There is a distinction between a sports lawyer and all other types of practitioners. It requires a deep understanding of the nuances that largely affect athletes, their representatives, and companies providing products and services in the space. It also necessitates an acknowledgment of and ability to effectively communicate and craft relationships with power brokers who may provide financial services, accounting, managerial services, or the like in the specific space.

How to Play the Game, by Miami-based attorney and sports agent Darren Heitner, is the go-to source for anyone interested in getting into the field of sports law. It discusses the laws that govern the sports industry, from contract drafting and negotiation to antitrust issues, intellectual property matters, and labor law concerns. It also discusses the role of players' associations, the power of sports commissioners, sports betting regulations, and more.

But what makes it truly unique are the real-life case studies involving recognized professional and college sports figures as well as anecdotes from Darren's own experiences as a sports attorney, agent, and media spokesperson for college and professional sports industries. In addition, an appendix contains examples of legal documents—including professional contracts—with which any sports attorney/agent needs to be familiar. In short, if you want to play the game, you need to read How to Play the Game.