Player Contract Template

THE PLAYER’S CONTRACT

A football contract is a legal agreement between a professional football player (or athlete) and a football club or team. The contract outlines the terms and conditions under which the player will perform their services for the club

A DETAILED GUIDE TO PLAYER’S CONTRACT

PHYSICAL CONDITION

Every contract has a term that will testify that the player signed is in good physical condition. Under this term, the player affirms to the Club that he is in top physical shape. He will keep it that way and upon request by the Club, Player will submit to a thorough physical examination by the Club physician. During this examination, Player must agree to disclose fully and completely any physical or mental conditions that may affect his ability to perform his obligations. He also agrees to answer all questions from the Club physician honestly and completely.

CONDUCT

1. i) Conduct on the pitch: A player’s behavior on the pitch matters a lot to not just to the team during a match, but also to the club. A player’s misbehavior can cause the club’s reputation and finances through fines and withdrawal of sponsorships. That is why most clubs add terms like fining a player of his wages or termination of contract for offence of misconduct. This will curtail the player’s excesses and put his/ her behavior under check.
2. ii) Conduct off the pitch: This also is as important to the club as much as conduct on the pitch. The club also employ the use terms like the one stated above to safeguard the interest of the club and put the player under check.

PROMOTIONAL ACTIVITIES

This term is a crucial one and players, agents and their lawyers must pay keen attention to. The term usually states the following:

1. i) The must do: The player grants the club the non-exclusive right to use his/ her name or image in any medium for football marketing and promotional activities and must respond to any request by the Club to participate in a promotional or game development activity, including personal appearances for sponsors or others.

The term usually contains the term that the player must co-operate with the Club. Additionally, the media (the holders of any broadcast rights), sponsors or any other person reasonably required in relation to any promotional activity.

1. i) The do not: The player cannot participate in any personal promotional activities if the products or business of that personal sponsor are in competition with the products or business of a Partner or use any Club intellectual property rights, in particular any names, logos or playing apparel (other than in accordance with the Contract); and engage in any marketing or promotional activities that may bring the club or the game of football into disrepute.
2. ii) The liberty to do or not to do: The player is not obliged to participate in promotional activities if it is against his/ her moral or religious beliefs or may affect his/ her prior personal commitments to the use his image.

DURATION, TERMINATION, TRAINING AND SALARY

These are essential elements of a contract between the club administration and the player. These terms address the length of the contract between the player and the club and an extension if any. They include the procedure for termination and the length of notice to be given. Then, the availability and dedication to training and of course the salary/ wages to be paid to the player plus bonuses are outlined.

Just because it is lumped together doesn’t mean it is not important. They are basic but also significant.

LAWS OF THE GAME

A footballer must be aware of the basic and even unpopular laws in this sport. For instance,
i) there is a law called Temporary Dismissal applicable in youth and grassroot football. Under this law, the referee has the power to temporarily dismiss a player from entering the field. A temporary dismissal is when a player commits a cautionable (YC) offence and is punished by an immediate ‘suspension’ from participating in the next part of that match. The philosophy is that an ‘instant punishment’ can have a significant and immediate positive influence on the behaviour of the offending player and, potentially, the player’s team. The temporary dismissal is usually only for 10- 15% of the match (e.g., 10 minutes in a 90-minute match)

1. i) Another law only applicable in youth and grassroot football is the return substitute where a player who has already played in the match and has been substituted (a substituted player) and later in the match returns to play by replacing another player.

COMMERCIAL ADVERTISING ON THE FIELD OF PLAY

This could also be linked to one of the laws of the game, but many clubs and associations have included it in their contracts. By this term, no form of commercial advertising, whether real or virtual, is permitted on the field of play.

SLOGAN, IMAGE OR STATEMENT INSCRIBED ON UNDERGARMENT

This is frequently found in a footballer’s contract as well as under the laws of the game. Under this law / term of contract, a Player must not wear or reveal undergarments that show political, religious, personal slogans, statements or images, or advertising other than the manufacturer’s logo.

Why Is a Football Contract Important?

Legal Protection:

The contract protects both the player and the club legally. It sets out clear expectations for both parties, reducing the risk of misunderstandings or disputes.

Career Security:

For the player, it ensures financial security, health benefits, and the opportunity to play at a professional level. It also offers protection in case of injury or termination of the agreement.

Clear Expectations:

A football contract clarifies the player’s duties, including playing, training, media obligations, and more. It also outlines the financial rewards for the player’s performance.

Club Stability:

The contract ensures the club has exclusive rights to the player’s services for a certain period. It also allows the club to outline any rules or behavior expectations. This helps manage the team’s culture and professionalism.

CONCLUSION

A sample of a detailed football contract is attached to this guide. Remember, this document should not be construed as legal advice. Even though I am a certified lawyer, this document is to guide you and not to replace the need for legal advice.