Sports Player Search

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

Annotations already declare readOnlyHint=true, openWorldHint=true, idempotentHint=true, and destructiveHint=false, so the safety profile is covered. The description adds useful behavioral context: it supports partial name matching, returns multiple results for ambiguous names, and specifies the data source (TheSportsDB) and that no auth is required. It does not mention pagination or rate limits, but for a simple read-only search tool, the added context is solid. No contradiction with annotations.

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 three sentences, each earning its place: the first states the action and scope, the second lists return fields, the third covers matching behavior and data source. It is front-loaded with the core purpose and avoids fluff. No redundant repetition of the schema or annotations.

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?

For a simple one-parameter read-only search tool with a rich output schema (player profile fields listed), the description is nearly complete. It covers what the tool does, what it returns, matching behavior, and data source/auth. The only minor gap is that it doesn't mention potential edge cases like empty results or exact-match behavior, but these are not critical for an agent to invoke the tool correctly. The output schema exists, so return values need not be fully explained in the description.

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?

Schema description coverage is 100%: the only parameter 'name' is fully described in the schema with an example and note that partial names are supported. The description reinforces this by stating 'Search for a professional sports player by name' and 'Supports partial name matching.' Since the schema already covers the parameter, the description adds marginal but consistent value. Baseline 3 is exceeded slightly because the description clarifies the search scope ('across all sports') and return fields, which helps the agent understand what the name parameter will be matched against.

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 states a specific verb ('Search'), a clear resource ('professional sports player by name'), and a scope ('across all sports'). It also lists the exact fields returned (current team, sport, position, nationality, date of birth, active status, gender, photo URLs), which distinguishes it from sibling tools like thesportsdb.teams.search and thesportsdb.events.next/past. The title 'Sports Player Search' is reinforced, not merely restated.

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 clearly states when to use this tool: when searching for a player by name. It also notes partial name matching and that multiple results are returned for ambiguous names, which helps an agent know what to expect. However, it does not explicitly mention alternatives like thesportsdb.teams.search or thesportsdb.events.next/past, nor does it state when NOT to use this tool (e.g., when looking for team info or events). The context is clear but exclusions are absent.

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