Going International? - Player Agents and FIBA

Will 2009 be the year you take your representation practice global? If so, make sure you know what you're getting into. For those representing basketball players, FIBA provides a wealth of information on their website.

Earlier this year, FIBA Assist Magazine interviewed FIBA Secretary General Patrick Baumann about the role of player agents in FIBA's structure. The interview covers a ton of info on what FIBA's goal is with their agent regulation progam. Here are some highlights:

• "FIBA certified agents will be the only ones allowed to make business for international transfers of players."
• "...if you want to deal with international transfers, you need to become a FIBA-certified agent."
• Yes, there is a test. Upcoming tests will be held in San Juan, Puerto Rico and in Geneva, Switzerland.
• "In about three years we will not have a single person operating in the international scale and dealing with international transfers who is not a FIBA licensed agent."
• FIBA originally estimated that about 200 people would end up becoming certified, but they already have over 130.
  
• Info about who is required to become certified, what is will cost and on the Arbitral Tribunal (FAT) is also covered.
  

For more on how FIBA deals' with agents, visit FIBA's Agent Corner.

So you want to know what agents are certified? FIBA's got you covered with their database, searchable by name or country. As of today, 21 agents in the US are registered with FIBA.

Trouble? The FIBA Arbitral Tribunal (FAT) is there for the resolution of disputes between players, agents and clubs. To read some of the FAT decisions, head here.

Happy Holidays to all and best wishes for a wonderful 2009!