Agents and Amateurism
Amateurism
You are not eligible for participation in a sport if you have ever:
Taken pay or the promise of pay for competing in that sport
Agreed orally or in writing to compete in professional athletics in that sport
Played on any professional athletics team as defined by the NCAA in that sport
Used your athletics skill for pay in any form in that sport
You are not eligible in any sport if you have ever taken pay for promoting a commercial product or service or allowed your name or picture to be used for promoting a commercial product or service.
You are not eligible in any sport, if because of your athletics ability, you were paid at a rate higher than the going rate, or were paid for the value placed on your reputation, fame, or personal following.
If you have any questions regarding your amateur status, please contact the Compliance Office at 757-727-5737.
Agents and Professional Leagues
If you are considering turning pro and signing with an agent, it is essential that you understand the NCAA and University rules regarding professional leagues/drafts and agents. Any violation of these rules can, and will, have a severe negative effect on your status as a student-athlete.
Agents
NCAA rules stipulate that:
You are not eligible in a sport if you have ever accepted money, transportation, or other benefits from an agent or agreed to have an agent market your athletics ability or reputation in that sport.
You are not eligible in a sport if your relatives or friends have ever accepted money, transportation, or other benefits from an agent or agreed to have an agent market your athletics ability or reputation in that sport.
Any agency contract not specifically limited in writing to a particular sport shall be deemed applicable to all sports and you will be deemed ineligible to participate in all sports.
If an agent has attempted to contact you, you must tell your head coach and the Compliance Office immediately! DO NOT speak to or return the agent’s call!
Professional Leagues
NCAA rules stipulate that you are not eligible:
If you ask to be placed on the draft list or supplemental draft list of a professional league in your sport, even though:
You ask that your name be withdrawn from the list prior to the actual draft;
Your name remains on the list, but you go undrafted, or;
You are drafted, but do not sign an agreement with any professional team.
If you have entered into any kind of agreement to compete in professional athletics, either orally or in writing, regardless of the legal enforceability of that agreement.
It is essential that as an enrolled student-athlete, you know the NCAA and University rules regarding agents and professional leagues. Any violation of these rules can, and will, have a severe negative effect on your status as a student-athlete. NCAA rules stipulate that you are not eligible:
1. In a sport if you have ever accepted money, transportation, or other benefits from an agent or agreed (orally or in writing) to have an agent market your athletics ability or reputation in that sport.
2. If you negotiate or sign a playing contract in any sport in which you intend to compete. Any agency contract not specifically limited in writing to a particular sport shall be deemed applicable to all sports an you will be ineligible for all sports.
3. If your friends or relatives have ever accepted money, transportation, or other benefits from an agent or agreed to have an agent market your athletics ability or reputation in that sport.
4. Asked to be placed on a professional league’s draft list, even if you remove your name, go undrafted, or are drafted but do not sign a contract.
5. Accept payment of expenses or gifts of any kind (including meals and transportation) from an agent.
6. Receive preferential benefits or treatment because of reputation, skill, or pay back potential as a professional athlete.
7. Retain professional services for personal reasons at less than the normal charge from a representative of Hampton’s Athletics interests.
If an agent has tried to contact you or your family, you must tell your coach and the Compliance Office immediately!!!
Any agent who tries to contact a Hampton student-athlete must be registered with the University and have declared their intention to contact you. The NCAA has asked each institution to provide a career counseling panel to aid the student-athlete in avoiding the pitfalls of dishonest agents.
There are several other rules surrounding involvement with professional teams and agents. If you are considering turning pro, if an agent has attempted to contact you, or if you have any questions, please call the Compliance Office at 757-727-5737.
