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FAQ on Uniform Athlete Agents Act

Question: What is the Uniform Athlete Agents Act?

Answer: The Uniform Athlete Agents Act (UAAA) is a model state law that provides a means of regulating the conduct of athlete agents. In most cases, the UAAA, as enacted, requires an athlete agent to register with a state authority, typically the Secretary of State, in order to act as an athlete agent in that state. During the registration process, an athlete agent must provide important background information, both professional and criminal in nature. As of July 2010, the UAAA has been passed in 40 states, the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands. This includes Illinois, which will take effect Jan. 1, 2011. Three more states have non-UAAA laws in place designed to regulate agents.

 

Q: What states have adopted the Uniform Athlete Agents Act?

A: The states shaded in red have adopted the UAAA.

 

Q: Is there an alternative to registering in every state that has adopted the UAAA?

A: A key component of the UAAA is its registration requirements. To ease the burden on athlete agents, the UAAA provides a reciprocal registration process in which a valid certificate of registration in one state will be honored in other states that have adopted the act, if certain requirements are met. The reciprocal registration process increases efficiency and lessens the financial burden on athlete agents.

 

Q: Are there penalties for failing to follow the law in states that have adopted the UAAA?

A: The UAAA provides for criminal, civil and/or administrative penalties, with enforcement at the state level. In addition, the UAAA creates a right of action for a college or university against an agent or former student-athlete for any damages caused by a violation of the act.

 

Q: Are the laws regulating athlete agents the same in every state?

A: NO. Currently, the UAAA has been adopted in 40 states, the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands. In addition, California, Michigan and Ohio each have non-UAAA laws that regulate athlete agents. Among the states that have adopted the UAAA, some have slightly altered various provisions to meet the specific needs of that state.

 

Q: What other regulations must athlete agents adhere to?

A: The UAAA contains several important provisions that regulate the activities of athlete agents. These include provisions that:

• Prohibit an agent from giving false or misleading information or promises with the intent to induce a student-athlete into signing an agency contract.
• Prohibit an agent from furnishing anything of value to a student-athlete before signing a contract.
• Require written notification to institutions when student-athletes sign an agency contract before their eligibility expires.
• Require an agency contract to contain a notice informing student-athletes that signing a contract may cause them to become permanently ineligible for intercollegiate competition.