University of Tennessee Athletics
Agents & Advisors
In accordance with Tennessee law, a student-athlete or his/her parents (or legal guardians) may contact an agent to discuss potential future representation or to schedule an on-campus meeting, provided the agent has properly registered with State of Tennessee under the Uniform Athlete Agent Act (UAAA) and the appropriate players association (e.g., NFLPA, WNBPA). Prior to meeting/speaking with the student-athlete, the agent is required to notify the Director of Athletics (T.C.A. § 49-7-2111). To satisfy this legal requirement, agents may contact Quinton Smith at qsmith7@utk.edu or (865) 974-3308.
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A student-athlete 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 a student-athlete enters into such an agreement, he/she is ineligible for intercollegiate athletics competition. Further, a student-athlete may not accept transportation or other benefits from an athlete agent. This prohibition applies to the student-athlete as well as relatives and/or friends. The term "agent" includes but is not limited to actual agents, runners, financial advisors, certified contract advisors, or anyone who is employed or associated with such persons.
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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.
- T.C.A. § 49-7-2104 provides that an individual may not act as an athlete agent in Tennessee without holding a Certificate of Registration as an Athlete Agent in Tennessee. If a student athlete, or someone acting on the student's behalf, initiates communication with the agent, the agent must submit an application for registration as an Athlete Agent in Tennessee within 7 days of the initial contact. An agency contract resulting from conduct in violation of this section is void, and the athlete agent shall return any consideration received under the contract.
- T.C.A. § 49-7-2110 requires all agency contracts between a student athlete and athlete agent to include a statement that the athlete agent is registered as an athlete agent in Tennessee and list any other states in which the agent is registered as an athlete agent, among other requirements.Â
- T.C.A. § 49-7-2111 sets out requirements to notify educational institutions when a student athlete enters into a contract. Additionally, when an educational institution becomes aware of any violation of the notice requirements listed in the statute, it must notify the secretary of state and any professional league or players' association of the violation.
RESOURCES
State of Tennessee - Athlete Agent RegistrationNCAA - Agents & Amateurism
NCAA - Basketball Agent Certification
NCAA - Agent Certification
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