Recruiting in Sports

School Library Journal

Gr 9 Up-- At long last there is some evidence that the National Collegiate Athletic Association is making progress in cleaning up the mess that is big college sports. Nuwer's useful manual will supply young athletes and their parents with tips on how to stay out of trouble with the NCAA authorities and how to assure themselves of a real education along with their duties as athletes while in college. There are chapters on the recruiting of potential superstars (which, sad to say, seems to be a necessary evil in this multi-million dollar amateur industry); how to choose the right school; where the high-school coach fits in the picture; how to deal with high-pressure recruiting techniques; and the proper protocol when visiting a college that has shown an interest. Two chapters are devoted to advice for problems peculiar to each sex. Colleges that have been heavily punished by the NCAA for multiple infractions are listed in a final chapter. The book is written in a breezy, informal style that will add to its appeal, and it is as up-to-date as today's headlines. Nuwer accepts that the system as flawed, knows that he alone cannot alter it, and wants young athletes to get help with college through sports without ruining their chances for cashing in on athletic talents. The problem in purchasing this book is the size of its intended audience, for the number of athletes who are heavily recruited is comparatively small, and few of them will take the time to find this manual. Still, this is a good purchase for areas in which sports are of great significance, and it is an excellent choice for coaches to have in their offices. --Robert E. Unsworth, Scarsdale Junior High School, NY