On March 8, 2004, the University of Colorado announced widespread changes in its recruiting policies after allegations that sex and alcohol were used to entice football recruits to sign with the Buffaloes. The new guidelines were among the toughest in the country.
Nearly four years later, the football-specific recruiting restrictions are gone. In their place are guidelines that govern all 16 of CU’s intercollegiate sports. It was a move that athletic director Mike Bohn pushed for soon after he was hired in 2005.
“The coverage to include all 16 sports is probably our best, our most notable move to ensure that we’re thorough and consistent with all of our sports,” Bohn said.
It has also been good for the football program because some of the most stringent aspects of the changes announced in 2004 have been relaxed or dropped.
CU on Wednesday released an updated version of the Policy on Recruitment of Prospective Student-Athletes, which is reviewed and revised, if necessary, each year and approved by the chancellor. Following is a point-by-point look at the major guidelines and what changes have been made.
This has not changed. Coach Dan Hawkins is charged with making certain his players know and adhere to recruiting guidelines.
This has been eliminated. Out-of-state prospects can visit during the season without the chancellor’s permission.
This has not changed. In addition, the prospect now signs a document promising to adhere to CU’s recruiting guidelines.
Eliminated. Prospects can stay multiple nights.
This has changed. Player-hosts are back, but they must sign a contract stating all rules will be followed. In addition, there are no athletic department ambassadors to show recruits around campus. That is now done through the admissions office.
This has changed to midnight.
Altered. Recruits can go to private parties, provided no alcohol or drugs are present.
In addition, recruits are subject to evaluation from the Office of Admissions and the Athletics Office of Academic Support in order to be cleared before a visit.
“The investment we’re making in recruiting student-athletes goes beyond football,” Bohn said. “All of those student-athletes are a treasured resource, and we want to be consistent in how we put our best foot forward in recruiting them and to ensure that all of them are truly valued and respected and treated in the same manner.”
Chris Dempsey: 303-954-1279 or cdempsey@denverpost.com
