Originally Posted by Anonymous
Speaking as a 2020 commit parent whose family was perfectly happy with their choice. I feel much more for that kid who had offers on the table and was weighing options only for the NCAA to pass a rule affective 'immediately" right in the middle of most D1 coaches playoff run. How is that fair to the athlete, his family and the coaches. It's not the rule that isn't fair, its ridiculous implementation with no thought for those most involved is. Another shameful act by the NCAA for a sport that makes them no money and most likely influenced by those that most benefit and we all know who they are.
Also, its been mentioned numerous times that a "verbal commitment" is nothing more or nothing less. This rule is totally irrelevant to the concept that a coach would back out. Anybody that knows lacrosse, knows that the commitment has always been based on the integrity of the college which in a majority of cases has been honored by the school more that the athlete him or her self.
And just a little education : According to the NCAA a Prospective Student Athlete (PSA) isn't one till their Freshman year of high school and doesn't fall under the umbrella or sanction of the NCCA until one. Public scorn possibly but the passed legislation technically doesn't apply. So don't be surprised if this rule totally backfires and if a team feels fits will be committing more 8th graders. Just happened last week.
Some educated replies welcomed. A statement by the NCAA or US lacrosse even more.

This is a very good point about the definition of PSA, it will be interesting to see if some teams continue to recruit 8th graders. My bet is, if they do, that loophole will be closed soon.

And as far as verbals only being a "handshake" deal, everyone knows that too. But when a future coach can have constant contact with a kid I think is easier to be confident in that deal. I wouldn't think if I kid continues to perform very well and keeps their grades up they will have no problem. But, I also think that now, with the rule changes, coaches are going to be actively watching lot she of kids up to and including Junior year, they may end up finding lots of kids they like better. With the old rules, coaches weren't actively watching the older kids, they were too busy being camped out at 8th and 9tj grade games. Since their rosters were already "full" they didn't waste too much time watching the developed athletes. Now they will