Selecting a Player Agent
Selecting your Agent can sometimes be a daunting task. So, the AFLPA has created the following series of questions you may wish to consider asking any Agent before making your decision. The aim here is to build your knowledge so that you are in a position to make the right decision. There is no need to rush into a decision when it comes to selecting an agent, so we advise taking the time to seek the right fit for you.
Some of the following questions may seem basic and obvious, however it’s recommended they form the basis of your discussion with an Agent who is pitching their services to you. It’s also important to know that there is a set process in place for how agents are permitted to communicate with Talent Pathway Players. To find out more information on these rules, please click here.
If you have any questions, or would like to speak with a representative of the AFLPA, regarding Agents please contact agents@aflplayers.com.au
A full list of AFLPA Accredited Agents can be found here.
QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR POTENTIAL AGENT
Where are you based?
Is the geographic location of your player agent important to you? If you are based interstate during the football season would you prefer to sign with an agent that is based closer to where you spend the majority of the year or your offseason (e.g. back home)? Modern technology has broken down a lot of accessibility issues and some management companies even have offices in multiple states.
How long have you been accredited with the AFLPA?
The experience of your player agent is important to understand. It’s also important to know the background of those who work with the agent if they will be working closely with you. You should meet every person you will be working with prior to signing with an agent. This will allow you to develop relationships and ensure the company is a good fit.
Have there ever been any grievances or complaints filed against you or an associate of yours?
Important to know if the agent has previously been to be found in breach of the Regulations or been involved in conduct that has led to some form of discipline from the Agent Accreditation Board. The AFLPA can provide assistance in this area if required.
Who will be looking after my contract negotiations? Will I have someone else looking after my day to day needs?
It is really important to have a clear understanding of the proposed structure of the player/agent relationship. Some management companies will have a ‘lead’ agent that looks after contract negotiations while leaving the day to day management of a player to his/her associate. There is no right or wrong structure, you just need to be comfortable and aware of the arrangements.
How many current AFL and/or AFLW Players do you, or your company, currently represent?
There is no right or wrong answer. It’s up to you whether you want to join a management company with a larger presence or a boutique firm that may provide more personal attention. It is important to find out exactly how many clients the agent is currently looking after and also what that breakdown is per club. Do they manage any coaches?
What type of service do you provide to players that aren’t selected in the drafts?
This is really important to understand as obviously not every player is selected. Find out what the agent has done for his/her clients in previous years, did they assist to secure future football opportunities at 2nd tier level or employment/study options? Do they provide feedback from club recruiters as to why the player wasn’t drafted and suggest areas to work on?
What fees do you charge?
The AFLPA does not mandate what an agent can charge in relation to fees. This is purely a discussion between the player and the agent. Typically, agents won’t charge a fee during a player’s first season or if they are on a rookie contract. From their second year on a list, usual agent fees can range from 2% – 5% on any football payments a player earns. The typical rate for commercial or promotional activities is 20%.
How do I pay my agent fees?
Agent fees are usually deducted out of your salary by your club in monthly installments. You should discuss with your agent and your club what the best method of payment is for your circumstances.
What do I get for my fees?
This is a really important discussion. You should have a discussion with your agent about the exact services and support you are to receive at the same time you are discussing fees. It’s critical the expectations from both parties are clear and there is no confusion around what you are getting for your money. What are some of the services the agent will provide in the period before the draft, in your first season and into the future?
How much will my agent contact me?
It is important to consider how much contact you would want from your agent. This will vary from player to player, and could be weekly, monthly, in person, or on the phone. You should have a discussion about this before signing an agent agreement to ensure you and your agent are aligned.
What type of support does the agent provide following your career?
It is important to get an understanding of what he/she has done for players who have recently left the game. Have they helped with further football opportunities (e.g. second tier football), securing employment or study for their clients? What assistance have they provided for interstate players relocating to their home state?
What are some of the biggest mistakes players make that can harm or derail their careers? How do you help to avoid players making these mistakes?
This should give you an insight into the agent’s experience and their management philosophy.
Are there any issues that may impact on your ability to represent me that I should be aware of?
Important to understand if there is any pending legal action, disputes, mergers, career changes etc on the horizon that will impact your situation. If there is an issue, make sure the agent discloses as much information as possible to ensure you are fully aware of the situation before making your decision.
Are you able to provide some references for me to gain some further background knowledge about your company and you as an agent?
It’s important to do some background checks and seek the opinions of others before making a decision. This way you can verify what the agent is telling you. Seek out some of his/her former clients and other relevant people in the industry (e.g. teammates, club staff, other football contacts)
Agents Contacting Players
AFLPA Accredited Agents must adhere to set Regulations when making an approach or communicating with a Talent Pathway Player or their families. The Approaching Players process is as follows and is the same for both male and female Players:
- Agents are not permitted to make an approach to a Player (or their parents/guardians) prior to 1 October in the year the Player turns 16.
- The first approach to a Player (or their parents/guardians) must be a written letter of introduction submitted via the AFLPA Player Agent Portal.
- Once the letter has been sent through to the Player, the Agent may commence communicating with the Player (or their parents/guardians) by the nominated details provided.
- A Player’s Club is also notified when an agent submits an approach via the portal.
Note: you are a Talent Pathway Player and would like to be set up on the AFLPA Player Agent Portal, please contact agents@aflplayers.com.au.
Furthermore, agents cannot:
- Approach Players (or their families) at games or training sessions;
- Approach Players (or their families) during the National Championships;
- Approach Players (or their families) around school/university exams;
- Contact a Player via social media without first submitting an approach via the portal.
- Attend any AFL or AFLW Draft Combine
Although an Agent is permitted to make an approach to a Player from 1 October in the year the Player turns 16, an Agent cannot sign that Player until the Player is both 17 years old and eligible for the next upcoming AFL or AFLW Draft. The purpose of this time gap (generally 13 – 15 months), is to provide Players and their families plenty of time to consider their options prior to signing with an Agent.
When a Player elects to sign with an Agent, they will enter into a Standard Player Agent Agreement (SPAA), which is then lodged with the AFLPA.
Inducements
Under the Agent Regulations, Agents are prohibited from providing anything of value to Players or their families in exchange for the Player signing with them. Examples of inducements may include (but are not limited to):
- Tickets to AFL matches, finals, sporting or entertainment events
- Football boots or apparel
- Mobile phones or computers
- Sporting memorabilia
- Access to event restricted areas such as corporate boxes or changerooms
- Access to free fitness programs or specialised training
- Work experience or internships
It is important that Players do not accept anything of value in return for signing with an Agent or agreeing to sign with an Agent at a later date. If you believe you have been offered an inducement please contact the AFLPA at agents@aflplayers.com.au. All conversations with the AFLPA are strictly confidential.
To read more on the AFLPA Regulations Governing Accredited Agents, including Approaching Players and Inducements, please click here.
AFLPA Player Agent Portal
During your time in the Talent Pathways, you may need to make a decision on whether or not you should sign with an Agent. To assist with managing this decision, the AFLPA has introduced the Player Agent Portal, which is an agent information hub for Talent Pathway players and their families.
All approaches to a Player from an Agent must be submitted via the portal. The portal allows you to select when (if at all) you would like to become available to receive approaches from Agents, and set the contact details for which Agents will receive to communicate with you (or your parents/guardians).
Click here to log into the AFLPA Player Agent Portal.
If you are a Talent Pathway player and would like to be set up on the please contact your club Talent Manager or the AFLPA at agents@aflplayers.com.au.