What are the UIL rules on recruiting student athletes?
Recruiting students for athletic purposes is prohibited under UIL rules. Schools, coaches, and boosters may not induce or encourage a student to attend or transfer to a school so they can play sports. Violations can cost the student varsity eligibility and bring penalties on the school.
UIL flatly prohibits athletic recruiting. No school representative — coach, administrator, booster, or parent acting on the program's behalf — may encourage or induce a student to enroll or transfer for the purpose of participating in athletics.
What counts as recruiting
- Offering or arranging benefits (housing, transportation, money, jobs, waived fees) tied to a student attending and playing.
- Contacting a student or family to persuade them to transfer for athletics.
- Booster-club activity that steers athletes to a program.
Consequences
A student who transfers as a result of recruiting can be ruled ineligible for varsity, and the school and personnel involved may face UIL penalties ranging from reprimands to probation. If you are unsure whether a communication crosses the line, treat it as recruiting and consult your compliance officer first.
Official sources
Related questions
Can a coach talk to a prospective student about the program?
Coaches must avoid any communication intended to induce a transfer for athletic purposes. General school information is different from recruiting; when in doubt, route it through administration.
Are booster clubs allowed to recruit?
No. Booster clubs act on the school's behalf, so recruiting activity by boosters is treated as a school violation under UIL rules.
What happens to a recruited athlete's eligibility?
A student who transfers as a result of recruiting can be declared ineligible for varsity competition, and the school may face additional penalties.
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