NCAA bans in-person recruiting, considers eligibility relief for spring sports in wake of coronavirus shutdown

As ripple effects of the virtual complete shutdown of sports because of the coronavirus scare continue to be felt, the NCAA on Friday released statements addressing recruiting and potential eligibility relief for athletes whose seasons were canceled prematurely.

The NCAA banned in-person recruiting for Division I coaches and advised schools to suspend any official and unofficial visits until at least April 15.

The Division I Council Coordination Committee will evaluate things at that point to see if the ban can be lifted or should continue. Telephone calls and written correspondence are allowed during what the NCAA is calling a “dead period.”

Even under normal circumstances, there are numerous “dead periods” throughout the year, although they occur at different times for different sports.

Additionally, “eligibility relief is appropriate for all Division I student-athletes who participated in spring sports,” with details about specifics to be finalized at a later time.

On Thursday as all NCAA spring championships were canceled, and a number of conferences and schools canceled all athletic competition, many observed how difficult it would be, especially for seniors, to not be able to compete.

That said, much of the talk surrounding seniors’ careers ending prematurely centered around the upcoming college basketball tournaments, which are considered winter events, and no statement has been given concerning whether or not those athletes will be under consideration for eligibility relief.

This story will be updated.