If you've been following SB Nation's recruiting coverage, you've probably seen some mention of the NCAA's "quiet period" and "dead period."
And unless you work for the NCAA or a school, are a high school coach, or are the parent of a recruit, you're probably wondering what these terms mean.
Quiet Period
The quiet period is a designated time in which schools may contact recruits via phone or mail, or visit with them on the institution's campus. However, in-person contact taking place outside of the school's campus is prohibited.
Basically the quiet period prevents coaches from camping outside the homes of recruits as National Signing Day approaches.
The most recent quiet period began at midnight on Sunday, Feb. 3, and lasts for 24 hours.
Dead Period
The dead period is the designated time in which no in-person contact, regardless of location, is allowed.
Phone calls and mail are still permitted, however, and coaches will be blowing up phones like crazy. The dead period begins Monday, Feb. 4, and runs through National Signing Day.