NCAA Compliance
NLU Sports takes great care in ensuring compliance with NCAA rules and bylaws. Below is an overview of how NLU Sports helps develop players and the reasoning for our events.
NLU Sports Combine Series Approach
Each NLU Sports Combine emphasizes providing exposure, education, and expertise, and always involves activities to provide student-athletes the opportunity to compete and learn about playing their sport at the post-secondary level.
Common Compliance Questions
Can the NLU Sports Combine Series Hire All Collegiate Coaches To Work Their Events?
No.
Under NCAA regulations, NLU Sports cannot pay NCAA coaches to work or instruct at our events. However, NCAA coaches are permitted to attend the Combine Series to observe and evaluate prospective student-athletes, provided the event operates in full compliance with NCAA bylaws.
All NLU Sports Combine Series events are open to any and all entrants (limited only by number, age, grade level, and/or gender) and do not offer free or reduced admission to any participant.
[Reference: NCAA Bylaws 13.12.2.3.3 – Noninstitutional Privately Owned Camps/Clinics]
➡️ Note: Coaches from NAIA, NJCAA, U Sports, and CCAA institutions operate under different sets of rules and recruiting guidelines. These coaches may have greater flexibility to attend, participate, or communicate with athletes at our events, depending on their association’s policies.
Can Coaches Contact Players to Invite Them to Camp?
Yes.
Coaches and institutions may distribute or send camp information to prospective student-athletes at any time. Camp brochures, questionnaires, or promotional materials are permitted, provided they follow NCAA advertising guidelines.
[References: NCAA Bylaws 13.4.1 and 13.4.3.2.2 – Camp Promotions & Advertisements]
Does This Count Toward the Recruiting Calendar?
No.
The Combine Series is not part of the NCAA recruiting calendar. While NCAA coaches may attend to scout and evaluate talent, they cannot recruit or hold recruiting-related discussions during the event. Coaches can attend to evaluate for future recruitment.
[Reference: NCAA Bylaws 13.12.1.3 – Recruiting Calendar Exceptions]
Is This Considered a Tryout?
No.
The NLU Sports Combine Series is an instructional, educational, and exposure-based event, designed to support athlete development and provide objective performance testing. College coaches may observe but are not permitted to recruit or conduct tryouts during any session.
[Reference: NCAA Bylaws 13.11.2.4 – Sports Camps & Clinics]
Compliance Assurance
The NLU Sports Combine Series model has been reviewed by multiple NCAA compliance offices and is approved for college coach attendance in a scouting and evaluation capacity.
We also welcome attendance and participation from NAIA, NJCAA, U Sports, and CCAA programs, each of which maintains its own independent recruiting and participation policies.