An Evidence Standard for College Research Prepared by a Recruiting VA

College research is more useful when every factual note names its source and date, and every inference is clearly separated from the athlete's preference.

Use first-party pages for program facts

Start with the college athletics, academic, admissions, housing, and student support sites. Third-party pages can suggest questions but should not silently control a decision field.

Date facts that can change

Staff roles, rosters, schedules, majors, facilities, and policies may change. Record when the VA checked each page and flag old notes for review before outreach or a visit.

Quote sparingly and link directly

Summarize the relevant fact in plain language and keep the direct URL. Preserve exact wording only when a deadline, requirement, or policy depends on it.

Label observations and inferences

A roster pattern may raise a question, but it does not prove recruiting need or opportunity. Put counts, interpretation, and athlete reaction in separate fields.

Send ownership questions to the right office

A coach may answer team routine questions while an academic department owns course requirements. Record who supplied the answer instead of blending responses into one school claim.

Make unknowns useful

Write the unanswered question, likely source owner, and next action. A visible unknown is better research than a confident sentence with no support.