University of Georgia Athletics
Agent Information
July 19, 2006 | General
An agent is a person authorized by another to act for him or her, one entrusted with another’s business. A sports agent may act on behalf of an athlete in negotiating the athlete’s playing contract, as well as financial planning, endorsements, speaking arrangements and other duties the athlete does not wish to do on their own.
Agent Contact with Parents and/or Student-Athletes
Agents or their representatives may have contacted you or your son/daughter in an attempt to persuade you to allow them to represent your child’s athletics interests once his/her collegiate eligibility is exhausted. If you have been contacted by an agent or their representatives, please be aware that NCAA rules provide that prior to the completion of your son’s/daughter’s eligibility (which usually occurs after the last game of their senior year including the post-season tournament, bowl, or all-star games), he/she (as well as family members, relatives, or friends):
1. MAY NOT agree, either orally or in writing, to be represented by an agent for the purpose of marketing their athletic ability or reputation in a sport. Furthermore, a student-athlete may not agree that an agent will represent him/her in future negotiations once their collegiate eligibility has expired in that sport.
2. MAY NOT accept transportation, gifts, loans or any other benefits from anyone who wishes to represent their athletic interests.
3. MAY NOT negotiate or enter into any kind of agreement, either orally or written to compete in professional athletics (even if the agreement is not legally enforceable).
4. MAY NOT receive any preferential treatment, benefits or services, including loans that are not obtained according to the established policies and practices of an accredited commercial lending institution.
5. MAY NOT retain professional services (legal advice) for personal reasons at less that the normal charge.
What should you do if an agent contacts you?
- • Notify the Compliance Office or the head coach immediately.
• Instruct the agent to send copies of any written information he or she has, or will provide to you, to the UGA Compliance Office at UGA Athletic Department, Butts-Mehre Building, Selig Circle, Athens, GA 30602
• DO NOT take any money, or accept anything of value. Taking money or accepting anything of value will make the student-athlete ineligible to compete.
• Be cautious of agents using "runners" also known as "middlemen" to talk to you or give you anything of value. The same rules apply if you take money, or accept anything of value from a "runner".
• Runners are used by agents to be the “inside track” to signing the student-athlete to a representation contract. Runners are usually individuals who start out trying to “just be your friend.” The runner can be anyone, male or female, current or former student, and even an old high school friend. Runners may eventually offer rides, meals, clothing, and seem like a good person. You can also be certain that every dime the runner has spent in “recruiting” you on behalf of the agent has been well documented, and you will likely be required to repay that cost once the student-athlete has signed with the agent. There is “no free lunch,” even in the world of professional athletics.
Note: A student-athlete’s (or his or her family’s) agreeing to be represented by an agent could result in the forfeiture of games and NCAA penalties affecting teammates and coaches. Always call the Compliance Office or the head coach if you have questions. Ask before acting!!
