NCAA bans in-person recruiting until at least April 15

The NCAA instituted an immediate ban on Division I in-person recruiting Friday that will last until at least April 15, its leadership announced.

The move comes as leagues and sporting bodies adjust to the coronavirus pandemic, which led to the cancellation of the NCAA winter sports schedule.

By the NCAA's definition, a recruiting "dead period" means college coaches aren't allowed to have face-to-face contact with college-bound athletes or their parents and can't watch athletes compete or visit their high schools. Coaches can, however, write and call prospective athletes or their parents.

The Division I football commitment deadline for the 2020 season is April 1. For the 2020-21 season in basketball, it's May 20.