Can a coach contact a prospective student-athlete before a tournament?

The answer indicates that contact is restricted, which aligns with the NCAA rules regarding communication with prospective student-athletes. Coaches must follow specific guidelines when reaching out to recruits, and certain periods are designated as "quiet periods" or "dead periods" during which contact is prohibited.

This restriction helps to maintain a level playing field and ensures that recruits are not overwhelmed by communication from coaches and programs, allowing them to focus on their competitions and decision-making processes. The NCAA places these limitations to protect the interests of both the prospective student-athlete and the integrity of the recruitment process. Thus, the correct answer reflects the compliance framework established by the NCAA regarding contact with prospective athletes prior to tournaments.