When can softball coaches talk to you? What should you know about the NCAA softball recruiting calendar? If you’re serious about playing softball at the collegiate level, understanding the NCAA softball recruiting rules and calendar is essential to staying ahead of the competition.
Whether you’re eyeing NCAA D1 softball programs or exploring NAIA options, this guide breaks it all down – rules, timelines and tips – to help you stand out and take charge of your recruiting journey.
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Understanding the NCAA softball recruiting rules
NCAA recruiting rules are all about setting clear guidelines for how and when college coaches can connect with athletes. They’re designed to keep the process fair while giving athletes the time they need to grow both on and off the field.
The rules vary depending on the division, with D1 having the most restrictions. This allows each division to adjust the recruiting process based on its level of competition and program goals.
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NCAA softball recruiting rules by division
Division 1 Softball Recruiting Rules
NCAA D1 softball recruiting rules are the most restrictive recruiting rules, breaking down when athletes can receive specific forms of communication from coaches based on their year in high school.
- September 1 of junior year: Coaches can send texts, calls and emails – plus, arrange official or unofficial visits.
- Senior year: Coaches can meet with athletes and parents off-campus up to three times.
Division 2 Softball Recruiting Rules
The NCAA D2 softball recruiting rules are more relaxed than those for D1:
- Any time: Coaches can start calling, texting, emailing and contact through social media.
- June 15 after sophomore year: Coaches can start arranging visits and meeting off-campus.
Division 3 Softball Recruiting Rules
D3 softball colleges have the most relaxed NCAA recruiting rules of all the NCAA division levels, offering more flexibility for athletes and coaches to connect.
- After sophomore year: Coaches can start off-campus communications with athletes
- January 1 of junior year: Athletes can begin taking official visits.
- Anytime: Athletes can receive recruiting materials, and coaches can call athletes without restrictions.
NAIA Softball Recruiting Rules
NAIA recruiting rules are the most flexible, allowing coaches to contact student-athletes anytime during high school.
- Anytime: Coaches can communicate with athletes without restrictions on timing or methods.
How to use the NCAA softball recruiting calendar
The NCAA softball recruiting calendar defines specific timeframes for how and when coaches can interact with athletes. These periods – Contact, Evaluation, Quiet and Dead – set clear boundaries for recruiting conversations, helping to ensure a fair process while allowing athletes to plan effectively.
Here’s what each recruiting period means:
- Contact Period: Coaches can freely communicate with athletes and their families via calls, texts, emails and in-person meetings at approved locations.
- Evaluation Period: Coaches can observe athletes in action but cannot communicate directly with them during these events.
- Quiet Period: Coaches may only interact with athletes on campus or through electronic communication. Off-campus evaluations and meetings are not allowed.
- Dead Period: In-person contact is prohibited, but communication via phone, email or social media remains open.
Softball Recruiting calendars
2025-26 NCAA Division 1 Softball Recruiting Calendar
- August 1–10, 2025
- June 6 – July 31, 2026
- August 11-November 23, 2025 (For scholastic practice and competition activities only), except:
- October 18–19
- October 25–26
- November 1–2
- November 8–9
- November 15–16
- November 22–23
- January 3 – May 25, 2026 (For scholastic practice and competition activities only)
- November 24, 2025 – January 2, 2026, except as noted.
- August 28 – September 3, 2025
- November 10–13, 2025
- December 10-13, 2025
- May 26 – June 5, 2026* (*Dates are based on the Women’s College World Series®. If the WCWS dates are delayed, the dead period continues through the day of the final championship game. If the WCWS ends after two games, the dead period concludes on the day of the final game and the contact period begins the next day_
See the full NCAA D1 Softball Recruiting Calendar here.
2025-2026 NCAA Division 2 Softball Recruiting Calendar
Dead period:
- November 10 (7 am) – 12 (7 am), 2025
For any dates not listed, treat them like a contact period.
Insider Tip: The NCAA restricts which camps and clinics college softball coaches and their staff members are allowed to work at. Coaches can only work off-campus during evaluation periods at non-scholastic practices or competitions. While coaches comply with these rules, families should plan exposure events carefully and avoid off-campus camps during evaluation periods focused on scholastic activities.
How does early recruiting work for softball?
Early recruiting has become a common trend in softball, with coaches and athletes finding ways to connect before the NCAA’s official timeline. To address this, the NCAA implemented stricter rules for D1 softball. These rules prevent D1 coaches from discussing recruiting with athletes, parents, current coaches or any third parties before September 1 of the athlete’s junior year.
What this means for you: While you can’t communicate directly with D1 coaches until junior year, you can still focus on building your skills, updating your NCSA profile and creating your skills videos to stand out when the time comes.
Using the NCAA softball recruiting rules and calendar to get recruited
The NCAA softball recruiting rules and calendar are essential tools to guide your recruiting journey. When used effectively, they help you maximize exposure to college coaches while staying compliant with NCAA guidelines.
Our Recruiting Coaches have shared their top tips for navigating the softball recruiting process:
- Build a standout recruiting profile: Include your stats, highlight video, academic achievements, and contact information. Don’t have a profile? Create one today!
- Be proactive: Reach out to coaches early to introduce yourself! Even if they can’t respond yet, it shows interest in their program. Get tips on how to email coaches.
- Target the right events: Focus on showcases and tournaments during evaluation periods where coaches are likely to scout players. Learn more about softball recruiting events.
- Stay organized: Use a calendar to keep track of key dates, deadlines and your communication efforts with coaches. Need more help? Learn how to manage your recruiting process.
By following these tips, you’ll be better prepared to make the most of every opportunity in the recruiting process.
Take Charge of Your softball Journey
The NCAA softball recruiting rules and calendar are here to help you make the most of your opportunities. By understanding how they work, you can stay on top of key dates, connect with college coaches at the right time and stand out at the events that matter most.
Need a little extra help?
Your NCSA Recruiting Coach is here to walk you through the process and answer your questions. Log in to schedule a call and get the support you need to stay on track.
Not a member yet? Create a free recruiting profile today and connect with an NCSA Recruiting Specialist. We’ll help you showcase your skills, build a plan, and take the next steps toward playing college softball.
faqs
When can college softball coaches contact me?
D1 softball coaches can contact athletes starting September 1 of junior year, while Division 2 coaches can start at any time. D3 and NAIA coaches have more flexibility, allowing year-round communication.
Can my high school or club softball coach talk to college coaches for me?
Yes, your high school or club coach can reach out to college coaches on your behalf when direct contact isn’t allowed. However, D1 coaches must wait until September 1 of your junior year before they can contact you directly or discuss recruiting opportunities with others about you. Make sure your coach knows your goals and is ready to advocate for you effectively.
What happens if a college softball coach contacts me before the allowed period?
NCAA rules prohibit early communication for D1 coaches. If this happens, politely remind the coach of the rules and wait until the appropriate contact period to continue discussions.
What should I do during the evaluation period for softball?
Focus on attending softball showcases and tournaments where college coaches are likely to scout players. These events are prime opportunities to showcase your skills. Update your profile and skills video before attending to ensure coaches see your best work.
What should I avoid during dead periods?
Avoid attending off-campus camps or showcases during dead periods, as coaches cannot attend or interact with athletes in person. Instead, use this time to connect digitally with coaches and prepare for upcoming events.