You can speak to Agents and accept advice, but you can not accept anything of value - not a ride, a hat, or meals - and absolutely no money. Here is the NCAA website listing the rules governing NCAA athletes and Agents:
Some Things We Suggest You Consider Regarding Agent Selection:
Is the prospective Agent NFLPA Certified? Are they CFLPA certified? They must be certified with the NFLPA in order to negotiate a player contract with an NFL team, and must be CFLPA certified to negotiate with CFL teams.
What are their personal attributes, and do they match up with yours?
Do you trust them?
Do you feel they are honest?
Do you think they will work hard for you after you sign with them, and/or when things are not going well in your career?
What level of personal attention do you want from your Agent and will they be able to provide it?
Do they have a "full" client load already? What is their Agent to Client ratio?
What kind of resources does the Agent have? Do they have a large support staff? Do they have any support staff?
What is their level of experience, and does that match up with your needs?
Would the Agent be comfortable negotiating a large financial deal?
Does the prospective Agent understand complicated contracts?
Would they work just as hard for you if you end up being a Free Agent?
Do you feel comfortable that they know what is required to "make it" in the NFL, CFL and Arena leagues?
Do they have adequate contacts with professional teams?
Specific team, position, and/or personnel contacts may be important for your success.
Does the prospective Agent seem to have the ability to make new contacts?
Professional football personnel can change quickly. Your prospective Agent may have great contacts with a specific team today, and none tomorrow, can they adjust quickly?
What type of other services do they offer? Some services that will be important to you are:
Marketing/Endorsements Athletic training
Legal services:
Commercial Law (business formations etc.)
Tax Law
Real Estate Law
Contract Law
Litigation
Workers Compensation Law
"You Will Never Be Lost in the Shuffle!" That is HSM's promise to you.
Hometown Sports Management, LLC 825 Great Northern Blvd., Suite 105 Helena, Montana 59601 Telephone: (406) 443-6879 Facsimile: (406) 443-6882
