The MLBPA today announced that substantive changes to agent regulations, including rules that new applicants for union certification undergo a background check conducted by an outside investigative firm and pass a written exam, are now in effect. There previously was no exam or formalized background check for applicants for MLBPA certification. Additionally, the union announced stricter reporting requirements and increased fees for both MLBPA agent applicants and current MLBPA-certified agents. MLB players voted on the new, tougher agent regulations at recent meeting of the union’s Exec Board. “The amendments announced today reflect those issues where we were able to identify a broad consensus on an effective solution to address concerns among Players and the agent community," MLBPA Exec Dir Tony Clark said in a statement. “This is the first phase in what will be an ongoing effort to improve and modernize our regulatory program and we are confident these changes will serve Players and agents well.” Current certified MLBPA agents will not have to fill out a new application, take the test or undergo a background check as long as they remain certified, the union said. But current agents will be required to pay a new annual fee of $1,500 instead of the bi-annual fee of $250. New applicants for MLBPA certification will have to pay a fee of $2,000 instead of $500. The increase in fees reflects the costs of the background checks and the administration of agents, the union said. Additionally, the union announced every certified agent will now be required to submit an updated registration form annually that reflects any changes to the information and answers on registration forms on file with the union. Previously the requirement was that agents submit updated registration forms every two years. The MLBPA is now authorized to hire licensed investigators, if warranted, to examine allegations of agent misconduct. The union has not previously hired outside investigators. Agents who fail to file the required information will be fined.
