 2004 "America's Best
Colleges" guide. UNC students have a long tradition of outstanding achievement in the classroom, on the playing
field, and beyond.
UNC athletics is committed to providing educational and athletics opportunities that will allow our student-athletes to
grow, develop, and continue to achieve. This visit is a mutual exploration. Along with allowing us to get to know you
better, your visit will expose you to the exceptional opportunities available at UNC to develop academic scholarship,
athletics excellence, leadership, and community service throughout your collegiate career.
We expect that your behavior during your visit will reflect the kind of behavior that we expect of all UNC studentathletes. We want you to have a wonderfully exciting and safe trip to our campus. Please take time to read all the
information regarding your official visit and fill out the Prospective Student-Athlete Questionnaire available online at
www.tarheelblue.com. This questionnaire will assist your host in planning your visit. In addition, the NCAA website
(www.ncaa.org) might contain information that you will find useful throughout the recruiting process.
This is a great chance to understand the impressive opportunities available to student-athletes on the UNC campus.
We hope you enjoy your visit!
Sincerely,
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