The University of Georgia takes great pride in our student-athletes and their accomplishments both in the classroom and on the field.
The issues outlined here help to inform our athletes and others of UGA policies, NCAA regulations, and state laws that affect them as they seek a professional career. It is important that our athletes and their families understand that an inappropriate action by an agent could result in an embarrassment to the student, their family, and the university. While there are certainly some very good agents who are quite capable of helping athletes, there are also some unscrupulous ones that will take advantage of athletes. This information is meant to inform and educate our athletes, encouraging them to utilize the resources available to them at this institution as they move on to the next level.
UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION AGENT POLICY
- All agents must be registered with the State of Georgia and we must have proof of registration on file. The State of Georgia supplies a copy of the registration through the Georgia Secretary of State’s office.
- The University of Georgia abides by all NCAA rules as they affect the amateur status of student-athletes.
- A library of information regarding individual agents/representatives and their respective programs is maintained by the Athletic Association for student-athletes’ use.
- All agent correspondence should first be sent through the UGA Compliance Office.
NCAA RULES AND INVESTIGATIONS REGARDING AGENTS
The University of Georgia makes it a point to provide educational opportunities for student-athletes, parents, and others regarding NCAA rules. It is our primary goal to protect the athlete’s amateur status as well as the well being of the institution. Click here for more information on NCAA legislation regarding agents.
GEORGIA STATE LAWS
Agents must register with the State Regulatory Commission and are required to post a surety bond of $10,000. No athlete agent may contact an athlete, either directly or indirectly, or otherwise engage in or carry on the occupation of an athlete agent without first registering with the commission.
The state’s athlete agent law, recently revised in 2003, expanded the power of a university to bring civil action against athlete agents in the event their actions cause the institution to be brought before a governing body and penalized. It also provides for civil action against enrolled student-athletes should their actions cause the institution to be brought before a governing body and penalized.
Penalties for violating state laws are felonies incurring fines no less than $5,000 and no more than $100,000 or by imprisonment from 1 to 5 years, or both.
