How Canadian Athletes Can Navigate NCAA Dead Periods and Quiet Periods
- Collegiate Goals Editorial Team
- May 22
- 3 min read
You’re ready to visit schools, talk to coaches, and build momentum in your recruitment—until you hear the phrase “dead period.” What does that even mean?
For Canadian athletes aiming to play in the NCAA, understanding NCAA dead periods and quiet periods is essential for planning visits, sending emails, and avoiding violations that could derail your progress. This blog breaks down what these periods are, how they affect you, and what you can do during them to keep your recruitment alive.
What Are NCAA Dead and Quiet Periods?
🟥 Dead Period:
Coaches can’t have in-person contact on or off campus.
No official or unofficial visits allowed.
Phone calls, texts, emails, and video chats are still okay.
🟨 Quiet Period:
Coaches can’t recruit off-campus (no visits to your tournaments).
You can visit them on campus and communicate normally.
📌 Tip: These rules exist to give athletes space and ensure fair recruiting timelines.
Why These Rules Matter for Canadian Recruits
Canadian athletes often rely on:
✔ Showcases and camps for visibility
✔ Campus visits to evaluate schools
✔ Digital communication to stay on coaches' radars
📌 Tip: Not knowing the calendar can cause missed opportunities—or worse, NCAA violations.
7 Ways Canadian Athletes Can Stay Proactive During Dead and Quiet Periods
1. Focus on Digital Communication
📧 Use the time to:
Email updates to coaches
Send fresh highlight videos
Share new academic info
📌 Tip: Dead period ≠ silent period. Communication is still open digitally.
2. Ask Coaches About Their Calendars
📆 Every sport has unique recruiting timelines.
Ask when the next contact period begins.
Clarify when you can visit and when they can attend your games.
📌 Tip: Coaches appreciate recruits who understand the rules.
3. Prep for Future Visits
🗺️ Use the quiet time to:
Research schools
Plan travel
Prepare questions to ask when visits resume
📌 Tip: Strategic downtime = better campus visits later.
4. Train and Update Your Video
🎥 Refresh your highlight reel with spring or summer footage.
Keep it under 5 minutes
Highlight your newest strengths
📌 Tip: Coaches often ask for updated film during these periods.
5. Focus on Your Grades
📚 Dead and quiet periods are perfect for boosting your GPA.
Study for upcoming finals
Finish assignments early
Revisit NCAA core course requirements
📌 Tip: Academic improvement makes your profile more attractive year-round.
6. Strengthen Your Online Profile
🖥️ Update:
Hudl or YouTube videos
Sports Recruits profile (if applicable)
Social media content and bios
📌 Tip: Coaches may view your profiles even if they can’t talk to you.
7. Connect with Mentors and Coaches
🤝 Chat with your club or high school coach:
Ask for feedback on your performance
Build a game plan for outreach
Get help crafting emails to send during quiet times
📌 Tip: Strong references go a long way when coaches are doing background research.
Common Mistakes Canadian Athletes Make
🚫 Scheduling visits during a dead period
🚫 Assuming no contact = no interest
🚫 Letting momentum drop off
🚫 Not knowing the sport-specific recruiting calendar
🚫 Breaking rules unknowingly
📌 Tip: Learn the rules now so you can maximize every open window later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can a coach email me during a dead period?
Yes. They just can’t meet you in person or watch you live.
Q2: Can I visit a campus during a dead period if I pay my own way?
No. No in-person visits—paid or unpaid—are allowed.
Q3: Where can I find the recruiting calendar for my sport?
Check the NCAA website or ask your high school or club coach.
Q4: What if I break a dead period rule by accident?
It could affect your eligibility. Always check first and communicate honestly with coaches.
Q5: Do dead periods apply to social media DMs?
Yes—coaches can’t initiate new contact through DMs during dead periods if you’re not eligible for contact yet.
Conclusion: Dead Periods Don’t Mean Dead Progress
Dead and quiet periods are part of the process—not a pause button. For Canadian athletes, understanding these rules keeps you compliant and gives you a competitive edge. Stay active, stay smart, and use this time to grow.
Call to Action: Want a full timeline of key NCAA recruiting periods? Download our NCAA Contact Period Calendar for Canadian Athletes and start planning with precision.
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