If a prospective student-athlete arrives the day before the scheduled visit, what impact does this have on the official visit period?

When a prospective student-athlete arrives the day before the scheduled visit for an official visit, the official visit period still commences as planned. The rules governing official visits allow for an athlete to make a visit on specific designated dates; thus, if they arrive earlier, it does not affect the validity of the visit itself. Therefore, the official visit period starts as scheduled regardless of the athlete's earlier arrival.

This understanding is important for institutions as it ensures that potential recruits can get an adequate opportunity to explore the campus and meet coaching staff within the NCAA's guidelines. It's crucial to follow these guidelines to keep the recruitment process compliant and efficient while also offering prospective student-athletes the necessary experiences during their official visit.