ncaa: Get news

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

Annotations already declare readOnlyHint, openWorldHint, and idempotentHint. The description adds the word 'latest', implying recency but not specifying behavior like pagination, date range, or result format. The additional value beyond annotations is minimal, so a middle score is appropriate.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The description is a single sentence with no extraneous words. It is well-structured and front-loaded, but slightly too brief to convey additional useful context without becoming verbose. Nearly optimal for simplicity.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

Given the tool's simplicity (one optional parameter, no output schema), the description covers the basic purpose. However, it lacks details on the nature of the returned news (e.g., headlines, summaries, article count) and any rate limits or freshness guarantees, leaving some ambiguity for an AI agent.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

The input schema has 100% description coverage for the single parameter 'sport'. The tool description merely echoes 'optionally filtered by sport' without adding new semantics. Baseline 3 is justified as description does not enhance understanding beyond the schema.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description explicitly states 'Get the latest NCAA news', specifying both the verb and the resource (NCAA news). It clearly distinguishes from sibling tools like espn_get_news, which targets ESPN, by naming the organization (NCAA).

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

The description does not provide any guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives such as espn_get_news or other sports news endpoints. There is no mention of scenarios where this tool is preferred or when not to use it, leaving the agent without context for selection.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.