What does a "prohibited period" refer to in NCAA recruiting?

A "prohibited period" in NCAA recruiting specifically refers to times when coaches and other institutional staff members are not allowed to engage in any recruiting activities. This includes making contact with prospective student-athletes, visiting them, or hosting them on campus. The NCAA establishes these periods to maintain a level playing field among institutions and to ensure that the recruitment process is fair and not overly intrusive.

Understanding this definition is important as it helps clarify the structure and regulations surrounding recruiting timelines. It prevents programs from having continuous recruitment efforts, which could disadvantage programs with fewer resources. In contrast, the other options describe scenarios that do not align with the regulatory framework of NCAA recruiting. For instance, periods when recruiting is encouraged or competitions are held do not fall under the definition of "prohibited periods." Additionally, times when coaches can meet with parents are distinct from recruiting activities and do not relate to the prohibited periods within NCAA guidelines.