Private Lessons

Can a college coach offer private lessons to kids? Maybe not high school age? DD is wrapping up 8th grade and a local D3 has a pitching coach who does private youth lessons from what I hear. Can she give DD lessons, and if so, until what point? Start of school?

Bonus question, does it matter if she's paid or volunteer at the D3?

Swim Coach said:

Can a college coach offer private lessons to kids? Maybe not high school age? DD is wrapping up 8th grade and a local D3 has a pitching coach who does private youth lessons from what I hear. Can she give DD lessons, and if so, until what point? Start of school?

Bonus question, does it matter if she's paid or volunteer at the D3?

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D1 & D2 coaches can give private lessons until girls reach 9th grade. After that they can still give lessons, but they must be in groups. Coaches get around it by working group lessons and being with the same kid the whole session. D3 coaches can work with girls of any age.

There are rules.... lots of rules.... From a previous post (not sure if it has been updated since 2015). Below High School age there is pretty much free reign to do whatever.

The rules regarding prospective student-athletes (i.e. HS-age players) vary by division.

D-I requires HS-age players legally reside within 50 miles of campus unless the team is the closest opportunity to participate in the sport.

13.11.2.4 Local Sports Clubs. In sports other than basketball, an institution’s coach may be involved in any capacity (e.g., as a participant, administrator or in instructional or coaching activities) in the same sport for a local sports club or organization located in the institution’s home community, provided all prospective student-athletes participating in said activities are legal residents of the area (within a 50-mile radius of the institution). ...

D-II requires HS-age players legally reside within 100 miles of campus (no exception).

13.11.2.4 Local Sports Clubs. In sports other than basketball, an institution’s coach may be involved as a participant or in instructional or coaching activities in the same sport for a local sports club or organization located in the institution’s home community, provided all prospective student-athletes participating in said activities are legal residents of the area (within a 100-mile radius of the institution). ...

D-III doesn't have a proximity requirement.


Coaching teams and seeing players on other teams during games do not count against their recruiting day limits.

I knew about the club thing. My son wrestled at the local D1 club which was coached by the head D1 coach and first assistant. It was awesome.

Sounds like the D3 thing makes it all okie dokie for pitching!

Swim Coach said:

I knew about the club thing. My son wrestled at the local D1 club which was coached by the head D1 coach and first assistant. It was awesome.

Sounds like the D3 thing makes it all okie dokie for pitching!

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Always worth asking whether the coach has checked with their NCAA compliance offer or equivalent. The rules seem to change ALL the time.

DD took semi-private lessons from a D1 coach during high school. The rule is that there has to be at least three students if they are in high school (9th grade and up). Also no lessons during dark periods. If you google NCAA dark periods you can find the specific dates but believe me the coach will know them all.