Proposal passed to allow agent representation for college hockey players
By @MichaelCaples –
This morning, the NCAA’s Division 1 autonomy council announced that a hockey-specific proposal has been passed that will change how players and agents can interact.
The proposal, in summary, “would allow men’s ice hockey prospects to be represented by an agent without jeopardizing college eligibility, with some parameters.”
The tweet announcing the news:
DI Autonomy conferences pass proposal to allow men’s ice hockey prospects to be represented by an agent without jeopardizing college eligibility.
— Inside the NCAA (@InsidetheNCAA) January 19, 2018
And the official info found on the proposal:
AUTONOMY PROPOSAL — AMATEURISM — USE OF AGENTS — EXCEPTION — MEN’S ICE HOCKEY — PRIOR TO FULL-TIME COLLEGIATE ENROLLMENT
Status: Adopted Final
Intent: In men’s ice hockey, to specify that: (1) Prior to full-time collegiate enrollment, an individual who is drafted by a professional ice hockey team may be represented by an agent or attorney during contract negotiations; (2) The individual may not receive benefits (other than representation) from the agent or attorney and must pay the going rate for the representation; and (3) If the individual does not sign a contract with the professional team, the agreement for representation with the agent or attorney must be terminated prior to full-time collegiate enrollment.
Bylaws: Amend 12.3, as follows:
12.3 Use of Agents.
12.3.1 General Rule. An individual shall be ineligible for participation in an intercollegiate sport if he or she ever has agreed (orally or in writing) to be represented by an agent for the purpose of marketing his or her athletics ability or reputation in that sport. Further, an agency contract not specifically limited in writing to a sport or particular sports shall be deemed applicable to all sports, and the individual shall be ineligible to participate in any sport.
12.3.1.1 Exception — Baseball and Men’s Ice Hockey — Prior to Full-Time Collegiate Enrollment. In baseball and men’s ice hockey, prior to full-time collegiate enrollment, an individual who is drafted by a professional baseball or men’s ice hockey team may be represented by an agent or attorney during contract negotiations. The individual may not receive benefits (other than representation) from the agent or attorney and must pay the going rate for the representation. If the individual does not sign a contract with the professional team, the agreement for representation with the agent or attorney must be terminated prior to full-time collegiate enrollment.
[12.3.1.2 through 12.3.1.4 unchanged.]
[12.3.2 through 12.3.4 unchanged.]
Source: Big Ten Conference
Effective Date:Immediate
Proposal Category: Amendment
Topical Area: Amateurism
Rationale: The resolution adopted in 2015 (Proposal No. R-2014-1) by the autonomy conferences included a commitment to “redefine rules concerning agents and advisors to assist student-athletes with career planning and decision making.” This proposal will provide men’s ice hockey prospective student-athletes and their families with the opportunity to obtain professional advice and representation in the interest of making the best informed decision as to whether to start a professional career. Further, the proposal does not change current provisions that are designed to maintain the distinction between an amateur athlete and a professional athlete.
Estimated Budget Impact: None.
Impact on Student-Athlete’s Time (Academic and/or Athletics): None.
History
| Oct 10, 2017: | Submitted to National Office | |
| Nov 1, 2017: | In Progress | |
| Dec 1, 2017: | Ready for Vote | |
| Jan 19, 2018: | Adopted Final |