Accredited Player Agent Scheme /

Rugby League Accredited Player Agents

• Application Form
• Accreditation Rules

The Rugby league Player Agent Accreditation Scheme was introduced in 2005, ensuring that all agents in rugby league are registered with the scheme. Agents must abide by the schemes extensive Rules and Code of Ethics and pay an annual accreditation fee.

To view the current details of Rugby League Accredited Player Agents, download the Accredited Agents List.

Information for Players

If you are a talented young player, or parents of a talented teenager, and you have been approached by a player agent, the first question to ask if – ‘are you accredited?’. Only agents registered with the Rugby League Accredited Player Agent Scheme can operate in the sport at any level.

Talented players are regularly approached by various people offering their management services. The values associated with having an accredited agent includes:

• An accredited agent is committed to the RLAPAS Code of Ethics;
• An accredited agent must meet the ethical and professional standards required by the Accreditation Scheme;
• Every agreement between a player and agent must be recorded on a standard approved Player Agent Agreement which is then registered with the scheme;
• The accreditation scheme has the endorsement of the NRL Clubs, the NRL and other major junior and senior Rugby League bodies, plus the Rugby League Players Association;
• An accredited agent has the right to use the Rugby League Accredited Player Agent brand; look for the ‘Accredited Player Agent’ logo on their business cards.

The scheme is independent of the NRL and is administered by a board made up of representative of the NRL, Player Agents, Players and Secondary Schools Rugby League, with an independent chairman.

No agent, unless accredited, can negotiate a contract for a player at Holden Cup or NRL level unless he or she is accredited. A contract will not be registered with the NRL if the agent used is not accredited is listed on the contract. So be sure you are with an accredited agent.

However, no player is obliged to have an agent. Clubs don't require an agent in negotiations; but if an agent is used, he or she must be accredited.

A common question is, ‘If my son is a promising 15-year-old, does he need or must he have an agent?’ Not necessarily. The NRL club scouts know who the best players are, in the cities and the bush. Not having an agent won’t necessarily inhibit your boy’s chances of being ‘discovered’. A family member can negotiate a contract. Playing fees for rookies at Holden Cup level or below may be small so one-off advice from a solicitor or accountant may make better economic sense than entering into a long-term commitment with an agent. Often agents will sign young teenagers to long-term deals with no payments (usually a percentage of contract fees) due until a threshold income is reached; so it is a big commitment.

As a talented footballer it's a fair bet that you'll have an agent wanting to sign you up, but you'll need to know that they are someone you can rely on and who is trusted by the game and the NRL. If you decide to sign with an agent, make sure he or she is a Rugby League Accredited Player Agent.

If you are a player or the parent or guardian of a player and you need help in dealing with your current agent or are thinking about engaging an agent for the first time and want more information about the Agent Accreditation Scheme and its rules, contact Paul Massey on rlagents@nrl.com.au or 0437 600 200.

Information for Prospective Agents

If you have any further enquiries about the accreditation scheme please contact Paul Massey on telephone 0437 600 200 or by email at rlagents@nrl.com.au