Bring It Promotions was founded in 1997 by Tim Kelly, a former UCLA All-American and five-year European professional veteran. Since its early days, the company has grown into a multi-faceted agency, tour operator, and international recruiting service. In 2001, Cory Solomon, a former University of Utah assistant coach, was added to the staff as Recruiting Coordinator for the International Recruiting Service and Exposure Tours. BIP is based in Europe, making it the most accessible, well-connected volleyball management company in the world. We now have Brooke Rundle in charge of the Women's Agency, Jon Walsh in charge of the Men's Agency, and Dave Kniffin handling the Men's Exposure Tour. For a more complete run-down on our staff, please see the About Us section of the site.
Section 2.1 What does it mean to be represented by Bring It Promotions?
Bring It Promotions is not a formal, cutthroat agency like you’d see in Jerry McGuire; we don’t actively solicit clients by calling all the time or sending fancy gifts. We don’t work that way because professional volleyball doesn’t work that way. Nonetheless, we are a full-service agency that matches players with teams, negotiates contracts, interacts with international federations, and, in some cases, seeks marketing/advertising opportunities for clients. In general, what we have to offer really just depends on who you are, what you’ve accomplished, or what you’re willing to do to earn a professional contract in a foreign country.
Section 2.2 So how do I know if I need an agent?
There are two types of players that may need an agent: (1) National Team members, collegiate 1st Team All-Americans, and top National Team development pipeline players; or (2) Second-tier, “Best of the Rest” players.
Section 2.3 I am a National Team member, a collegiate All-American, and/or I was involved with the National Team development pipeline. What can Bring It Promotions do for me?
Bring it Promotions can find the best professional playing environment for you both financially and geographically to ensure that you are getting the most out of your foreign professional experience while competing at the highest possible level. We not only find you a team and negotiate on your behalf, but also remain accessible to you throughout your contract. Players of your caliber can earn significant amounts of money playing in foreign leagues and can be placed on good teams in competitive countries. In most cases you will be one of the premier players—if not the premier player—on your team. The workload and level of expectation is higher, of course, but there can be rewards for hard work. Additionally, National Team players can utilize Bring It Promotions even if you are not playing overseas. At your request, we can handle negotiations directly with the US Volleyball Federation on your behalf, keep you abreast of potential future deals in foreign countries, introduce you to some of the world’s top division coaches and team managers, and begin marketing you for the future. Finally, when foreign teams need short-term players (occasional two-week to one-month stints) to qualify for a tournament or to remain in their country’s top division, they are often willing to pay a decent salary for a “quick fix” player. Bring It Promotions will inform you of all such opportunities to earn extra money, especially when those scenarios arise during National Team off-seasons.
Section 2.4 I am not an American volleyball player, but am interested in having Bring It Promotions represent me. Does Bring It Promotions take on international clients?
Yes! Bring It Promotions has represented both male and female National Team and top-level players from 22 different countries. As is the case with USA National Team members, we can not only negotiate on your behalf with foreign contracts, but also with your home federation at your request.
Section 2.5 If I use Bring It Promotions as my agency, how long am I committed to the company?
Our standard agent/client agreement is referred to as a “1+1.” If you sign a contract with a professional team, your agent/client agreement with Bring It Promotions automatically rolls over to include the following year.
Section 2.6 How much will it cost to be represented by Bring It Promotions? Will the company take a percentage of my contract?
Normally, Bring It Promotions charges a fee of 3-5% of the contract value, paid at the end of the season. The percentage to be paid is based upon the salary and individual situation of the player and will be stipulated in a player's PRA (Player Representation Agreement with BIP). However, no fees will be collected by Bring It Promotions until you have received all of your contracted salary for that half of the season. The team may also pay a placement fee, depending on the situation.
Section 2.7 What happens if I want to terminate my agent/client agreement with Bring It Promotions?
Bring It Promotions strives to give quality, personalized representation to all clients in their respective situations. If a client has been misrepresented in any way or is unsatisfied with Bring It Promotions, we will release you from your agent/client agreement.
Section 3.1 How good is European professional volleyball?
It should first be noted that the highest levels of professional volleyball are not exclusive to Europe. In fact, Brazil and Japan have two of the top professional leauges in the world. Within Europe, Italy is the top league for both men and women, but then things get a little tricky. Russia & Turkey are good (and high-paying) league for both men and women, while Greece is storng (money and level) for men much moreso than for the women. Other European Cup teams from the most competitive counties are on par with these tops teams as well. The second tier of European teams includes France, Spain, Germany, and Italy A2. It is important to consider that a top team from a second tier country may be better than a bottom team from a first tier country. To compare professional volleyball with the USA's NCAA system, most first division teams in first tier countries would be far better than any collegiate Final Four team, primarily because they comprise some of the world’s best international players, including National Team players from several different countries. First division teams in second tier countries could compete with any collegiate Final Four team. Second division teams can also be highly competitive, especially in the dominant volleyball countries. Third division teams are comparable to lower-level Division-I or upper level Division II colleges and universities in the States. There is no way to fully understand the levels of these teams without getting over to Europe and seeing for yourself, so please, consider an Exposure Tour. It's also important to talk with as many people as possible that have played overseas at a similar level to you.
Section 3.2 I keep hearing about the European Cups: Champions League, Top Teams Cup, and CEV Cup. What are these? Is it important for me to play on one of these teams?
Champions League, Top Teams Cup, and CEV Cup are international, cream-of-the-crop tournaments. Basically, some of the teams in the top countries play in multi-country playoffs to determine the best teams in all of Europe for any given year. Champions League is the highest level tournament; it consists of the top team from most of the top countries. Top Teams Cup is a separate tournament which usually consists of the #2 place team from the top countries. CEV Cup is yet another tournament, this one comprised (usually) of the third or fourth place team from each of the top countries. Some wealthier, more competitive teams from second tier countries also travel to play in these tournaments if they qualify. Yes, it is always best to play on the highest level European Cup team that you can. Playing on such teams increases your exposure to the highest levels of play and increases your stock for future seasons. Landing spots on European Cup teams can be challenging, even for National Team members, collegiate All-Americans, or National Team development players, but is more beneficial from a competition and financial standpoint.
Section 3.3 Is the level of intensity and training in Europe a huge jump from the U.S. university system?
Going to Europe is not necessarily a vertical step from college. European professional teams are not structured the same, are often less organized, and have less money and fewer resources than most U.S. universities. Depending on where you go and who you play for, the training may or may not be as strenuous as your collegiate training. Suffice it to say, however, that if you play on a Champions League, Top Teams Cup, or CEV team, the level of intensity will at least match the level of intensity of any top U.S. school. And remember, although the training may not always be as intense, the caliber of players is unquestionably higher.
Section 3.4 What is a typical practice/playing schedule?
The number of times you practice in any given week depends on the country, the team, and the division in which you play. Many highly competitive European teams practice twice a day and compete at least once each weekend. Other mid- to lower-level teams practice three to four times each week and compete once on the weekends.
Section 3.5 How much can I make playing in Europe?
Your salary depends on your skill level, where you play, and the financial capabilities of the team you play for. Professional contracts can range from a few hundred U.S. dollars to $10,000+ each month. Some contracts also include signing bonuses and performance-based incentives packages for wins. It is important to keep in mind that, aside from the very best, world-class players, salaries have dropped as a whole from previous years. You may have to get used to the idea that your first year salary may be far lower than what your friends made in their first seasons a couple of years ago. On the upside, however, the money you make playing professionally in Europe is normally tax free, rent free, and insurance free, so if you are contracted to earn $1000USD per month, that’s exactly how much you will be paid (not $1000 less taxes, rent, etc. as in the States).
Section 3.6 Aside from my salary, what else will be provided for in a professional contract?
Typical European contracts include provisions for a furnished apartment (usually to be shared with another foreign player on the team), one roundtrip airline ticket (to Europe at the beginning of the season and back to the States at the end of the season), health insurance, and sometimes the shared use of a car. Higher-profile contracts can include airfare home to the States at Christmas, language tutors, mobile phone usage, and daily meals provided by a local sponsoring restaurant. Keep in mind that every situation is different every year, so there are no guarantees.
Section 3.7 What is the length of the season?
The typical European season begins sometime between August and October and ends sometime between March and May. The duration of your season depends entirely on the country, the team, and the playoff schedule for your particular league.
Section 3.8 Will my coach and/or teammates speak English?
Not necessarily, but some do. Language tutors are also available in some cities. As part of the European assimilation process, you should want to learn at least the basics of the language that is spoken around you.
Section 3.9 How many foreign players can play on a team, and what is the likelihood of another American playing with me?
Normally, two or three foreign players are permitted on any one team. There are countries, however, that have an unlimited number of foreign spots. (Examples include: Holland, Germany, & Switzerland. Spain can have 6 foreigners and Portugal, 5). It is not uncommon to have two American players on one European professional team, and Bring It Promotions tries to place two Americans together whenever possible, but such a scenario is not guaranteed.
Section 3.10 Can I have friends or family visit me?
Of course, but the details of visits should always be coordinated with your team. Be aware, also, that despite having visitors from the States, you will still be required to be at all practice sessions and competitions.
Section 3.11 What if I am married? Can my husband/wife come to Europe and live with me throughout the season?
Yes and no. Great players playing on great teams in the most competitive countries have much more bargaining power for such accommodations. For second tier players, wanting your spouse along usually counts as a strike against you in potential contract negotiations. By and large, most clubs in Europe would prefer individuals rather than couples because apartments are usually shared amongst foreign players and husbands/wives add additional costs for the club. As with anything, however, there are exceptions.
Section 3.12 What if a situation comes up where I am compelled to break my playing contract?
Breaking a foreign contract is not a good reflection on your as a person, Bring It Promotions as a company, nor on American players in general. That’s why it is important to participate on a Bring It Promotions Exposure Tour first so you can determine whether you could handle living in Europe for the duration of a professional season (usually 8 months). Breaking a contract after you have already signed and committed leaves the team in an urgent and binding position. Leaving early is also at your expense. That is to say, no professional teams will pay your way home if you break your contract and want to leave early. If you aren’t sure whether or not you could handle Europe for an extended period of time, why not check it out first-hand on an Exposure Tour first or make arrangements through Bring It Promotions to fly over for multiple individual tryouts?
Section 3.13 Is there any chance that the professional team will cut me?
As with any job, if you do not perform you can be released without pay. However, such a scenario is highly unlikely, especially if you were on an Exposure Tour and the team had the chance to see you play prior to the signing of your contract. Most teams do not release players until the completion of the first half of the season (December), but again it is not likely to happen if you are performing to your capabilities. One piece of advice is to spend time endearing yourself to the team and public. By doing so, even medium level players can be kept on contract—despite deficient play—just because the club and people like you, see that you have assimilated to your environment, and know that you have something to offer the team chemistry.
Section 3.14 I have heard rumors that some professional teams don’t pay and the player is left without their contracted salary. What happens if the team stops paying me or defaults on my salary?
Bring It Promotions has developed an extensive network of professional team contacts in over 30 countries and has placed players in 19 different countries. Most, if not all, of our client placements are on teams that have already established a relationship with Bring It Promotions. Although anything can happen, the situation is unlikely to occur. In the event of such an incident, Bring It Promotions would of course intervene on your behalf. In a case where Bring It Promotions might deal with a new team or a team with a questionable reputation, we require the team to pay 1-3 months’ salary in advance. By forcing the club to show their financial commitment and pay up front, Bring It Promotions has been very successful at ensuring timely pay. It is a great benefit to you that our company is located in Europe because it increases our accessibility to you (and the team you play for) in both good and bad situations.
Section 3.15 What happens if I get injured?
Your professional contract normally includes some type of formal health insurance. Bring It Promotions highly recommends having some type of emergency insurance provider in the States as a back-up as well. If your injury is minor, local doctors, physical therapists, and athletic trainers will be equipped to treat you. Major injuries can also be treated in Europe, though most athletes typically return to the States if their injury requires surgery. In the event of a season-ending injury, most teams terminate your playing contract to pursue a healthy player in your place.
Section 3.16 I keep hearing about new European tax and immigration laws. Is it really that much harder to get a job now than a few years ago?
Unfortunately, yes. With the European Union tightening its belt in regards to foreign workers, and a rough economy, it is getting harder and harder each year to place lower and mid-level players on teams. Teams simply can not afford someone unless they make the team better. Also, with an added tax burden from current EU laws, teams are also having a difficult time matching salary expectations for top level players. What this means is that players have to search harder to find a team, and often work a side job just to the get the necessary visa to stay in the country and play. Salaries are lower than just 2-3 years ago, and the average rookie player may not be able to find a job at all.
Section 4.1 Is it necessary for me to go on an Exposure Tour in order to be represented by Bring It Promotions?
For non-USA National Team, collegiate 1st Team All-Americans, or top USA development pipeline players, coming on an Exposure Tour is 99.9% necessary to prove your level of play and more importantly, your commitment to the potential of living overseas. As noted previously, those players who have participated on an Exposure or University Tour will be given priority with all professional team tryouts and contracts that become available.
Section 4.2 What does a typical tour consist of?
Exposure Tours are designed, as the name suggests, to expose players to European professional volleyball. Throughout the Tour, the team will compete almost every night against some of the top professional teams available in the countries included in the tour. There will, of course, be plenty of sightseeing opportunities and fun to be had as well. Journals from previous tours are available on our website and we highly encourage you to read through them for a better understanding of Exposure Tours in general.
Section 4.3 How much does an Exposure Tour cost and what does that cost include?
Exposure Tours range in cost from $1000 to $1600 U.S. dollars, depending on the countries, time of year, and amount of travel. The price is all-inclusive other than airfare from your desired city of origin. The price includes hotel accommodations, meals, and all bus transportation upon arrival in Europe. You are only required to bring money for personal gifts, telephone calls/internet cafe access, and some sightseeing options.
Section 4.4 How long are the tours?
Exposure Tours typically last 11 days/10 nights, again depending on the countries and the number of matches played.
Section 4.5 When do the tours take place?
Bring It Promotions typically runs 3-5 Women’s Exposure Tours and 1-2 Men’s Tours. The tentative tour schedule for 2006 is as follows:
Women’s January Tour: Jan. 8-18, 2006 (Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, & Slovenia with visiting coaches and agents from other countries as well)
Women’s Spring Tour: March 2006 (Dates TBA, will either be Spain/France or France/Belgium/Holland)
Gala Tour/Spring Cup (Women): May 2006 (Dates TBA but will include Spring Cup competition versus European National Teams)
Women’s Summer Placement Camp/Tour: August 2006 (Dates and countries TBA)
Men’s "Kniff" Mini-Tour(s): Last year Kniff ran a French Tour in late April and the "Spanish Bangdown" in May. This year's plans TBA
Men’s Summer Placement Camp/Tour: August 2006 (will run concurrent with the Women’s Summer Camp/Tour)
Section 4.6 Who coaches the Exposure Tour teams?
In the past, Exposure Tour teams have been coached by international coaches and U.S. collegiate coaches, including National Team coaches from Slovenia and Norway, Portugese FIVB instructor, Paulo Cunha, USA National Team assistant coach, Kevin Hambly, and UNLV head coach and former Olympian, Deitre Collins. Cory Solomon, Recruiting Coordinator for Bring It Promotions and former University of Utah assistant coach, has also been on hand for previous Exposure Tour coaching responsibilities. On any given tour, there may also be several U.S. collegiate coaches with you, so there will be no shortage of high-quality coaching. The added benefit of having international coaches involved with your Exposure Tour is the connection you will have to numerous other professional clubs in Europe. For example, having a Portugese FIVB instructor on your tour can equate to more professional playing opportunities—in Portugal and elsewhere—at the conclusion of your Exposure Tour.
Section 4.7 Does participating on a tour obligate me to sign a professional contract or use Bring It Promotions as an agency?
Participating on an Exposure Tour team does not, in any way, obligate you to tryout for a professional team nor to accept a professional team’s contract offer. At the very least, the Exposure Tours are guaranteed to be one of the most fun and memorable trips of your life. The Tours are a chance to see Europe, play highly competitive volleyball, and build lasting memories with other top collegiate players. You may initially join a Tour not wanting to play overseas, but later change your mind after being on Tour. Or you may join a Tour with the aspiration of landing a pro contract and subsequently decide otherwise. Either way, the Tours are a rewarding experience regardless of your final interest level in playing in Europe. Participating on an Exposure Tour team only requires you to use Bring It Promotions if you decide to accept a professional tryout or playing contract.
Section 4.8 I’m sold! I’m ready to join an Exposure Tour. How do I go about signing up?
Signing up for an Exposure Tour is simple. Either email, fax, or call Bring It Promotions directly. Your contact person will be Cory Solomon, Recruiting Coordinator for all Exposure Tours (Women). For Men's Tours, please contact Tim Kelly and/or Dave Kniffin. You can also visit our website for complete details and the most updated information.
