Receiving a contract in the sport you play is an exciting milestone. It means you have reached a point in your career where your skills are highly desired and you can begin to really earn from your talent. However, it’s never a good idea to just sign the first contract you’re given.

Before signing anything, you should have your lawyer examine the contract. They will determine if there are any clauses that you should contest or additions that need to be included. Ideally, you’ll have a sports lawyer with experience in drafting sports contracts.

Here are a few things to consider before you sign a contract:

Who Holds the Contract

Of course, you should read the contract very carefully, but one area many athletes skip over is who holds the contract. It’s not always the name you expect and you should be fully aware of who you will be working for. In some cases, this may change whether you wish to sign or not, depending on the person or business entity.

You should also ensure that the person signing has the legal ability to do so. If not, you could be signing a void contract. This is where a lawyer can help you determine just how legal the document is.

What Are the Payment and Performance Obligations?

What exactly are you expected to do in return for money? This is a very important part of the contract and you’ll need to pay careful attention to it. Watch for unrealistic requirements, such as too many hours of training or non-competitive clauses that are overly restrictive.

Likewise, you need to know exactly who is paying and how much will be paid out. The terms of payment must be laid out clearly so you know exactly when each payment is coming in, as well as what is expected of you in order to receive that payment.

Check the Duration

How long is the contract good for? It should never be for an indefinite period of time, but the amount of time you are locked into it should be a comfortable amount of time. It’s also important that you be able to boost your fees later on, once you are better known. In some cases, this requires a new contract, but you may also include that your fees are re-evaluated each year.

How Can You Terminate the Contract?

Sometimes things don’t go as planned and when this happens, you do not want to be stuck in a contract that no longer serves you. There should be a plan for termination of the contract. This is usually when there is a breach of contract, but you may be able to arrange for ending the contract with prior notice.

If you are interested in signing a sports contract, you should always contact a sport lawyer first. Have them look over the paperwork and they can advise you on the best course of action. For a trustworthy lawyer, contact Blacks Legal