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Tag: student athlete

  • Can I Cancel My Contract With My Athlete Agent in Pennsylvania?

    If you are a college student athlete in Pennsylvania who has signed a contract with an athlete agent and is having second thoughts, you have a powerful legal right: the right to cancel — no explanations required.

    The 14-Day Cancellation Right

    Under Pennsylvania’s Revised Uniform Athlete Agents Act (5 Pa.C.S. § 3512), a student athlete — or, if the student athlete is a minor, a parent or guardian — may cancel an agency contract by giving written notice of cancellation to the athlete agent no later than 14 days after the contract was signed.

    Can You Waive the Right to Cancel?

    No. Pennsylvania law explicitly prohibits waiving the 14-day cancellation right. Any contract clause that attempts to take away this right is void and unenforceable. If an agent presents you with a contract including a waiver of your cancellation rights, that is itself a red flag and potentially a violation of the Act.

    Do You Have to Return Anything After Cancellation?

    No. If you cancel within the 14-day window, you are not required to pay any consideration under the contract — and you do not have to return any consideration the agent gave you to influence you to sign.

    How Do You Cancel?

    The cancellation must be in writing — a written document, email, or other retrievable format. Send it directly to the athlete agent before the 14-day deadline expires. Keep a copy and document proof of delivery.

    What If It Is Past 14 Days?

    Once the 14-day window passes, the statutory right to cancel no longer applies. However, you may still have contractual remedies depending on the contract terms, or legal remedies if the agent committed fraud or other misconduct. An attorney can help you evaluate your options.

    PA Revised Uniform Athlete Agents Act – § 3512

    PA State Athletic Commission

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    What Should You Do Next?

    Pennsylvania law is complex and deadlines can be short. This article is general legal information — not legal advice specific to your situation.

    If you cannot afford an attorney, contact your local legal aid office. Time-sensitive legal matters require fast action.

  • What Must Be in My Athlete Agent Contract in Pennsylvania?

    Not every athlete-agent agreement is a valid, enforceable contract in Pennsylvania. The state’s Athlete Agents Act prescribes specific mandatory content for all agency contracts. If your contract is missing required provisions, it may be voidable.

    The Contract Must Be in Writing and Signed

    Every agency contract in Pennsylvania must be in a signed record — a written document or electronic record that both parties sign. Verbal agreements are not valid agency contracts under Pennsylvania law.

    Required Contents of Every Agency Contract

    • Confirmation the athlete agent is registered in Pennsylvania, and a list of other states where registered
    • Amount and method of calculating the compensation the student athlete agrees to pay the agent
    • Name of any person who will receive compensation because the student athlete signed
    • Description of any expenses the student athlete agrees to reimburse
    • Description of the services the agent will provide
    • Duration (term) of the contract
    • Date the contract was signed

    The Required Warning Notice

    Every agency contract must contain a conspicuous boldface warning notifying the student athlete that: signing may result in loss of eligibility to compete; both parties must notify the athletic director within 72 hours of signing (or before the next athletic event); and the student athlete may cancel the contract within 14 days of signing.

    What Happens If Required Content Is Missing?

    A student athlete may void an agency contract that does not conform to these requirements. If you void the contract, you are not required to return any consideration the agent gave you to induce you to sign.

    PA Revised Uniform Athlete Agents Act – § 3510

    PA State Athletic Commission – Agent Registration

    Related Articles

    What Should You Do Next?

    Pennsylvania law is complex and deadlines can be short. This article is general legal information — not legal advice specific to your situation.

    If you cannot afford an attorney, contact your local legal aid office. Time-sensitive legal matters require fast action.