1. Is the player a fit for the actual role?

Ask which role the player is expected to fill, what level the agent believes is realistic and which parts of the profile support that view. A useful answer connects the player’s current role, position, shooting side and recent competition to your roster need.

At EHA, we prefer a specific sporting explanation over a broad statement that a player can play anywhere.

2. Is the material current and authentic?

  • Which season and competition do the statistics describe?
  • Is the video from the same period and does it show the player clearly?
  • Can the agent provide a full game, not only selected highlights?
  • Does the footage show the player’s ordinary shifts as well as successful plays?

The club should be able to connect the video, statistics and player identity without guessing.

3. What is the player’s real availability?

Clarify current contract status, preferred timing, willingness to travel and whether the player is considering other options. “Available” should mean available for a conversation at the proposed time, not an assumption that the player can immediately join.

4. Which eligibility questions still need checking?

Ask what the agent already knows about citizenship, registration history, transfer documents and any import restrictions relevant to your competition. Treat this as preparation for verification, not as an official decision. The club, federation and competent authorities remain responsible for registration, immigration and employment approval.

5. How will the trial be evaluated?

Before travel, agree on the format, dates, staff involved, equipment, accommodation and decision process. Ask what information the agent needs from the club and when the player should expect a clear answer.

A trial is more useful when the club and representative share the same definition of the role and the next step.

What a credible introduction sounds like

A credible introduction can explain why the player matches the request, what is known, what still needs verification and what the player expects from the trial. It does not need to promise a contract. The club makes its own sporting decision after reviewing the player.

For EHA’s recruitment process, use the club request page. You can also read our checklist for running an efficient trial.