What is true regarding all-star contests in football?

The correct option states that a coach can attend an all-star contest but is not permitted to contact athletes. This aligns with the NCAA's regulations aimed at maintaining a level playing field and ensuring that the recruitment process remains fair. Coaches are allowed to observe their potential recruits in competitive settings, which can provide valuable insights into the athletes' abilities and dynamics in a game scenario. However, any form of contact during the contest could be construed as an attempt to influence the athlete's decision-making regarding recruitment, which is strictly regulated by the NCAA to prevent any undue influence.

Understanding this framework illustrates the balance that the NCAA attempts to maintain between allowing coaches to evaluate talent while safeguarding against potential violations of recruitment ethics. The other options misrepresent the rules surrounding coaches' involvement with athletes during these events.