The NFL Players Association (NFLPA) is the most important professional association for NFL agents. Not only does the NFLPA share the common interest of representing players, but they also participate in the regulation of agents.
The NFLPA is the labor union for NFL players, and spends most of its time representing players as a whole unit; negotiating and managing the collective bargaining agreement with the NFL owners, and licensing rights to players names with third parties.
Technically speaking, the NFLPA holds the right to represent individual players in terms of contract negotiations and other services, but chooses to allow agents to do so. They do, however, administer agent licensing and regulations.
For an agent to represent an NFL athlete, he or she must be certified by the NFLPA. This process includes a requirement of a post-graduate degree, application and insurance fees, both which are upwards of $2000, and a $1200 annual fee. Applying agents also have to pass an examination. The combination of fees, education, and in-depth testing produce agents who are knowledgable and serious about their industry. Not anyone can simply become an NFL agent.
The process is beneficial to both the agent and players. Certified Contract Advisors, as agents are called by the NFLPA, are well versed on all areas of the collective bargaining agreement pertaining to player contracts, benefits, salary cap and other relevant topics.
The NFLPA also acts as one of the regulating bodies to NFL agents. While states and the NCAA have some influence within their jurisdiction, the NFLPA has the most power over agents. In addition to requirements for maintaining certification, such as negotiating one new player contract every three years, they also hold the right to suspend or terminate an agent's certification as a disciplinary action. At the end of the day, the NFLPA is looking out for the best interest of the player, not the agent. Of course, personally I do not think this should be a problem as the agent should have the same interest.
The NFLPA also regulates an agent's commission off of a player's contract. Currently, it is the lowest it has ever been at 3%.
Overall, the NFLPA is the most important professional association for an NFL agent, and has produced both positives and negatives for those in the industry. A competitive certification process has weeded out competition, creating more opportunity for those who are licensed. At the same time, the NFLPA has chosen to go the opposite direction of other player's associations, and regulate commissions. The MLBPA for example, does not regulate the agent's commission, creating a free market for agents to set fees.
Aside from regulations it is important for agents to be in tune with the NFLPA because of their common ground, the player. The goal of the NFLPA is to represent and work for its players, the same as an agent. Keeping up communication as well a a pulse on NFLPA happenings is a smart move for any agent.
Source: NFLplayers.com (NFLPA website)
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Inspiration from John Wooden
I recently listened to a talk given by former UCLA Basketball Coach John Wooden, who passed away last year. His accomplishments on the court are still unparalleled. His teams have won more games and championships than any other. After listening to him speak, I got the feeling he does not see his basketball accomplishments as his greatest success, but rather the impact he had on his players and the way he did things.
Early in the talk, in which I watched from TED.com, Wooden notes on how he defines success through giving your best effort. He says that he grew up learning not to compare yourself to others, because you can only control yourself. I hope my clients will understand this. If they don't, I want to help them. All you can do is give your best everyday. If the player in front of you at your position is an all-star, you cannot do anything about that. What you can do is play and practice to the best of your ability, because that is the kind of person you want to be.
In his day, Wooden told his players "Education first, basketball second." He says he takes great pride in seeing who they have become; doctors, attorneys, teachers. Wooden viewed himself as a teacher. This is an attitude I want to take into being an agent. Granted, so much is different in professional sports. You are not in school anymore, and your sport is your career. My philosophy is life first, sports second. It is important for me to communicate here that I want to see my athletes succeed on the field, and I want to help them in every way possible, but not at the expense of certain things. Even football coaching great Vince Lombardi said, "Faith, Family, and Football." He said that was to be the order of priorities for his players. I heard he said that his first year as coach of the Green Bay Packers, they won the Super Bowl that year.
Although Wooden's position was as a coach, and mine an agent, our situations are similar in that we have an opportunity to extend the realm of our position to have a greater impact. That is exactly what I want to encourage my clients to do, see the opportunity for impact. It is everywhere; teammates, family, community and even the world.
Wooden talked about our desire to see progress, but noted "There is no progress without change." I want to encourage athletes to be agents of change, both in their private life, but also in community and world needs.
Wooden had the trust of the room the moment he stepped in to give this speech. His career success commands such trust, but he didn't talk much about basketball. He inspired and captured the audience with philosophy and insight on life. Something everyone understands. He sat, with no dominating presence or tone, rather as an old man, calmly delivering wisdom from a long life.
Like Wooden, I hope my success is defined by much more than my career accomplishments. I want to help my clients do the same. If anyone questions whether or not this falls in the scope of my profession or if I should only worry about my client's sports career, then I would have asked you to tell John Wooden the same in his day. He had an impact. He was successful in life. Oh, and his career turned out pretty alright too!
885 Wins, 10 National Championships
(UCLABruins.com)
Early in the talk, in which I watched from TED.com, Wooden notes on how he defines success through giving your best effort. He says that he grew up learning not to compare yourself to others, because you can only control yourself. I hope my clients will understand this. If they don't, I want to help them. All you can do is give your best everyday. If the player in front of you at your position is an all-star, you cannot do anything about that. What you can do is play and practice to the best of your ability, because that is the kind of person you want to be.
In his day, Wooden told his players "Education first, basketball second." He says he takes great pride in seeing who they have become; doctors, attorneys, teachers. Wooden viewed himself as a teacher. This is an attitude I want to take into being an agent. Granted, so much is different in professional sports. You are not in school anymore, and your sport is your career. My philosophy is life first, sports second. It is important for me to communicate here that I want to see my athletes succeed on the field, and I want to help them in every way possible, but not at the expense of certain things. Even football coaching great Vince Lombardi said, "Faith, Family, and Football." He said that was to be the order of priorities for his players. I heard he said that his first year as coach of the Green Bay Packers, they won the Super Bowl that year.
Although Wooden's position was as a coach, and mine an agent, our situations are similar in that we have an opportunity to extend the realm of our position to have a greater impact. That is exactly what I want to encourage my clients to do, see the opportunity for impact. It is everywhere; teammates, family, community and even the world.
Wooden talked about our desire to see progress, but noted "There is no progress without change." I want to encourage athletes to be agents of change, both in their private life, but also in community and world needs.
Wooden had the trust of the room the moment he stepped in to give this speech. His career success commands such trust, but he didn't talk much about basketball. He inspired and captured the audience with philosophy and insight on life. Something everyone understands. He sat, with no dominating presence or tone, rather as an old man, calmly delivering wisdom from a long life.
Like Wooden, I hope my success is defined by much more than my career accomplishments. I want to help my clients do the same. If anyone questions whether or not this falls in the scope of my profession or if I should only worry about my client's sports career, then I would have asked you to tell John Wooden the same in his day. He had an impact. He was successful in life. Oh, and his career turned out pretty alright too!
885 Wins, 10 National Championships
(UCLABruins.com)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)