Overview of NCAA Bylaws Governing Athlete Agents

NCAA Student-Athlete/Agent Information >>

NCAA bylaws

Under NCAA Bylaw 12.3, a student-athlete (any individual who currently participates in or who may be eligible in the future to participate in intercollegiate sport) may not agree verbally or in writing to be represented by an athlete agent in the present or in the future for the purpose of marketing the student-athlete's ability or reputation. If the student-athlete enters into such an agreement, the student-athlete is ineligible for intercollegiate competition.

Also, a student-athlete may not accept transportation or other benefits from an athlete agent. This prohibition applies to the student-athlete and his or her relatives or friends.

The term "agent" includes actual agents, runners (individuals who befriend student-athletes and frequently distribute impermissible benefits) and financial advisors.

It is not a violation of NCAA rules if a student-athlete merely talks to an agent (as long as an agreement for agent representation is not established) or socializes with an agent. For example, a student-athlete could go to dinner with an agent and no NCAA violations would result if the student-athlete provided his own transportation and paid for his meal.

NCAA Rules Governing Agents and Amateurism

A student-athlete shall lose their amateur status and shall not be eligible for intercollegiate competition in a particular sport if:

• The student-athlete or family member negotiates, signs or enters into any written or oral agreement with an agent.
• The student-athlete signs a contract or commitment of any kind to play professional athletics, regardless of its legal enforceability.
• The student-athlete or family member accepts or receives any extra benefits from an agent or anyone who wishes to represent the student-athlete.
• The student-athlete competes with a professional sports team or competes as a professional in an individual sport and receives any compensation for participation.
• The student-athlete uses his or her athletic skills for pay or promise of pay.